RACHEL GAFFNEY'S REAL IRELAND

10/10/2026

“I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could”

Here in Texas this is more than a catchy slogan. It’s a little declaration of love for a place that has a way of getting under your skin. Texas has always attracted people with a sense of adventure, a willingness to work and a belief that you can build something extraordinary if you have the courage to try.

30 years ago, I arrived in Texas. Somewhere along the way a place I moved to became a place I belong.

09/19/2026

Over the next three months, I’ll be making some changes within my business, taking a step back, reassessing how I do things, and creating a way of working that feels more aligned with where I am now.

Some things may look a little different around here, and I’m excited to share the journey as it unfolds.

09/12/2026

09/11/2026

Today, my group and I visited the very moving 9/11 Garden Of Remembrance outside Kinsale, County Cork.
It was moving and painful.
Sobs could be heard amongst the trees.
People held each other.
We met a lovely lady, from New York who was looking for the tree and photograph of her beloved friend, who lost his life.
And so, together we all walked silently through the tree groves searching for Jeffrey M. Palazzo’s tree and photograph.
He was only 33 years old. He left behind a wife and 2 small children.
We walked silently through the trees in search of his tree. Then we heard a voice above everyone else’s exclaiming she had found him.
Together we gathered around this tree and prayed the Our Father, holding hands and shedding tears. We learned about Jeff and how he had been in the US Coast Guard and was a new firefighter when he sacrificed himself 25 years ago.

09/10/2026

Kenmare Stone Circle
Kenmare, County Kerry

05/15/2026

One Of My Favorite Beaches
Duneen Beach, County Cork