Clients On the Go: Family Roots in Ireland
With a fun, genealogical twist to their journey, the Jones family came back from Ireland singing the praises of all they encountered on the Emerald Isle. . .
The Jones family with their Irish cousin, Enda. They’re al descendants of Patrick Lambe, who was a shopkeeper in 19th-century Borrisokane. They met on a customized exploration of Ireland. All photos courtesy of Michael Jones.
We absolutely love receiving feedback and photos from clients, and the Jones family gave us just that in spades after their recent multigenerational journey to Ireland to discover their ancestral roots. Along with time in Dublin, the family headed out west to County Tipperary, Galway, and more.
We worked with our on-the-ground partners at Celebrated Experiences to craft a bespoke itinerary for the Jones family, ensuring that they were welcomed with all the best local guides, and Michael’s feedback tells us that they delivered!
With a great mix of family fun, taking in some of Ireland’s most iconic sites, and personalized genealogy touring, we were so glad to hear all that the Jones family had to report back to us!
Let’s take a look at their day-by-day itinerary. . .
Day 1
Dublin Arrival
On arrival in Dublin, the family was privately transferred to their Dublin city center hotel, The Morgan. The rest of the day was theirs to settle in and enjoy some time exploring Dublin at their own pace after their long-haul flights. We loved this photo of them on day one, looking fresh as daisies after their travels on the Ha’penny Bridge over the River Liffey.
Accommodations: The Morgan Hotel
Day 2
Dublin Explorations
The family set off this morning for a walking tour of Dublin with a local guide, Grace, who Michael tells us was “prompt, pleasant, beautifully informed, and very child friendly.”
The Joneses visited many of Dublin’s best highlights, mostly along the “Golden Kilometer,” passing by the former Houses of Parliament, the pedestrianized Grafton Street, Powerscourt Townhouse, City Hall, the courtyards and gardens of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library, the medieval city walls, the Old City & Temple Bar West, Fishamble Street, and Christ Church Cathedral (Ireland’s oldest church).
They also visited Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Because the Joneses were traveling with their young grandson, Baxley, Grace actually entertained Baxley with a children’s activity while the adults went in to take their time on the Book of Kells exhibit.
Their tour ended at the Guinness Storehouse, where they went in to tour on their own, including the World of Guinness exhibition and a visit to the iconic Gravity Bar for the best views over Dublin.
Accommodations: The Morgan Hotel
Day 3
Rock of Cashel & Kildare
Setting off from Dublin with their private driver-guide, Caroline, the family first stopped at the Rock of Cashel, the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster prior to the Norman Invasion and one of Ireland’s most important historical sites. The 13th-century cathedral is built in a cruciform plan with no central aisle but rather a large central tower, and the building is surrounded by an extensive graveyard.
They also visited nearby Kildare, dating from the 5th century when it was home to the “Church of the Oak” and abbey founded by Saint Brigid. Sites of interest here include the 13th-century Norman Kildare Cathedral, the Curragh Racecourse for thoroughbred racing, and one of five Irish round towers to be found in County Kildare.
Michael had been to County Tipperary before, and he had some suggestions for their day of touring, all of which driver-guide Caroline was more than happy to accommodate on the fly. Such is the benefit of an experienced, unflappable guide! Caroline also included a surprise stop in Moneygall, where there was a nice exhibit recognizing how many American presidents had Irish roots. The most prominently featured was Barack Obama, whose Irish roots are there!
Upon arrival at Lissanisky House, the house manager, Ian, was waiting to welcome and assist with check-in. The family then had time to settle in before a beautiful Irish dinner at the house.
Accommodations: Lissanisky House
Client Feedback: Lissanisky House
We wanted to take a special moment to include Michael’s specific glowing feedback about their stay at Lissanisky House, a lovely Georgian country house which the family rented for their exclusive use.
Here’s what Michael had to say. . .
“I want to praise you for finding the Lissanisky House for us. It was, as promised, grand but not stiff, a perfect place for our group to relax mid-tour, and the dinner service was wonderful both evenings. The owner, Ian, was quite charming, and after welcoming us, he disappeared, telling us the house was ours for the duration. He, his wife, and two sons live on the third floor, and we heard not a sound from them.
A very nice serendipity was that [Ian’s] older son was near [our grandson’s] age, and the boys played together outside until they were called in for dinner. And the cook deserves special mention. . . She is a Slovakian woman of much friendliness and skill who caters the meals. . . She and our daughter, Anne, became special friends immediately.”
The Jones Family in Borrisokane at the historic Catholic Church where Michael's great-grandparents were married in 1868, two weeks before leaving for the US and a life in the Arkansas Delta.
Day 4
Searching for Family Roots
On this day, the Jones family set off on a totally customized day to suit their own genealogical pursuits. Michael had been to the area before, so he helped to steer Caroline and the day to share his treasured family history with his children and grandchildren.
First, they made a brief stop at Templemore, and then they drove to Borrisokane, where they were able to make contact with a distant cousin of Michael’s, Enda, who keeps an active business on the high street just doors down from where their mutual ancestor had a shop from the 1830s to the 1850s. Incredible!
They drove on another seven miles or so to Lorrha, where in the shadow of a 12th-century ruin of St. Ruidan’s church is a graveyard where Michael and Enda’s mutual ancestor is buried along with other relatives.
At the cemetery, when Michael located the marker for his great-great-grandfather, their guide, Caroline, turned to him and said, “You really are the real deal, aren’t you?”
Their day concluded with a stop at a small, charming village on the shores of Lough Derg called Terryglass, where there are several good restaurants and a nice marina for those who sail on the lake. They returned to Lissanisky House for another delectable dinner.
Accommodations: Lissanisky House
Day 5
Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
For their final day with Caroline, the group set off for Galway with touring en-route. They explored the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the world’s highest sea cliffs with awe-inspiring views along the Atlantic Coast. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara, as well as the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry.
The family toured the Cliffs Exhibition, which is an architectural feat in and of itself, having been built into a hill so as not to spoil the views.
Afterwards, they headed to the Burren National Park, simply called “The Burren” by most, to enjoy a walk through its vast, moonlike limestone plateaus. This is a place rich in biodiversity, with all the major habitats of the region along with a fascinating botanical offering.
Of course, there was also time for a stop at a pub in Doolin, where the family loved this saying that was hanging on the wall. . .
Upon arrival at The Galmont in Galway, it was hugs all around as they bid farewell to Caroline after a wonderful few days together.
Accommodations: The Galmont Hotel
Day 6
Galway Celebrations
Today was a very special day: Michael and his wife Patti’s 50th wedding anniversary!
The family set off in the morning on a food tour of Galway with their local guide, Claire. Michael referred to Claire as “chic, witty, child tolerant, and fun.” Claire even went above and beyond and offered a couple of the family members a “hangover aid” after “Galway got them” the evening before. The family loved the variety of food and drink on offer during their private tour—not surprising given Galway is one of Ireland’s most important gourmet cities!
Given what a special occasion tonight was, the concierge at The Galmont pulled out all the stops and got them the upstairs dining room at Kai, a local restaurant we know, love, and recommend time and time again at Poe Travel. The food, Michael says, was “fabulous” and the owner was thrilled to know that Kai had been recommended by Poe Travel to cap off such an incredible trip.
After their celebratory dinner, it was back to the Galmont to rest up before their flights home the next afternoon.
Accommodations: The Galmont Hotel
If you would like to Go Away to Ireland with a completely bespoke itinerary, contact us. We will discuss your travel wishes and create the journey you’ve been dreaming of.