RACHEL GAFFNEY'S REAL IRELAND

RACHEL GAFFNEY'S REAL IRELAND An Irish Lifestyle Company, bringing the 'Real Ireland to Life'. Columnist & Bespoke Irish Travel.
(1)

Kilronan Castle ~ Co RoscommonJust 2 hours from Dublin Airport and under an hour from , is surrounded by 50 acres and ...
12/05/2025

Kilronan Castle ~ Co Roscommon

Just 2 hours from Dublin Airport and under an hour from , is surrounded by 50 acres and was originally called Castle Tenison, named after the family who built it in 1803.
The Douglas Hyde Restaurant is named after Ireland’s first President (1938-45) who was from County Roscommon.
Kilronan Castle is a 4star property and a property worthy of your attention.

12/03/2025

This might give you an insight into my school days!! (Always a little mischievous !)

Cooking Classes with Ireland’s leading chef are a truly special occasion. I have attended quite a few around the country but Neven’s always stand out. For several reasons.
1. The location~ the cookery school annexes
2. The Staff ~ Each and Every member of the staff have that Irish Hospitality and warmth.
3. Detail ~ The attention to detail is everywhere. From the handbook they give you with recipes, to your cooking set up. When we sat down, someone was on hand to make your coffee to order snd nothing was too much for them.
4. Neven ~ Not forgetting the man himself, Neven. The person you see on tv is the person you get. Kind, warm and a good teacher.
MacNean House & Restaurant is located in the village of Blacklion, County Cavan. It is said that there is a lake for every day of the year~ 365 lakes. It is a spectacular county filled with walking trails, lakes and outdoor adventure.

Powerscourt Estate, Co Wicklow
11/30/2025

Powerscourt Estate, Co Wicklow

11/28/2025

THE REAL IRELAND GUIDE BOOK
One Question At A Time

Ask Me About Ireland

11/22/2025

Found this today in the grocery store
from Limerick, Ireland.
The 4 flavors we are going to taste test are:
1. Irish Whiskey
2. Brown Butter
3. Irish Coffee
4. Chocolate Salted Caramel
Made from full fat Irish cream from grass fed cows.

SHADOWS OVER LOFTUS HALLCounty WexfordLast month I was visiting Wexford and perched along the wild Hook Peninsula is Lo...
10/31/2025

SHADOWS OVER LOFTUS HALL
County Wexford

Last month I was visiting Wexford and perched along the wild Hook Peninsula is Loftus Hall, said to be The Most Haunted House’ in Ireland. I knew the tales of this eery property but dared not go further than this spot where I took this footage from.

Its legend dates back to the 18th century, when a dark stranger arrived and formed a connection with the daughter of the house, Anne.

A few days later, when the family played a card game, Anne dropped her card and bent to pick it up, she saw the stranger had cloven hooves.
The stranger vanished in a flash of fire when his true identity was revealed.

Afterward, Anne was said to have gone mad. Her family locked her away in a secluded room at the top of the house, known as the Tapestry Room where she eventually died.

Through the years, the Hall’s ghostly reputation only grew, strange footsteps, slamming doors, and sightings of a mysterious woman wandering the grand staircase. Said to be the ghost of Lady Anne Tottenham.
In 2014, the TV series aired their paranormal investigation from Loftus Hall capturing unexplained voices and cold spots in the hallways.

THE DUCK TERRACE RESTAURANT & CAFE AT MARLFIELD HOUSE, CO WEXFORDI spend about four months each year traveling across Ir...
10/23/2025

THE DUCK TERRACE RESTAURANT & CAFE AT MARLFIELD HOUSE, CO WEXFORD

I spend about four months each year traveling across Ireland, staying in hotels, driving the routes ahead of my clients and dining out. Not every property earns a place on my recommended list, but on this particular evening, September 27th, I was lucky enough to be taken for a birthday dinner by my friend and this property truly impressed me.

In Gorey, County Wexford, Marlfield House Hotel & The Duck Restaurant certainly captures that rare combination of warmth, heritage, style and high standards.
Once the property’s potting sheds and coach house, now The Duck Terrace & Restaurant, these beautifully restored stone buildings open onto a sandstone terrace overlooking a kitchen garden brimming with herbs, soft fruits and roses.
I loved how The Duck Terrace and Restaurant is seamlessly woven into the hotel's historic fabric (rather than the many modern appendages I see, sadly added on to other historic properties)

I did not spend the night (I will return) but as I walked the hotel, every detail was impeccable and the staff’s professionalism was evident. It’s not difficult to see why it’s a Relais & Châteaux property. Their standards are high.

Properties like this remind me why I travel the way I do, to find the Ireland that still takes your breath away.

DUBLIN CASTLE
10/08/2025

DUBLIN CASTLE

COUMEENOLE BEACH ~ DI**LE PENINSULAWhen driving the Slea Head Drive along The Di**le Peninsula you are asked to travel c...
08/25/2025

COUMEENOLE BEACH ~ DI**LE PENINSULA

When driving the Slea Head Drive along The Di**le Peninsula you are asked to travel clockwise in order to avoid meeting tour buses. The roads are extremely narrow. You really need a few days to allow time to stop at all the beautiful spots along the way.
On this particular day we stopped and parked at the iconic Coumeenole Beach.
It’s not difficult to see why Director, David Lean, deliberately chose the Di**le Peninsula for the movie ‘Ryan’s Daughter’
It is breathtaking, rugged, wild and dramatic with the Atlantic Ocean waves rolling and crashing below.
Please be aware, the currents here are notoriously dangerous, so it is not for swimming (even though some people disregard this warning)
There is also a short walking trail out to Dunmore Head.

SUMMER HOLIDAY MOMENTS
08/24/2025

SUMMER HOLIDAY MOMENTS

GOODBYE IRELANDIt’s been a great couple of weeks and we have had lovely weather. Hardly had any need for a raincoat. Goi...
08/21/2025

GOODBYE IRELAND

It’s been a great couple of weeks and we have had lovely weather. Hardly had any need for a raincoat. Going back with new ideas, a few new properties, new Irish products I just love, some ladies steering their own ships and making some waves (more on that later) one or two pub recommendations in Di**le and more travel tips. All to help you enjoy your journey a little bit more. Thank You Ireland, you never fail to impress me. Back again in 6 weeks! Got my goals from

I love this photograph for so many reasons. Eyeries is a village, located along the Beara Peninsula in West Cork. I have...
08/02/2025

I love this photograph for so many reasons. Eyeries is a village, located along the Beara Peninsula in West Cork. I have a few favorite places in Ireland and this Peninsula is one of those places. When I came across this particular photograph captured by I knew I had to ask him if I could share it here. I love how he captures the vibrancy of this colorful village, but what I really love and appreciate is how he captures the Irish weather. As your eyes pan out, notice the mist coming in from the sea and the clouds begin to blanket the mountains in the distance. Yes, when you go to Ireland, you may get blue skies and sunshine, but this, this photograph captures the reality of regular Irish weather. Without this weather, this mist, this rain, this moisture, there would be no green fields, no vibrant wildflower meadows and no lush foliage. I can almost feel how soft my skin is when I am there. Thanks I love how you captured this little part of Ireland.

Address

Dallas, TX
75287

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when RACHEL GAFFNEY'S REAL IRELAND posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to RACHEL GAFFNEY'S REAL IRELAND:

Shortcuts

Share

Category