On Saturday, November 17, International Rose of Tralee, Kirsten Mate Maher joined Santa and the mayor in Waterford City for the launch of the seventh annual Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival. They gathered in John Roberts Square to turn on the city’s Christmas lights, with a musical performance by local band Brass & Co. Earlier in the day, Santa’s elves hit … [Read more...] about Winterval in Waterford City
Travel Archives
Mighty Mayo
Steeped in history with landscapes that go from brilliant beaches to windswept boglands, lakes, mountains to islands, pilgrimage sites to pirate queens, Mayo has it all. There’s something about Mayo... Oh, the Green and Red of Mayo I can see it still Its soft and craggy bogland Its tall majestic hills Where the ocean kisses Ireland And the waves caress its shore Oh the … [Read more...] about Mighty Mayo
West Cork
Take a walk (or a drive) on the wild side. West Cork offers an abundance of wildlife, nature, and scenery. Is there a more intriguing place in Ireland than West Cork? On a recent trip, I was dazzled by the wild beauty of its rugged coastline. I loved its small towns and villages, each buzzing with life. And I was thrilled to uncover its history through sites that still hold … [Read more...] about West Cork
Rome, Italy: Retracing the Footsteps of Hugh O’Neill one of the Last Gaelic Kings
Why it's time to reclaim the last days and figureheads of the old Gaelic world. Stories matter, so here’s a good one. Four hundred and ten years ago this November the last two living Gaelic lords of Ulster arrived in Rome, uncertain of their welcome and feeling physically spent. They were Rory O’Donnell former King of Tír Conaill, now the Earl of Tyrconnell, (with his brother … [Read more...] about Rome, Italy: Retracing the Footsteps of Hugh O’Neill one of the Last Gaelic Kings
Bringing it All Back Home
Four new festivals, intended to embrace the diaspora, some 70 million, and entice them back to Ireland, were announced in August. The Global Irish Festival Series is part of a partnership effort between the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and its tourism body, Fáilte Ireland. The first in the festival series “I.NY” will kick off in Limerick City on October 7 with a wide … [Read more...] about Bringing it All Back Home