I recently interviewed Jody of Have Kid Will Travel about her experience with kids at Glendine House in Arthurstown near Wexford.  This property sounds like an amazing option to use as a home-base to explore this breathtaking part of Ireland.

Here’s what she said:

Glendine Country House is a gorgeous, historic Georgian manor. Full of antiques, the interior is like stepping back in time and the atmosphere is inviting and comfortable. We loved the warm welcome from the owner with fresh scones and tea. This is a huge property so there is room for kids to run around outside, as well as a kids play area and animals that they can feed. It is a ferry ride from Waterford with easy access to area sights.

Rates start at 190€ night for a family of 4.  Read the complete family-friendly hotel review on Ciao Bambino.

I am not much of what you’d call a “greenthumb” but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good garden when I see one. So it shouldn’t come as a total shock that this week’s ‘where I’d rather be’ post is Dublin’s Bloom Day.

Actually it’s not one day, it’s five days of blooming beauty ending on Monday. Hosted by Bord Bia, Bloom is taking place this year May 28th – June 1st in the Phoenix Park and is set to attract over 50,000 visitors.

There will be something for everyone with wonderful gardens, floral displays, farmers market, entertainment stages, family fun zone and so much more. Bloom 2009 will feature more than 20 superb show gardens from Ireland’s top horticultural talent. The show gardens will be complemented by a spectacular floral pavilion featuring the best of Irish plants and flowers. Bloom organizers boast of getting to meet with “Ireland’s top celebrity gardeners”.

I’m curious to know what a celebrity gardener is like. I’m not expecting a swarm of paparazzi, but is it the type of person you’d ask an autograph from? Maybe they’ll sign your garden shovel!