In setting sights on the lush green lands of Ireland, travel blogger
Kathy Petrino has several recommendations for visitors to this land of history and lore.
At the Powerscourt House and Gardens, 47 acres within Enniskerry, County Winslow, showcases two championship golf courses, shops, a five-star hotel and a restaurant in addition to the remodeled Powerscourt Estate. Also located on the property -- a 22-room dollhouse and children’s museum as well as the tallest waterfall in Ireland, Powerscourt Waterfall. Petrino notes this place is a hidden treasure among some of the country’s better-known features, such as the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin’s Trinity College, the Cliffs of Moher (receiving almost 1 million visitors per year) and the famous Blarney Stone, kissed annually by hundreds.
Petrino, who enjoys traveling and recommends it highly to all -- including adventures to Ireland -- suggests one of the world’s oldest city markets among a journey to this beautiful country. At Cork’s historic English Market, open since 1788, one can find sauces, spices, cheeses, chocolates, meats and more six days per week. It’s worth a stroll and a taste, says Petrino, when in Ireland. And for that knowledge craving? The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, she insists -- start with a pint at the Duke Pub then actors will guide through the city to the tune of the most famous Irish authors, including James Joyce and Oscar Wilde.