Driving on the opposite facet of the highway on slender, windy streets with three foot excessive stone fences on one facet and sheer cliffs on the opposite, will make you depend your blessings and in addition blurt out truths in a panic. However in truth it is the very best option to see Eire. We landed in Dublin, Eire with the concept of staying close to the massive metropolis and taking day journeys by bus. However once we met up with pals and so they informed us of epic adventures driving across the countryside and attending to tour cities not on the primary drag and pet child sheep alongside the best way, I knew we wanted to take the leap and lease a automobile. I’ll break down our one week Eire itinerary and hope this can provide help to plan your journey.
After a couple of days in pretty Dublin we hit the highway to discover Eire’s castles, countryside, and see a number of the greenest surroundings I’ve ever seen. A highway journey is one of the best ways to expertise the rolling inexperienced hills of Eire!
Now, I do know you is perhaps pondering that you simply’re terrified to drive on the mistaken, err, left facet of the highway. And imagine me it IS scary. However when you notice that it is similar to you usually would drive, simply switched, you may get the hold of it fairly rapidly. I might extremely advocate having: 1. a copilot to be careful for passing cattle, vehicles, and when it’s essential make a flip, and a pair of. a navigation system. We used our telephones and I navigated whereas my husband, Michael drove. I reminded him about each 5 minutes to remain on the left and the way turning left means staying on the left whereas turning proper means it’s essential swing vast. Oh and three. snacks. You want snacks after all. We lived on lunches within the automobile of Irish soda bread (a hearty cake like bread) with cheese, sandwich meat, and loads of nuts and chips. Or because the Irish would say, “crisps.” Since chips are fries.
Okay, sufficient about driving, let’s get into per week lengthy journey information in Eire. I believe that is the right size of time to essentially get to see most of southern Eire. We concentrated our efforts within the south and did not spend an excessive amount of time within the center. When you do have additional time I like to recommend heading to Northern Eire, notably Large’s Causeway and Belfast. However since we had one week, here is what we did:
Per week is a extremely great period of time to see Eire. Even thought it is a small nation, there’s actually a lot to see and do. Most guests spend a couple of days in Dublin after which concentrate on simply the north or south of Eire. The south is the most well-liked with spots just like the Ring of Kerry, the famed Blarney Stone, and Cork. However there’s tons that you simply’d miss should you simply noticed the most well-liked spots!
So let’s get into it, the right week in Eire.
Day 1: Land in Dublin
We landed late in Dublin and stayed in a beautiful AirBnb. Shockingly, inns and AirBnbs had been costlier right here than I used to be anticipating (we could not discover a place for lower than $120 an evening.) This was the selection for stays all through the journey. Oh, and if you have not but, here is my code for $35 off your subsequent keep!
Day 2: Dublin
We began the break day proper by exploring round Dublin: walked St. Stephen’s Inexperienced, took the Trinity Faculty Tour, and did the Guinness brewery tour. To see my full publish on Dublin take a look at 10 Issues You Should Do in Dublin.
Day 3: Dublin
We hiked to a close-by city, frolicked within the pubs, and even noticed some Celtic music and dancing. We additionally argued over the right way to pronounce Celtic. Is it “kel-tic” or “sell-tic”? This is the factor, Boston celtics- proper (promote wins) however conventional Celtic dancing is Kel-tic. The jury remains to be out.
Do not forget to examine my full information to Dublin right here.
Day 4: Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, Blarney, and Kinsale
We threw warning to the wind and determined to lease a automobile. Sure it was terrifying. Sure, I assumed for certain we would hit one thing. Sure, I assumed we would get run off the highway. However really, it is one of the best ways to see the countryside. Michael and I had plans of simply staying round Dublin, however after our pals drove round we knew we needed to see what Eire had in retailer. It was a number of the prettiest countryside I’ve ever seen, with a lot to see and do. Michael and I actually packed it in as a result of we did not wish to miss a factor. So know that this itinerary is jam packed.
Kilkenny Fort
Costume discovered right here.
We drove south and headed to Kilkenny, a small historic city well-known for its fort and the “medieval mile”. This lengthy stretch of highway is stuffed with historical past together with historic church buildings, historic buildings, and naturally the beautiful fort. Once I consider Irish castles, I consider the darkish, grey stone, sitting on lush greens. Kilkenny Fort embodies that. You possibly can take a tour of the fort, then stroll to see the traditional buildings from the times of yore. I do not say days of yore in on a regular basis life nevertheless it felt Irish to me, so I went with it.
Be certain that to take a look at St. Canice Cathedral– however you may have to enter by means of the facet. The entrance is just for the three B’s: brides, bishops, and burials. You possibly can climb the 140 steps as much as get an excellent view of Kilkenny.
Since we had been restricted on time, we made strikes and headed subsequent to Rock of Cashel. We did not have a lot time, so we parked and headed straight for the placing fort.
Because the seat of many kings, this 12 century tower sits atop a limestone rock. You possibly can take a free tour as soon as inside and in addition see a fantastic view of the countryside.
Subsequent, we hit the tiny, cobblestone highway and went to Blarney to see the fort, kiss the stone and see the gorgeous gardens. We arrived an hour and 20 minutes earlier than closing and had been informed that, “you solely have time to run up and kiss the stone and are available down” however since there was NO LINE we had been capable of stroll across the gardens as effectively. (You may like: How you can Keep away from traces and other people whereas touring)
That is the spot the place you may kiss the Blarney Stone.
Whereas the stone was cool and a should, the gardens round had been so spectacular. The plush ferns, vibrant pink flowers, caves, and grazing sheep made me really feel like I used to be within the film Fern Gully.
Costume // Rain Coat // Tights // Footwear
It is arduous to stay to the plan once you’re driving and the whole lot seems to be so pretty. We stopped after a fast rain bathe to see a double rainbow stretching throughout the sky. This was certainly one of my favourite elements of the drive. We had the power to simply cease and discover.
For dinner, we ventured right down to Kinsale since they’re recognized for good seafood. I had probably the greatest seafood dished in my life at a beautiful place known as Jim Edwards. Extremely advocate!
We spent the night time simply exterior of Killarney, so we might get up and discover.
Day 5: Killarney, Kissane Sheep Canines, Dingle, Tralee
I informed you: we pack it in. Now, you might unfold this out over a pair days or extra, however we had been restricted on time and actually wish to see all of it. So, we did. We awakened vibrant and early and headed to the well-known Ross Fort in Killarney. This can be a tower home on the sting of the lake with horses and carts that may take you across the grounds. You possibly can even hop in a ship to see extra across the lake.
We ventured over for a tour of the mansion, the Muckross Home.This totally furnished Victorian house was so fascinating. I discovered issues that actually shocked me: like how ladies used to place beeswax, lead, and arsenic on their face to maintain them pale. Fortunately, I’ve no drawback with that. However the cause why we’ve got the expression “save face” is as a result of they put up screens to guard their face from the fireplace so their face would not soften. If I used to be informed I wanted to place arsenic on my face to look good I would simply maintain a tan.
Subsequent we drove by means of the stunning Killarney Nationwide park to go to the Kissane Sheep Canine farm. This drive was Michael’s favourite and it was so scenic.
We stopped so I might take footage of sheep on the edges of the highway. And scream “child sheep!” I do know it is a lamb. However I like saying child sheep as a result of I am a baby.
My favourite a part of the journey was the Kissane sheep canine farm. An actual, working farm the place they use canines to herd the sheep on the tough mountain terrain. It was unimaginable to observe the canines work.
I am a canine lover and seeing canines attending to do what they love makes my coronary heart soften. These are a number of the happiest canines on this planet as a result of they’re really serving a objective. I HIGHLY advocate visiting a sheep canine farm should you come to Eire.
Plus I bought to carry a pet. So my day was made.
After enjoying with the canines we took a drive and headed to Inch Seashore. This small stretch of land juts proper out to the ocean and has a really vast, arduous, sandy seashore. Folks had been browsing however we stayed bundled up as a result of the chilly wind was fairly frigid.
Rain Coat // Hat // Sweater // Leggings // Footwear
After the seashore it was time for some ice cream. We headed to the lovely city of Dingle. Right here we bought a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean lined with brightly coloured properties and outlets. We ate ice cream at Kool Scoops. I extremely advocate this store. Murphy’s Ice Cream outlets are in all places, and whereas scrumptious, it’s kind of overvalued.
Prime discovered right here // hat
Dingle is a small city of solely 1300 residents, but they managed to slot in 52 pubs. It is secure to say it is a good place to discover a drink.
After we had some gas we drove extra of the Dingle Peninsula, an attractive, scenic drive. Then stopped for a hike and a greater view of the surroundings.
After our hike we ventured to the city of Tralee the place wee feasted on scrumptious and fast Asian meals at a stylish restaurant known as Lana.
Day 6: Ennis, Cliffs of Moher, and Burren Nationwide Park
On our final full day in Eire we knew we needed to enterprise to the famed Cliffs of Moher. We stayed at a quaint AirBnb in Ennis, which was near the cliffs and a straightforward drive. One of many different visitors on the AirBnb gave us a improbable tip for the extremely popular and busy Cliffs of Moher. He informed us to NOT go to the customer middle, however as a substitute take the flip a few kilometer (half mile) earlier than, simply south of the customer middle. We did as directed and noticed a tiny signal that learn “parking right here for the Cliffs.” We turned down the winding highway as instructed. A highway so small you needed to honk round corners to warn these approaching the opposite method that you simply had been arising.
However we did as directed and located a quiet home the place we paid simply 2 euro for parking and quite a bit with only some different vehicles. We made the trek over to the cliffs and located that the rain stopped and we had a transparent day for the cliffs with barely any vacationers round. They had been so majestic and grand. You possibly can simply see why Harry Potter was filmed right here. (In case you are questioning it is quantity 6: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince).
We walked across the cliffs for a couple of hours, mesmerized by the birds who weren’t getting blown over by the unimaginable wind. I’ll admit, if it had been wet AND windy I believe I might have been a bit scared. The wind actually does make you’re feeling like you might simply be pushed proper off the cliffs.
On the best way, we handed the Cliffs of Moher Customer middle and it was jam full of vacationers and busy with vehicles and buses. I am so glad we averted it and located the small sanctuary away from the crowds. After the cliffs we headed to the close by Burren Nationwide Park. This desolate rocky space is not like every other in Eire or all over the world. It feels a sparse panorama in comparison with the luxurious inexperienced typical of Eire. The Burren is made up of of glacial-era limestone and rock formations and yow will discover historic relics from the previous right here.
We did a brief hike right here and went to the vacationer workplace close by to be taught a bit extra concerning the park and what it teaches us concerning the previous.
Day 7: Galway and Again Dwelling
On our final day we headed to Galway as everybody informed me to go right here. I’ve to inform you: I wasn’t that impressed. I am satisfied that Galway is the right cease from the Cliffs of Moher on the best way again to Dublin. You see, the buses take you from Dublin to the Cliffs and Galway all in sooner or later. Whereas I used to be informed there have been some enjoyable pubs and eating places, I felt there have been so many different pretty cities with a extra vibrant historical past than Galway.
I do know, I do know this is not a preferred opinion. However to me, yow will discover extra quaint European cities than Galway.
After which it was again to Dublin! We stayed at an Airbnb (this gave the impression to be the theme for this journey) and had one final conventional meal of fish and chips.
After my travels by means of Eire I am satisfied one of the best ways to get round is to drive. When you do have a couple of extra days or additional time I would counsel heading as much as Northern Eire to see Large’s Causeway and Belfast.
BONUS: When you’re a Sport of Thrones fan, then you definitely’re in for a deal with in Eire. Many iconic scenes from the present had been filmed in numerous places all through the nation, together with the Darkish Hedges in County Antrim, which was used because the King’s Street, and the Fort Ward property in County Down, which was remodeled into Winterfell. You possibly can even take a guided tour of a few of these filming places and relive a number of the present’s most memorable moments. Eire’s beautiful landscapes and medieval castles made it the right backdrop for the epic fantasy sequence, and visiting these places in individual is a should for any fan.
Eire is an unimaginable nation stuffed with tradition, magnificence, and enjoyable. We met so many vacationers touring from America studying about their heritage and discovering that the nation isn’t solely unfold with historical past of the previous, however monuments from prehistoric occasions. I assumed that Eire could be wealthy with inexperienced grass and epic cliffs, nevertheless it’s a lot greater than that. The dramatic variations between the bustling cities and dreamy countryside makes for an epic expertise. Whether or not you are into consuming and singing in a thatched-roof pub or wish to stroll for miles alongside sheep, you may discover one thing to get pleasure from.
Sláinte!
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