Ireland Isn’t Just a Destination, It’s a Sisterhood
Five moments from our Ladies Only trip that might just inspire yours
I recently returned from a small group trip to Ireland. It started with a phone call from a friend who knew I had changed careers and was turning my lifelong love of world travel into a new career as a travel advisor.
Her first words were, "Let's go to Ireland!"
I've been to Ireland many times. It is one of my happy places. So I was elated, to say the least. Then she added, "Let's invite a few more ladies and make it a women-only trip."
I was all in.
We had a few must-haves: a private driver, a group made up only of us, upscale accommodations, and castles and horses. We picked dates a year out, and I started planning. I knew from experience what first-timers want to see, but this group wanted something a little different. They wanted a few classic stops, like the Cliffs of Moher, and also hidden gems that still feel uninfluenced.
We named it the Ladies Only Trip. We capped it at eight to keep it small and personal. We ended up with six, and it was the perfect size. My friend was the thread who connected us all.
Here are five moments that showed me why this kind of trip is so special:
1. Starting with Horses at the Irish National Stud
Our first full day began where Ireland's love of horses resides. The Irish National Stud in County Kildare is home to champion thoroughbreds, where the breeding of horses is carefully curated, and future thoroughbreds are born. It also has a stunning Japanese Garden that is a peaceful surprise you don't expect to find there.
It was the right way to begin. We checked off one of our must-haves on day one, and six women still getting to know each other suddenly had something to talk about.
The inspiration: A trip should reflect what you love. If horses make your heart race, Ireland will meet you there.
2. Gliding Across the Lakes of Killarney
In Killarney National Park, we traded the road for the water. Our boat carried us across the Lakes of Killarney, surrounded by mountains, woodlands, and small islands. The route begins near Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower house on the shore of Lough Leane.
Along the way, you pass the Meeting of the Waters, where the lakes join, and slip beneath the old stone arches of the Old Weir Bridge. The views keep changing around every bend. After days of being on the move, it was pure peace. No schedule to watch and no traffic to navigate, just the lake and six women saying "look at that" over and over.
Standing on a tiny island in the middle of Lough Leane are the ruins of Innisfallen Monastery and a 1,000+-year-old yew tree.
The inspiration: Some of Ireland's most beautiful places are best seen from the water.
3. Standing at the Edge at the Cliffs of Moher
Yes, it's famous. Yes, it deserves to be. At the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland simply ends, about seven hundred feet above the Atlantic, with the Aran Islands out on the horizon.
Standing there with women who had become friends in less than a week felt different from any time I'd seen it before; it was magical. That night we arrived late to Doolin, where we would be spending the night. The restaurants were packed with tourists; with fingers crossed and a bit of Irish luck, we put our name in at The Ivy Cottage (they do not take reservations and seating ends at 8 PM) and were told it was unlikely they would be able to seat the six of us, but if we were willing to wait and have drinks, they would try. It was so worth the wait! Shortly before eight, we were the last table seated, and the food did not disappoint. And the desserts…
The inspiration: Classic sights are classic for a reason. Seeing them with the right people makes them even more memorable.
4. Finding Stillness on Inis Oírr
This was one of the hidden gems the group asked for. A short ferry took us to Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands. It has stone walls, ancient forts, and neighbors who still speak Irish in daily life.
The quiet there is real. There's no rush and no crowd, only wind, stone, and sea. It resets something in you.
I explored the island by e-bike. While everyone else chose to explore via horse and buggy, I wanted some me-time, and it was well worth it.
The inspiration: Some of Ireland's most meaningful places are the ones most visitors never reach. A good plan gets you there.
5. Galloping Along the Atlantic, Then Wandering a Castle Few Have Seen
Near the end of the trip, our two must-haves came together. In the morning, we rode horses along a wild Atlantic beach, with Clew Bay in front of us and Croagh Patrick rising behind.
In the afternoon, we went inland to Roscommon Castle, the ruins of a 13th-century Norman fortress well away from the tourist trail. We had it nearly to ourselves. Our private driver was also our tour guide, and he captured our adventure with an oration that encapsulated the joy we had established during our trip together
Standing in these castle walls, I felt pure joy with myself and with the people I was with!
The inspiration: Say yes to the thing that scares you a little (like riding horses in the surf is for me), but afterward, feeling accomplished and unafraid. You'll tell the story for the rest of your life.
Your Ireland Story Is Waiting
Six women started this trip connected by one friend. We came home connected to each other. That's what Ireland does: it welcomes you as you are and sends you home a little changed.
You might be dreaming of gathering your girlfriends, joining a small group of like-minded women, or finally taking that solo trip you keep putting off. Whichever it is, Ireland is ready for you, and I'd love to help you get there. Together we can plan a trip that fits your pace, your interests, and your comfort level, with every detail handled so you can simply enjoy it. That's the magic of Ireland: it welcomes you exactly as you are. Together we can shape a trip that fits your pace, your interests, and your comfort level, with every detail handled so you can simply enjoy the experience. When you're ready, I'm here to listen and help you begin.
— Joyce 💚