RACHEL GAFFNEY'S REAL IRELAND

02/01/2025

The Dairy Yard

After walking around the grounds of in County Wicklow, The Dairy Yard is perfect for a coffee & scone. Lunch too, of course!

01/31/2025

GALLARUS ORATORY

We had just spent a lovely afternoon at the beach. Wine Strand to be more specific. Naturally, I went swimming that afternoon and as we drove back to the town of Di**le, with my hair still wet and tangled from the salty Atlantic seawater, sand in my shoes and a sun kissed face, I knew we were near the famous Gallus Oratory and I just had to stop. I was on my summer holiday and I did not care what I looked like, simply because I was feeling great !

Built around the 7th or 8th century this Oratory resembles an inverted boat. It is the best preserved ancient church in Ireland. This is the only perfect example of a number of small corbel-built Oratories on a rectangular plan. There are 2 openings, the western doorway and the eastern window. The location is spectacular, overlooking the Smerwick harbor and the Atlantic Ocean where I had just spent a glorious afternoon.
Remarkably, the Irish have been building structures such as these, without mortar and able to withstand storms for 1,000 years.

The late Peter Harbison, Irish author & archaeologist, believed that this structure may have been used as temporary housing for pilgrims arriving for visits to holy sites nearby.
‘Gall Aras’ is the Irish name for The House of shelter.

If you are planning to visit Di**le and the Di**le Peninsula, may I suggest you stop here for a visit. It is only a 15 minute drive from Di**le town. **le **lepeninsula

01/26/2025

STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!

No matter the weather, I keep my swimsuit and towel with me at all times when traveling around Ireland.
There are so many spectacular swimming spots around the island of Ireland. Beaches that go on for miles, small coves, piers to jump from and then there are the white sandy beaches in Connemara to experience.
Occasionally, one or two clients will listen to my suggestion to stop and take the plunge. It can be a quick walk in and out or if like me, you simply run and dive in and stay in for at least 10 minutes or more, you are guaranteed to feel invigorated and alive for the rest of the day. Some people tell me “I can’t do it”. You can. You may not want to do it but that is different to not being able to do it !!! I can think of quite a few people who have taken the plunge with me and I know they loved how they felt later. Not least because you tried something different and stepped out of your comfort zone.
Have you done this? If so, where? Would you be open to trying this when you visit?
Go on…, You can do it !

01/22/2025

THE BEARA PENINSULA

The Beara Peninsula is such a beautiful part of the country, located on the South West coast of Ireland. It is one of my favorite parts of the country with it’s unspoiled landscape. Be sure to think about visiting and spending time here.

01/18/2025

I recall when speed dating first appeared on the scene in the late 1990's. A social event, where people met other people in a structured and timed setting, with hopes of meeting that special someone, a romantic partner. The timer begins and then after 4 or 5 minutes, one person moves on and the other remains. So, if you have ever visited my Instagram page, heard me speak on one of my many videos or podcasts, you will have heard me cry these words... "Please, stop speed dating with Ireland" Click below for the full story!

I recall when speed dating first appeared on the scene in the late 1990's. A social event, where people met other people in a structured and timed setting, with hopes of meeting that special someone, a romantic partner. ...

01/10/2025

How can we help here in Texas?
We can donate for sure, but with so many people without homes, how can we help?

01/10/2025

MY LITTLE HOUSE ON MY PRAIRIE

Growing up in Cork, Ireland during the 1970’s, ‘The Little House On The Prairie’ was one of my favorite tv shows. I longed to live the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder !
Of course, as an 8 or 9 year old girl, I wanted to carry a pail to school, run through the fields and go to the Olson’s General Store.
I remember how one building served as both the Church and Schoolhouse in Walnut Grove. It’s funny what images remain firmly imprinted in our memories. This tv show, was of course based on the books, The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. She wrote about her life on the American Frontier, traveling with her Pioneer family to Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota and Dakota Territory, namely the Mid West.
This was not only a long way for this little girl from Cork but was set in another era, but oh how I wanted to visit Walnut Grove.
When I moved into this neighborhood in North Dallas in 2002 and took my first walk, it is no surprise that I immediately fell in love with what I call ‘My Little House On My Prairie’
I walk this trail to feel connected, to feel inspired, to feel relaxed and I always feel part of something.
look after this little church and it’s historic 5 acre nature preserve. Hard to believe, this oasis is in the center of the city of Dallas. This Prairie Gothic style church and Indian Springs, a source of pure water for travelers on the Shawnee Trail is (thankfully) protected by the Texas Historical Commission
I walked the grounds today, as snow lay on the ground. Nearby, children built snowmen and shrieked as they threw snowballs at each other. This church served as both the church and school over 100 years ago.
And now, today, the little girl from Cork was stood, staring at this wondrous and idyllic piece of Texas history, and is, oh so happy to be at The Little House On The Prairie.

01/06/2025

So many wonderful memories from Ireland in 2024.
Looking forward to my return visit in April this year.

12/20/2024

A property I love in Connemara is Renvyle House Hotel & Resort Step back in time and relax. The hospitality here is FIRST CLASS. You ,the guest are ALWAYS Number 1. I do not say this lightly as, nowadays, there are so many beautiful and luxurious hotels, but not all offer genuine and exceptional Irish Hospitality. I think I should start listing these properties next year. Remember all that glitters is not gold but Renvyle House Hotel & Resort is pure gold.

12/19/2024

The Slea Head Drive along the Di**le Peninsula in this month’s Georgina Campbell's ireland-guide.com
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12/18/2024

THE SLEA HEAD DRIVE
My article for this month’s

“This year, I spent 12 weeks visiting, touring and experiencing parts known and unknown in Ireland. Some places have the ability to draw me back repeatedly and The Di**le Peninsula is one such place”

Link to article in bio

12/14/2024

Claddagh Tree Decoration $20
From Newbridge Silver

This silver plated Claddagh Christmas tree decoration from Newbridge Silverware is a unique and meaningful ornament that showcases the rich symbolism of Irish culture. Inspired by the iconic Claddagh ring, a symbol of love, loyalty and friendship, this fabulous decoration captures the essence of the...

12/14/2024

Santa In Sleigh $25
From Newbridge Silver

Celebrate the magic and anticipation of Christmas with this spectacular silver plated tree decoration from Newbridge Silverware. With its three-dimensional design of Santa on his sleigh making his way across the globe, this decoration is certain to make the younger members of the household smile as...

12/14/2024

Limited Edition Tree Ornament from
Newbridge Silver $28
https://rachelgaffneys.com/shop/ols/products/angel-christmas-ornament

12/13/2024

FROM NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE

If you are interested, let me know below in the comments section and I will send you a link.
1. 14K Gold Plated Pendant With Charms. Adjustable Chain. Length 21” $60
2. 14K Gold Plated Pendant With Lapis Lazuli Charm. Length 17.5” $60
3. 14K Gold Plated Locket With Sun Moon & Stars. Length of chain 18” plus 2” extension chain. $60
4. 14K Gold Plated Star Pendant With Clear Stones. Length of chain 17 1/2” $60

11/01/2024

GLIN CASTLE
When staying at there are so many delights and surprises around every corner.
Gardens to sit in.
Gardens to enjoy. Corners to sit in. Gates to walk through. Doors to open. Glin Castle is located in the village of Glin, Co Limerick overlooking the Shannon Estuary.

10/17/2024

Bantry House & Gardens, West Cork
The West Wing of The House.

10/15/2024

Waste not, Want not.
I thought this was a wonderful way to repurpose an old car in Killimer, County Clare.