Hey there, 

 

I really miss my Dad as I go through his files.  His Irish heritage was important to him, he obtained dual citizenship in 1996.  It is amazing how much work this was, especially in the days before email.   I have dozens of letters from Irish priests he was corresponding with, discussing relatives that lived over a century ago.   

 

I made two trips to Ireland with my parents. The first time Sam and I took them with us as a Christmas gift.  My mother was totally shocked that we even wanted to travel with them.   

 

I have to admit, it was a great trip, but it was a long time before I was ready to head out with them again.  

 

Compatible travel *  styles are important, and my dad was the type that wanted to see everything…he was exhausting.   He would not let anyone else drive, the Emerald Isle went by in a green blur.  

 

Sam and I are more of the “let's have a nice lunch with a glass of wine” type. Dad, he would not even stop the car for lunch. 

 

We finally split up for a couple of days with a second rental car before we all killed each other.

 

The second trip we did with Mom and Dad was planned by our dear friends Tom and Vicente for Tom's parents, Sally and John, for their anniversary.  We were thrilled to be included with the group.  

 

And even more thrilled that Dad was not going to be behind the wheel. 

 

 My parents were to be a surprise for Sally and John.  Tom organized the perfect Irish vacation with sightseeing, dinners, musical nights with dancing, hiking tours thru the Burren. 

We loved the very comfortable Gregan's Castle Hotel in the Burren.  I can not recommend this hotel enough, (link below.)   

 

The “surprise' was well executed by my eldest, Charlie.    He started chatting up Sally in the bar.  Sally has never met a stranger, and when she asked Charlie where he lived…Georgia… she mentioned my parents…he replies ”they are my grandparents".   And in walked Mom and Dad. It was pretty epic.      

   

If you've been thinking  of Ireland, this is a two minute "trip" through this fantastic country.  I guess I am channeling my Dad now…! 

 

Every Irish person has a relative in the USA, and a conversation usually involves asking if you know their Cousin Johnny in Chicago.   Of course every American visiting Ireland suddenly seems to be Irish, so the conversation can go both ways. 

 

The pace of life invites anyone--- other than --- to slow down, so a trip to Ireland isn’t just a vacation—it’s a reset.

 

 

( if you want to read the recent post I wrote about Dad's trip to Alaska, hit reply and I will send it) 

 

* if you have been reading my blog for a while, you may have noticed this is a frequent theme with my family!   

 

 

Ireland’s charm is undeniable year-round, but the seasons each bring their own magic. Here’s what to keep in mind when planning your trip:

 

🌸 Spring (April to May): The landscapes come alive with blooming flowers, lambs dot the countryside, and there’s a pleasant buzz in the air. April is lovely but can still be very chilly.   

 

☀️ Summer (June to August): The most popular time to visit, with long days (hello, 10 p.m. sunsets!) and the warmest weather. 

 

🍂 Autumn (September to November): Crisp air, vibrant fall foliage, and fewer crowds make autumn ideal. September offers a great blend of lingering summer warmth and quieter attractions.  Hunting season starts. 

 

❄️ Winter (December to March): Cozy pubs, Christmas markets, more foxhunting, and fewer tourists make winter magical. While daylight hours are shorter, you’ll enjoy roaring fires and warm Irish hospitality.

 

Ireland’s peak season (summer) and major events (like St. Patrick’s Day) fill up quickly, so you'll need to plan 6–9 months in advance for the best accommodations and experiences. For more tailored experiences like private castle stays early planning is essential.