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 likewise 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 thought of staying close to the massive metropolis and taking day journeys by bus. However once we met up with mates and so they advised 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 hire a automotive. I’ll break down our one week Eire itinerary and hope this can show you how to plan your journey.
After a number of days in beautiful 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!
Full Dublin Information right here!
Now, I do know you is likely to be pondering that you just’re terrified to drive on the mistaken, err, left facet of the highway. And consider me it IS scary. However when you understand that it is identical to you usually would drive, simply switched, you may get the hold of it fairly rapidly. I might extremely suggest having: 1. a copilot to be careful for passing cattle, automobiles, and when it’s essential 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 essential to swing huge. 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 believe 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 further time I like to recommend heading to Northern Eire, notably Big’s Causeway and Belfast. However since we had one week, here is what we did:
Every week is a extremely great period of time to see Eire. Though it is a small nation, there’s actually a lot to see and do. Most guests spend a number of days in Dublin after which deal with 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 heaps 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 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 time without work proper by exploring round Dublin: walked St. Stephen’s Inexperienced, took the Trinity School Tour, and did the Guinness brewery tour. To see my full put up on Dublin try 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 way to pronounce Celtic. Is it “kel-tic” or “sell-tic”? Here is the factor, Boston celtics- proper (promote wins) however conventional Celtic dancing is Kel-tic. The jury continues 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 hire a automotive. 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 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 wish to miss a factor. So know that this itinerary is jam packed.
Kilkenny Fortress
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 stuffed with historical past together with historic church buildings, historic buildings, and naturally the gorgeous citadel. Once I consider Irish castles, I consider the darkish, grey stone, sitting on lush greens. Kilkenny Fortress embodies that. You may 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 nevertheless it felt Irish to me, so I went with it.
Ensure that to take a look at St. Canice Cathedral– however you will must enter by the facet. The entrance is just for the three B’s: brides, bishops, and burials. You may climb the 140 steps as much as get a superb 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 putting citadel.
Because the seat of many kings, this 12 century tower sits atop a limestone rock. You may take a free tour as soon as inside and likewise see an ideal 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 gorgeous gardens. We arrived an hour and 20 minutes earlier than closing and had been advised 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 in a position to stroll across the gardens as effectively. (You would possibly like: How you can Keep away from traces and other people whereas touring)
That is the spot the place you will kiss the Blarney Stone.
Whereas the stone was cool and a should, the gardens round had 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.
Gown // Rain Coat // Tights // Sneakers
It is onerous to stay to the plan whenever you’re driving and all the pieces seems to be so beautiful. We stopped after a fast rain bathe to see a double rainbow stretching throughout the sky. This was one in all my favourite points 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 will discover at extra well-known spots.
The winding coastal highway takes you thru rolling farmland earlier than all of a sudden 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 seashore that is accessible by way of a considerably steep however manageable path down the cliffside. The seashore is a mixture of easy 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 finest pastries we had in all of Eire. Their conventional Irish soda bread is phenomenal – crusty on the surface and completely moist inside – however the actual star is their signature “Cliff Walker’s Delight,” a hearty scone filled with 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 house owners are comfortable to share native suggestions and tales. They’re solely open Wednesday by Sunday, 9am-4pm, so plan accordingly!
One of the best 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 observe 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 completely admire the cliffs, seashore, 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 beautiful place referred to as Jim Edwards. Extremely suggest!
We spent the night time simply outdoors of Killarney, so we might 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 beautiful place referred to as Jim Edwards. Extremely suggest!
We spent the night time simply outdoors of Killarney, so we might get up and discover.
Day 5: Killarney, Kissane Sheep Canine, Dingle, Tralee
I advised you: we pack it in. Now, you could possibly 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 wakened vivid and early and headed to the well-known Ross Fortress 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 may 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 dwelling was so fascinating. I realized 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 downside with that. However the purpose why now we 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 advised I wanted to place arsenic on my face to look good I would simply maintain a tan.
Subsequent we drove by 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 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 canine to herd the sheep on the tough mountain terrain. It was unbelievable to observe 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 this planet as a result of they’re really serving a objective. 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 Seaside. This small stretch of land juts proper out to the ocean and has a really huge, onerous, 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 // Sneakers
After the seashore it was time for some ice cream. We headed to the lovely city of Dingle. Right here we received an ideal view of the Atlantic Ocean lined with brightly coloured houses and outlets. We ate ice cream at Kool Scoops. I extremely suggest this store. Murphy’s Ice Cream outlets are in every single place, and whereas scrumptious, it is a bit overestimated.
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 phenomenal, 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 referred to 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 simple drive. One of many different friends on the AirBnb gave us a incredible tip for the extremely popular and busy Cliffs of Moher. He advised us to NOT go to the customer heart, however as a substitute take the flip a couple of 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 means that you just had been arising.
However we did as directed and located a quiet home the place we paid simply 2 euro for parking and rather a lot with just a few different automobiles. 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 may 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 number of hours, mesmerized by the birds who weren’t getting blown over by the unbelievable 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 could possibly simply be pushed proper off the cliffs.
On the way in which, we handed the Cliffs of Moher Customer heart and it was jam filled with vacationers and busy with automobiles 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 in contrast to another in Eire or around the globe. 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 could find historic 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 in regards to the park and what it teaches us in regards to the previous.
Day 7: Galway and Again Residence
On our final day we headed to Galway as everybody advised 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 in the future. Whereas I used to be advised there have been some enjoyable pubs and eating places, I felt there have been so many different beautiful 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 could find extra quaint European cities than Galway.
After which it was again to Dublin! We stayed at an Airbnb (this appeared to be the theme for this journey) and had one final conventional meal of fish and chips.
After my travels by Eire I am satisfied one of the best ways to get round is to drive. When you do have a number of extra days or further time I would recommend heading as much as Northern Eire to see Big’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 varied areas all through the nation, together with the Darkish Hedges in County Antrim, which was used because the King’s Street, and the Fortress Ward property in County Down, which was remodeled into Winterfell. You may 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 gorgeous landscapes and medieval castles made it the proper backdrop for the epic fantasy collection, and visiting these areas in particular person is a should for any fan.
Various Routes and Extensions
When you’re planning your individual journey to Eire and have extra flexibility in your schedule, listed here are some solutions based mostly 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 entire Ring of Kerry, this well-known scenic route must be in your listing you probably 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 season months, and the slender roads could 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 could possibly spend a full day right here mountaineering by historic oak forests, boating on the lakes, or biking by the park’s in depth 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 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 varied areas all through the nation, together with the Darkish Hedges in County Antrim, which was used because the King’s Street, and the Fortress Ward property in County Down, which was remodeled into Winterfell. You may 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 gorgeous landscapes and medieval castles made it the proper backdrop for the epic fantasy collection, and visiting these areas in particular person is a should for any fan.
Sensible Suggestions for Your Eire Journey
Listed here are some extra sensible suggestions based mostly on what we realized throughout our journey:
1. SIM Playing cards: Getting an area SIM card with knowledge 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 Suggestions: Apart from staying left, keep in mind that most rental automobiles in Eire are handbook transmission. When you want an computerized, e-book effectively upfront and anticipate to pay extra. Additionally, many rural fuel stations shut early, so replenish when you may.
3. Climate Preparation: Even in summer season, Eire’s climate can change quickly. Pack layers, a superb waterproof jacket, and waterproof footwear when you plan to do any mountaineering or seashore 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: Standard points of interest just like the Cliffs of Moher are finest 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 unbelievable 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 will discover one thing to take pleasure in.
Sláinte!
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