Welcome to the Emerald Isle! It is a land of captivating landscapes, enchanting architecture, delicious food, rich history, and warm hospitality. As an American, driving on the left side of the road was a test of bravery and very challenging for me and my friend. It was a short, but sweet trip through each city that left me wanting more and I did not want to leave. Here are a few of the highlights of our trip.
Our adventure begins in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. It is a cosmopolitan city where the past and present seamlessly blend. We wander the streets and marvel at the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was said to have been built circa 1220-1259 AD upon top of an ancient well that was used by Saint Patrick himself. We were feeling a wee hungry and wanted to try the vinegar malt fish and chips at the famous Leo Burdogk. It is Dublin’s oldest chipper. The perfectly battered cod created a symphony of crunch and succulence. We also went into the old St. James Church transformed into a whiskey distillery called Pearse Lyons Distillery where you can buy some spirits or Holy Whiskey as I call it. Our night ended at the lively Devitt’s of Camden Street. It is a local pub that has nightly live music and mouthwatering cuisine. The aromas and flavors of the Irish Stew and Guinness sourdough bread became an irresistible culinary delight.
The next day we take off to the picturesque village of Doolin, nestled on the rugged west coast. We saw sheep and cows scattered on the hillsides while navigating the narrow roads. After our journey, we checked into a lovely B&B called Riverside cottage. Our gracious host, Ann, was extremely helpful with fun activities in the town. As the day ended, we found ourselves in a cozy pub, savoring pints of beer and cider and immersing ourselves in the melodies of traditional Irish music. The next day the magnificent Cliffs of Moher were beckoning us. So, despite the chilly winds we eagerly hiked to the breathtaking views of the cliffs and crashing waves. It was well worth the long, beautiful hike up.
Nature’s masterpiece unfolds before our eyes as we arrive in Killarney. The lush greenery of Killarney National Park invites us for a tour. We contacted Killarney Guided Walks and met our lovely guide, Richard. Richard grew up in Killarney and was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna in the area. He showed us wild garlic and mints plants. Richard also took us to see the wild deer and the beautiful hillsides that surround the lakes. We were amazed at the stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. Richard is a great storyteller, and he will regale you with tales of local history. While in the park, we met the friendly owner of Murphy’s Pub, Sean Murphy. He invited us to his pub in Killarney. Murphy’s is a popular pub with live music that serves traditional Irish food and drinks. We had the best time enjoying the energetic atmosphere and the tasty cuisine.
We ventured further west to Galway, a beautiful city bursting with color and vibrant energy. The charming art adorning the buildings adds an artistic touch to the streets. Our guide showed us the famous Long Walk, made immortal in Ed Sheeran’s music video, “Galway Girl.” We also learned about the significance of the Claddagh ring and the city’s maritime heritage. The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship. This city is home to many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Spanish Arch, St Nicholas Church, and the Galway Cathedral. We had the honor to worship at this Cathedral. It was a very special experience for us. Another stop we made was to the Latin Quarter. It called to us with its lively music and bustling shops. We admired the beauty of some of the shops with colorful flowers adorning the doors. They reflected Galway’s radiant spirit.
Our final destination takes us to Waterford, where centuries-old craftsmanship and Viking history intertwine. Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. This city was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. We visited some of the historic sites, such as Reginald’s tower, Christ Church Cathedral, and Waterford Crystal. We marveled at the exquisite crystal creations on display and extravagant price tags. We ended our day at a local whiskey distillery and rounded out our explorations of Irish libations.
Our adventures through Doolin, Killarney, Galway and Waterford were nothing short of extraordinary. From the magnificent Cliffs of Moher to the lively pubs brimming with music and laughter, Ireland has captured our hearts and stomachs. Its stunning landscapes, rich history, friendly people, and delicious food make it a bucket list destination and one to experience. We are ready to go back and explore the rest of this beautiful country. It is my hope that you pack your sense of adventure and take off on your own Irish journey. You will not be disappointed!
If you have any questions on my trip, please feel free to reach out.
