Ireland on a Budget

08/22/2024

On Aug. 22nd, 1798, an historic event took place around Kilcummin Head, close to Killala, a small town in North Mayo, when three ships carrying over a thousand French soldiers landed on the shore under the leadership of General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert. They successfully freed Killala and nearby Ballina from the British, but in a battle that took place in Castlebar, about 25 miles south, they were defeated. The French soldiers who participated in the conflict were pardoned, Humbert was released by means of a prisoner swap, but 2,000 Irish men were slaughtered along with two priests who supported them. Humbert is remembered in both Ballina and Castlebar, where monuments were erected to honor him and his soldiers in their efforts to secure Irish freedom from the British. If you find yourself in this part of County Mayo, be sure to check out Tír Sáile, the largest public arts trail in Ireland. "Deirbhle's Twist" is one of several sculptures erected in the area. It imitates the ancient standing stones that can be found in this part of the world.

📸 Creative Commons, Christian McLeod, Fáilte Ireland.

Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Tourism Ireland Wild Atlantic Way

08/06/2024

If you plan on visiting Dublin, be sure to look around and take note of some of the beautiful Georgian architecture that is a reflection of the city's history, especially the period during the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of the attractions mentioned below are free.

https://irelandonabudget.com/dublin-georgian-architecture

📸 Creative Commons.

08/03/2024

❗️Caption This! - August WiFicandy Contest❗️
Are you traveling to Ireland in the near future? If you're like many other tourists who want to stay connected, then you'll need a reliable WiFi service. Ireland on a Budget is once again partnering with .ie to give its followers the chance to win a free portable WiFi rental that will cover you during your time in Ireland and in the UK, or a free eSIM package (up to 30 GB), whichever you choose.

All you have to do is provide a caption for this cute photo. The best caption will win. The winner will be announced August 31st.

07/31/2024

❗️WE HAVE A WINNER 🏆🏅🎯

It was difficult to pick a winner out of the entries that were received. All of them were great! But in the end, I had to select just one.

Drumroll.....and the winner of the July WiFicandy contest is Ben Heithcock for his caption:

Ewe should take the road less traveled
ie will be contacting Ben very shortly.

Thank you all for participating this month.

Tomorrow, I'll be posting a brand new photo for you all to participate in, so keep an eye out for that, and please tell your friends to follow Ireland on Budget so that they, too, can be in for a chance to win a WiFicandy mobile device or the company's eSIM package, whichever you choose. 💚☘️🇮🇪

07/20/2024

An exciting day tomorrow, July 21st, as the Clare hurling team meets Cork in Croke Park, Dublin for the All-Ireland Hurling Final. If you have an interest in the ancient sport of hurling that dates back to 1272 BC you can learn all about it at the GAA museum in Croke Park (https://tripadvisor.tp.st/XJoYkkTf).

If you're visiting Ennis in County Clare, the Clare Museum is definitely worth a visit and one of those gems that many tourists might not know about. It will, of course, have particular significance to those with County Clare heritage.

On display in the museum are three All-Ireland hurling medals that were awarded to players who helped win the title for Clare in 1914. It would take 81 years for Clare to win their next All-Ireland championship game in 1995.

That story is recounted on the Clare Museum website: https://claremuseum.ie/stories/clares-first-all-ireland-title/

Wishing both teams the best of luck tomorrow! You can see the museum virtually by clicking on the link below. Bonus: it is free to visit!

https://www.virtualvisittours.com/clare-county-museum/

View a 360° Virtual Tour of Clare County Museum Co. Clare, Ireland. 6000 years of history of County Clare located in a beautifully restored former convent.

07/16/2024

❗️Caption Contest Alert❗️

Write the caption to this cute photo. The best one wins an amazing prize from partner WiFicandy. The competition, open to all worldwide, will run from now through October and 1 lucky winner will be announced at the end of each month. Either WiFicandy’s portable Wifi device or its new eSIM package can be redeemed before your visit to Ireland. Click on the link below to enter to and to get more details, including the contest rules.

If you'd prefer to drop a caption in the Facebook or Instagram comments, that's fine too.

✅ Share this post with your friends who are traveling to Ireland this year. 💚☘️🇮🇪

https://irelandonabudget.com/enter-the-wificandy-giveaway/

07/14/2024

Ballycarbery Castle can be found on the Ring of Kerry. It dates from the 16th-century and apparently belonged to the McCarthy Clan. It sits on private land, which means that visitors are not allowed to explore it. However, you can admire it and take photos of the ruin from a parking area about 100 meters/328 feet away.

📸 AdrianStanica, Creative Commons.

Discover Kerry Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Ireland

07/09/2024

Whether you're an avid cyclist or you fancy a short spin while visiting Ireland, the outdoor activity is completely safe on any one of Ireland's many greenways, all recently updated — and some currently being repurposed — as a great way for locals and tourists to enjoy Ireland's beautiful landscapes and scenery. Find out more by clicking on the link below. Information on local bike hire is also included, with brand new information from when this post was originally posted two years ago.

Is cycling in Ireland on your bucket list? If so, you'll need to know where to safely cycle. Check out these 8 greenways for starters.

07/03/2024

Is Donegal on your bucket list? If so, don't forget to stop at some of its fabulous beaches, pretty much all of them designated "Blue Flag." Below you'll find a done-for-you list of its best beaches with information on activities nearby as well.

Donegal beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Discover what beaches made the Blue Flag awards for the last 4 years.

06/28/2024

Is Trim Castle on your list of places to visit while you’re in Ireland?

The 12th-century castle was built shortly after the Normans invaded the country.

If you can, however, I’d urge you to spend some time in the area by taking the Trim Porchfield River Walk, which you can access from the castle.

The looped trek follows the course of the River Boyne and ends up at an ancient site called the Newtown Monuments, which consists of a large medieval cathedral, known as St. Peter's and Paul’s Cathedral.

You’ll also find the ruins of two monasteries and a small church, all dating from about 1206.

Along the way, you’ll travel through the Porchfields, a deserted medieval borough that, in the Middle Ages, was a busy market town with churches, a hospital and a mill.

The area lies between Trim and the townland of Newtown. The two were once connected through an open field by means of a roadway, which is now a sunken lane about 1 kilometer in length.

The short loop takes about 30 minutes, with the longer one taking about an hour and a half. It is suitable for all mobility capabilities. I’ll include a map with this post so you can see it for yourself.

There are plenty of informational displays along this pleasant river walk to give you an idea of the history of the place.

You can download the map here: https://bit.ly/3Y1ql5F

📸 Courtesy of Discover Boyne Valley, Macmillan Media for Tourism Ireland.

Ireland's Ancient East Tourism Ireland Meath County Council

06/20/2024

Today, June 20th, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and in Ireland, that has both a historical and mystical significance, especially if you visit some of the country’s ancient sites.

In fact, the Summer Solstice is one of eight sacred days in Ireland’s Celtic tradition, and is associated with fertility, nature and new beginnings.

It is also recognized as the first day of summer.

This time of year is the perfect time to visit key archaeological sites, where the solstice is celebrated in gatherings that recall some of the ancient Celtic traditions.

They include The Hill of Tara, once the ancient seat of the high kings of Ireland.

The “Lia Fáil” or Stone of Destiny, which you can still see today, was used to choose the king. Many true believers say there is a special energy here and a deep connection with the past, especially when days like this are celebrated like they once were.

Other sites of importance include the very popular Newgrange/Brú na Bóinne, also in County Meath, where the setting sun on the eve of the Summer Solstice is believed to skim the edge of the tomb.

At the Carrowkeel cairns in County Sligo, the sun is believed to enter the roof box in the tomb chamber about a month before and after the solstice, and for days around the date of the solstice, the setting sun illuminates the back of the chamber.

This attraction is free to visit.

If you’re in Southwest Ireland, beautiful Lough Gur in County Limerick is worth a visit. The lake sits at the heart of an important archaeological landscape which is home to Ireland’s largest stone circle known The Grange, which dates from the Bronze Age (over 4,000 years ago).

A more modern-day celebration of the solstice is incorporated into The Cork Midsummer Festival, which is slated to end on June 23rd.

https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-knowth-and-dowth/

https://www.loughgur.com/

📸 Tourism Ireland.

Heritage Ireland Lough Gur Ireland's Ancient East Discover Boyne Valley Discover Ireland Tourism Ireland Cork Midsummer Festival

06/07/2024

Looking to explore Northern Ireland's many whiskey/gin-making distilleries, well now you can on a special Spirits Trail. Find out more below....🥃🥃

https://irelandonabudget.com/news/northern-ireland-spirits-trail/

Photo of Belfast's first distillery in 90 years, Titanic Distillers. Courtesy of Youcef Boubetnikh/D3rk Matter.

06/01/2024

Lots of people in our Facebook Group ask the question, how much does it cost to visit Ireland? Well, that's a difficult question to answer given the many variables that are involved — and that are obviously different for everyone. I've done my best to give you a comprehensive look at what things cost in Ireland and how much you can expect to spend to get there. Have a look below and share with anyone you know who is planning a vacation to Ireland. 💚☘️🇮🇪

https://irelandonabudget.com/how-much-does-a-trip-to-ireland-cost/

05/29/2024

Scattery Island, off the County Clare coast, has reopened after renovations to an area known as The Street, which is where most people lived on the island when it was inhabited, including the Shannon River pilots who moved there in the 1840s, with the last of those families leaving in 1978.

The island is perhaps more notable for being the home of an early 6th-century monastery founded by Saint Senan. Notable attractions include the remains of a round tower, a cathedral and several medieval churches.

Take a ferry from the Kilrush Marina and once on the island, you’ll get a tour hosted by guides from the Office of Public Works. At the end of tour, be sure to go to the visitor center to learn more about this fascinating place. Admission to the island is free.

To book your boat trip, visit https://scatteryislandtours.com/

Scattery Island is open from May through September.

https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/scattery-island-visitor-centre/

📸 Erik Zanke, Fáilte Ireland; Scattery Island Tours

Visit Clare Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works

05/18/2024

The Drombeg Stone Circle in County Cork is a popular attraction located in a lush green valley, with views of the Atlantic Ocean about a mile away. It dates to the mid-late Bronze Age (about 3,000 years ago). There are many dark stories associated with the attraction, including one that says the site was used as a sacrificial area. Locals in the past have talked about hearing the sound of banshees near the site. Whatever the legends, the stone circle, which consists of 17 standing stones, is a great example of Ireland’s rich neolithic history and if you're traveling through West Cork, you should take a look.

📸 Brian Morrison, Failte Ireland

Pure Cork Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Ireland

05/01/2024

If you’re a fan of James O'Donnell Photography and his adorable dogs, Iggy and Frida, you may know the backstory of how James acquired his oldest dog (Iggy) and how the relationship that grew out of that transformed his life. My husband and I spent some time with James, Iggy and Frida in Donegal a couple of summers ago and I can say that they certainly have a unique relationship. James's story inspired American writer and novelist Malcolm McDowell Woods to write his latest fiction book, “What the Tide Leaves Behind: A Novel of County Donegal,” and judging from the description of it on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble, I know that it’s something I will want to read. If you are looking for a heartwarming story, this is surely it. The book is for sale on Amazon and the Barnes and Noble website, but you may be able to find it on other bookselling sites.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-tide-leaves-behind-malcolm-mcdowell-woods/1145115850?ean=9798218389383

https://amzn.to/3wiNZ1P

Thomas McKay is lost. He has shuffled through life since losing his father in one of the last explosive acts of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Now he finds himself tending to his late mother's cottage in the remote, wind scoured Donegal coast and trying to connect with her enigmatic border...

04/29/2024

The Riverdance show made Irish step dancing familiar to people all across the world, but did you know that there’s an older form of Irish dance known as “sean nós dancing? The “old style” dance form as it is translated from Gaelic, is a more casual form of Irish dance than the more formal competition-driven Irish step dance. Sean-nós singing would be its vocal equivalent. If you’re interested in seeing and hearing both, you’ll most definitely find them at Irish music festivals across Ireland and in some pubs, too. If you’re traveling to Ireland next month, why not pop into the Fleadh Nua festival in Ennis from May 25th to June 3rd? You can also enjoy it at the Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford, scheduled between Aug. 4th and 11th. For , enjoy a performance of sean nós dancing from champion Edwina Guckian.

Edwina Guckian hosts Sean Nós Dancing Summer Camp for adults along the Wild Atlantic Way. Read more here: www.edwinaguckian.com/summercampsEdwina Guckian Co....

04/24/2024

Did you know that Westport in County Mayo is one of a handful of planned towns in Ireland?

As far as back as 1842, the English writer William Thackeray took note of its aesthetics. “Nature has done much for the pretty little town of Westport, and after nature, the traveller ought to be thankful to Lord Sligo, who has done a great deal too,” he wrote in his “Irish Sketch Book.”

Lord Sligo, also known as Howe Peter Browne, 2nd Marquess of Sligo, is more famously known as a “champion of slaves” in Jamaica while he was governor there, but more importantly for Westport, he was the one who commissioned planners and the English architect James Wyatt to enhance the town in 1780 in the Georgian architectural style.

Why not take a walking tour of the town, check out its cute stores and cafes and to cap it all off, take in a trad session at Matt Molloy’s pub in the center of the town?

Westport is also within easy reach of the Great Western Greenway and Achill Island. Be sure to pay it a visit while you’re exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.

📸 ©Michael McLaughlin, Failte Ireland. Mayo Ireland Wild Atlantic Way Achill Tourism Great Western Greenway Cycling & Walking Trail

04/17/2024

Did you know that Clonmacnoise was a popular place even in the middle of the 6th century? Founded by St. Ciarán, the monastery was established at the crossroads of two major routes in Medieval Ireland, the River Shannon (Ireland’s longest river) and Slí Mór, an ancient pilgrim’s road that spanned the country from west to east. The monastery was also situated along the border of two great kingdoms, Connacht in the west and Meath in the east. When you enter the visitor center, you’ll see an enormous Celtic cross called the Cross of the Scriptures, which is one of Ireland’s finest high crosses. The depictions on the cross represent Christ’s crucifixion, death and rising. A duplicate cross can be found outside, but the one inside is the original. The attraction is managed by the OPW - Office of Public Works. Looking for more attractions in Ireland's Midlands region, go to the comments section below. ☘️🇮🇪💚

MidlandsIreland.ie Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

📸 Tourism Ireland

04/09/2024

What region in Ireland do you think deserves more attention from a tourism point of view? Would love to hear your answers as it will help me create more content for the Ireland on a Budget website/blog. 💚☘️🇮🇪

How to see Ireland on a budget. Learn how to save money on accommodation, airfare and activities before you take your dream trip to Ireland.

04/07/2024

If your last name is O’Flaherty or O’Malley, who knows but your ancestry might reveal that you are distantly related to the well-connected families mentioned below.

The O’Flahertys ruled West Connacht for 300 years from the beautiful 6-story tower house known as Aughnanure Castle on the shores of Lough Corrib that you see in the picture below.

Their family motto was, “Fortune Favors the Strong.”

In 1546, they joined forces with the equally powerful O’Malley clan from County Mayo when Donal O’Flaherty married Grace O’Malley, the formidable Irish woman in history nicknamed “The Pirate Queen.”

The O’Malley’s motto was, “Powerful by Land and by Sea.”

So, you can imagine the couple made quite the pair and the joining of their families was quite a big deal in 16th-century Ireland.

If you are planning a journey through Connemara, be sure to stop at this great attraction near Oughterard. Inside you’ll see the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastion wall, and a dry harbor.

The attraction is managed by the OPW - Office of Public Works.

https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/aughnanure-castle/

You can get the chance to win an OPW Annual Family Heritage Card valued at €90 when you download, print and complete the Aughnanure Castle Family Quest Activity -https://www.heritageireland.ie/assets/uploads/2021/04/family-quest-activity.pdf

📸 Failte Ireland.

Heritage Ireland Visit Galway Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Ireland

03/31/2024

While Easter did not fall on this particular date in 1916, the events that unfolded in Ireland around the Christian holiday would forever change the trajectory of Irish history and set in motion the country's freedom from British rule. The result, of course, was not perfect. Six counties on the island of Ireland are still governed by the United Kingdom, and there is much discussion in modern-day Ireland about an eventual reunification. Time will tell if that indeed comes to pass.

Two attractions that will educate you about the fight for Irish freedom include Kilmainham Gaol/Jail (please book online as no tickets are available on site) and the GPO Museum.

The GPO (General Post Office) in Dublin was an area of the city where fighting was the heaviest and you can still see bullet holes on its columns.

In addition, the National Library of Ireland has an excellent resource on its website that includes a brief history of Ireland, as well as detailing the events and circumstances that led to the Rising, the main heroes involved and the aftermath.

See links below for more information.

https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/kilmainham-gaol/

https://www.anpost.com/Witness-history

https://www.nli.ie/1916/exhibition/en/

https://irelandonabudget.com/the-easter-rising/

03/27/2024

If you’ve visited Kilkenny Castle, you’ll no doubt have marveled at its commanding presence over the medieval city. While everything looks intact today, back in the mid-1600s, especially after Oliver Cromwell captured the city on March 28, 1650, things weren’t looking so good. In a siege that lasted close to a week, Cromwell’s army battered the city walls, resulting in the destruction of the south side of the castle wall, as well as its gatehouse, moat and tower.

Over the centuries, the castle has been updated to accommodate the Butler family who called it home for at least 500 years. Despite the damage and the changes that were made, three of the original four towers still stand and two of the original four curtain walls are amazingly still in place.

There are 3 ways that you can experience Kilkenny Castle. They include a self-guided tour, a guided tour with one of the castle’s knowledgeable guides as well as a private and personalized visit. Find out more below.

https://kilkennycastle.ie/visits/

📸 Tourism Ireland.

Ireland's Ancient East Discover Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works

03/25/2024

On this day in 1846, Michael Davitt was born in a small village in County Mayo called Straide during the time of the Great Famine. Like other families in Ireland who were the struggling tenants of powerful landlords, his family was evicted from their home and forced to emigrate.

At the time, the Davitts were tenants on the Knox Estate.

Shortly after their eviction, they spent a brief stint in the workhouse in nearby Swinford, as was customary for many families seeking shelter. Once his mother discovered that she would be separated from her young son, the decision was made to flee to England.

This singular event had a powerful impact on Davitt, who was only 4 at the time.

In fact, one could say that it catapulted him into the activist role that he is famous for —furthering the interests of Irish tenant farmers.

You’ll find out more about this fascinating Irishman, known in Ireland as “The Father of the Land League” when you visit the Davitt Museum in Straide. You’ll find more about it below.

Michael Davitt Museum Mayo Ireland Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Discover Ireland

https://irelandonabudget.com/little-known-museums-in-ireland/

03/22/2024

Are you looking for ways to save money on your trip to Ireland? Ireland on a Budget has come up with 30 tips and ideas that will be helpful as you plan your dream vacation to the Emerald Isle. Simply click on the link below. ☘️🇮🇪

30 ways to save on your trip to Ireland is just what you need if you are planning a vacation to the Emerald Isle in 2024.

03/18/2024

Great festivities in Dublin yesterday and across Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. 💚☘️🇮🇪

03/13/2024

This is Slemish Mountain in County Antrim. According to legend, St. Patrick is said to have spent 6 years on this mountain herding sheep for the local chieftain Mulchi shortly after being transported to Ireland from Britain as a slave. Today, you can walk to the top and follow in the footsteps of Patrick and others. This is not an easy climb, but the views are totally worth it. There are of course many other places in Ireland that are associated with the country’s patron saint. Take a look a the video below to get an idea of what's in store. Information on other sites of interest is in the comments section.

📸 Brian Morrison, Tourism Ireland.

https://youtu.be/pFgqCF0Q5eo?si=rQ0w3ipcd32ADtiF

Discover Northern Ireland Tourism Ireland

02/21/2024

Did you know that today is International Tourist Guide Day? Here at Ireland on a Budget, there's a definite focus on the smaller tourism companies operating in Ireland, which of course includes some fabulous tour guides. Have a look at the page below to get a sampling of what's available.

Discover Ireland's tourism ambassadors who put Ireland on the global tourism map and bring their own unique perspective to it all.

02/19/2024

Twenty-three of the US presidents who served in office since the establishment of the Republic traced their routes back to Ireland. Much of that lineage came from Ulster, where over 200,000 people emigrated during the 18th century to the original 13 colonies. The majority, if not all, were Ulster-Scots. There are a few attractions across Ulster that pay homage to some of the better-known presidents. You'll find more information on that below.

Northern Ireland and US presidents often go hand-in-hand since so many of America's presidents claim heritage from this part of Ireland.

02/16/2024

Galway’s iconic houses in the Claddagh, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city are a picture-perfect illustration of the City of the Tribes any time of year. They can best be seen from The Long Walk, which isn’t really long at all. In fact, it measures only 314 meters/350 yards. 😍😍

It’s the perfect place to also catch a glimpse of the iconic Galway Hookers, a traditional fishing boat that was developed in the 18th century to not only use for fishing off the coast but to also carry loads of turf, livestock, seaweed, poitín, and other general supplies back and forth from the Aran Islands.

📸 Stephen Duffy, Chaosheng Zhang, Failte Ireland.

Experience Galway .ie