travel souvenirs — part 11

Celtic cross souvenir from Ireland (c) 2020 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Ireland is one of the friendliest and most visually stunning destinations we've ever visited. Claire and I were both struck by its Celtic spirituality. Predating Christianity by centuries, Celtic independence was lost when the land was conquered by Julius Caesar, and Celtic religion was eclipsed by the coming of Christianity.

But signs of Celtic spirituality are still everywhere in Ireland. Our guide took us to see fairy forts in County Clare, and Celtic crosses (such as the one pictured below) can be found throughout the country, a sign that Ireland's native culture still persists.

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copyright (c) 2020 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Celtic cross from County Kerry (c) 2020 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Ireland ... so much more than Dublin

ancient structure in County Clare (c) 2020 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Yes, Dublin is a fantastic city — small and walkable. Make it a point to stay in the center of things to take full advantage. Its three most famous attractions are:

Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Definitely rent the audio tour of the Book of Kells. 

Kilmainham Gaol, the jail where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and executed. I highly recommend pre-booking your tickets for this tour.

Guinness Storehouse, the home of the famous black beer that bears the name of the Guinness family.

Guinness Draught (c) 2020 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

But Ireland is even more fabulous when you venture into the countryside and witness the forty shades of green with your own eyes.

Newgrange, a megalithic tomb built 5000 years ago. Once a year, the rising sun on the winter solstice shines down a long shaft carved into the rock and floods the inner tomb with light.

The Ring of Kerry or the Ring of Dingle — you'll see stone cottages in the shape of beehives, stone fences that were created as a make-work project during the Great Famine in the early 19th century, and gorgeous views of the ocean all the way. 

County Clare has so much to experience from the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren National Park to Celtic artifacts and fairy forts.

stone ruins on the Ring of Dingle (c) 2020 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Whether you want to explore picturesque villages, walk through majestic gardens, play golf, visit historic places, eat in Gastropubs, taste whisky and stout, witness folk dancing, or listen to Irish music, Ireland is a wonderful place to visit ... with perhaps the friendliest, most outgoing people in the world.

copyright (c) 2020 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Gregans Castle | hidden gem in County Clare

Cliffs of Moher — (c) 2014 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

County Clare is one of my favorite places in Ireland, home to the Cliffs of Moher (pictured above) as well as the less well-known Burren National Park. The two most popular five star hotels in County Clare are Dromoland Castle and the Lodge at Doonbeg. You'll enjoy very comfortable stays at either of these, as well as the Virtuoso amenities that you can receive by booking through any Virtuoso travel consultant.

But if you'd prefer to be a bit off the beaten path, I loved Gregans Castle. After a morning tour of the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, we had lunch and a site inspection at this property. Don't be fooled by the four star rating, as Ireland rates its hotels by an arbitrary check list. To be rated five stars, a hotel must have a doorman — which would have been totally out of character for Gregans Castle, a small gem of a boutique hotel. We received a warm personal welcome at the front door by the hotel's Director.

A wonderful 18th century country manor house (not a castle), Gregan's Castle has a restful atmosphere, beautiful views, and a simply wonderful restaurant (our lunch consisted of a pea & parmesan Risotto, followed by an exquisite Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake for dessert). If you can overlook the lack of separate step-in showers (showers are in the tub), everything about the accommodations is great. Each room is unique and designed by the Director's wife, a talented artist. Her sense of color and styling is spot on.

Breakfast is included in the reasonable rates, upgrades are possible, and with a two-night stay my clients receive the Celebrated Perk of a complimentary half-day walking tour of the Burren led by one of the most engaging and colorful tour guides you'll ever meet.

Gregans Castle has warmth, personality, and beauty that is beyond my ability to express in words. If my description engages you, trust me. This is where you want to stay in County Clare!

copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.