Feeling Lucky in Ireland
It might be hard to find a country more gorgeous than the Emerald Isle!
Its beauty ran through its vibrant patchwork of green in every shade imaginable on the rolling hillsides stretching as far as the eye could see. You could see the beauty spread before you in the smiles of the locals who exhibited genuine kindness and hospitality. Its beauty was in the depth and richness of its national beverage – Guinness – and the stew that incorporates its complex flavors that was truly life changing (try it and you know why I rave about it!). Its beauty has its roots in thousands of years of history that are embedded in the walls and foundations of its hundreds of castles and cathedrals that dot the island. Ireland has so much beauty, to write it on paper will never do it justice, but I hope that sharing my experience here will allow others to appreciate a small dose of it!
My week in Ireland was a bit of a whirlwind after some unexpected travel delays, wrapping my head around driving on the other side of the car AND on the other side of the road all while trying to make the most efficient itinerary knowing just how much there is to see in one country. Below, I hope to convey just how much Ireland is capable of offering in such a short amount of time!
The Irish Countryside: Counties Kilkenny and Cork
Kilkenny – Touching down in the Emerald Isle, I was ecstatic to get to my first destination – a fascinating town south of Dublin called Kilkenny. The crown jewel of this medieval establishment is appropriately an iconic and exquisitely preserved castle right off the main drag of High Street in the city center. Kilkenny Castle and its manicured grounds form one of the most remarkable locations in Ireland, and for a small fee, visitors can roam the interior of the castle for exhibits highlighting the history of the town. After soaking in centuries of Kilkenny lore, make your way to the Kyteler’s Inn, on the pedestrian only St. Kierans, for a pint where the Irish have quenched their thirst since 1324! Rumor has it that the Kyteler’s Inn first owner was a convicted witch who escaped Ireland before being executed in her home country. Despite its spooky story, it is one of the oldest and most renowned inns and pubs in Ireland, and should surely not be missed.
Cork – Cork will hold a special place in my travel heart as it was my favorite larger city I visited during my time in Ireland. Cork was an ideal mix of cosmopolitan due to its large university and youthful vibe, and yet historically and architecturally stunning, creating a perfect blend for any traveler to Ireland. Cork is also the launching point for some of Ireland’s best day trips whether it be Waterford (famous for its crystal), the maritime town of Kinsale, or three of my most memorable Irish excursions that I wanted to touch on in more detail below:
Blarney Castle – When you visit Ireland, of course you want to bring back some souvenirs whether that be spirits, shamrocks or crystal – but how about bringing back the gift of gab? If you are traveling to Ireland, it is a must to stop by a famous stone by the name of Blarney and give it a kiss, ensuring you will go home more eloquent and well spoken than when you came to the Emerald Isle! Just outside of Cork, suspended over the mythical park in the town of Blarney, is a slab of limestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle where you can climb spiraling staircases to the very top to hang upside down and briefly give it a smooch. While some might say to skip such a tourist trap, the grounds around Blarney Castle are a wonder themselves, with miles of paths to stroll through the sprouting wildflowers and rustling trees. It was here were I was able to truly appreciate the colors and tranquility of this gorgeous country and where getting lost along bubbling creeks and meandering among the jade hued grasses to admire the Blarney House was as much a part of the adventure as honoring the time held traditions like kissing this (in)famous stone!
Midleton – Ireland is synonymous with two drinks, both equally important in the hearts of the Irish – Guinness and whiskey. East of Cork’s city center is the town of Midleton, best known as the site that Irish’s most famous name in whiskey, Jameson, is produced. Since 1780, Jameson has been produced in Midleton, and visitors are able to have a behind the scenes tour of the hallowed grounds where this famous beverage has been distilled for hundreds of years. This tour from a whiskey expert grants visitors access to rare areas across the grounds where the history and distillation process unfolds from the whiskey pots that hold thousands of gallons of liquid gold to the charred oak barrels that lend the whiskey its famous taste, allowing those fortunate enough to embrace an important part of of the foundation of Irish culture. Don’t forget – you get a certificate of expertise at the completion of the tour to show off your new found passion as a whiskey connoisseur all while sipping on your complimentary Irish cocktail featuring the wonderful whiskey you just saw produced!
Cobh – Cork lies in close proximity to the sea, and one of Ireland’s hidden gems is just a short drive from the city and was one of the most pleasant locations I visited in the country – Cobh (pronounced “cove”). Cobh boasts the most impressive church, Cathedral of St. Colman, that I witnessed in Ireland, and a view of the city center that could rival any in the nation. Cobh was delightful, quaint and clean, but also intriguing in part to its place in the fateful history of the most famous ship in the world. Cobh, known as Queensland until 1920, was the very last port where passengers boarded the MS Titanic before its doomed voyage across the Atlantic. It is eerie standing in the spot where over 100 people would embark on a journey that would not bring them back to the beautiful town. Despite its haunting history, Cobh is worth the drive from Cork to admire a city that is very quintessentially Irish.
Castles on Castles on Castles
Perhaps my favorite aspect of Ireland was the fact that it is home to over 1,000 castles in all shapes, sizes, and levels of ruin, but each unique and striking in its own regard. To be able to drive down the road and see a castle off of your next exit was unbelievable AND to be able to explore them up close and personal made this vacation feel as if it was straight out of a fairy tale and I was seeing my childhood dream come to life! Below are a few of my favorites I stumbled upon:
Rock of Cashel – In County Tipperary exists one of the most impressive structures in all of Ireland: The Rock of Cashel. Driving down the road in the lush countryside and looking across the landscape to see an imposing tower looking as if it grew straight from the ground centuries before and is casually overseeing the land beneath it was one of my initial encounters in Ireland – and an impressive first impression it was! The Rock of Cashel, also known as the Cashel of the Kings, is an outstanding monument that is remarkably preserved for its age, with a view that is unparalleled from its perch on a steep hill. To add to the atmosphere – there is a large cemetery surrounding the castle where headstones from the 12th and 13th century lie, marking the spot of some of Ireland’s oldest ancestors.
Ross Castle – Nestled next to Killarney Lake is the stately Ross Castle, one of Killarney National Park’s greatest treasures. Unassuming visitors to Killarney bypass it on their way to the Ring of Kerry (which is a marvel to behold in itself), leaving an empty castle to venture through which will surely become one of your best photo opportunities during your stay in Ireland! Less than a kilometer off of the main road, it is a sight that should not be missed due to its excellent preservation and convenience to some of Ireland’s most popular attractions! You will feel as if you stepped onto a Game of Thrones set as you can get very up close and personal with this amazing edifice.
Tidy Towns
Ireland is chock full of towns that are so charming that they earn the moniker of “tidy town”, and although I am not the expert on how they receive this honor, I had the pleasure of visiting some of my favorite tidy towns:
Galway – One of Ireland’s largest cities also was one of my favorite stops along my journey through this beautiful country. On the western shore, Galway is nicknamed the most “Irish city in Ireland” – bursting with cozy pubs, customary Celtic food, and traditional music being played on the streets, you will feel like you are enveloped by the Irish spirit the minute you enter Galway. This harbor city truly promotes the best that Ireland has to offer, granting it the distinction of being a European Capital of Culture, from its spectacular cathedral to its lively Latin Quarter and bustling Quay Street.
Adare – On the road to Limerick lies a town that looks as if Shakespeare could appear from around the corner working on his next masterpiece. Adare is home to a row of thatch-roofed houses that are a protected national gem and perhaps the most photogenic and intriguing buildings in the entire nation. I can truly say I have never seen anything like these captivating homes, making this tidy town one that should not be missed simply to see these thatched abodes. Adare is also the site of a large manor that is superbly restored where you can live out a fantasy of living in a storybook by securing an overnight stay at the Adare Manor.
Dublin
No trip to Ireland is complete without visiting the capital of Dublin! I did not get to spend nearly enough time in this amazing city, but to have the opportunity to briefly see some of its landmarks made for a memorable ending to a trip of a lifetime! From Trinity College – so ancient and classic that it looks like Harry Potter himself once studied there to Temple Bar where Dublin’s nightlife pulses with energy, Dublin is brimming with sights to see. Make a stop at the Guinness Storehouse and spend the day learning about Ireland’s most beloved beverage and learn how to pour the perfect pint yourself! End your day on the Ha’Penny Bridge where the magic of Dublin can be felt as the sun dips below the River Liffey and the Spire of Dublin illuminates as a beacon, drawing visitors from around the world to relish in the offerings of this astounding city.
Bucket List Item Alert: The Cliffs of Moher
In 2010, before I started my collegiate journey, I made a bucket list devoted to traveling. This list consists of places around the entire globe that had drawn my attention through years of research. Instantly, I was in awe of one particular location in western Ireland: sheer cliffs that rose hundreds of feet out of the Atlantic Ocean where you could walk right up to the edge and peer into the churning waters. I made a promise to myself that one day I would travel across the pond from America and witness this truly remarkable marvel for myself. In February 2017, I am lucky enough that I can officially say I fulfilled that promise – and I am unable to fully put into words how incredible the experience was.
You truly have to witness it first hand in order to hear the tune of the faint accordion as it drifts along with the wind and the residual rise of the mist from waves slapping the rocks five hundred feet below the sweeping emerald grass so green it looks as if a painter brushed it on canvas minutes prior to it meeting your eyes. You have to bear witness to the rain thundering down on the sloping walkway built directly into the hillside as it leads you to O’Brien’s Tower and a mesmerizing panoramic view of miles of cliff-line as it fades into the fog. Ireland is a country of so many astonishing natural wonders, and the Cliffs of Moher was easily the most impressive sight during my time there. To say that the Cliffs were the highlight of my trip would be an understatement, as it is a place that I will never forget as long as I live!
When I first booked my trip, I was a little hesitant that doing a self driving tour of the country was not the best choice. No one ever wants to be stuck in a car for longer than they need to, and while every hot spot in Ireland is definitely within driving distance from one another, I didn’t want to look back on my trip and find that all I saw of the country was through a car window. In hindsight, my fears were 100% mistaken, as I found that my favorite moments of the trip came from the fact that I was able to see more than I could have imagined because I had the freedom in my own vehicle. If you see a sign for a castle off of the next highway exit, you can go! If you see a microbrewery calling your name or a tantalizing ice cream shop that catches your eye as you are meandering through a town that wasn’t on your list, you can go! If you want to take the “road less traveled” that winds through the countryside where the sheep population exceeds that of the humans, you can go! I looked forward to the idea of getting lost and in the midst of finding your way back, stumbling upon hidden treasures that are so abundant in Ireland, you could spend hours ambling through rural riches before getting back to the main road. While the unknown is always a little intimidating, you will be thankful if you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone, especially in a country as friendly as Ireland!
A week in one country will never afford enough time to explore all that the location has to offer, and Ireland is no exception. One small island has so much to uncover and although I did not see nearly everything on my list, it simply means that I have more excuses to come back and enjoy many more trips in the future. I hope this collection helps to inspire a trip to this incredible country to enjoy its beauty – from its coastline to castles – you won’t regret it!
Sláinte!
