Blog Archives

Visit Kylemore Abbey and Estate in Connemara, Ireland

Step back in time when you visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful, large estate located within County Galway, only an hour away from Galway City. Built during the 19th century, the abbey was originally meant to serve as a home – and it did, for many years! It then became a sanctuary for Benedictine nuns, adding layers of culture and information to the fascinating history of the estate.  Visiting Kylemore today is a multifaceted experience. It’s a chance to learn about the history of the estate and the story behind its origins and inhabitants, as well an opportunity to to tour the grounds and its buildings. You can choose to join a tour of the building and estate or explore on your own. If you work up an appetite walking the grounds and exploring the woodlands, you can rest up with […]

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Buying an Aran Sweater: History, Meaning & Cultural Importance to Ireland

The Aran Islands are a group of three small islands located off the west coast of Ireland in Galway Bay. The three islands are Inis Mór (meaning “big island”), Inis Meáin (meaning “middle island”), and Inis Oírr (meaning “east island”). The islands have history dating back to prehistoric times. The rugged terrain and isolation of the islands helped preserve many of the traditional customs and ways of life that were lost on the mainland during the centuries of English rule. The Aran Islands were also an important center of early Christianity in Ireland, and many ancient churches and monastic sites can still be seen on the islands today. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands were hit hard by the Great Famine, and many residents were forced to emigrate to the United States and other countries. Today, the […]

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Onboard the Viking Neptune: Iconic Western Mediterranean Itinerary [Review]

The Mediterranean has always been a place where history and cultures come to life. From the bustling metropolis of Barcelona to the turquoise waters of the French Riviera to the rolling hills of Tuscany – there is so much to see that it can be overwhelming to plan a Mediterranean trip.(I know – I’ve done it.) That’s what enticed me about the Iconic Western Mediterranean itinerary with Viking cruises onboard their Viking Neptune ship. Cruise life not only allows you to sit back and relax while waking up in a new place each day, but this itinerary takes you to some of the most well-known cities in the Mediterranean, made famous for their history, culture, and natural beauty. That is to say, they have become iconic. And while we have spent a fair amount of time in this part of […]

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Green with Envy: An 8-Day Ireland Itinerary With Globus

Planning an 8-day Ireland itinerary might sound overwhelming. There are so many great places to see in Ireland, but you can’t see the entire country in a week. The best option is to pick an area to enjoy and dig in a little deeper with your experiences and activities. If you’re at all like me, you’ll fall in love with Ireland and want to return again and again (this was my fourth visit to Ireland). It’s a magical land filled with natural landscapes, centuries-old buildings, castles, world-class pubs, and warm hospitality. Let’s not forget the folklore and traditions found nowhere else in the world, because I’m choosing to believe in fairies and leprechauns. Globus’s Green with Envy tour is a good introduction to Ireland. It covers some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as takes you to some historic and […]

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Irish Soda Bread: A Traditional Irish Recipe

On my recent trip to Dublin, part of a paid partnership with Globus Journeys, I had the opportunity to take a cooking class – one of my favorite things to do when I travel. The cooking choice – well, actually it was baking, as you’ll learn below – is part of their Choice Touring program. You might not realize why a tour adds so much to the Irish experience, but it does. My tour choice in Westport, County Mayo, was to take a baking class. I love taking cooking classes when I travel. There’s a bonding that happens over sharing food and, if I’m lucky, I find recipes that I can make again when I’m at home. When I can’t take a class, I take note of what I’m eating and drinking and still try to make it at home […]

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Literary Dublin: Discover These Sites That Celebrate Dublin Writers

Dublin has been home to some of the most influential writers in history, many of whom have helped shape the literary world as we know it today.  Iconic novelists such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, and Bram Stoker once called this Irish capital home. Literary Dublin was also home to Samuel Beckett, known for his theatrical work, and poet William Butler Yates, one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century literature.  Dublin is, unsurprisingly, full of literary attractions, from world-renowned museums to former literary hangouts tucked away in the backstreets. Green with Envy On my recent trip to Dublin, part of a paid partnership with Globus Journeys, I had the opportunity to learn and experience literary Dublin as part of their Choice Touring program. Choice Touring has been designed to provide a general group framework, and within that, options […]

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REVIEW: Astra Hotel, Seattle

The recently opened Astra Hotel Seattle is part of the Marriot Group’s Tribute Collection. Centrally located in the South Lake Union neighborhood, the new hotel is conveniently near Seattle’s major attractions – the Space Needle, Seattle Center campus, Lake Union, and the Amazon Spheres. This technologically progressive Seattle hotel boasts an array of smart features and functions, fitting in perfectly with the tech hub in which it is located. With state-of-the-art amenities and a convenient location with comfortable rooms, the Astra Hotel has set a high bar for a downtown stay. Who Stays at the Astra Hotel in Seattle? The eclectic clientele ranges from business travelers and young professionals to families. Meeting and event space is plentiful, attracting the tech-set who will find the range of tech-enabled meeting spaces attractive. The abstract art is enticing and the retina displays are […]

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Scenic River Cruise Review: Dutch Sites & Belgian Delights

The Rhine is one of the largest rivers in Europe, connecting six countries from its source in Switzerland to the North Sea. It was the main trading hub for many of the towns and cities that connected to it, creating thriving, wealthy economies along the river. As a result, communities along the Rhine are often an example of stunning architecture and historical landmarks. A river cruise on the Rhine is a relaxing way to explore historical sites, taking in the sights in a slow-paced relaxing way. That was why we chose the Dutch Sites and Belgian Delights itinerary on Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Our particular sailing had an extra day at Floriade, the once-every-decade eco-horticulture expo. That’s not on the schedule for future sailings. The itinerary is now called Windmills, Tulips, and Belgian Delights, but still shows off some […]

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