The Aran Islands, County Galway

Upturned currachs on the Aran Islands - photo credit Susan Byron

The Aran Islands, despite being the most popular and most visited islands off the coast of Galway are still very special, being pocket-sized versions of the mainland and the world-famous karst limestone region known as the Burren. Inis Oír and Inis Meain in particular, are good indicators of how life used to be in Ireland, not so very long ago, whether you were a fisherman, farmer or shepherd or all three thrown in together for good measure, dictated by necessity at the time. So, if you get a chance at all, you should definitely take a trip out to either Inis Mór (the big island) Inis Meain (the middle island) or Inis Oír (the eastern island). Inis Mór is where it’s all happening with the precarious, cliff side, stone fort of Dún Aengus which is a huge draw. Unfortunately, it is also where the world and his mother goes every July and August also,  so do yourself a HUGE favour and choose one of the smaller islands, preferably Inis Meain (my favourite) which are just as lovely, perhaps even more so when you consider that you will most likely have it to yourself ! Born of a long tradition of fishing and farming these once isolated island communities were self-sufficient and pretty much oblivious to life on the mainland, some say they still are! Legend has it that World War 2 pretty much passed them by altogether, even today they don’t pay too much attention to what is going on in Dublin, never mind the rest of the world! The Irish language is alive and well out there, as is traditional Irish music and crafts like knitting and basket making and you will not get closer to nature than on any of the Aran Islands. And yet, we have to credit modern-day technology like broadband for leading a revival and return to many of Ireland’s islands that suffered a such a huge exodus in the past.

There is a daily service a during the summer, to each of the three Aran Islands from either Rossaveal or Doolin Harbour which begins around about St Patrick’s Day, or Easter at the latest and runs until the end of October, if possible. Sailing times differ slightly depending on the weather and the tides of course, so always check directly just in case! Extracted for the Treasure Ireland series of Irish Travel Guides written by Susan Byron author of the independent travel website www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Go regal this vacation - castles to visit in Ireland

Irish history, and the castles we see today, are a legacy of some 6,000 years of occupation from megalithic times when the Celts arrived here from mainland Europe.

Impressive burial mounds such as Newgrange or the ring-forts and dolmens like those at Craggaunowen are attributed to these hunter gatherer tribes.

Followed by successive waves of invaders such as the Vikings, Normans, English, and even the Spanish we finally achieved our Independence from England in 1916 for 26 of the counties while six in (Northern Ireland) still remain part of Britain.

The commercial foundations of Dublin were laid by the Vikings (Dublinia) followed by the Normans who built impressive strongholds such as Trim castle where the epic movie "Braveheart" was filmed. Our infamous claim to fame? Some 2,000 bare-bottomed extras recruited from the Curragh Army Camp in County Kildare.

Other castles in Irish history range from large fortified towers and keeps such as Bunratty Castle to smaller ones like Thoor Ballylee, former home of the poet and playwright Willaim Butler Yeats. Grand country houses like such as Tullynally and Birr were castle-ated with fairy tale parapets and towers as was the fashion assuring the reign of Queen Victoria. Many of these big houses and castles on vast estates were given to often absentee English landlords in return for military duty. As a result, many of these were ransacked and burned down during the 'troubles'. Others were saved and restored privately or are now under the management of Office of Public Works or the auspices of the Irish Georgian society and so have survived to tell the tale.

There are hundreds of castles all over the country, many in ruins that you can explore freely, just be careful.

For the complete list visit 

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

'Let Limerick Surprise You' - celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland's 3rd largest city

'Let Limerick Surprise You' is the city’s new slogan and it certainly will.

With a Royal Charter older than the city of London itself, it began life as a Viking settlement on a small island in the Shannon river during the 9th century. It later became the walled medieval stronghold of Brian Boru and the high kings of Munster and Thomond before being invaded by the Normans in 12th century.

As you can imagine, Limerick has seen its share of turbulent times since, both socially, as documented by the late Frank McCourt and architecturally, in the fine Georgian area of Pery Square with the result that there is a lot to see and do here in Ireland's third largest city which is enjoying its 21st century renaissance.

Limerick is the undisputed sporting capital of Ireland, with Munster Rugby legends forming the backbone of the Ireland's International Rugby Team, it also has its 'soft' side being the home of RTE Lyric FM, Ireland’s much loved and only classical music radio station.
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There’s a vibrant arts culture and up and coming foodie destination spearheaded by the artisan producers at the Milk Market. And in between all that there is a serious amount of noteworthy architecture from King John's Castle to the ancient St Mary’s Cathedral and newly renovated, Gallery of Art in the Peoples Park, as well as my own personal favorite the Hunt Museum, in the Customs House. As well as plenty of smart new hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, and walkways.

The St Patrick's Day Parade in Limerick is the second largest in Ireland after Dublin, now in its 40th year it starts at 2.30 from O'Connell St.

On Sunday the 18th Limerick will host the 42 International Band Competitions with visiting bands participating from all over the world, so expect plenty of music, color and excitement.

For more details on all of the St Patricks Festival events happening in Limerick next weekend click here.

For more things to do and see in Limerick and the surrounding areas click here. 

Love is in the air...travel ideas in Ireland to celebrate St Valentine's Day

Hayfield Manor

Love is in the air with some great Valentines packages in Ireland this weekend.

Why not cuddle and curl up with a movie, chocolate feast and bottle of bubbly in your own luxury suite overlooking the river Shannon in Limerick City this weekend.

There will be rugby action for the guys on the big screen Saturday night with Ireland playing France in the RBS Six Nations and spa treatments for the girls, not to mention a bit of retail therapy in Brown Thomas up town.

An overnight stay in standard room in the Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick City including breakfast and a luxury 4 course dinner in the River Restaurant starts from €99 pps sharing for 1 night, €139 for 2 nights! Upgrade to a suite for €40 per night.
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Or if it’s something a little more serious you fancy, it being a leap year? it might be a good idea to give Hayfield Manor in country Cork a bell, they have their very own Proposal Team in place to help you set scene and get that all important YES result!

They have some great ideas including candlelit venues with chauffeur driven champagne transfers to perhaps an islolated beach with your proposal written on the sand…the sky is the limit quite literally with the option of a trailing banner from a light aircraft either? After all it’s a once in a lifetime occasion, hopefully. A personal (top-secret) consultation with the team, who will do all the leg work for you till you get down on one knee, is complimentary with any of their romantic dinner, bed and breakfast packages which start from about €225 pps sharing.

The Ritz Carlton, Powerscourt

Or you could leave it in the capable and knowing staff of the The Ritz Carlton, Powerscourt, County Wicklow, who have been known to soothe manys an anxious suitors nerves.

The hotel itself is set down a long avenue lined with mature beech trees in the grounds of Powerscourt House and Gardens. You are unlikely to encounter a more romantic, breathtaking, setting anywhere in Ireland, with terraced gardens and a huge fountain overlooking the Sugar Loaf (I kid you not) Mountain, until it snows that is?

Cue the clever ladies at the The Ritz Carlton who donned their wellies, trudged out into the snow to spell out ‘marry me’ lit by tealights for an extremely nervous gentleman last year? No prizes for guessing he got a resounding "yes" answer and they seem to be living happily ever after with their wedding reception taking place there this summer.

Romantic packages starting from €310 per couple in a deluxe room, with dinner, bed and breakfast in the Sugar Loaf restaurant or €360 per couple with six course gourmet dinner in Gordon Ramseys and while snow cannot be guaranteed, a fairytale setting certainly is.

Ashford Castle

From fairy-tales to legends who wouldn’t like to be woo-ed Maid Marion-style in Ashford Castle, on the shores of Lough Corrib. This turreted and stately pile has been the setting for many proposals, with its cute little stone bridges leading into romantic tree lined walks. Enlist the help of Ashford Castle’s falconer to deliver your proposal (or the actual ring) to the arm of your intended on the talons of a trained Harris Hawk

Afterwards revel Tudors style in the lavish surroundings and sumptuous interiors of the castle itself, which once belonged to the famous Guinness family.

Valentines special on the 14th includes dinner, bed & breakfast, a dozen red roses and bottle of champagne for €495 per couple. And for daring-do’s an Everlasting Love Leap year special on the 29th is €395 per couple.

Feel free to cut, copy, paste, share any of the above and leave obviously lying about for the love of your life to read.

By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/

Escape to the countryside with a fall break in Ireland

Isn't Autumn just the perfect time for a short break away in the country?

Summer is long gone and our thoughts are turning inwards to cosying up in front of a crackling log fire with a nice hot whiskey having perhaps tramped through a thick carpet of leaves in an ancient beech wood.

Ireland has many beautiful forests, national parks and leafy lanes bordering ancient riverside walks that wind their way through quaint little Irish villages that thankfully have retained their rural charm. Old fashioned, meaty butchers sport big roasts, proper sausages and locally caught game if you are lucky. The smell of freshly baked bread and cakes (you can forget your diet on a weekend away in Ireland) wafts out of small bakeries turned coffee shops where you can sit and people-watch a different kind of lifestyle altogether.

Country markets have made a very welcome return and injected a new shot of life into otherwise quiet communities. With an eclectic mix of produce, ranging from pickles to pumpkins you can pick up some nice goodies for a picnic or indulge yourself in a lazy pub lunch. Gastro pubs are on the increase in Ireland, offering hearty gourmet food at reasonable prices. Traditional favorites like bacon and cabbage might be served up with mustard flavored mash potatoes, however the accompanying pint of Guinness which is of course non- negotiable…

Why mess with perfection !

So if you fancy ‘shortening the winter’ (code for a treat before the bad weather sets in? why not check out some of the self-catering breaks available from Ireland's Hidden Places, check website link below for details of special offers and Halloween events.

Or if you would prefer to waited on? Downton Abbey style why not stay a night or two in one of Hidden Ireland's great Irish Country Houses who have also have great seasonal offers available right now.


By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Taras Palace one of the largest dolls houses in the world

Taras Palace at Powerscourt House in Wicklow, is one of the greatest dolls houses in the world, on par with the Fairy Castle in Chicago, and Queen Marys own dolls house at Windsor Castle in London.

Taras Palace is modeled on the famous Titania’s Palace which was sadly lost to Ireland in the 1970s and is now on display at Egeskov Castle in Denmark. The original having been built in Dublin in the early 1900s for Sir Neville Wilkinson’s daughter Gwendolen, who like all other little girls believed in fairies.

A wealthy man, he commissioned artists and craftsmen from all over the world to recreate this view of their privileged world in precise and meticulous miniature. With 18 rooms and over 3000 individual pieces it took some 18 years to complete and such a triumph that it went on public display for childrens’ charities, a role Tara’s Palace continues today.

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The 9' wide façade is a combination of famous Irish Houses notably Leinster, Carton and Castletown, with many of those unique interiors such as the Print Room in Castletown having been recreated to a scale of one twelfth of their original size. Yet, like all dolls houses Taras Palace is primarily a toy, designed to ignite the imagination of children of all ages.

“Enter the hall, with its marble stairs, Look around and sit in the chairs,

Take off your coat and hat, Go upstairs and stroke the cat...”

From 'The Story of the Present' by Miss Amanda Stafford.

Such is the level of craftsmanship that is extremely easy to imagine this fabulous dolls house coming to life. It’s all in the detail, the keys actually fit and turn in each of the tiny locks, and every visitor is sure to have their own favourite?

Whether it’s the grand reception rooms, kitchen with its tray set for afternoon tea, toys in the nursery or the music room with its exquisite tiny golden violin. From the library with it collection of readable first editions to the ornate plaster ceilings and inlaid parquay floors with persian rugs it’s fascinating and one of those rare exhibits that you could visit over and over again and still find something new to marvel at....especially as generous benefactors are constantly adding to the collection.

For more information please visit www.taraspalace.ie/

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Irelands Hidden Places enchanting hideaways...

I am not sure I should really be telling you about the Hidden Places of Ireland, an amalgamation of five of the nicest self-catering properties you will find in the Midlands, as I seem to have stumbled upon a little corner of paradise tucked away in North Tipperary that I would rather keep to myself. Previously I had only imagined what treasures might lie at the bottom of those seemingly endless driveways that wind their way through grassy parklands, studded with magnificent mature trees with only the odd racehorse lazily lifting his head to see who it is that has interrupted his bucolic peacefulness. For this is Aga-land darlings, where life in the big house rubs off nicely on the little houses this nice group of people let out on occasion to the savvy few. There isn’t a sound in these quiet back waters, apart from the rhythmic slushing of the watermill or the butterflies dancing through the flowery borders. Or the buzzing of bees in the organic gardens filled to bursting with exotic varieties of vegetables, asparagus peas anyone....

Not only are each of the properties totally unique like the Manhattan meets Moneygall style stone loft at Ballylina or the rose strew romantic Cottage by the Well at Fancroft . But really clever piece is that the owners each bring something, other than delicious food to the table, that they are happy to share with you. Roderick has a passion for classic cars, Tessa and Wink have horses and love all things equestrian, you can even stay with one of Ireland’s most acclaimed garden designers Angela Jupe and enjoy free access to her beautiful walled garden! how cool is that? There are breakfast packs of organic rashers and sausages from Oldfarm available if you fancy? not to mention brown bread homemade from locally milled flour and fresh eggs from the curious chickens that wander about freely, including vegetables and fruit in season. It’s a little peak at paradise and how the other (wise) half live, that can be yours for a week or a few days at a time....

For more information and details about price and availability visit

http://www.irelandshiddenplaces.com/


By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/

Red lips and hot tips for the Galway Races

God be with the days of the Celtic Tiger when the Galway Race Festival was the richest and most glamorous event in Ireland’s summer sporting calendar. Where the golden circle used to press the flesh and toast their success in an endless flow of free champagne in the hospitality tents, at someone else’s expense! While the ordinary mortals, having spent hours in traffic queues as long as the M50 had to then join the scrum for an overpriced warm drink in a plastic glass, just to be part of the great occasion that is the Galway Races. Not to mention risking the fake tan (rain equals paint stripper) or your silly hat (gale force winds) are all par for the course in an Irish summer and I have never known ‘the going’ to be good enough for any Louboutin heel yet..

But, don’t get me wrong, 500,000 plus visitors every year would surely agree it’s the place to be, but listen up for some ‘hot ‘ tips. How to double your money? Apart from folding it in half and putting it straight back in your pocket? Well for starters? What everybody in Galway knows there is a lot more Sex (or whatever it is you are after) to be had in the City than on the Racetrack, leave that to the aficionados.

The fashionistas will party till dawn, then sleep till noon, spend the afternoon in hair and make up before shimmying on up to any of the top hotels cocktails lounges, fresh as the proverbial daisy, just as the lucky winners trickle in from the helipad….now that’s what I call studying the form girls.

Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Galway City App available for free download this weekend.

The National Museum of Ireland - a rainy day alternative for visitors

We are getting a rather mixed bag (to put it politely) of summer weather, so here’s a few ideas that will keep you warm, dry and entertained when it’s a soft day ( ie bucketing it down). Top of the list has to be the National Museum of Irelands Fab Four ie the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Decorative Arts & History, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Country Life and the good news is that admission to all four is free!

The Museum of Archaeology on Kildare Street is quite simply fantastic and right in the heart of all the action (government buildings are next door) an iconic architectural gem in its own right with zodiac floor and marble columns, not to mention the gold collection, the bog bodies, plus a horde of Viking treasures. And you can take the weight off your feet for a while and watch a film in the theater upstairs, it also has a very good cafe.

The Natural History Museum just around the corner on Merrion Street, houses what is fondly known in Dublin as the ‘Dead Zoo’ these stuffed animals have been dead for a very long time ie since I was a child, so we are on first name terms Spoticus –the giraffe and me. Rent out ‘A Night in the Museum’ to get kids (or yourself) in the mood and let your imagination run riot!
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The Museum of Decorative Arts & History is over on the northside and is easily accessible on foot or the Luas stops outside the door if you are lazy? The Curators Choice is a selection of 25 of the nations best treasures including the Fonthill Vase. Which is the oldest piece of porcelain in Europe, that belonged once upon a time to (among others) the Dauphin of France no less, but was acquired by the Museum at an auction in 1880 for just £28.

And lastly, my favourite, the Museum of Country Life set in beautiful parkland, just outside Castlebar in County Mayo. A family could easily spend all day here so bring a picnic although there is a cafe as well. Turlogh House is a replica of what ‘big houses’ used to be like in Ireland. The Museum itself is a very modern and well designed building and exhibition space. It is very user friendly with charming, well put together collections that depict the lives of our forefathers who worked on the land or at sea. They were certainly very inventive if the Straw exhibition is anything to go by...

For full details of opening hours please consult the websites below. As above admission is free, ditto drop-in events etc although there may be a small charge for specialist workshops.

www.museum.ie/en/whats-on.aspx

By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/

Return the Ballyvaughan road sign now - controversy over removal errupts in Ireland

Do you know it defies belief, when every man woman and child in this country is putting their best foot forward to recover from our economic woes that the government pulls the rug from under us, yet again.

This time its one of those ‘jobs worth’ moments when the NRA (National Roads Authority) have simply removed an iconic sign that has been standing at the crossroads in Ballyvaughan for over 30 years.

Possibly the most photographed road sign in Ireland, as one protester rightly put it, more ‘folk art’ then actual road signage. It is located along what Conde Nast has described as one of the Top 10 road trips in the world, out to Doolin via Blackhead.

But the NRA obviously don't want you to go there. Let me introduce you to the latest great waste of money in Ireland - the new system of 'navigating by numbers'. Apparently the powers that be are spending 60 million euros on new road signage in Ireland. So, we now have complete dead-end boreens grandly renamed as the L150001 or whatever. Why? Who cares? The answer: nobody.

Locals know where they live. For crying out loud in this day and age of smartphones, using inbuilt satellite technology and tracking, only in Ireland would we be spending a fortune on misleading the tourists. If it wasn’t such a serious waste of money it might even be funny. but this is money that would be better funding tourism initiatives like my own and countless other small businesses who are trying to encourage not discourage visitors to Ireland.

And, okay we dont want you to get lost but its a very small green island, how lost can you get?

You can Like the Return the Ballyvaughan Sign Facebook page here.

Or rent a car and try out the Motoring by Numbers for yourself here

Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/

A better guide to Ireland - Dont follow the flock, get off the well beaten track

The recently published ‘official’ list of Irish visitor attractions leaves most of us (those in the know) scratching our heads and wondering why or how some of them even made the cut?

As is often the case the 'must see sights’ in any country (but most especially in Ireland) are the very ones to avoid? No prudent independent traveller wants to be ripped off or more importantly, waste their precious holiday time on over-rated tourist traps that should have been closed down a long time ago.
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Which would certainly be no real loss considering we now have world class attractions such as the Glasnevin Museum, Blackrock Observatory and Irish Museum of Country Life (free) running alongside such stalwarts as the Guinness Storehouse, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and the Cliffs of Moher. Buts there’s even more and dare I say better to be found (depending on your interests) throughout Ireland. Beauties like Beaulieu House, warm favorites Foxford Woollen Mills, the Foynes Flying Boat Museum and the wacky West Clare Railway.

Take your pick from over 100 listed on www.irelands-hidden-gems.com all of which have been independently visited, reviewed and photographed. Only the very best passes the test in terms of value for money and quality of experience. Which is why the listings are limited to the Top 10 in each of the categories ie Landscapes, History & Castles, Sacred Places, Culture & Tradition, Museums and Galleries. It keeps everybody on their toes (including me) and ensures you the visitor of a top quality experience of Ireland.

Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Now available as a travel app - Ireland Things To Do

Belan Lodge - boyhood playground of Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton

With fine weather on the horizon there has never been a better time to expand yours or your childrens by taking a self catering holiday at home. Only an hour from Dublin the lovely Belan Lodge, boyhood playground of the great Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton can be yours too for a week or a weekend. No long bank holiday drive, its a genuine hidden gem of a place, wild out with plenty of nature walks, canal banks and gastro pubs to be explored and whats more its very affordable, child and animal friendly, so what's keeping you?

Originally part of the very large and prestigous Belan House Estate which belonged to the Earls of Aldborough for over 400 years, before unfortunately being abandoned due to bad debts and mismanagement, although the Cornmills attached were always very successful. And they belonged once upon a time to Ebenezer Shackleton, uncle of the famous Irish Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. The Cornmills had one of the longest and deepest millraces in Ireland at the time which must have been a haven for the young boy with adventure in his veins.

As it was for another young lady, who wrote in the 1830’s of her childhood reminiscences of Belan, being the happiest of her life. “Here, on hot summer's evenings, we used to sit and watch the dragon files. I had never seen dragonflies before, and could not associate them with flies, I could only think of them as tiny winged spirits, whispering messages from afar to the reeds and irises which grew at the water’s edge...

She describes the warm welcome received from her hosts at Belan, with its turf fires and speaks eloquently and longingly of the breakfasts...hot potato cakes, eggs, cream, honey and freshly baked bread. The ‘accommodations’ even then were perfect with sunny windowseats to while away the hours with a book or out and about amongst the farmyard animals, dogs, ducks and donkeys...

She tells the story of a pastoral idyll, which is still true and exists today for a new generation of weary adults or adventurous children to delight in nature. Belan Lodge is a true haven of peace, tranquillity and genuine rural charm. The rates are very reasonable, you can stay as a bed & breakfast guest or fend for yourself (always a great option for families) and there is so much to do and see in the area.

For more information visit www.belanlodge.com

Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Surfing in Ireland - where to find those killer waves?

Read more: Surfers discover new wave off the west coast of Ireland

News this week of a new 'killer' wave off the west coast of Ireland, had surfers here bristling with excitement. All the more so, as the exact location was being kept secret?. We have our suspicions though, Mullaghmore or Easkey perhaps?

Obviously not for the faint-hearted or amateur, waves like this 'monster prowler' first captured our imagination and respect in a TV advert for a bank, that was released a couple of years ago. The incredible footage, you can watch it at the
link below, featured Irish surfing champions Fergus Smith and John McCarthy, tackling the 80' high Ailies wave beneath the Cliffs of Moher, which are scary enough in their own right.

A remnant of the last ice age, these 600' cliffs have become Ireland's premier visitor attraction with almost a million visitors annually? A new state of the art visitor center The Atlantic Edge Experience not only explains the geological background, flora and fauna using interactive media, but also local history, music and folklore and is an excellent addition, in that it keeps children of all ages informed, amused and entertained, in what could otherwise be a disappointing experience as often the cliffs are shrouded in mists, fog and rain or as a visitor described it recently 'flying weather'.

But if that isn't 'edgy' enough for you there are plenty of surf schools in nearby Lahinch and indeed all along the western seaboard from Cork to Donegal. In fact we might owe our economy in the future to our wonderful coastline on the westernmost tip of Europe and the vagaries of the weather, which has led to Ireland being promoted as a premier surf destination.

But then that is something these cool dudes have known forever.

You can watch 'that' video here http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/cliffs-of-moher.html

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Read more: Surfers discover new wave off the west coast of Ireland

Advice on planning your own trip to Ireland - Don't!

It’s a minefield out there and while Ireland is truly a wonderful country to visit for any or all of the reasons and places mentioned in Irelands Hidden Gems.com we have our share of rotten apples. I take my hat off to those of you who are doing just that, judging by the amount of enquiries I get daily about where to go and what to do and while I am happy to help if I can, I would be the first to admit I certainly don’t know it all.....

The people that do, are Authentic Ireland.com. they have been putting packages together for people travelling to Ireland for over ten years, so they have handled just about every enquiry you can imagine. And if the thought of tailor made packages being expensive frightens you think again.....

Did you know that if there are nine or more of you in a group, they can have you chauffeur driven for the same price as carhire, now you are talking , how's that for peace of mind, someone who knows the road systems and all the best places to go, watering holes included. But that is only one perk?

These guys have long term relationships with the best hotels, castles and restaurants so their business is about keeping each other sweet. So you the client are automatically going to get any free upgrades that are going, plus the most coveted tables by the window or fireside.

It’s a no brainer if you ask me, why spend hours trawling the net in search of a good deal, I cant tell you how many ‘good deals’ I have heard about that I would consider rubbish. For example an email from a honeymoon couple whose ‘tour operator’ had almost exclusively booked them into B&Bs?

Why would they do that when you could get a deal in a romantic castle (we’ve dozens of them) for the same money or less. Not that I am knocking B&Bs we have some excellent ones, but these were dives altogether in the middle of nowhere and that wasn’t an isolated case.

Seems to me these ‘tour operators’ are charging a mighty mark up and ripping off the American public. My advice go to the experts Authentic Travel, it is in their interest to give you the best possible experience of Ireland and yours in getting the most bang for your buck.

And if that isn’t enough to convince you? Think on? As an independent traveller, what happens if your flight is delayed, cancelled, you get ill, or heaven forbid you have any kind of mishap while you are here.

Wouldn’t you like a 24/7 back up service, to a real person, never a machine, who's on the ground, ready to make all the necessary alternative arrangements and meet you at the airport with a hot water bottle and a brandy?

Thought so, or if you are like me and change your mind 50-100 times before finally settling on a plan, having someone hold my hand through that wont lose their patience and cut me off mid demands....well that kind of service is priceless and as they say for everything else there's visa…..

For a stress free holiday of a lifetime visit http://www.authenticireland.com/

By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/

Re : Article - New York Times 22nd Oct 2010

With respect?

What a miserable piece of rubbish Matt Gross wrote about being 'Lost in Ireland' in yesterdays New York Times. Three pages of a whingeing, self-pitying comdemnation of Ireland and its people, which could have been avoided if the bold Matt had done a little bit of forward planning?

I mean which one of us here in Ireland, would land up in the USA with out some sort of a plan? What are your chances of 'losing yourself' while simultaneously 'having a good time' and connecting with the 'locals' setting off from the rental carpark of Newark of JFK without an itinery or even a map?

I get queries everyday from extremely well clued in Americans who visit my website http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/ who are planning their trip to Ireland with laser like precision and I am more then happy to help them achieve that authentic experience of Ireland they all dream about.

So, next time Matt? dont go wandering off on your own, give us a shout and we will sort you out.

Yours sincerely,

Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/

Visit Glenstal Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery in Murroe, County Limerick.

Glenstal Abbey is a very quiet and holy place despite its surprising appearance. A 19th century Norman revivalist Castle, it was home to the Barrington family who lived there up until it was sold to the Benedictine order of Monks who arrived from Belgium in 1927. It became a working abbey with a dairy farm, guest house and boading school for boys, which continues today. You can stay here on a personal retreat if you like, but even a day trip will be enough to restore your mind, body and soul.

In recent years the Monks have become quite famous with the release for sale of their recorded Gregorian chants. A reaction perhaps, to the stresses and strains of life outside of these walls, with which we are all too familiar, or a longing for the alternative peace and tranquillity of monastic life, without the constraints? Did I tell you about their delicious chocolate truffles laced with liqueurs, such as Benedictine itself, Chartreuse etc from monasteries of Europe, I could be converted.....

Glenstal Abbey has also just released its first ever cookbook, which no doubt will be just as successful as their best selling prayer books ! Real ‘soul food’ based on the Monk's legendry hospitality, and a homage to big-hearted, homely comfort food laden with blessed butter, cream, and eggs by the dozen. Compiled by Brother Anselm (real life brother to actor John Hurt) it is available directly from their online shop, as are their divine truffles above!

A working abbey in a no-nonsense style yet warm, hospitable and kind. Spiritual guidance is available and the church is open to all religious persuasions, including with the beautiful Icon crypt, designed as a portal to the cosmos. The abbey itself follows a rigorous schedule of prayers, service and devotion combined with domestic life and constant visitors.

There is a magnificent arboretum with ancient specimen trees, one of the few remaining parts of the primeval forest which once cover all of Ireland. The 17th century tiered walled garden, has been restored and a special garden planted with biblical herbs and flowers introduced. It overlooks an ornamental lake which is a delight in the Autumn, and of course there are plenty of quiet places to sit and ponder, or just breathe in the unique peace that is to be found in this sacred place....

For 10 Other things to do and see in the area including the Glen of Aherlow, Galtee Mountains, Brian Boru Centre and Killaloe? click here

Talk to you next week Susan Byron author of Irelands Hidden Gems

Experience Irish culture and history at Bunratty Castle, Clare

If you have only one day in which to ‘to do’ Ireland I would highly recommend visiting Bunratty Castle and Folk Park as it will give you a very good feel for the culture and history of Ireland. It very close to Shannon airport, about 10 miles, so an ideal place to visit prior to departure as we all invariably leave way to much time for dropping off the hire car, why spend hours hanging about the airport when you could be here instead?

Bunratty Castle itself, is a very fine and impressive furnished 15th century medieval fortress with great views out over the estuary and surrounding lands it once protected. Visitors can enjoy a medieval style banquet each night during the summer or simply wander around the keep and ramparts during the day as part of your admission to the Folk Park complex, which will keep you occupied all day as you visit the various cottages and homesteads that were once occupied by farmers, fishermen and shepherds.

These buildings are the ‘real’ deal not mock-ups, in fact one of the cottages was actually transported stone by stone from its original position nearby, in the middle of Runway 1. No 1! Most though, have been faithfully rebuilt in the style and of the day using vernacular materials such as local Liscannor stone, and river reeds for thatching.

You can see fruit scones being baked, sit in on a school lesson or enjoy the ‘craic’ in the pub. It was said ‘that a yard of a counter was as good as a farm of land’ in the old days. Most grocery shops included a bar, some still do. Most small towns in Ireland had a disproportionate amount of pubs to the population, but again that’s another story.

There is even a ‘big house’ with a walled garden, planted with original Irish species of flowers, fruit and vegatables, depicting the landed gentry and subsequent tenant’s lifestyle. Keep a good eye out for poachers and the illicit ‘poitin’ still down by the lake. And consider yourself blessed altogether if you land up at one of their special themed events like the Harvest Festival at the end of September.

For 10 more Things to Do and See in the area including the Hunt Museum, a guided walk of Angelas Ashes landmarks and Limerick City itself? click here

Talk to you next week Susan Byron author of Irelands Hidden Gems