Jackie De Burca

Jackie De Burca is is a travel, arts and culture writer. The author of Salvador Dalí at Home, De Burca has spent much of her life in Spain since 2003. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, she is the creator of Travel Inspires: the authentic travel magazine by the people, for the people. She mentors aspiring writers around the world, who have the opportunity to showcase their work on Travel Inspires. De Burca feels an inspirational connection with the land in Spain, while maintaining her deeply rooted attachment to Irish landscapes, soil and of course, the Irish character.

turtles in portugal

Turtles in Portugal

The Portuguese word for Turtle is Tortuga and the Portuguese refer to others from their country as Tortugas.

So far, work on sea turtle biology and conservation by members of the University of Algarve has been conducted both in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Indian Ocean, and in collaboration with local governments and universities.

But past unsustainable coastal development and extensive turtle hunting for meat led to the end of this nesting population.

While there are several turtles endemic to Portugal, there are only two freshwater turtles in Portugal and these include the Mediterranean pond turtle and the European pond terrapin. The other turtles found in Portugal are marine turtles.

Alfama Lisbon skyline

Lisbon Portugal Travel Guide

Lisbon can only really be explained as a full-body experience, from bumping into people while distracted by the quaint cobblestones or the intricately decorated tiles on the sidewalks, in the Alfama district. At least if you’re having a bad day and your head is held low, you’ve got something to hold your attention or a reason to lift it up!

It’s easy to understand why Lisbon is commonly known as the City of Light, as you are surrounded by bold and vibrant colours that sing out to all the people. But the colour doesn’t stop there… the blue from the Tagus river is emphasised by the sun’s rays that escaped and are now dancing on its surface. The terracotta tiles that adorn the roofs generously lend warmth, even on a grim January’s morning.

Nuala O'Connor podcast galway

Top 21st Century Author, Nuala O’Connor, From Dublin To Galway To Paris And More

Nuala O’Connor’s fascinating interview with Jackie De Burca takes you from Dublin to Galway, and then off to Paris and even more places.

This guest’s latest novel has received rave reviews in lots of top publications worldwide. The New York Times review said, NORA is entirely convincing in her raw sensuality, her stubborn determination, her powerful sense of grievance and her inability to stop loving a deeply erratic, wildly manipulative yet enormously talented man.’ 

Galway beautiful villages Renvyle beach

Galway Most Beautiful Towns and Charming Villages

While Galway city is undoubtedly a gem, filled with colour, gorgeous buildings, culture, friendly people and lots of “craic agus ceol”, the county of the same name has much to offer. It would be a shame to travel to the West of Ireland without exploring some of the beautiful towns and charming villages of County Galway. I spent numerous childhood holidays in the West of Ireland. In fact, we had a little cute Irish cottage overlooking Killary Harbour, in Rosroe.

Here are 18 of my suggestions of charming villages and beautiful towns in County Galway for you to visit.

Clifden, Roundstone and Connemara in Ireland

Galway Most Beautiful Places & A Few Local Legends

Galway’s wonderfully wild Connemara coast was the adored location of my childhood family holidays. The contrast with my hometown of Dublin was deliciously different and after a journey into the west, there was nothing I loved more than to hear the sound of the Atlantic waves crashing on the shores of a beautiful, remote white sandy beach.

I can still see myself as a young girl, thrilled at the prospect of a few exciting days filled with adventures and exploration. Running on the sand, spotting whales, meeting horses and lambs, making new friends and playing in the lush purple, yellow and green countryside.

outdoor activites Galway Connemara National Park

6 Amazing Outdoor Experiences In County Galway Ireland

County Galway is a popular destination for people who love the Great Outdoors. Visitors can go mountain biking in the foothills of the Twelve Bens, fish or kayak across Lough Corrib, walk around the Aran Islands, hike and camp in Connemara National Park, and visit the grounds of Kylemore Abbey.
The Twelve Bens is a beautiful mountain range found in Connemara National Park. For centuries, sailors have used it as a landmark when returning to Ireland across the Atlantic. Today it is a Special Area of Conservation.

Peniche sunset silver Coast Portugal

Silver Coast Portugal Travel Inspirations

Spectacular, yet super authentic, Peniche is well known for its freshly caught seafood. As Peniche is a working fishing town, it has a charming, gritty feeling about it. Head to the port and eat a reasonably priced, delicious seafood meal. During Salazar’s regime, political prisoners were detained at the seaside fort, so this is a must-see for those of you with an interest in history.

For lovers of watersports, the beach in the east of the town is where you can find all sorts of rentals and lessons. Lying 5.7 miles away from the port of Peniche, are the beautiful Ilhas Berlengas (Berlengas Islands), which were declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011. Consolaçao, south of Peniche also deserves a visit, a stunning situation where you can enjoy miles of magnificent golden sand beaches.

live music Galway best music pubs

Live Music in Galway? Here Are Galway’s Best Music Pubs

Part and parcel of a trip to Galway is definitely seeing some live music in a great Galway bar. If you spend time in Galway without checking out at least one of Galway’s best live music pubs, be sure not to tell anybody!! It is almost something to be ashamed of ….

Galway is my favourite city in Ireland, and that says a lot as I’m from Dublin. Galway is an amazing place to experience traditional Irish music, in a fun, friendly atmosphere. The 2020 European Capital of Culture has no shortage of fantastic live music venues. By the way these Galway live music bars have not been listed in any special preference. Also we are also compiling the Galway Gig Guide here for you.

Things To Do In Galway

15 Things To Do In Galway Ireland For Fun & Memories

Even the Irish themselves make their way to Galway if they want to have an especially good time!!

Located on the west coast of the Atlantic, Galway city blends the best of Ireland’s traditions and ambience. With its rich culture, history, craic agus ceoil (Irish style fun and music), Galway is the kind of city that could easily seduce you with its charms luring you to stay at least for a few days. And why not with plenty to see and do, and an incredible atmosphere right by the Atlantic sea?

HERE ARE OUR CHOICE OF 15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN GALWAY WHEN YOU HIT THIS GREAT IRISH CITY LOOKING FOR A GOOD TIME, BUT HOPING TO LEAVE A BIT MORE ENRICHED AS WELL!!