19 July, 2026 - Today we parted company as the rest of the group goes on to Tralee and I returned home. There was a bit of an interesting moment when the van couldn’t quite hold all the luggage. Thankfully, the group only has to make it as far as Tralee. That said, the luggage will probably weigh more in a week. Meanwhile I took the bus from Lahinch back to Shannon airport via Ennis. and then onward to Shannon Airport I was able to spend about an hour in the Priority + Loun

18th July – Mullaghmore Loop Hike and The Burren Perfumery Today brings an immersion into the unique geological and natural wonder of The Burren, a remarkable landscape characterized by its glacially sculpted limestone pavements and bursts of colourful wildflowers. The day begins at Poulnabrone Dolmen, Ireland’s oldest dated megalithic monument, an iconic portal tomb standing amid a field of fractured limestone slabs. From there, you’ll embark on the Mullaghmore Loop, a 7.5-k

17th July – Killkee Cliffs and Dromoland Castle Visit This morning, set out to explore the Cliffs of Kilkee, one of County Clare’s hidden gems. Though not as tall as the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, these dramatic sea cliffs are every bit as impressive, offering sweeping Atlantic views and a quieter, more intimate experience. After your cliffside adventure, your journey continues to the elegant Dromoland Castle, a historic estate steeped in centuries of Irish heritage. Here,

14-15 July 2026 and my next adventure! Meeting Lisa and her peeps in Lahinch, Ireland for a week of sports and social fun! Lahinch is a popular seaside and surf resort town located on Liscannor Bay in County Clare, Ireland. It features a population of roughly 1,000 people, a famous championship golf club, and a mile-long Atlantic beach. It sits on the northwest coast of County Clare along Liscannor Bay, about 10 km south of the famous Cliffs of Moher. Laginch also offers

This was perhaps the prettiest part of the summer. On the way to Tralee and the Ballyseede Castle Hotel we stopped at the Rock of Cashel....

Hacketstown is where I stayed for the second month I spent in Ireland. I chose it because a)the apartment was less expensive and b)it...

This was a great walk that I did twice. I was hoping the second time would be drier, hence I'd be able to walk farther, but that was not...

The Sky Road is a 12 mile scenic route near Clifden with beautiful views. This day I walked from Clifden back to Streamstown - about 10...

ok - this is NOT doonlachen, it's the Inagh Valley. This valley separates the 12 Bens from the Maamturk Mountains. We tried to hike...

Omey Island is a tidal island on the Western side of Connemara. It's possible to walk (or drive) across the sand during low tide and fun...

I knew I wanted to try a longer walk, but also knew I wouldn't be able to do the entire 180 miles of the Western Way, so tried the first...

I actually did this walk twice on 2 consecutive days - you can see the difference a day makes in the below slide show. This walk is...

On June 25 when I "ran the boarder" and drove down from Northern Ireland, I stayed in Streamstown, near Clifden. The West of Ireland is...

Today took a 7.5 mile hike up and around Trooperstown Hill, about 1200 feet altitude increase. I didn't expect much, but the upper loop...

I wanted to visit Russborough House because it was referenced in a Danielle Steel book I was reading. It's a stately house not too far...

Inishbofin and Inishshark are islands off the coast of Connemara. When you come around the headland of Inishbofin there is an impressive...

Founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, The Abbey was founded for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I. Kylemore...

Cliffs of Moher appears on most lists for "Must See Ireland" and it didn't dissapoint. At over 700 feet high, with a beautiful sea...

The Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage is a hike done shoe-less by devotees. I can't imagine it as the rocks were really sharp and loose. It is...

Having hiked down from Table Mountain in South Africa, I thought it would be interesting to hike Benbulben, purportedly the Irish version....