Rolling my suitcase along the Terminal 5 at JFK, I anxiously waited in line to be called. Then, I heard ‘Next’. I cannot explain my emotions as I stood and presented my passport. Excited, anxious, happy, nervous – I could not believe that after a very long 18 months, here I stood checked-in with boarding card and passenger locator form in hand …. Next stop, Ireland!!! I had finally gotten to say ‘See you tomorrow!’ to my family!!

The flight with Aer Lingus was smooth, quick and I cannot say enough about the staff who made this much overdue journey extra pleasant. As we neared Dublin Airport, my heart (and eyes!) welled as I could see the green fields of home … not long now!

Upon disembarking, I thanked our Aer Lingus air host Aidan and his team … from there I proceeded to immigration and customs. The immigration agent must have sensed my emotions as he looked at me and said, ‘Its been a while, welcome home.’ I picked up my bag, collected my rental car and like a kid on Christmas morning, I was off!

My hometown of Kells is not far from Dublin Airport … just about an hour’s drive. Kells is a historic and beautiful town located in Co. Meath in the heart of the Boyne Valley and the region known as Irelands Ancient East. Its known far and wide to all for being the place of origination of the Book of Kells, but for me it is simply home.

This trip home really was extra special for me this time as not only did I get to go home for the first time in almost 2 years, but I also got to personally welcome some of my clients to Kells.

Chris Murphy is a friend of mine for years and also happens to be a fantastic local historian and guide in Kells. Chris met myself and my clients in O’Connor’s Bar (also happens to be my brothers bar). If you are in Kells you have to visit!!! Chris gave us a brief history of Kells while the clients enjoyed a pint of Guinness and a Jameson whiskey. Chris then took us for a short walk up to the local church where I even learned things about Kells that I had no idea about. Chris really is a wealth of knowledge. It was such a privilege to listen to him but to also see my clients enjoying his company and learning from him. It was the first time I really got to experience Kells as a visitor. The town has so much to offer and I will definitely be back and Katie Dalys Ireland will look forward to sending lots more clients to the heart of the Boyne Valley.

Another wonderful visit in the Boyne Valley is Slane Distillery. Located within the 1,500 acre grounds of Slane Castle, the new distillery experience offers a variety of tours and experiences. ‘Slane Rocks’ commemorates the 40^th anniversary of the first concert performance at Slane back in 1981. Acts such as U2, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, David Bowie, Queen and REM have performed in Slane. U2, uniquely, have performed three times at the venue – playing support to the renowned Irish band, Thin Lizzy, who headlined Slane with their first show in 1981. Slane Castle also offers castle tours and is the perfect venue to host your family, friends, wedding, gala dinner, conference or corporate function. My visit there was a wonderful start to my trip home … Thank you to Gary and team at Slane Whiskey Distillery for a fantastic tour!

 

 

 

The next few days were spent in the capital city of Dublin and I got to visit a number of wonderful attractions and hotels!

I enjoyed a wonderful stay at Dublin’s premier 5* Hotel, The 5 Star Merrion Hotel in Dublin located in the heart of the city & members of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. and Ireland’s Blue Book … The staff went above & beyond, as usual, and we even enjoyed a delicious ‘Slice of Art’ at their renowned Afternoon Tea! It was almost too pretty to eat… But we did! 😉

Then I was off to discover Dublin’s Fair City with Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin with Pat Liddy himself. This award-winning walking tour company offers tours in English, Irish, German & French. Since 2004, they have been guiding tours through the capital and sharing information on its most well-known sites, as well as its hidden gems.

After leaving Pat, my next stay was at the Dylan Hotel, a 5* boutique hotel tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Dublin 4, a short walk from the city center. This chic and stylish property was once a Victorian home.  The property recently completed an extensive refurbishment of the ground floor public areas and food & beverage spaces. The Dylan is a proud member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

The next day I headed off for an epic visit at EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. At EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum you too can try to mimic the Riverdance moves, like I did – check out my social media for proof!… but there is much more… here you’ll discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world. Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are. The Museum was also proudly voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2019 & 2020 at the World Travel Awards.

What a fabulous end to my Visit Dublin tour, a night at the Wilder Townhouse, member of Ireland’s Blue Book, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Mr & Mrs Smith.  The Wilder is a resident’s only boutique townhouse, a city hideaway on the tree-lined Adelaide Road. Built in the 19th century, the property was originally a home for retired governesses. While here check out the chic Gin & Tea Rooms which stock an elaborate array of Irish gins and whiskeys!

 

I enjoyed a fantastic tour of the GPO Museum, a wonderful interactive experience in the heart of Dublin City telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish history. Don’t miss the specially created centerpiece film that puts you right in the middle of the action during the Rising as it happened at the GPO and other locations.

 

 

While in Dublin, it was also so lovely to visit the Shelbourne Hotel & Westbury Hotel.

The Shelbourne Hotel … Established in 1824, this 5* luxury Dublin hotel overlooks the beautiful St Stephens Green & is steeped in history. It was here that the Irish Constitution was signed back in 1922 – it was amazing to stand in that same room, now named the Constitution Suite, which still has the original table & chairs. The Shelbourne is a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel.

The 5* Westbury Hotel overlooks iconic Grafton Street and offers its guests the ultimate in luxury and style. It’s part of the Doyle Collection, a group of Irish family-owned luxury and urban hotels located in superb central locations in London, Dublin, Washington DC, Cork and Bristol, as well as a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel has fittingly been awarded one of the Top 10 Hotels in Ireland by the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards for many years.

As I was so close to Grafton Street, a little retail therapy was due … so into Brown Thomas I went. This fabulous Irish retail store carries the latest fashion designs, and offer private and personalized shopping experiences, including afternoon tea and lunch, for VIP clients.

After my retail therapy, I found myself walking along Fleet Street, home to the Palace Bar where I first worked over 20 years ago!  I was the first female bartender at the Palace back when I was a student in Cathal Brugha Street and have so many wonderful memories of this city center bar – It is full of character, charming and homely and yes, serves a great pint of Guinness too! Built in 1823, it has been operating as a bar since. It has been a local for many famous Irish writers over the years and the famous lamp-posts outside even pay tribute to them.

That evening, I caught out up with colleague & friend Roisin Wallace, of Original Irish Hotels. We met at one of the member properties, Buswells Hotel. While sitting enjoying a coffee, I could not help but notice the chatter around me – Irish accents, American accents, French accents, amongst others … it was the buzz of Dublin – tourism was back!

Before long, it was my last day at home in Co. Meath. As I boarded the Aer Lingus aircraft, my eyes (and heart) welled once again … but alas I was so grateful to go be home and even more grateful that Ireland is open and ready to welcome visitors back!

Over the last few weeks, we have been sharing some of the most popular private rental options available in Ireland, such as private home rentals in Ireland and glamping in Ireland. This week, we are excited to share some information on Castle Rentals in Ireland. There are a wide array of private castle rentals available all over the island of Ireland, catering to small groups or large enough to host a wedding or conference. Below, you will find just a few that are perfect for groups of all sizes, and we’ll be sharing more castle options in the coming weeks! Castle Rentals in Ireland are the perfect option for groups that want exclusivity, privacy, and the most memorable of Irish experiences. Experience royalty firsthand when you rent an Irish castle and make memories that will last a lifetime!

 

Bellingham Castle – Co. Louth

This 17^th century castle is set on 17 acres and is located in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, less than an hour from each of Dublin and Belfast. Nestled in the medieval village of Castlebellingham in County Louth at the gateway to the Cooley Mountains, this elegant castle offers 19 rooms for exclusive hire and is a perfect option for weddings, private functions, conferences, and special events such as vow renewals or family reunions. Overlooking its own river and weir, with footbridges, mature trees and formal gardens, its approached by a private, tree-flanked driveway and insides offers a formal drawing rooms, cozy library, bars and Bute Suite.  With its relaxed atmosphere, stunning grounds and award-winning accommodation, Bellingham Castle is an excellent choice for a wedding and is an approved venue to host Civil Weddings, Humanist Ceremonies, Spiritual Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships. The castle’s location is ideal for exploring nearby Dublin, Belfast and all the beauty of Ireland’s Ancient East.

 

Glin Castle – Co. Limerick

Located on a 400-acre estate overlooking the River Shannon, Glin Castle is located less than an hour from Shannon Airport. Home of the

FitzGerald family for over 800 years, it stands proudly in its wooded demesne on the banks of the River Shannon. Behind the house, explore the vast ground which includes a vibrant walled garden that supplies flowers and fresh grown produce for the kitchen. The Castle comprises 15 luxurious bedrooms, a grand entrance hall, dining room, comfortable library and elegant light drawing-room, all with open fires. Activities such as clay pigeon shooting, yoga and archery as well as evening whiskey tastings with Irish music, can be arranged on-site. The property’s location is ideal for exploring some of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most beautiful sites such as the Cliffs of Moher and Dingle Peninsula and is available to hire exclusively for private rental accommodation, events, golf tours and small weddings.

 

Lismore Castle – Co. Waterford

Dating back to 1170, the magnificent Lismore Castle is located in one of Co. Waterford’s oldest towns, Lismore. Its rich history will transport you back in time as you enjoy the expansive grounds; the location is stunning and secluded.  The Castle has a hall, a drawing-room, two sitting rooms, a dining room, a spectacular Banqueting Hall for large receptions, a library, and 15 guest rooms to accommodate up to 27 people. No detail will be overlooked by the staff under the leadership of Denis Nevin, the castle’s Butler for the last 35 years. Outside, guests can enjoy guided tours of the extensive gardens, play tennis on a hard court, try salmon fishing on the castle’s river banks, play the 9-hole golf course or take magnificent walks through the Estate grounds. Avail of formal or informal dining, themed or traditional events – perhaps pair your meal with wines from the castle’s own wine cellar! Explore the wonderful southeast of Ireland, right on your doorstep … the castle is available for hire exclusively for private rental accommodation, events, family gatherings and wedding.

 

Luttrellstown Castle – Co. Dublin

Travel just 20 minutes west of the capital city of Dublin, and you will find an elegant, discreet and luxurious backdrop for any occasion. The magnificent 15th-century Luttrellstown Castle Resort offers 20 beautifully appointed historic castle bedrooms, awe-inspiring library, magnificent ballrooms, modern 18-hole championship golf course, and 3-storey alpine-lodge clubhouse overlooking the incredible Dublin countryside. With a surrounding 567-acre private estate there are a wide range of outdoor activities on offer including horse-back riding, falconry, archery, cycling, air rifle shooting, and nature or historical walks. Whether you’re looking for an intimate one-night break from the norm or a special week-long celebration, Luttrellstown Castle is and always has been an opulent venue for gracious hospitality and entertainment for all types of special events, conferences and get-togethers. For couples, Luttrellstown Castle Resort offers two incredible locations for your special day – whether you exclusively hire the unique 15th century Irish castle or choose the sprawling alpine-lodge-style clubhouse, the setting, the scenery and the service are all second to none. Luttrellstown Castle Resort is fully approved to host civil weddings, humanist ceremonies and partnerships.

 

Crom Castle – Co. Fermanagh

In the picturesque setting of upper Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh you will find Crom Castle, home to Lord & Lady Erne. While Crom Castle is the private home of Lord & Lady Erne, it is available for exclusive rental, accommodating up to 31 people. Or enjoy exclusive use of the Castle whilst being hosted by Lord & Lady Erne for a smaller more intimate experience for no more than 10 guests. Packages completely bespoke and designed around your interests. There is also the private West Wing of the castle available for private hire of up to 13 people and can be self-catered or inclusive of catering. The castle is also available for exclusive hire for private lunches, dinners, and tours; for weddings and special events the facilities can accommodate up to 100 people. The surrounding 2,000 acre demesne contains ancient woodland, tranquil islands, estate cottages and Old Crom Castle, all linked by the breathtakingly beautiful landscape designed by W.S. Gilpin in the 19th century. Lough Erne is one of the longest inland waterways in Europe so there is ample opportunity for water activities such as boat charters and tours, fishing, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and more!

 

Contact us to help tailor the perfect itinerary – whether you want to host a family stay at an Irish castle for just a few nights or have a week-long stay for Thanksgiving or Christmas (or any time of year!), we will be able to provide the best options for your group. Whether you want a self-catered option, or full-inclusive catered and full staff serviced option, we will work with you to find a property that fits your needs and budget when renting an Irish castle. Also a good reminder is that some properties will allow even 1-2 night stays, especially in the off-season or will be able to host a private day function such as a tour and lunch. We’re here to take the stress out of planning and make sure the logistics will be seamless. Contact Katie Daly’s Ireland today for your customized quote.

Last week, we invited you to discover some of our favorite private home rentals in Ireland– this week we invite you outside as we set up camp underneath the stars … actually we will add glamour to the camp = discover some of our favorite glamping experiences in Ireland.

 

The Hideaway at Dromquinna Manor – Co. Kerry

Welcome to your paradise within paradise – the exclusive Hideaway at Dromquinna Manor. Tucked away in a secluded part of the Dromquinna Manor estate just outside of Kenmare Co. Kerry, this expansive tent offers total seclusion for couples. You are greeted with a private garden and path that leads to your tented home. Soak in the beauty of Kenmare Bay as you sit on your veranda with the sound of lapping waters below. Decorated with an eclectic mix of antiques and native rustic furniture the style is laid back natural elegance. The Hideaway is a proud member of Ireland’s Blue Book Collection.

Dromquinna Manor also offers a wide selection of luxury camping options for couples and families. Their custom made tents were designed specifically for Dromquinna Manor by safari tent experts in India; each tent has its own veranda and deck area and is fully furnished like a luxury hotel bedroom.

 

 

Aran Islands Camping and Glamping – Co. Galway

Aran Islands Camping and Glamping is situated on Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands in the mouth of Galway Bay, and is conveniently located just a short walk away from Kilronan, the main town on Inis Mór. There are 24 specially designed glamping pods, with each one able to accommodate up to four or six people. These Clochán na Carraige, or Clochán’s for short, have a design based on the look of the old beehive shaped stone huts that can still be found on parts of the island and around Ireland. The larger Tigín glamping rooms are inspired by traditional Irish cottages but with a modern twist and can sleep up to six people.  With great views over Frenchman’s Beach and the Atlantic ocean, you are offered all the conveniences of a home away from home, whilst being surrounded by the magnificent natural beauty of Inis Mór. Pet-friendly.

 

 

 

 

Finn Lough – Co. Fermanagh

Tucked away in the private forest of Finn Lough, the transparent domes give you uninterrupted views so you can immerse yourself in nature and sleep beneath the starry skies. These polished, airy and 360-degree glass dome suites, with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screens and tea and coffee-making facilities, mean you can stargaze the night sky on comfy seats or reclining on the four-poster bed. Premium Domes offer more spacious interiors and lots of luxurious extras including a roll top bath overlooking the forest. Each Bubble Dome sleeps two adults. Suites and lakeside villas are also available.

 

 

Glamping Under The Stars – Co. Laois

Glamping Under The Stars is just an hour from Dublin, in lovely Co. Laois. The award-winning, family-owned glamping site now offers two fabulous staycation experiences, ‘Mountain Under The Stars’ (hobbit village), and ‘Meadow Under The Stars’ (for classic glamping), where dreams of campfires, comfort, and adventure all come true.

For classic glamping, the ‘Meadow’ glampsite offers beautiful bell tents, handcrafted wood lodges, and a gorgeous shepherd’s hut.  Acres of landscaped gardens lead on to the wildflower meadow – setting the scene for a fairytale stay. Facilities include kitchen/dining cabin, sun deck, campfire area, and private bathrooms for each accommodation.

The brand new ‘Mountain’ glampsite features six, gorgeous, grass-roofed, ‘hobbit style’ accommodations, each with unique, themed décor. Choose the Beach House, Woodcutter’s House, Music House, Stargazer’s House, Garden House or the Ski Chalet. Each one sleeps a family of up to six, with a private bathroom (some ensuite), garden, picnic bench, and chimnea stove for toasting marshmallows.

 

Ballyvolane House, Co. Cork

Experience luxury while connecting with nature at the country house paradise of Ballyvolane House in Fermoy, Co. Cork. The glamping bell tents and glamping arks are situated in the beautiful gardens at Ballyvolane House and are surrounded by trees, shubs and nature. The bell tents can sleep up to 5 people  (2 adults and up to 3 children) and the glamping arks have double beds (sleeps 2). The glamping units are pitched on raised timber decking platforms and are fully kitted out with futon-style bed bases and fully fitted with linens and lighting. Free Wi-Fi is available in the nearby barns as well as charging points for mobile phones. Luxurious loos and showers are also located in the barns and the fully-heated wash house has towels, full-length mirrors, coat-hooks, and hair-dryers. There is so much to do onsite – all weather tennis court, a 7-a-side soccer pitch, badminton, croquet, table tennis and lovely woodland walks around the estate. Guests are always welcome to come and help feed the pigs and hens and collect the eggs in the mornings.

 

Glamping is certainly a different accommodation experience but one that allows us to reconnect more with nature while affording us some comforts while doing so. Whatever you desire, the team at Katie Daly’s Ireland will be able to book the perfect property for your dream trip to Ireland! Contact us today to discuss your options for a private rental in Ireland.

Ireland awaits you – we have so many accommodation options available from top class hotels to majestic castles or charming B&Bs. One option that is also widely available are private rentals. Over the next few weeks we will be showcasing the different times of rentals available from private homes to castles, country cottages to city apartments and unusual stays such as lighthouses and pods. This week, we want to share some of our favorite private houses to rent in Ireland with you!

Dunowen House, Co Cork – Dunowen House is a luxury 18th-century property on the Wild Atlantic Way, just ten minutes from vibrant Clonakilty town. As the former home of Noel Redding, bass guitarist with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Dunowen House is a truly unique escape. As a private Irish rental property, when you book Dunowen House it is yours exclusively. This makes it perfect for family get-togethers, vacations with friends, bespoke celebrations, intimate weddings and small events. It offers the comforts of a luxury small hotel with the privacy of a historic country estate – there are 6 bedroom suites with the option of renting Orchard Cottage on the grounds which has an additional 3 bedrooms. A music room is dedicated to original rock memorabilia, vintage posters and music magazines, all available for guests enjoyment. For the more active, they can organize sea kayaking, surfing, fishing, horse riding, cycling or hiking adventures, all within five minutes of the doorstep. The secluded Sands Cove at the end of the lane-way is the perfect hideaway for a picnic, to be lulled by the rolling waves, while admiring the ever-changing skies and sea-life.

Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel, Co. Galway – The Hotel rests on the tranquil shores of Lough Inagh, a perfect haven for complete rest, relaxation, and romance! Lough Inagh Lodge is set snugly in the aptly named Recess of Connemara, Co Galway. Though it is by no means a small house, Lough Inagh Lodge is yet dwarfed by the magnificent scale of the landscape. This is a charming country retreat with 13 tastefully appointed rooms, five of them furnished to deluxe standard. Originally a fishing lodge of the Berridge family, Lough Inagh Lodge echoes that tradition in superb menus based on Connemara lamb, fish and seafood, along with other local produce. In addition to excellent fishing, activities include pony-trekking, hill climbing and walking: the hotel provides an excellent guidebook of recommended walks. If golf or sea sports are your pleasure, they are within easy driving distance. Picture a deep quiet valley, a lake at your feet, a mountain behind you, a welcome ahead of you.

Newforge House, Co. Armagh – The house and gardens at Newforge House are available for your exclusive use for that special occasion or family gathering. Exclusive hire of the property includes overnight accommodation and breakfast for 12 guests. Set in an idyllic location, Newforge House is an oasis of calm despite being just 30 minutes from the vibrant city of Belfast. Newforge is tucked away behind trees and cloaked in fields on the edge of the village of Magheralin making it blissfully quiet. Spend a peaceful afternoon exploring the house, grounds and orchards and return to enjoy a sumptuous fine dining experience for just yourself and those nearest and dearest to you. The beautiful orchards provide fruit for their home-made chutneys and preserves, vegetables are home grown and friendly chickens lay eggs for breakfast.

Coopershill, Co Sligo – Nestled in the centre of a 500 acre private estate of mature hardwoods, deer pastures and our own river, privacy at this country house is total. With just 8 luxurious bedrooms, this elegant 18th century country mansion is just perfect for a small family gathering or intimate party. Activities on the property include snooker, tennis and croquet. Guest can also enjoy clay pigeon shooting, golf and spa facilities in the vicinity. There are 8 Bedrooms, suitable for 12-16 people. At Coopershill you can truly leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind you as you relax, rejuvenate and reconnect.

Longueville House, Co. Cork – This stunning 300-year-old listed Georgian Country House hidden in the heart of a 400-acre wooded estate, in the Blackwater Valley is just a half an hour from Cork City. Steeped in history and packed with character, it is privately owner occupied and run as an Exclusive Hire Residence, accommodating groups from two to 30 guests for overnight stays. Ideal for family gatherings, corporate retreats, themed & special interest groups. The estate guarantees privacy and utmost discretion for residents. Behind the secure gates of the estate, guests can enjoy private salmon and Brown Fishing on the River Blackwater, Falconry on the lawn, a range of Cross-Country Hikes, Orchard Tours, Garden Tours, Distillery Tours, Cider Tastings, Dawn Chorus Walks and October Mushroom Hunts.

Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow – Converted from Queen Anne stables in 1798, Rathsallagh is a large comfortable house situated in hundreds of acres of peaceful parkland with a walled garden and surrounded by the magnificent Rathsallagh Golf Club. Just an hour south of Dublin City, Rathsallagh House is available for totally exclusive and private Holiday House rental to ensure privacy and blissful isolation, while at the same time offing a full and discreet service from the team in the background. Capacity for private rental – minimum occupancy of 30 guests in 15 rooms.

There are many options for smaller homes for just a few people or a small family. A great option for many people is a self-catering property at a hotel. It is a great option for families, or people that want more privacy or flexibility all with the amenities of a hotel on their doorstep. Some great options include:

• Adare Manor, Co. Limerick: the 5* self-catering houses can accommodate up to four people in a 2-bedroom Lodge &up to 8 people in a 4-bedroom Lodge. Each Manor Lodge has its own private entrance, air conditioning throughout and each bedroom is ensuite. Guests will also find a kitchenette and dining room, a cosy & comfortable living room.

• Kenmare Bay Hotel, Co. Kerry: Located on the grounds of the Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort, the holiday homes can sleep between six and seven people, making them the ideal choice for groups and families. All the facilities of the hotel are available to you, but you also have the home comforts of an exceptionally well-equipped holiday home. Finished to a 4 star standard, each roomy and attractive 2-storey house has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. For large groups, book adjacent holiday homes: The gardens can be shared for sociable summer evenings.

• Parknasilla Hotel, Co. Kerry: two-bedroom self-catering Courtyard Lodges are a 3-minute stroll from the hotel, that can cater for 4 people that include dining room & kitchen.

• Vienna Woods Hotel, Co. Cork – Just a 10-minute drive from Cork City, the 4-star holiday villas are spacious enough for 8 adults sharing, and with under-floor heating, flat panel televisions and a host of modern appliances.

 

Whether you want the ease of having a home rental with access to hotel facilities or would prefer an idyllic retreat, the team at Katie Daly’s Ireland will be able to book the perfect property for your dream trip to Ireland! Contact us today to discuss your options for a private rental in Ireland.

We are pleased to share the much awaited news that as of July 19, 2021 Ireland is now open for travel to visitors from the United States!

Tourism Ireland recently shared this news with members of the Irish hospitality industry after receiving the guidelines from the Irish Government – full details on the procedures for travel from the US can be found in the details below.

 

For those that are fully vaccinated no travel-related testing or quarantine will be necessary.

For those who do not have valid proof of vaccination, they will need to:

• present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into Ireland
• self-quarantine
• undergo post-arrival testing – this will be provided through the Health Service Executive in Ireland.

 

Ireland will be applying an ‘emergency brake’ mechanism that will be coordinated at EU level to react swiftly to the emergence of a variant of concern or variant of interest. In the event that this ‘emergency brake’ mechanism is applied to US visitors the requirements will change and more detail can be found on the Irish Government website: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/77952-government-advice-on-international-travel/#travelling-to-ireland3

 

Before arriving into Ireland, US visitors will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form – the form will be checked prior to departure to Ireland by the relevant carrier and visitors may be asked to provide the vaccination certificate indicated on their form. On arrival in Ireland, spot checks will be carried out on proof of vaccinations and negative RT-PCR tests as appropriate. Unfortunately, the introduction of these additional checks may cause some disruption to journeys and visitors may experience delays so visitors should give themselves extra time either side of departure and arrival. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ab900-covid-19-passenger-locator-form/

 

Children between the ages of 12 and 17, must have a negative RT-PCR test to travel into Ireland, even with fully vaccinated or recovered adults. Children under 12 do not need to take a RT-PCR test prior to travelling to Ireland. Please check the Irish Government website for the latest information: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3a698-eu-digital-covid-certificate/

 

It is important to note that only those fully vaccinated or with proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 6 months will be able to avail of indoor hospitality during their stay in Ireland. It is anticipated that this will apply from July 26th.  Those staying in hotels can avail of the indoor hospitality options within the hotel.

 

Northern Ireland are operating a system of green, red and amber countries and the measures in place will depend on the countries the visitor is travelling from or passing through. The US is currently on the amber list of countries which means that if visitors are travelling to Northern Ireland, either directly or via another country including Ireland, they must

• provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to three days before departure
• book post-arrival testing
• complete a UK passenger locator form either on arrival, or in the 48 hours before arrival
• self-isolate for 10 days.

You can find further details on the Northern Ireland Government website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice

 

While travel to Ireland has been paused due to Covid-19, our team has been working to make sure that we have the best travel options available when visiting beautiful Ireland!

The tourism industry right across the island of Ireland are very much looking forward to welcoming back visitors from overseas and will ensure they enjoy their visit. The health and safety of all visitors continues to be the priority, and the industry is doing everything to ensure visitors are protected alongside a very warm Irish welcome and a great holiday experience.

Should you have any queries regarding traveling to the island of Ireland, we are here for you and happy to help – we look forward to welcoming you to Ireland!

Covid-19 Travel to Ireland

Update as of May 26, 2021

 

We are pleased to share some good news from Ireland’s hospitality industry as the covid-19 situation is being managed and monitored. While most international travel has not yet received the green light for entry, the island has started the initial steps of its domestic tourism market which is very good news and we hope a step that will keep moving in the right direction. Hotels in Northern Ireland reopened their doors to guests earlier this week and the Republic of Ireland will do the same next week.

In the meantime, please see information below for travelers from the United States and Canada regarding entry to the island of Ireland.

Please note that the Irish Government Advisory against all non-essential international travel into the Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland is still in place, as well as the legal requirement to quarantine for passengers arriving in Ireland.

 

Arrival into the Republic of Ireland

Passengers arriving into Ireland from designated states such as the United States & Canada are required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility, and to pre-pay for their stay. A full list of designated areas can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b4020-travelling-to-ireland-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/#designated-states-mandatory-hotel-quarantine

For passengers arriving into Ireland from non-designated states, the quarantine period of 14 days can be undertaken at the address notified on the passenger locator form, and you must have proof of a negative (‘not detected’) result from an RT-PCR test for COVID-19 taken within the period of 72 hours prior to their arrival in Ireland. You can only end this period of quarantine at home if you get a negative (‘not detected’) RT-PCR test no earlier than 5 days after your arrival in the State. If a negative test result cannot be produced within the period of 72 hours prior to their arrival in Ireland, the traveler will need to complete the 14-day pre-book and pre-pay accommodation requirement.

There are a limited number of exemptions from mandatory quarantine, including a person who is fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine and has the documents to prove that, they must also have adhered to the waiting period pertaining to their vaccination after which they are deemed fully vaccinated.

Even if you are fully vaccinated, you still have to have a negative (‘not detected’) RT-PCR test for COVID-19 taken in the 72 hours before your arrival in Ireland. You must also complete a period of self-quarantine at home or in the place specified in your passenger locator form.

What ‘fully vaccinated’ means

A full course of any one of the following vaccines	Regarded as fully vaccinated after
2 doses of Pfizer-BioNtech Vaccine: BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®)	7 days
2 doses of Moderna Vaccine: CX-024414 (Moderna®)	14 days
2 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine: ChAdOx1-SARS-COV-2 (Vaxzevria® or Covishield)	15 days
1 dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Vaccine: Ad26.COV2-S [recombinant] (Janssen®)	14 days

Additional self-isolation requirements and limited exemptions are set out on the government website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/75d92-covid-19-travel-advice/.

Exemptions:

• International Transport Workers, including workers in aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors are exempt from this requirement where they are travelling in the course of performing their duties.
• Children aged 6 and under are also exempt from the testing requirement, although they are advised to restrict movements for 14 days.
• Patients travelling to Ireland for urgent medical reasons, and that reason is certified by registered medical practitioner or person holding an equivalent qualification outside the State.
• Passengers whose journey originated in Northern Ireland and have not been overseas in the 14-day prior to arrival.
• A member of the Gardaí or Defence Forces personnel travelling to the State in the course of performing his or her duties.
• Essential workers who have written certification issued by a state body under the regulation.
• A person who travels to the State pursuant to an arrest warrant, extradition proceedings or other mandatory legal obligation.
• Travel to perform the function of or provide services to an office holder or elected representative, where such travel to Ireland is required to continue providing such services or performing such functions.
• If a citizen has a genuine humanitarian emergency requiring urgent travel, they should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate immediately for advice and consular assistance before commencing their journey.

Please note that it is a penal offence not to complete the information in the manner specified. It is also an offence to provide false or misleading information on the form.

 

Arrival into the Northern Ireland

Anyone arriving into Ireland to travel on to Northern Ireland who has been in or through a designated State in the previous 14 days is obliged to enter mandatory quarantine in a designated facility and to pre-book it in advance, unless they meet the exemption requirements as outlined by the Department of Health.

Currently, the United States & Canada are both listed on Northern Ireland’s amber list and so if you’re travelling to Northern Ireland from an amber country, either directly or via another country, including British and Irish nationals returning home, you must:

• provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to three days before departure
• book post-arrival testing
• complete a UK passenger locator form 48 hours before departure
• self-isolate for 10 days

Travel within the Common Travel Area (CTA) has been permitted by the Northern Ireland Executive effective May 24, 2021.

The CTA is made up of the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands.

The executive says if you are coming to Northern Ireland from Great Britain and plan to stay for more than 24 hours, you should self-isolate on arrival for 10 days unless you are exempt – although this is not law.

Exemptions in its guidance include:

• Returning home, if you are away from your permanent place of residence
• Working, where you cannot work from home
• Accessing health and social care services or childcare services
• Fulfilling essential caring responsibilities
• Fulfilling a legal obligation, including attending court
• Attending a funeral of a member of your household or close family member

The Republic of Ireland is also part of the CTA, and you can travel across the border.

But advice remains that people arriving in Northern Ireland who have travelled from the Republic of Ireland and are staying for more than 24 hours should self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.

Anyone crossing the border routinely for work or other essential purposes is exempt.

Guidance states that other exemptions include:

• Buying essential goods or services within your local area, where you live in counties that border the Republic of Ireland
• Attending the care and exercise of an animal, or veterinary services, where you live in counties that border the Republic of Ireland

Full information on traveling to Northern Ireland from green, amber or red listed countries can be found here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travelling-within-common-travel-area

 

Please note that the covid-19 travel information is changing daily and we are monitoring this closely. Should you have any queries regarding traveling to the island of Ireland, we are here for you and happy to help. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to the Emerald Isle soon, but in the meantime stay well!

Just a few weeks ago, I along with my colleague Jane Maguire in Ireland, attended the Irish annual tourism trade shows, Meitheal (translates into meeting or coming together in Irish) and Meet the Buyer.

 

Both trade shows, hosted by Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Failte Ireland give overseas buyers/operators the opportunity to meet new suppliers, get updates on new product offerings on the Island of Ireland, connect with tourism Industry partners and most importantly the chance to connect with old friends! Like last year, this year’s shows were also both virtual and the comradery of the industry remains just as strong.

 

These trade shows allow us to connect one-on-one with many of our valued suppliers. When people anticipate planning a trip, there is first question after deciding to go is, ‘where should we stay?”. We at Katie Daly’s Ireland are so proud of our strong and valuable relationships with the vast array of accommodation providers across the Island of Ireland. The updates we received allow us to make sure that the accommodation hand-picked for your trip is the most suitable for your Irish stay and experience. There are so many options to suit the traveler’s preference – from the world-renowned century-old Irish castles, to our downtown and chic city hotels, our friends at B&B Ireland for a home-stay, five star guesthouses to the new boutique country escapes to private exclusive rentals… there is truly something for everyone!

 

It was also great to connect with our transport providers who we work very closely with in developing and crafting the perfect private tour experience for our clients. They too are eager to welcome you and show you the beautiful country.

 

We heard about the new fantastic Irish food experiences and world renowned cooking schools that we are so looking forward to incorporating into our clients’ itineraries, the new and exciting distilleries and the wonderful authentic experiences that connect our clients with the real people of Ireland! More than ever, we all recognize the importance of being able to interact, perhaps while learning something new!

 

It was wonderful to hear the resilience of our Industry, how they have survived the past year and a half and how they will welcome our US Clients #whenthetimeisright to travel and the new procedures in place post-pandemic.

 

At Katie Daly’s Ireland, we realize that for many people a trip to Ireland is one of the most important destinations on their travel bucket list. Perhaps people are tracing their ancestry, or now more than ever have longed to go to, or return to Ireland, for so long. While we all strive to get back to a new normal, there are some great new experiences that we’d like to take this opportunity to share for when the time is right – we look forward to welcoming you to the island of Ireland, hopefully very soon!

 

Here is just a taste of what is on offer:

 

The 5* Crom Castle estate in Co. Fermanagh offers total exclusivity and privacy for a group stay.  Imagine an authentic Downton Abbey Experience with your own butler, housekeeper, cook and staff! Packages completely bespoke and designed around the group’s interests.

 

 

 

Clonalis House is a charming Irish country guest house in Roscommon with all the ingredients for a lazy weekend in the country. The Rooms are homely and stylish with impeccable views, each telling its own story. The four self-catering cottages, tucked away in the courtyard, have been fashioned from the former granary and coach houses, and are country-farmhouse inspired, decorated with a timeless good taste and all the modern comforts.

 

Located on scenic Slea Head in Co. Kerry, visit Dingle Sheepdogs to meet with a local Irish sheepdog farmer who will demonstrate working sheepdog trials. Visit the nearby historic Famine Cottages – dating back to the early 1800’s, the ancestral home of the Kavanagh family remains as it would have appeared during the Irish Potato Famine.

 

Ideally located in the historic and food-loving haven of the picturesque coastal town of Kinsale on the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale Mead is Ireland’s first meadery in almost 200 years! Using a blend of ancient recipes and modern techniques, from ‘Bee to Bottle’, Kate and Denis Dempsey have resurrected a love of Mead through the sustainably made, award-winning meads created at their family run meadery.

 

Situated in the historical Irish town of Bushmills, with bucket-list beaches, attractions and golf courses just a short drive away, lies the boutique Old Bushmills Barn. Dating back to 1745, this Georgian barn was brought back to life in the year 2020 to give the lucky few a truly unique place to stay. Whether you’re a family looking for a cozy coastal getaway or a group of friends looking to celebrate, there are a range of options available for short breaks and full week rentals.

 

As an island, Ireland is certainly renowned for its seafood! At DK Connemara Oysters, see first-hand the oyster farm crew working to grow the oysters. They will show you how to perfectly shuck the oyster & take punt at the weight of the oyster, all before actually tasting the fresh Wild Atlantic Way oyster.

 

 

 

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, an International Dark Sky Park, where astronomy meets archaeology. Near the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, at the foot of the Sperrin mountains, the observatory is at the heart of a rich landscape of substantial archaeological and cultural significance and a history which spans millennia.

 

The unique award-winning Catch and Sea™ food experience at the Causeway Coast Foodie Tours has been exclusively created and offers you the experience of landing freshly caught local fish for your breakfast, straight from the Atlantic Ocean onto your plate! This unique experience features as part of Northern Ireland’s new tourism brand; ‘Embrace A Giant Spirit’… ‘giant experiences of culture, landscapes, our legends, our cities, our coast and our food’.

 

Ballyknocken House, Farm and Cookery School is scenically located just 30 miles south of Dublin City in Co. Wicklow. This charming 4* Victorian style farm guesthouse offers 7 guest bedrooms plus a 3-bedroom Milking Parlour apartment, surrounded by scented kitchen gardens, offering a farm to fork experience. The property is home to celebrity chef and award-winning food writer, Catherine Fulvio, who has been featured on NBC’s Today morning show. The much-loved Ballyknocken Cookery School is a haven for foodies and budding chefs and was voted the winner of the International Cordon D’Or Culinary Academy of the Year.

 

Can you imagine creating a personalized Gin to your own recipe? Get involved in a hands-on experiential class, where you’ll design, distil, taste, bottle and label your very own Gin! At the Skellig Six 18 Distillery & Visitor Experience in Co. Kerry, the visitor experience and distillery is located right on the Ring of Kerry Coastline, where the mountains meet the sea. Skellig Six18, the name of which is inspired by the number of steps to the top of Skellig Michael, produces both craft gin and pot still whiskey at the distillery, and will soon welcome a VIP lounge which will host a viewing deck out on to the Kerry Dark-Sky Reserve.

 

We will be updating you in the next few weeks on the procedures with International travel, as we await new announcements/direction from the Irish Government and the Irish Health officials to ensure a safe and warmest of welcomes. We will keep you posted on what you need to know before you book and go as details become available. We cannot wait to finally welcome you to Ireland soon!

 

Earth Day is one of the largest annual global events that takes place on April 22 each year. On this day, we as global citizens are reminded of our responsibility to our planet – our home – and that in fact, each and every day should be Earth Day.

Our Earth offers us so much, and most of all it allows us the experience to travel and see some of the world’s most beautiful and breath-taking locations, while some sites and locations leave us in awe of their structure and functionality.

When people picture Ireland, they usually see a land filled with many green fields, and while that is true, Ireland is also ‘green’ in many other ways.Ireland has long been a ‘green’ eco-friendly country offering many sustainable, nature-based and culturally responsible travel options.

There are many activities and sites to visit which have been accredited for their responsible tourism practices. While the tourism industry is so vital to Ireland’s economy, Irish citizens and business owners recognize the utmost importance of their responsibility to keep Ireland green and clean, and constantly improve upon their practices.

When visiting Ireland, there are many ways to get around that are eco-friendly; bikes are readily available to rent in many cities and large towns, or if driving rent a bio-diesel car, as well as avail of the many rail transportation options. Many accommodations also strive to ensure their policies are environmentally sustainable, incorporating practices such as growing their own produce and allowing guests to plant trees nearby to the sites. While staying at a family-run farm, guests can see first-hand the farming cycle and traditions such as cutting silage! As an island, there is no shortage of environmentally friendly activities to experience the best of Ireland, from hiking and biking, to kayaking and wind sailing. Along the coastline, perhaps join a seaweed farmer – not only will you learn about seaweed, you can see how to forage it and cook with it too!

In addition to many of these responsible tourism practices, Ireland has been allocated funding of €13 billion Euro from the European Union which is to be distributed between 2021 and 2027 to help with its transition to a low-carbon economy.

The natural beauty of Ireland has attracted tourists from around the globe for so many years, and the goal is to keep Ireland the ‘green’-est it’s been for its citizens, and the neighboring global citizens around our beautiful planet. When the time is right to travel again, we hope to welcome you to discover all of Ireland’s greenery and green practices!

On this first day of April, its wonderful to see the sun shining upon Ireland’s green fields. Ireland may still be restricted by Covid-19 but that doesn’t stop the seasons from coming and the spring season is surely most welcome! The country is alive in a beautiful glow of yellow from the daffodils, a rainbow’s worth of colors among the tulips, and the sun is shining brighter than ever before at this time of the year! Former First Lady Johnson of the United States once remarked, “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Our flowers have certainly bloomed, and so our hope for the future also remains as strong as ever. At this time of year, the people of Ireland will continue to keep Easter traditions as best they can.

Traditional Easter dinners will still be cooked, the Easter bunny will still make his way to every home, and prayers will still be said. Bring a predominately Catholic country, Easter is a huge celebration in Ireland, second to Christmas. Good Friday was traditionally the quietest day of the year as it was the one day that all the pubs and most hotels and attractions were closed, but that has all since changed.

On Easter Sunday, everyone gets dressed in their Sunday best for Mass and the Celebrations begin. Traditional Easter dinner is usually a roast beef or lamb. Always beef in our house as no takers on Irish lamb! Easter Sunday marked the end of lent and as a child, you got to finally eat the stash of chocolate eggs you had saved up from Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles. It was always a competition to see who got the most eggs!

When the time is right to travel again, there are so many historic places of interest that you should consider visiting! And if you happen to be in Ireland over the Easter period next year (fingers crossed), you may want to check out these sites that have a unique Easter connection:

GPO (General Post Office)

In Ireland, Easter Monday is not just the day after Easter Sunday; it’s the day that the Republic of Ireland remembers the 1916 Easter Rising. On Easter Monday 24 April 1916 a group of Irish nationalists proclaimed the establishment of the Irish Republic and staged a rebellion against the British government in Ireland. It is known as the Easter Rising in Ireland and a day that is always honored. During the Easter Rising of 1916 the GPO (General Post Office) in Dublin served as the headquarters of the uprising’s leaders. The GPO still stands today on O’ Connell Street in Dublin and is one of Irelands most famous buildings. The GPO award winning visitor center and museum is an immersive, interactive and engaging experience of modern Irish history from the late 19th century to modern times with emphasis on the 1916 Easter Rising, the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Civil War and the peace process in Northern Ireland. A must for anyone with an interest in Irish history.

Croke Park is a Gaelic games stadium located in Dublin, Ireland and for Easter they have a child friendly stadium tour with a fun Easter egg hunt for the kids after. Croke park or Croker as the local’s call it is Ireland’s largest sporting arena and is the headquarters of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) . The Croke Park Museum is like no other sporting museum you’ll ever visit. It not only celebrates the history of Ireland’s national games, it also vividly brings to life how the GAA has contributed to our cultural, social and sporting heritage.Tours can be booked all year round.

Fairyhouse Easter Festival is one of the most important dates on the Irish racing calendar. It’s not too far from my hometown of Kells, so it was a much-anticipated date for lots of the locals and indeed for me growing up. It didn’t matter if you didn’t attend in person the local pubs were packed and the atmosphere was like being in Fairyhouse. Kicking off on Easter Saturday the festival runs for 3 days and has a mix of live music and entertainment. There is a most stylish lady competition and lots of entertainment for the kids. A great family day.

Causey Farm, located in Co Meath just a few miles from my childhood homeplace is a traditional Irish farm run by the Murtagh family. The farm hosts year round farm and food experiences and traditional Irish cultural and seasonal experiences…..Halloween, Christmas and now Easter which is a wonderful family visit. My sister took her family to the first event in 2019. Her girls Kate and Aoife loved the whole experience of cooking an actual egg “campfire style” that they were given by the Easter bunny – when they visited his house on the hill and then painting it when it was done. Not many can say they have cooked an egg from the Easter bunny. Causey is a great place to visit year-round for small groups and less than an hour from Dublin City.

One of the most iconic and historical places of interest if visiting Ireland over Easter is Kilmainhaim Gaol. Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 and closed its doors in 1924. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848,1867 and 1916 were detained and in some cases executed here. It should not be forgotten however that, as a county gaol, Kilmainham held thousands of ordinary men, women and children. Their crimes ranged from petty offences such as stealing food to more serious crimes such as murder. Convicts from many parts of Ireland were held here for long periods waiting to be transported to Australia. In my opinion, this is one of the best attractions in Dublin City and another must for those interested in Irish history.To guarantee entry, tickets must be booked in advance as they are quite often sold out. For all Katie Daly’s Ireland bookings, we will book the time in advance for all clients.

As always when visiting Ireland there are so many places to visit but when you visit over a holiday you get to feel a sense of connection to the Irish people and you get to experience first-hand their unique traditions.

Wishing you all good health and a very Happy Easter!

One of the greatest romantic legends of Ireland is that of Diarmuid and Grainne. Believed to date back to the 9th century, the ancient Celtic tale of Diarmuid and Gráinne is a true classic Irish love story.

As the story goes, Diarmuid was a mighty warrior of the legendary Fionn Mac Cool. Grainne was one of the most beautiful women in Ireland and also the daughter of the High King Cormac MacAirt. She was renowned for her unparalleled beauty and grace and was pursued by many. Suitors travelled from all over Ireland to woo the young princess but alas no one stole her heart.

She had finally settled on a marriage proposal from the great Chief at the time Fionn Mac Cool who wanted her as his second wife. It was during their great engagement feast Grainne set eyes on Diarmuid and for her it was love at first site. Diarmuid was a loyal warrior who would not betray Fionn so Grainne, legend has it drugged the entire party so she could have Diarmuid all to herself. Diarmuid not wanting to betray his trusted leader Fionn vehemently refused Grainne’s advances.  The young princess would not take no for an answer so she cast a love spell on him to fall in love with her.

The two ran off together and for many years were pursued by an angry Fionn and his men. All across Ireland the eloping couple ran. Legend has it that Diarmuid and Grainne never slept in the same place. Across Ireland, there are dozens – perhaps hundreds! – of so-called “Diarmuid and Grainne beds” – local places where the couple are reputed to have spent a night while on the run. Caves, alcoves, neolithic tombs, bed-like stones – there are many places associated with the couple that you can still visit this day. One such place is Diarmuid and Grainne’s Cave in the Gleniff Horseshoe, tucked under the shadow of Sligo’s iconic landmark, Ben Bulben mountain. Another is Loop Head in Co Clare; it is said that the lover’s leaped onto this rock to escape Fionn’s army.

Fate was eventually to catch up with the lovers and the tragic tale would come to an end. Fionn McCool was so hurt by the Diarmuid’s supposed betrayal of him that he never gave up chase of them. Legend has it that at Sligo’s Ben Bulben mountain, Diarmuid came face to face with an angry (and magical) bull. A prophecy had stated that a boar was the only creature that could harm Diarmuid. The bull was about to attack his pregnant wife Grainne – so Diarmuid in the name of chivalry threw himself in the path of the raging bull and was mortally wounded. It was at this moment that Fionn McCool finally found his former friend and enemy.

Grainne’s plea for help for her dying husband falls on deaf ears. Fionn has the power to heal Diarmuid but is too hurt over the betrayal and refuses to save him. His warriors beg him to help the dying Diarmuid but by the time he chooses to do so it is too late. Tragically in the shadow of the beautiful Ben Bulben mountain, Diarmuid dies in Grainne’s arms.

And so the story goes……..from all of us at Katie Daly’s Ireland, wishing you a very happy St Valentine’s Day……xxxxx