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Female staff member at Vagabond Tours of Ireland
Amy

Amy Rankin is Marketing Director at Vagabond Tours. She co-founded the small-group tour operator in 2002 with her husband, Rob Rankin. Following extensive travels through Europe, Asia and Africa, Amy now calls Ireland home. She is well-versed in Irish traditions, culture and life on the emerald isle.

Blog Articles

A child decorating her christmas tree in her living room

Christmas in Ireland: A Guide to Traditions, Markets, Food And More

9th December 2025
With her mouth half-full of mince pie, cranberry sauce expert, Amy, explains the Christmas traditions in Ireland celebrated each December CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND At A Glance ๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿป Christmas In Ireland Is Widely Celebrated ๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ Irish People Do Some Surprising Things On Christmas Day โ›„ It Rarely Snows In Ireland At Christmas ๐ŸŽ„ Spectacular Christmas Markets Around The Country ๐Ÿฆƒ Irish People Eat Alot Of Food At Christmas (Not Just Christmas Dinner) ๐ŸŽถ In A Nutshell, Ireland Is TheBest Place To Celebrate Christmas
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Master craftsman Sean Daly working on his crystal piece in his workshop

Irish Craft Shops - Watch Authentic Craftsmen At Work

29th October 2025
Experience the joy of genuine Irish handmade products. Pottery, crystal or woollens; your VagaGuide will point you in the right direction. Vagabond Co-founder Amy introduces you to some of her favourites. Best Crafts In Ireland At A Glance ๐Ÿ’Ž Dingle Crystal with Sean Daly ๐Ÿงถ Eddie Doherty's Handweaving, Donegal ๐ŸŒพ Traditional Roof Thatching
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Farmer/tour guide leaning on a gate at Jerpoint in Kilkenny

Funny Irish Phrases & Sayings

7th May 2025
What's the craic, horsebox? Fit in with the locals. Understand Irish culture. Suspend the logical side of your brain. Irish nonsense expert, Amy, breaks down slang in Ireland with these funny Irish phrases. Funny Irish Phrases At A Glance ๐ŸŽ‰ Just What Is The Craic? ๐Ÿ‘‹ 3 Ways To Say Say Hello ๐Ÿ™Š When Words Escape You ๐Ÿคฃ Slag (And Be Slagged) ๐Ÿซ… How To Avoid Having Notions
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A man driving a tractor covered in Irish flags on a beach with an Irish wig and glasses on

Quirky Irish Saint Patrick's Day Parades

13th March 2025
Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland, Vagabond-style. Be amazed by these off the beaten track parades in quaint Irish villages. We ๐Ÿ’š St Patty's day! ๐ŸŽ‰ Biggest Parade: Dublin ๐Ÿฅฑ Earliest Parade: Dingle โ˜˜๏ธ Most Accurate: Slemish ๐Ÿฅพ Most Energetic: Westport โฒ๏ธ Shortest Parade: Dripsey ๐Ÿ–๏ธ Beach Parade: The Hook ๐Ÿ”Š Noisiest Parade: Achill Island ๐Ÿž๏ธ Most Off The Beaten Track Parade: Ardara
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A plate of Christmas mince pies surrounded by pine cones, holly and a Christmas decorated coffee

What Foods Do Irish People Eat For Christmas?

2nd December 2024
Mince pie expert Amy explains what foods Irish people eat at Christmas time. And yes, we really do leave beer for Santa! Christmas Food In Ireland At A Glance ๐Ÿฆƒ Christmas Dinner Is A Serious Affair In Ireland ๐Ÿ’ช Stamina Is Required ๐Ÿฅ‚ Irish People Imbibe A Variety Of Christmas Drinks ๐Ÿฐ We Always Leave Room For Dessert ๐ŸŽ… ...And Interesting Things For Santa
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Parade performers taking part in the Dublin St. Patrick's Day parade in front of crowds

Top 7 Irish Festivals 2025

6th September 2023
Ireland โ€” where the music is hoppin' and the craic is mighty. It's no wonder we host some of the best festivals in the world!
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