One of my big passions is Ireland.  Since my first visit I have felt at home there, welcomed by her people and the land itself.  Maybe it’s that mystical feeling that keeps me coming back.  Or maybe it’s the rugged beauty of the land, the friendliness of the people or the fabulous fish & chips.  Whatever it is that brings us, my family and I will be returning to Ireland’s shores in 2012.  My plans call for two trips, one in late spring and one in winter, and though my plans aren’t complete, there are a few “musts” on my Ireland bucket list for 2012.

Places to Visit in Ireland

Giant’s Causeway

Did Finn McCool pave the way to Scotland with these stones?

While science tells us the hexagonal stones were created from volcanic eruptions it’s much more fun to believe the tale of Fionn Mac Cumhai (Finn McCool) battling a giant in Scotland. Read More »

To my mind there is little more romantic than strolling around Dublin.  Visit the patron saint of lovers, enjoy stunning views, savor delicious cuisine or enjoy a pampering suite at on of the most romantic hotels in the country.

Visit St. Valentine

Ireland is well known for it’s saints- but few know that the Patron Saint of Lovers, St. Valentine, rests at Whitefriar Street Church.  Many couples visit on his feast day (February 14) to ask his blessing for their lives together.  Feast day celebrations also include a blessing of the rings for those who will be getting married and special masses.

Remember that Whitefriar Street Church holds masses on Sundays, weekdays and holy days.  Confessions are heard Monday through Saturday.  Please be respectful of the church and its parishioners when you visit.

Beautiful Views

Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful evening with the one you love or you want a memorable place to ask the oh-so-important-question, the view of Dublin at night from Killiney Hill is spectacular.  If the moon is high and the sky clear plan to be at Howth Head as the sun sets.  The reflections of the sunset and then the moon on Dublin Bay is sure to add magic to your evening.

Take a Romantic Stroll

You can never go wrong by suggesting a romantic stroll.  If the weather is fair pack a romantic luncheon and head to St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin’s largest public park.  Filled with paths, stone bridges and plenty of open space, you’ll find the perfect location.  Or plan a bit of shopping on nearby Grafton Street, home to some of Dublin’s most exclusive jewelers.

A moonlit stroll along the Liffey can be a beautiful way to end an evening.  I adore the Ha’Penny Bridge (officially known as the Liffey Bridge), a white span of cast iron.  When first built there was a half penny charge to cross the river using the bridge.  Now, though, it is free.  Why not make a wish with a single penny (half for each of you) from the center of the bridge while the moonlight reflects off the water?

Romance at the Merrion

The Merrion, one of Ireland’s most romantic hotels, was created from four lavishly restored Georgian townhouses.  The Merrion hosts one of Dublin’s finest dining establishments, the Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.  Marbled hallways, beautifully maintantained gardens and the romanesque Tethra Spa complete the elegant surroundings and discreet, first class service is guaranteed.  If you don’t plan to spend all your time in your plush room, the Merrion is near many cultural attractions, including the National Gallery, and many of Dublin’s finest restaurants.

These are but a few of the romantic options Dublin holds.  An evening at the theater, an afternoon at an art gallery or enjoying the Gothic Iveagh Gardens could be added for an entire weekend of romance.

Ireland is filled with breathtaking views.  But none was more awe-inspiring to me than the Rock of Cashel.

The Rock of Cashel

Legend tells that the rock the majestic fortress is perched upon was dropped by the devil when he saw St. Patrick founding a new church.  Others will say that it landed there after St.Patrick expelled Satan from a cave some 30 miles away, now called Devil’s Bit.

While both stories are equally fanciful, the talent of Irish storytellers is no match for the grandeur of “Cashel of the Kings”.  As you approach on foot, hiking a road that feels like it may reach the sky, your eye cannot help but be drawn upward to the high walled ruins. Read More »

Credited with bringing Christianity to the Ireland and removing her snakes, St. Patrick’s feast day is celebrated the world over with parades and green beer. Until recently, March 17 was a rather sober holiday in Ireland with the first St. Patrick’s Day festival being held in 1996 to help showcase Ireland and her culture.

Today St. Patrick’s legends – and historic locales- are easily found around the country.

Dublin

Plaque Behind St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin

Behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral is this plaque marking the well that St. Patrick used to baptize those converting to Christianity when he visited Dublin. Read More »