Where the Road Led Us
When I landed in Ireland this past May, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was my first time there, and while part of me went for work (scouting for a future group trip), I also knew I needed a trip that would slow me down. I’d been going non-stop since the beginning of the year and was on the verge of an epic toddler tantrum. I wanted days that would unfold gently, without rush – instead of a caffeine-fueled sprint from sunup to sundown. Thankfully, Ireland gave me exactly that.
We started in Howth, walking the cliffs with the sea on one side and the village on the other. I couldn’t have imagined a better way to work out the transatlantic flight kinks. That first night, we stayed at Clontarf Castle, where we were promptly greeted by a fox in the parking lot. While it wasn’t exactly an official castle mascot, it made for the perfect first impression. The hotel itself was warm, storied, and had the most comfortable beds. I knew right then that Ireland had me.
The next morning, we picked up my son and daughter-in-law and wandered west across the country. We paused to feel the history (and the crows) settle around us at Clonmacnoise, then finally got our first (of many) pints at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. In Galway, I picked up a Claddagh ring at Thomas Dillon’s – the original makers since 1750. (Definitely my favorite souvenir.) We had an early dinner and then watched the evening come alive with music drifting through the Latin Quarter. It felt like a never-ending party.
Some moments were just… sigh – like standing at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, feeling small in the best way. Others were quiet but have stayed with me even longer. A hike through Killarney National Forest, where the view was worth the sheer uphill climb (and the side stitch). A slow drive through Waterville, the sky shifting from blue to pink to silver. Tasting whiskey at the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, where Redbreast has now become my husband’s new persona. (okay…this may not have been a quiet moment)
We stayed in places that felt like part of the journey, not just somewhere to sleep for the night. In Dublin, we walked through cathedral shadows, found hidden gardens, and ended the trip with an amazing dinner that felt like a gentle exhale after a full, beautiful week.
It wasn’t a caffeine-fueled whirlwind (though coffee was definitely involved).
It was unhurried. Full of reconnection and meaning.
And it reminded me why I believe so deeply in this kind of travel.
Looking Ahead: The Journey I’m Inviting You Into
As we made our way around Ireland, I kept thinking: Okay! This is what I want others to experience.
Not just the views (though they’re breathtaking), but the feeling. The pace. The way time softens & bends when you’re in the right place with the right people.
That’s what shaped the guided group trip that Cindy and I are planning for June 2026.
This isn’t a tour with early alarms and packed schedules. It’s a journey for travelers who want to go a bit deeper. Who love wandering down a quiet street, listening to local stories, tasting what’s been crafted with care, and connecting with the land and the people who call it home.
We’ll still see incredible things—castle ruins, coastal drives, falconry flights, and hopefully a fuzzy sheep or two. But there will be room, too. Room for slow breakfasts. For spontaneous walks. For conversations that weren’t planned but stay with you long after the trip ends. Maybe even room to make a few lifelong friends along the way.
We’ll stay in places that invite you to settle in, not just pass through.
And we’ll travel in a way that lets us feel Ireland – not just see it.
If Ireland’s Been Calling
Maybe this is the time.
Not to do everything, but to experience something true.
📅 June 12–20, 2026
Start: Shannon / End: Dublin
Lodging, activities, transportation, and an incredible Irish-based driver (who knows loads of stories and groan-worthy dad jokes) are included.
(Flights and airport transfers are separate.)
If your heart feels a little tug reading this, we’d love for you to come along.
We’re opening spots to our waitlist first but registration will open to the public on July 8th. You can find all the details on the Guided Group tab of our website.
Please note that this is a small group tour so availability is limited.
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