Ireland has always been a place I wanted to visit as I was told that the scenery is the most spectacular in Europe. The breathtaking views are even more stunning and unbelievable in person. It was a dream of my aunt and uncle to take their nieces and nephews to Ireland so we were lucky enough to go on an amazing adventure with family. We had 5 days in Ireland and wanted to experience it all in a short period of time. While I would recommend more time to experience more, we were able to pack a lot in and the things we were able to do were incredible.
An afternoon in Killarney National Park
We didn’t have a ton of time here so we just followed the marked paths. There are different levels of hikes you can take from easy to hard. With panoramic views of the highest mountains, this is a scenic and peaceful walk. Stop by the Muckross house as it is a stunning sight to see. Not sure if it is legal or not but I would highly recommend bringing wine and cheese and sit on the huge lawn of the house where visitors are relaxing and playing soccer. It seemed like a missed opportunity while I was chilling in the grass.
A day in Dingle
Dingle is a small port town on southwest Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, known for its rugged scenery, trails and sandy beaches and is extremely quant without even trying. There are great shops and some of the pubs double as stores so you can get a hammer while getting hammered. It truly is an unreal place where you just keep looking around wondering if you are dreaming.
We rented electric bikes and had a 7 hour tour of the Dingle Peninsula and it honestly was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Maybe it was the newness of riding an electric bike or the beauty and contrast of the farmlands across from the gulf that made this such a unique experience. I don’t know how I will ever ride a normal bike again.
Experience Moher
Towering cliffs, crashing waves and flurrying birds is what make up the natural masterpiece of the Cliffs of Moher that stretches 700 feet over the rugged Atlantic coast. There are many legends as well as true stories of people falling or jumping off of the cliffs so definitely be careful while you are there. I would recommend booking your ticket in the morning so you can avoid the crowds. You will want to spend several hours here.
You know, she played the fiddle in an Irish band, But she fell in love with an English man, Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand, Said. “baby, I just want to dance” With my pretty little Galway girl. You’re my pretty little Galway girl. Ed Sheeran
Galway is a place I wish I could have spent more time in. It is a charming city centered on an 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot around a beautiful park and is surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music. Cafes, boutiques and art galleries line the winding lanes with bohemian vibes.
Becoming official “Dubs”
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland at the mouth of river Liffey. It reminded me a lot of Amsterdam. We experienced everything Dublin has to offer including relaxing at St Stephens Green park and shopping all day on Grafton street and checking out the St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle as well as trying all of the food and dancing and singing in the pubs all night. I would recommend doing it all.
The Guinness Brewery Tour is the top attraction on every list so you will obviously be making a stop there. They get thousands of visitors a day so plan on being there for a while as it is busy. It is really well done with areas where you can learn how to pour a perfect pint, see their hilarious ads as well as many other unique exhibits. It would be interesting to see even if you are not a drinker. If you are, you will leave with an appreciation and love for Guinness.
Don’t leave Dublin without checking out the Jameson factory. It is so well done and unexpected. You will leave feeling like you were just part of a Harry Potter film.
Many people mentioned that the food was not great but I LOVED it! You can’t beat hot chips and a Guinness. I would highly recommend doing a secret food tour so you can experience all of the unique cuisine Dublin has to offer as you may not be brave enough to order the blood sausage off of a menu. The temple bar, palace bar, Brazen Head, Whelan’s and Cobblestone are a few great pubs to stop in among the 100’s of options.
If you can, make sure you take time to experience the cities and the countryside’s and enjoy many evenings in local pubs to get to the true spirit of Ireland.
Drink in the history!
Free to Wander 