Ireland is a must-visit destination in Europe! On a recent trip to Southern Ireland I was amazed at the kindness of locals, the jaw-dropping natural beauty and the centuries-old castles dotting the countryside. Planning ahead allows you to make the most of your vacation. Certain tips save time and money while you're exploring the Emerald Isle. Here are 10 tips when planning your trip to Ireland! Check Your Passport to Make Sure It’s Not Expiring Within the Next Six Months Most countries require your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond completion of your trip. Some in the EU require only 3 months, others none. It’s better to err on the side of keeping your passport within six months to a year of expiration. That way there are no disappointments when arriving at the airport without the proper validity. With a valid US passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any six month period. Click here for up to date passport information to Ireland. Take an International Adaptor With Numerous Plugs The United States uses two plug types — types A and B. Plug A is the standard two flat prong device. Type B has three prongs; two flat and one grounding. While most of Europe uses type C, Ireland uses type G. As you can tell, this becomes confusing determining which country uses which plug. For this reason I purchased a universal travel adaptor. The one device converts USA plugs to UK, EU, and Australian outlets. It came in handy as I traveled through Ireland, Greece and Croatia. The universal adapter saves you from needing to purchase multiple adapters. Click here to shop the adaptor. If you use a hairdryer and hot tools, you’ll need a converter, as well. I found this
Ireland is a must-visit destination in Europe! On a recent trip to Southern Ireland I was amazed at the kindness of locals, the jaw-dropping natural beauty and the centuries-old castles dotting the countryside. Planning ahead allows you to make the most of your vacation. Certain tips save time and money while you’re exploring the Emerald
Ireland is even more awe-inspiring in person. Recently, I traveled throughout the country's southern part — the Republic of Ireland. Verdant pastures, historic estates, and grazing livestock provided picture-postcard scenery around every corner. Gazing at the Cliffs of Moher will leave you awestruck. The bluffs tower 702-feet over Clare coast and stretch five miles. They've been featured in movies including Harry Potter and The Princess Bride. It's only one of the natural beauties along the 1,500 mile Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland's west coast. Castles dating back hundreds of years dot the landscape. Blarney Castle in Cork County was constructed in 1446! Climbing the stone stairs to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, you imagine those who lived in the castle during the middle ages. The surrounding, award winning 60 acres of gardens add to the spectacle. Ashford Castle in Cong was built 800-years ago by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family. After numerous iterations, including home of the Guinness family, it became the five-star luxury hotel it is today. The owners painstakingly restored it back to the original grandeur while incorporating modern day amenities. A one night stay in this majestic manor is highly recommended. Ireland and sheep go hand-in-hand. If census numbers are correct, there are over five million sheep on the Emerald Isle! The fluffy bovidae are ubiquitous and add charm to the roadside meadows. Another quintessential animal throughout the country are Irish Wolfhound dogs. They were bred in Ireland to hunt wolfs, hence the name. Their substantial size is menacing. But, when I participated in an organized walk with four wolfhounds, I found them to be docile and sweet with people. The following photos are a snippet of the charm that makes Ireland a destination to put on your bucket list. Here are 10 photos to inspire you
Ireland is even more awe-inspiring in person. Recently, I traveled throughout the country’s southern part — the Republic of Ireland. Verdant pastures, historic estates, and grazing livestock provided picture-postcard scenery around every corner. Gazing at the Cliffs of Moher will leave you awestruck. The bluffs tower 702-feet over Clare coast and stretch five miles. They’ve
Irish brown soda bread is served in homes and restaurants throughout Ireland. Its rustic, nutty flavor are the perfect addition to a meal. This bread is savory, not sweet. Traditionally served warm with salted butter alongside hearty stews, citrus jellies on top are another favorite spread for breakfast with a pot of tea. Most families have their own Irish brown soda bread recipe passed down through the generations. It's an integral part of daily life. Baking techniques vary. Northern Ireland regions divide the dough into quarters and cook the sections on a griddle. The south's Republic of Ireland bakes loaves in a round pan and cuts a cross on top of the dough prior to placing it in the oven. Modern versions of the staple include raisins, seeds, honey, even Guinness. But the classic Irish brown soda bread sticks to the basics such as the following recipe. Enjoy! Ingredients: ● 2 cups whole wheat flour ● 1 cup bran flour ● 1/4 cup wheat germ (the center of the wheat kernel) ● 1 cup All-purpose flour ● 2 tsp. sugar ● 1 tsp. salt ● 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda ● 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder ● 2 cups buttermilk Recipe & Preparation: 1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2) Combine the whole wheat flour, bran flour, and wheat germ. 3) Add the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir all the ingredients together. 4) Pour in the buttermilk. Mix together with a spoon until the buttermilk is worked in and the flour has absorbed all the liquid. It will have a craggy texture. 5) Put the dough on a board. Not all cutting boards are created equal. Bamboo boards are durable, lightweight and most don't have added dyes or stains. Here is a good quality board: https://amzn.to/3yJqw7z
Irish brown soda bread is served in homes and restaurants throughout Ireland. Its rustic, nutty flavor are the perfect addition to a meal. This bread is savory, not sweet. Traditionally served warm with salted butter alongside hearty stews, citrus jellies on top are another favorite spread for breakfast with a pot of tea. Most families
Irish stew is native to Ireland and considered their national dish. There are numerous variations of the stew. Many households use beef for the protein, as well as potatoes, leeks, or cabbage. But, traditional Irish stew is made with lamb and root vegetables. In the Irish language the stew is called stobhach gaelach. Once a necessity during the early 19th century's economic turmoil, the attainable ingredients allowed impoverished families to survive on the stew. Today it's thought of as a comfort food. With its hearty fixin's, Irish stew is the perfect dish to cook during chilly months. Here is the recipe. Enjoy! Ingredients: ● 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil ● 4 1/2 pounds of lamb shoulder chops, 1” - 1 1/2” thick ● Salt + pepper ● 3 large onions, chopped ● 4 Tablespoons All-purpose flour ● 3 cups water ● 1 teaspoon dried thyme ● 1/2 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4” pieces ● 1 purple top turnip, peeled, stem end cut off. Cut turnip into 1” cubes ● 1/4 cup fresh minced parsley Recipe & Preparation: 1) In a Dutch oven put 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil. Turn to medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it. If you don't have a Dutch oven, it is worthwhile to purchase one. I love mine and use it a lot for cooking soups, sauces, stews, browning chicken, etc. Here is a good one you'll use for many years: https://amzn.to/4083Ycc 2) Cut lamb shoulder chops into 1 1/2” chunks. Season the meat with salt and pepper. 3) Cook the lamb in the Dutch oven in 2 batches. Cook the first side of meat about 2 minutes, until it begins to brown. Turn the pieces over and cook for about another 5 minutes. 4) After the lamb pieces are cooked, take them out and put
Irish stew is native to Ireland and considered their national dish. There are numerous variations of the stew. Many households use beef for the protein, as well as potatoes, leeks, or cabbage. But, traditional Irish stew is made with lamb and root vegetables. In the Irish language the stew is called stobhach gaelach. Once a
Walking Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail is a must when visiting this city. The 2 1/2 mile path winds throughout downtown, passing 16 locations significant in United States history. The Freedom Trail is marked with a painted brick red line indicating where to walk. You can pick up a map at the visitor’s center for a self-guided tour. For a more immersive experience, book a guided tour. They run approximately 2 hrs and 30 minutes. You can purchase tickets here: Tickets The guides are incredibly knowledgable and provide insight into the historic events that took place along the Freedom Trail. My friend Rachel and I toured the famous route. Certain locations offer a pinch me moment when realizing you’re standing in a spot that shaped American history. Here are 5 highlights when walking Boston’s Freedom Trail! Paul Revere's House It’s here the American patriot began his midnight ride on April 18, 1775 shouting “the British are coming.” Revere owned the home for 30 years. His family of 16 children - eight with his first wife Sarah, who passed away, and eight with his second wife, Rachel, lived in the modest home. The house is open daily for self-guided tours. Illustrated text panels are throughout, as well as staff to answer questions. The “Best Chamber” (master bedroom) was also used as a parlor. It was customary in those days to utilize rooms for many functions. The Hall served as a dining room, workshop and business office. Other rooms on display illustrate how the Revere family lived. Granary Burying Ground Dating back to 1660, the historic burying ground along the Freedom Trail has 2,345 grave markers. Notable men including three signers of the Declaration of Independence —Samual Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine — are laid to rest here. A 25-foot obelisk
Walking Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail is a must when visiting this city. The 2 1/2 mile path winds throughout downtown, passing 16 locations significant in United States history. The Freedom Trail is marked with a painted brick red line indicating where to walk. You can pick up a map at the visitor’s center for a
Many Americans are still apprehensive about traveling abroad — the new COVID BA.5 variant has vacationers staying closer to home. But, with our Canadian neighbors to the north, there’s no need to forgo an international getaway. The land of maple syrup provides the flavor and feel of a trip to Europe, close to home. Last May I visited Toronto. Prior to arrival I was required to complete an ArriveCAN form online. The Canadian government uses this as a way to streamline entry into the country. All tourists entering via air, car/bus or sea must fill out ArriveCAN information within 72 hours before arriving. The website or app gathers your travel and health information. The app can be found in the App Store or Google Play. Here is how to navigate the ArriveCAN app when traveling to Canada. ArriveCAN for Incoming Travelers It’s easiest to download the app onto a smartphone rather than accessing the website each time information is added. When the app is downloaded on your phone, create an account with an email and password. Once signed on, proceed with the application. Click “trip details.” You’ll be asked “what best describes you or your primary reason for entering Canada?” Check the “discretionary/optional” choice. This indicates a visit for leisure and tourism. “How are you entering Canada?” is the next question. There are three choices — air, car/bus, or sea. The following information appears depending on which mode of transportation is selected. Air: COVID testing outlines and requirements: Fully vaccinated travelers may be randomly selected for testing upon arrival at a Canadian airport. Non-Canadian citizens age 12 or older who want to enter Canada must be vaccinated with at least two vaccines or one J&J. Booster shots are not necessary. Car/Bus: Travelers list the port of entry and
Many Americans are still apprehensive about traveling abroad — the new COVID BA.5 variant has vacationers staying closer to home. But, with our Canadian neighbors to the north, there’s no need to forgo an international getaway. The land of maple syrup provides the flavor and feel of a trip to Europe, close to home. Last
