In honor of St. Paddy’s Day, I thought that I would share my favorite Ireland experiences with you. The Ireland I love is mossy single-lane roads, small pubs where the whole town comes out for the live music, overgrown roofless castles, and soda bread with every meal. I keep going back to Ireland, because every time I’m there, I find more to experience! So without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my 15 favorite travel experiences in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland…
Exploring the natural marvel that is the Giant’s Causeway
Crossing Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge like the fishermen of old Ireland
Kissing the blarney stone, because why not? (Just try not to think about the urban legend that the locals pee on it–ha ha!)
Watching the sun set on the ruins of Dunluce castle, which was abandoned when the kitchens fell into the sea in the 1600s
Seeing the last pier the Titanic embarked from @ Cohb, Ireland
Getting completely lost and running into random castles
Feeling the wind in my hair at the Cliffs of Moher
Renting a car and driving at leisure through all the small villages of Ireland–I especially loved stopping at Nancy’s in Ardara for the amazing seafood
Spending the night at Markree Castle in the room Cecil F. Alexander wrote her famous hymn, “All Things Bright and Beautiful” (W.B. Yeats was also a frequent visitor!)
Stopping by Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland and the set for Braveheart’s “Freedom!” cry
Running into an Irish music festival in Baltimore and enjoying a nice cuppa with this view of the harbor
Sneaking into high tea at Adare Manor in the darling thatched town of Adare
Taking the walking tour of Kinsale to see all the brightly painted houses and hear the rich history of the area
Exploring random graveyards
Having fish and chips at Durty Nelly’s, the oldest pub in Ireland, located next to Bunratty Castle
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Have you been to Ireland? What were your favorite experiences? 🙂
My favorites in common with you were Adare and the Cliffs of Moher. I think my favorite area overall would be County Clare, specifically the lonely Burren and places like Ballyvaughan, and also the charming town of Doolin.
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Oh yes! Doolin was so quaint. We stayed in Ballycotton, so quite close. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see the Burren to good effect, since it was so foggy when we were there. I will have to go back again! I need to go look at your pics on your blog for inspiration! Thanks for reading, love!
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Becca, I had no idea the Irish coast was this rugged. It is absolutely beautiful.
The castles are AMAZING. And to stay in the room where Cecil Frances Alexander wrote “All Things Bright and Beautiful” just blows me away. The song is in our church hymn book, and it has been sung many a times.
Thank you for sharing your “Wanderlust Spirit”.
~Carl~
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Ireland is truly magical, Carl! The rugged and green beauty of the land and the warm and cheerful spirit of the people make it so. I also just found out that my grandma is 47% Irish, so that may explain my affinity for Ireland. I really think that home is imprinted in blood. Thank you for reading, friend. 🙂
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I’ve only been to Dublin so would have to throw in a busy pub with a pint of Guinness and live music.
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Agreed! I wanted to add that to the list, but sadly didn’t have a pic! I went to a local pub in Kenmare to hear Wallop the Cap, a live Irish band, and the whole town was there–from 100 year old grannies to young ladies having a “hen” party! It was absolutely everything I had dreamed it would be. LOL! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
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I can see why people say Ireland is magical! It looks like there’s so much to explore – and the castles! The castles look so incredible!
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It absolutely is! My favorite part is getting out of the cities and into rural Ireland. And there are tons of castles, but unfortunately after the roof tax, many of the castles were abandoned and fell into disrepair. But they still make for very dramatic and romantic landscapes! You should definitely go, Kristin! 🙂
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Definitely my favorite European country. Landscapes and Irish spirit. You just can’t beat them. Europe is full of beautiful countries and amazing cities, but the Irish atmosphere is something that gets into you:)
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I totally agree, Gianluca! You can just feel that it is an ancient, fertile land when you are there. The green just seeps into your bones. I have been several times and have loved each visit. Thank you for visiting my page! 🙂
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The Dingle peninsula would make it on to my list. Good pictures, I especially like that door!
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Dang it! You just confirmed what I suspected. We did the Ring of Kerry instead of Dingle Peninsula for lack of time, but I knew in my heart the Dingle Peninsula was for me! On the bright side, you have given me an A+ reason to go back! 😉 Thank you for reading and your comment, Andrew. 🙂 (P.S.–You love doors, too? They totally captivate me! It’s fun to connect with a fellow door lover!)
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I must say that I preferred Dingle to Kerry. The road was much closer to the coastline all the way and Dingle itself was simply charming.
Doors and windows – one of my favourite photo subjects!
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I love taking the road less traveled, and I heard that Dingle was more off the beaten track than the tour bus laden Ring of Kerry. I will have to visit again to witness the charm for myself. And I love that you photograph doors, too! I will have to scour your site for door pix. 😉
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There is a narrow pass on the Dingle road that coaches cannot pass so it keeps them away. I found the road a lot quieter than Kerry. Dingle has a friendly dolphin too!
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Love it! That’s it–you have me convinced. 😉
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I still have to make it to Ireland. But I will definitively check out what your recommend 🙂
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Absolutely! Ireland has such a different feel than the rest of Europe. Try to get out of the cities, and explore the small towns and dirt roads. I promise you will love it. I can’t wait for you to go, so I can see your pictures! 😉 Thanks for reading!
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Love your post and the photos are just splendid!!
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Im from the beautiful Emmerald Isle from the North in a city called Derry I lived away for 10yrs back now and when people say there’s no place like home it’s so true there’s not I ♡ my Ireland if you haven’t been yet your missing out 🙂
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I have heard that Derry is magical! I need to go!! Ireland is by far one of the most magical places I’ve been. When I go, I always wish I could stay.
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