Mayo’s Romantic Clare Island And Its Most Famous Daughter

O'Malley Castle on Clare Island, view from the sea

The only islands we have so far visited off the west coast of Ireland are Aran Islands (multiple times) and Inisbofin, all in County Galway. And recently we spent a couple of blissful hours on Clare Island, County Mayo, on our cycle of the Clew Bay Bike Trail. Isn’t There Something Very Romantic About Islands? … Read more

The Full 105kms Of The Stunning Clew Bay Bike Trail

clew bay bike trail on a sunny day, blue sky, fields on either side of the road with wooden fencing.

If you’ve read some of our previous posts, you know that we love county Mayo. From Belmullet to Cong to Ballina, we just cannot get enough of the spectacular landscape, impressive mountain views and the Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Since the opening of the Clew Bay Bike Trail, we have been waiting for nice weather … Read more

Hidden Mayo Museums That Deliver Big On History. Pt2 – The Jackie Clarke Collection

Close up of irish proclamation of indepndence

Last week we wrote a little about Michael Davitt’s life and the museum dedicated to him in Straide. Today we continue the theme of County Mayo Museums with history focus. Our second serving of a hidden gem that we believe is worth your time is the Jackie Clarke Collection in Ballina. Part 2: Top Private … Read more

Hidden Mayo Museums That Deliver Big On History. Pt1 – Michael Davitt Museum

As a lot of Ireland’s West Coast, County Mayo is very much the Ireland of your dreams. It has all the breath-taking scenery and panoramic coastlines you had ever imagined.  Wherever you go, from Cong to Ballina to Belmullet, you’ll appreciate the glorious landscapes. And also rich heritage, culture and a plethora of off-the-beaten-track gems. … Read more

How To Experience Limerick – Top Six Activities In The City

view of limerick city from the river shannon, tall buildings and cityscape

Every so often we crave change for a few days from rural to city urban. Then we enjoy spending a weekend in Cork, Limerick or Galway. These cities all have great shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, culture and history. In this post we share some of the best things to do in Limerick, those we personally … Read more

A Thing About Trains – Visit To The Unique Lartigue Monorail

lartigue monorail - green engine and brown carriages up on tracks in listowel

Isn’t there something terribly romantic about trains? And old trains in particular? They have been exciting the imagination of kids and dreamers ever since the beginning of the age of steam. From Agatha Christie’s murder on the Orient Express, to Johnny Cash who has got a thing about trains, to Soul Asylum’s runaway train never … Read more

Feeling The Fearless Seas At The Beautiful Bridges Of Ross

Brown road sign on wild atlantic way pointing to Bridges of Ross site, road behind with black cows walking by

Let’s start with this – there are no bridges at Bridges of Ross. One natural bridge is all that remains today of the original three rock arcs. Because over the ages, the relentless waves of the Atlantic have first sculpted them out of the cliffs, only to eventually take them away again. For interest’s sake, … Read more

See The Astonishing Aillwee Cave In The Burren

Tunnel in Aillwee Cave, lit rock formations on either side

One of our favourite destinations on the West Coast are The Burren National Park and Aillwee Cave in County Clare. The Burren is famous for its landscape of exposed limestone bedrock, rare plants and unique habitats. In addition, the scenery on this part of the Wild Atlantic Way is quite simply spectacular. Access to the … Read more

The Best Time To Visit Ballina With Kids, Guaranteed

row of plastic cups filled with marshmallows and strawberries ready to have chocolate poured over at an outdoor stall for best time to visit ballina festival in July

The lovely County Mayo town will be the centre of attention for the next few weeks, with President Joe Biden’s visit announced recently. So it looks like the best time to visit Ballina will be next week, if you can still make it. Do not confuse this Ballina in County Mayo with the equally picturesque … Read more

Weekend In Belmullet: The Best Things Really Are Free

View of Belderra Strand on Mullet Peninsula, yellow sand, blue sea and white clouds

Recently we were back visiting the beautiful North Mayo. We only had a small budget for our few days away, but had a brilliant time nevertheless. Unlike other tourist hot spots on Ireland’s West Coast, most of the unspoilt Mullet peninsula does not vacuum visitors’ money straight out of their pockets. There are plenty of … Read more