Making history your story
In thinking of atmospheric places abroad to write about for this month’s review, I immediately thought about the Rock of Cashel in Ireland, which we visited in the summer of 2019. While we may not currently be able to travel to Ireland without a quarantine, hopefully regular trips can resume by summer of 2021. If you are thinking about planning a trip to Ireland, the Rock of Cashel should be on your list! read my new review today!
Right now, we can’t travel to Italy due to the coronavirus pandemic but we can still dream of upcoming trips to Italy! One of the places that is on almost everyone’s must-see list when visiting Italy is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We visited the tower and the little town of Pisa with our kids, and I encourage you to visit, either in person or virtually! Read my new post today about planning a trip to Pisa with your family.
The sinking of the Titanic happened 108 years ago today, in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. While you may be familiar with the ship’s first port of call in Southampton or its destination of New York City, a little known fact is that the Titanic’s last port of call in Europe, before it set out to its watery grave, was in Ireland. While we were in Ireland this past summer, we visited the Titanic Experience in Cobh, one of several museums focused on the tragedy worldwide. While you currently can't visit Cobh due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several online resources to help your children learn more about the Titanic disaster. Check out my new post today to learn more about Cobh and the other ways to learn about this fascinating event from history!
As parents who are suddenly homeschooling our kids, we are lucky that we can take advantage of the vast online resources that are now available. I am keeping track of online history virtual tours, lesson plans, and activities on my blog and will update as I find more. Read my new post today to find links to the many historical resources online!
If you are planning a trip to Dublin, one of the coolest new museums to see is the Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC). It opened in 2016 in a reclaimed 19th century warehouse near the docklands, just east of Dublin’s city center. On the banks of the River Liffey, it tells the unique story of the 10 million Irish citizens who immigrated to other countries and what impact they had on those countries. Not many countries can boast about their cultural influence like Ireland! This museum is a must-see attraction while visiting Dublin, particularly if you have any Irish ancestors!
With all of the Brexit talk in the news lately, it’s a good time to highlight a little known but fascinating place to visit with your family - the European Union (EU) Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. Even if Parliament is not in session, this is a great place to take your kids to better understand European history. If you have plans to visit Brussels, your kids will be fascinated with a visit to the capital of the EU. Read my new review today!
At the start of a new year, we often like to read about inspiring places. One of the most inspirational and peaceful historical sites that I have visited is Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site in Ireland dating back to the 6th century. I first visited the site as a college student on a study abroad program and I remembered its beautiful crosses and mystical feeling. While planning our family trip to Ireland in 2019, I wanted to revisit Clonmacnoise but wasn’t sure if it would be kid-friendly. I was happily surprised that my children enjoyed our visit to the site and were fascinated by its storied history. Read my new review today and learn why this site is a must-see during any trip to Ireland.
A fun, interactive museum to visit while in Dublin is Dublinia, where your kids can experience what life was like on the Emerald Isle during Viking and Medieval times. From walking down a Viking street to participating in a Medieval fair’s games, this museum immerses kids and adults in Dublin’s past. It’s a must-see attraction for families visiting Dublin!
Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, is located within Rome, Italy. A trip to Rome is not complete without visiting the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica and marveling at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. Read my new review today!!!
One of the best places to take your kids in Dublin is the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology. The treasures displayed by this free museum are interesting and educational, and some are so eye-popping that your kids won’t ever forget it!
Read my new review today!
