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 rely your blessings and likewise blurt out truths in a panic. However in truth it is the very best method to see Eire. We landed in Dublin, Eire with the thought of staying close to the massive metropolis and taking day journeys by bus. However once we met up with mates and so they informed us of epic adventures driving across the countryside and attending to tour cities not on the principle drag and pet child sheep alongside the way in which, I knew we wanted to take the leap and lease a automotive. I’ll break down our one week Eire itinerary and hope it will assist you to plan your journey.
After just a few 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 the easiest way to expertise the rolling inexperienced hills of Eire!
Full Dublin Information right here!
Now, I do know you is perhaps pondering that you just’re terrified to drive on the unsuitable, err, left facet of the highway. And consider me it IS scary. However when you notice that it is identical to you usually would drive, simply switched, you may get the grasp of it fairly shortly. I’d extremely suggest having: 1. a copilot to be careful for passing cattle, vehicles, and when it’s worthwhile to 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 worthwhile to swing vast. Oh and three. snacks. You want snacks in fact. We lived on lunches within the automotive 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 every week lengthy journey information in Eire. I feel that is the proper 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, significantly Big’s Causeway and Belfast. However since we had one week, this is what we did:
Per week is a very great period of time to see Eire. Despite the fact that it is a small nation, there’s actually a lot to see and do. Most guests spend just a few days in Dublin after which concentrate on simply the north or south of Eire. The south is the preferred with spots just like the Ring of Kerry, the famed Blarney Stone, and Cork. However there’s tons that you just’d miss when you simply noticed the preferred spots!
So let’s get into it, the proper week in Eire.
Day 1: Land in Dublin
We landed late in Dublin and stayed in a stunning AirBnb. Shockingly, accommodations and AirBnbs have been dearer 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, this is my code for $35 off your subsequent keep!
Day 2: Dublin
We began the day without work 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 submit 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 how one can 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.
Remember to verify 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 automotive. Sure it was terrifying. Sure, I believed for positive we would hit one thing. Sure, I believed we would get run off the highway. However actually, it is the easiest way to see the countryside. Michael and I had plans of simply staying round Dublin, however after our mates 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 need 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 citadel and the “medieval mile”. This lengthy stretch of highway is filled with historical past together with historical church buildings, historic buildings, and naturally the beautiful citadel. 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 citadel, 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 however 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 have 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 citadel.
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 likewise see an important view of the countryside.
Subsequent, we hit the tiny, cobblestone highway and went to Blarney to see the citadel, kiss the stone and see the attractive gardens. We arrived an hour and 20 minutes earlier than closing and have 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 have been in a position to stroll across the gardens as properly. (You may like: Easy methods to Keep away from traces and folks 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 have been so spectacular. The luxurious ferns, vivid pink flowers, caves, and grazing sheep made me really feel like I used to be within the film Fern Gully.
Costume // Rain Coat // Tights // Sneakers
It is onerous to stay to the plan whenever you’re driving and every little thing appears so pretty. We stopped after a fast rain bathe to see a double rainbow stretching throughout the sky. This was one among my favourite facets of the drive. We had the power to simply cease and discover.
Ballymackean, Co. Cork – Hidden Coastal Gem
After Blarney, we made a slight detour that ended up being one of many highlights of our journey. Ballymackean in County Cork is a lesser-known coastal space that provides breathtaking cliff views with out the crowds you may discover at extra well-known spots.
The winding coastal highway takes you thru rolling farmland earlier than immediately opening as much as dramatic sea cliffs that rival the Cliffs of Moher in magnificence, if not in top. Park on the small gravel lot close to the cliff edge (it is free, however please be respectful of native residents) and take the well-worn path alongside the cliff edge. The views of the crashing Atlantic waves beneath are completely spectacular, particularly at sundown when the water turns golden.
What makes Ballymackean particular is its pristine, secluded seaside that is accessible by way of a considerably steep however manageable path down the cliffside. The seaside is a mixture of clean stones and golden sand, with fascinating rock formations and tide swimming pools to discover. We spent a peaceable hour beachcombing and located some lovely shells and sea glass with out one other vacationer in sight.
When you go to Ballymackean, do not miss the charming Diva Bakery within the close by village. This small, family-run institution presents a number of the greatest pastries we had in all of Eire. Their conventional Irish soda bread is outstanding – crusty on the skin and completely moist inside – however the true star is their signature “Cliff Walker’s Delight,” a hearty scone full of dried fruits and nuts, topped with native cream. The comfy inside with its mismatched classic furnishings makes for an ideal relaxation cease, and the pleasant homeowners are completely happy to share native suggestions and tales. They’re solely open Wednesday by means of Sunday, 9am-4pm, so plan accordingly!
The most effective half about including Ballymackean to your itinerary is that it is solely a 25-minute drive from Blarney, making it a straightforward addition to your day. Simply comply with indicators for Ballymackean Bay when you get to the coast. I would suggest allocating at the very least 2-3 hours for this detour to totally respect the cliffs, seaside, and bakery.
For dinner, we ventured all the way down to Kinsale since they’re recognized for good seafood. I had among the best seafood dished in my life at a stunning place known as Jim Edwards. Extremely suggest!
We spent the evening simply outdoors of Killarney, so we may get up and discover.
For dinner, we ventured all the way down to Kinsale since they’re recognized for good seafood. I had among the best seafood dished in my life at a stunning place known as Jim Edwards. Extremely suggest!
We spent the evening simply outdoors of Killarney, so we may get up and discover.
Day 5: Killarney, Kissane Sheep Canine, Dingle, Tralee
I informed you: we pack it in. Now, you might unfold this out over a pair days or extra, however we have been restricted on time and actually need to see all of it. So, we did. We awoke vivid and early and headed to the well-known Ross Fort in Killarney. It is 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 motive why we now have the expression “save face” is as a result of they put up screens to guard their face from the hearth 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 beautiful 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 may take footage of sheep on the perimeters 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 canine to herd the sheep on the tough mountain terrain. It was unimaginable to look at the canine work.
I am a canine lover and seeing canine attending to do what they love makes my coronary heart soften. These are a number of the happiest canine on the planet as a result of they’re actually serving a goal. I HIGHLY suggest visiting a sheep canine farm when you come to Eire.
Plus I received to carry a pet. So my day was made.
After enjoying with the canine 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, onerous, sandy seaside. Folks have been browsing however we stayed bundled up as a result of the chilly wind was fairly frigid.
Rain Coat // Hat // Sweater // Leggings // Sneakers
After the seaside it was time for some ice cream. We headed to the lovely city of Dingle. Right here we received an important view of the Atlantic Ocean lined with brightly coloured houses and retailers. We ate ice cream at Kool Scoops. I extremely suggest this store. Murphy’s Ice Cream retailers are in all places, and whereas scrumptious, it is a bit overvalued.
High discovered right here // hat
Dingle is a small city of solely 1300 residents, but they managed to slot in 52 pubs. It is protected to say it is a good place to discover a drink.
After we had some gas we drove extra of the Dingle Peninsula, a gorgeous, 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 classy 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 unbelievable tip for the extremely popular and busy Cliffs of Moher. He informed us to NOT go to the customer heart, however as an alternative take the flip a few kilometer (half mile) earlier than, simply south of the customer heart. 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 manner that you just have been developing.
However we did as directed and located a quiet home the place we paid simply 2 euro for parking and rather a lot 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 have 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 just a few 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 feel I’d have been a bit scared. The wind actually does make you are feeling like you might simply be pushed proper off the cliffs.
On the way in which, we handed the Cliffs of Moher Customer heart and it was jam full of vacationers and busy with vehicles and buses. I am so glad we prevented 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 you will discover historical relics from the previous right here.
We did a brief hike right here and went to the vacationer workplace close by to study a bit extra concerning the park and what it teaches us concerning the previous.
Day 7: Galway and Again Residence
On our final day we headed to Galway as everybody informed me to go right here. I’ve to let you know: I wasn’t that impressed. I am satisfied that Galway is the proper cease from the Cliffs of Moher on the way in which 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, you 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 the easiest way to get round is to drive. When you do have just a few extra days or additional time I would recommend heading as much as Northern Eire to see Big’s Causeway and Belfast.
BONUS: When you’re a Recreation of Thrones fan, you then’re in for a deal with in Eire. Many iconic scenes from the present have been filmed in numerous areas all through the nation, together with the Darkish Hedges in County Antrim, which was used because the King’s Highway, 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 areas and relive a number of the present’s most memorable moments. Eire’s beautiful landscapes and medieval castles made it the proper backdrop for the epic fantasy collection, and visiting these areas in individual is a should for any fan.
Different Routes and Extensions
When you’re planning your personal journey to Eire and have extra flexibility in your schedule, listed here are some ideas primarily based on our expertise:
1. Cork Extension: If Ballymackean caught your curiosity, take into account including an additional day to discover extra of County Cork. The city of Cork itself is vibrant and walkable, with the well-known English Market providing native meals and crafts. From there, coastal villages like Kinsale (talked about above) and Cobh (the final port of name for the Titanic) make for enchanting day journeys.
2. Ring of Kerry: Whereas we did not have time to drive your complete Ring of Kerry, this well-known scenic route ought to be in your listing if in case you have an additional day. The total 179km circuit takes you thru rugged coastal landscapes, charming villages, and historic websites. Simply remember that it will get very busy in summer time months, and the slender roads will be difficult for nervous drivers.
3. Killarney Nationwide Park Deep Dive: We solely scratched the floor of what Killarney Nationwide Park has to supply. With extra time, you might spend a full day right here climbing by means of historical oak forests, boating on the lakes, or biking by means of the park’s intensive community of trails.
4. Climate Contingency: Irish climate is notoriously unpredictable. When planning, construct in some flexibility for indoor actions on wet days. Most cities have wonderful museums, distilleries, or craft workshops that may save a day when the climate turns.
BONUS: When you’re a Recreation of Thrones fan, you then’re in for a deal with in Eire. Many iconic scenes from the present have been filmed in numerous areas all through the nation, together with the Darkish Hedges in County Antrim, which was used because the King’s Highway, 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 areas and relive a number of the present’s most memorable moments. Eire’s beautiful landscapes and medieval castles made it the proper backdrop for the epic fantasy collection, and visiting these areas in individual is a should for any fan.
Sensible Ideas for Your Eire Journey
Listed here are some further sensible suggestions primarily based on what we discovered throughout our journey:
1. SIM Playing cards: Getting an area SIM card with information is important when you’re driving. We picked up a pay as you go Vodafone SIM on the Dublin airport for €20 that included 20GB of information and was legitimate for 28 days. This was invaluable for navigation, particularly on rural roads.
2. Driving Ideas: In addition to staying left, do not forget that most rental vehicles in Eire are handbook transmission. When you want an computerized, ebook properly upfront and count on to pay extra. Additionally, many rural fuel stations shut early, so refill when you may.
3. Climate Preparation: Even in summer time, Eire’s climate can change quickly. Pack layers, an excellent waterproof jacket, and waterproof footwear when you plan to do any climbing or seaside strolling.
4. Money vs. Card: Whereas most locations settle for bank cards, some smaller institutions in rural areas (together with that great Diva Bakery in Ballymackean) are cash-only. Hold some euros readily available for these conditions.
5. Timing Your Visits: Widespread sights just like the Cliffs of Moher are greatest visited early morning or late afternoon to keep away from tour bus crowds. The identical applies to well-known castles – arriving inside an hour of opening or closing usually means having the place virtually to your self.
Eire is an unimaginable nation filled with tradition, magnificence, and enjoyable. We met so many vacationers touring from America studying about their heritage and discovering that the nation just isn’t solely unfold with historical past of the previous, however monuments from prehistoric instances. I assumed that Eire can be wealthy with inexperienced grass and epic cliffs, however 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 ingesting and singing in a thatched-roof pub or need to stroll for miles alongside sheep, you may discover one thing to take pleasure in.
Sláinte!
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