Activity Breaks in Westport, Co. Mayo
Croagh Patrick, Westport. Photo Credit: Destinationwestport
My first view of Croagh Patrick was on a winter’s day. A storm had raged on the west coast for three days and finally, it blew itself out. We had approached Westport from Louisberg and were not prepared for our first glimpse of Clew Bay.
A Retreat in the Garden of Ireland – Powerscourt Hotel
Wicklow Mountains
I love Wicklow, but I’m biased, I was born and raised here and recently bought a house in the heart of the county. We now live overlooking mountains and a lush green valley. Our back garden leads into a forest laden with wildlife – red squirrels, hedgehogs, Red Kites and deer. There is a reason Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland and I’m proud to call it home. So to visit a hotel in Wicklow, was a real pleasure! Read more 
Ireland’s Christmas Markets 2014
In the past few years, Ireland’s cities and towns have given over squares, docklands or whatever patch of land they can find, to small wooden cabins decorated with twinkling fairy lights, glistening tinsel and glass baubles.
Autumn Escapes – At Home & Abroad
Gardens, The Mustard Seed
The leaves are turning yellow and burnt orange in colour, eventually releasing their grip on the branches they will drift towards the ground. When I walk on footpaths, the familiar sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet are a reminder the seasons have changed. Summer is over and soon fires will be lit and curtains drawn before 6pm. Autumn has arrived. With it, children have gone back to school and families no longer dominate hotels and guest houses. Now is the time to book a weekend escape, there are deals to be had! Read more
Lakeside Retreat: Wineport Lodge, Co. Westmeath
Wineport Lodge
Sitting neatly at the edge of Lough Ree, Wineport Lodge looks like it has always been there. The forested shore camouflages the wooden lodge, while boats and ducks bob happily on the lake in front. Read more
5 Reasons to Visit Northern Ireland in August
Festival of Flight. Photo Credit: Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance in the world travel scene, with visitors coming from all over the world to enjoy the great scenery on show. Read more
Wild Atlantic Way
Donegal
It seems to be the buzz word of the summer – The Wild Atlantic Way. I’ve heard it on the radio and TV, read about it in the papers and have been talking about it myself. Of course, it’s not like this is something ‘new’. The Wild Atlantic Way is simply the stunning, wild and rugged west coastline of Ireland. Read more
Discovering Rural Ireland
Doohoma Head – photo by Nuala Irwin
This morning on Ireland AM we looked at some of the beautiful rural retreats around Ireland. (Watch the slot here) Read more
Number 1 – Romantic Spots in Northern Ireland
Romantic trips generally involve a trip to a nice hotel or cosy B&B, good food, wine and quiet time, all shared with your loved one. Of course, some people may prefer something a little more active, like a a city-break with evenings spent in buzzy bars and afternoons browsing shops and visiting galleries or a healthy weekend of trekking or cycling. Whatever floats your boat, you won’t have to look to distant shores to find it. Read more
The Joy of Foraging
Brooklodge Hotel
I was born in Wicklow, so I guess I’m biased when I say it’s one of Ireland’s most beautiful counties. I’ve trekked through the barren and remote Sally Gap, scrambled up the steep peak of the big Sugarloaf and rambled through Djouce and Devil’s Glen forests.
Julianne Mooney 