Travel Ireland Like You Dream It

The Ha'Penny Bridge in Dublin.

If you’ve been to Ireland, you know how grand the gorgeous Emerald Isle is. It’s a land of saints, scholars, and storytellers. If you’ve been on a guided tour of a historical landmark in Ireland, chances are you’ve met a scholar and storyteller, sometimes in the same person. There is nowhere else on earth that I am more in love with hearing the quickness with which clever quips and turns of phrase trip off the lips of its inhabitants. 

As part of the Irish Diaspora, Ireland has been high on my list of travel bucket dream destinations. During my first visit to the Emerald Isle, I stayed for three months. For that entire trip, my husband and I called a vacation rental in Kinsale home. We rented a car, took day trips, and spent some of our weekends away. My second trip to Ireland was far too brief — a mere week — but it was memorable.

Kinsale

Located at the southern starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way, there is plenty to do in Kinsale – Ireland’s Gourmet Capital. You can take a historic stroll, tour Charles Fort, golf, try your hand at sailing, and eat extraordinarily well. Enjoy a multicourse meal created by Ireland’s 2023 Chef of the Year, Meeran Manzoor, at Rare 1874. His food is stunning. No less than three of Kinsale’s restaurants are listed in the Michelin Guide. Make reservations in advance. They’re challenging to get into. Oh, and if you love steak, be sure to reserve a table at Finns’ Farmcut. 

Dublin

I’ve visited Dublin twice. First, for three days. Then, for two. When I planned my trips, I benefitted from local advice. Yes, it’s touristy, but even if you’re not a tremendous fan of the black stuff, partake in the Guinness Stoutie Experience — it's worth it. Be sure to go to the 7th-floor Gravity Bar in the Guinness Storehouse for a pint of beer. I was surprised by how many locals declared it a must. Take a profound tour through Irish history at Kilmainham Gaol (jail). On a tour, you’ll learn about those imprisoned during The Great Famine and see some of the cells of its political prisoners from the Easter Rising, War of Independence, and Civil War. I also recommend visiting Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Its Gothic architecture is designed to draw your eyes and thoughts upward to God. While there, you can see a copy of the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah, copied for the Cathedral in 1798 by local professional singer, John Mathews.

Cork City

If you’re a foodie, pay a visit to the English Market in Cork City. It’s rich in history and full of local, independent food producers and retailers. Princes Street, next to the English Market, is the place to shop everything from haute couture to local treasures. Fitzgerald’s Park is about a thirty-minute walk from the English Market. Nestled near University College Cork, it offers a tranquil oasis perfect for indulging in your market finds and soaking up the beauty of nature. 

Kilkenny

Whether you drive or take a train, Kilkenny, home of Ireland’s Medieval Mile, is about an hour and a half from Dublin. Kilkenny Castle, built in the 12th century by the greatest knight that ever lived, William Marshall, is on one end of the mile. 13th-century St. Canice’s Cathedral is on the other. Between them, there are more than a dozen medieval sites to explore on (or near) the mile. If you’re a history buff, this mile is a must. My favorite stops along the mile are Kilkenny Castle, St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum, Kyteler’s Inn, The Smithwick’s Experience, and St. Canice’s Cathedral. 

Cliffs of Moher 

The Cliffs of Moher are a spectacular sight. While there, you can visit O’Brien’s Tower, check out the Visitor Center exhibition, and take the 5.6 km Coastal Walk from the Cliffs of Moher to Hags Head. The walk, which takes between ninety minutes and two hours, isn’t difficult, but make sure you heed the warning signs along the way. If you’re a fan of The Princess Bride or Harry Potter, you can look for spots where scenes from the movies were filmed. 

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is the N70, a road that circumnavigates the Iveagh Peninsula in Ireland. It is a 179-kilometer road trip that includes spectacular views and charming towns. Killarney National Park is a great starting location. Spend some time in one of the greenest places on earth, then set off to see some of the most beautiful views in the world, like Ladies View, Moll’s Gap, and Kerry Cliffs. If you enjoy an adventurous ride out into the Atlantic and a bit of precarious hiking (though not too difficult), book a visit to Skellig Michael. 

This is just a small taste of what makes Ireland a place to travel like you dream it. Other destinations I’ve spent time in and loved include Limerick, Galway, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, and Waterford. There’s so much more that I plan to return and see. 

What do you dream of traveling to Ireland to see?