Find My Ireland

12/08/2026

A theme I return to again and again in talks, posts, presentations and chats is the incredible interweaving of landscape, language, history, folklore and community that is so visible and accessible here in the Northwest. A leisurely ramble in Sligo brought me to Knocknashee, in Irish, Cnoc (hill) na (of) Sidhe ( the fairy folk / supernatural world) - so before we even approach it, the Gaelic language has revealed its association with an element of the magical. The trail is well marked and obviously well looked after ~ and wooden sculptures of a regal looking chair, a bean Sí and a hare enhance the sense of the mythical ( I don’t know who created these, or if they reference a more specific story- let me know if they do). There are, on the way, various sheep and cattle- and I was fascinated by the pied beauty of both - especially two sheep, who had astonishing markings on their faces- almost calavera style- just added to the otherworldly feel. At the top of the hill are the remains of two Neolithic monuments, and recent archeological work suggests late bronze-age settlements as early as 1000 BC. And the views, my friends- impossible to do justice with a camera, the sweep of the Sligo countryside is just breathtaking. I was alone on the hill, not another soul but myself to enjoy it all, and incredible as this particular site is, you will find similar places to explore all across the entire Island. You can follow up your ramble with a trail through the Irish folklore archive, and find the songs and stories associated with these places. You can paint or photograph them, use them to inspire your own creativity. Or just breathe the fresh air, watch the magnificent clouds coming in from the Atlantic, and be part of an ancient, enduring community. Get your boots on and get up that hill!

11/08/2026

29/07/2026

It's just over one month until our Foodie Trip begins, and we can't wait to share in Ireland's expansive cuisine with our friends from Madison College , College of DuPage , and everyone coming through our Find My Ireland trips! It's such a joy to try delicious meals from all ends of the spectrum.

We'll be combining it with an exploration of how it gets from the farm to the table as we visit local farms, bakeries, and more!

There's a few spots left, so check out our FindMyIreland.com page if you need a tasty getaway!

20/07/2026

Ireland has been making cheese for a very, very long time.
Some of the earliest written references to cheesemaking on the island date back over a thousand years, when monasteries and farming communities were already producing cheese from the rich milk of grass-fed cows.
Fast forward to today, and Ireland is home to an incredible community of artisan cheesemakers. From creamy blues and rich cheddars to soft goat's cheeses, many are still made on small family farms where the quality of the milk comes first.
Perhaps that's the real secret behind Irish cheese. It all starts in the fields. A mild climate, plenty of rain, and lush green grass create ideal conditions for dairy farming, and you can taste the difference.

We'll be exploring plenty of Ireland's food stories on our Foodie trip this September. Drop us a message to learn more about the experiences we have planned.

19/07/2026

If you've ever had Irish strawberries in July, you've probably noticed one thing—they're incredibly sweet.
So what's the secret?
It isn't endless sunshine (this is Ireland, after all!). It's the long summer days. During June and July, strawberries enjoy up to 17 hours of daylight, but the cooler temperatures mean they ripen more slowly than in hotter climates.
That extra time helps the fruit develop its flavour naturally, giving Irish strawberries their sweetness while keeping the fresh, slightly tangy taste that makes them so good.
Strawberry season is one of our favourite times of year. It would be rude not to stop at a farm shop! Farm Shop

14/07/2026

If you’re travelling through northwest Donegal, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself stopping for a photo of Errigal.
Its shape is unmistakable, and depending on the weather, it can look completely different from one hour to the next.

The Irish name, An Earagail, is thought to come from the Old Irish airecal, meaning “oratory” or “place of prayer”. While the exact origin of the name isn’t certain, it’s easy to imagine why this mountain has inspired people for centuries.

For many, Errigal has become the symbol of Donegal. It’s the mountain you’ll find on postcards, paintings, and camera rolls, but no photograph quite captures what it’s like to stand beneath it.

02/06/2026

Maybe it's something you have always meant to do.
Spend a week in Ireland, hear the language, meet good people, and feel a real connection to the place.

If it feels like your kind of thing, we're happy to chat!