The City of Drumshanbo and the surrounding County Leitrim area, is a beautiful conversion of what…read moreuse to be Ireland's coal mining area. Today there are many lakes now used for water sports and the nearby Carrick on Shannon is a major Stags & Hens destination. My extended family has lived in this area for centuries and it was fun visiting, "where it all began, so to speak".

One of those spots you just happen to see. Unique...great story and history. If you're in Carrick…read moreon Shannon, take 10 minutes for a visit.

Took a bus from Galway to Tuam. It dropped me off right beside this gorgeous church. I spent about…read morean hour as there were no other tourists and mass had finished a while before I got there. It really was worth the trip. Tuam is part of my ancestors home and looks like a great village to visit longer next time, maybe a few days.

The Boyle Abbey (Mainistir na Búille) is one of the most well preserved, early monastic ruins and…read moreis part of the National Irish Historical Registry. Boyle Abbey was part of the early Church's' effort at reform, by introducing the Cistercian monastic order from France. The early Cistercians found life difficult in Connacht and after several failed attempts, settled at Boyle in 1161. The Abbey was believed to be consecrated in 1218. The cloister did survive, just barely after two defilements, first by the Elizabethans in 1592 and then later, by Oliver Cromwell Model Army's sieged of 1645. If you want more information, see: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/boyleabbey/ The grounds are well kept and are easy to walk. At the entrance there is a printed map showing what was believed to be the early structures. Expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring the ruins. By the way, if you do not have an OPW Card, the admission Fees are €4 for Adults, €3 for Seniors, €2 for Students and Children. Again, I would highly recommend buying an OPW Card for €40 for Adults and €30 for Seniors. It's a bargain. See: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/info/heritagecards/

Lovely church and a beautiful graveyard. Worth a stop if you are a Yeats fan…read more There is a large parking lot if you are driving. We stopped by late on a Tuesday and there were two tour buses. So if you come on a weekend or peak tourist season, the place may be swamped. Yeats' grave is directly left of the church entrance.

The Story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Mother Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the…read moreEvangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous Apparition, Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognised Marian Shrine. Years back, my old friend Jay and I visited Knock. In fact, I still have a small vial of holy water as a souvenir (along with some holy dirt from El Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico). And why does this Jewish lad keep these religious rabbits' feet at the ready? To quote the old "Give Him Chicken Soup" Joke: Vell, it vouldn't hurt!

Beautiful. I hadn't known much about the miracle at Knock before coming here (I was familiar with…read moreLourdes, however). Even if you're not religious, it's nice to stroll among the grounds- very spread out between restrooms, a museum, and the old church. I had a question about a beautiful painting I had seen towards the far right back of the church, but it took a little over 2 weeks to get a response back. There's a nice little cafe across the street, where we shared vegetable soup and good conversation with a sister.