Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Amazing Ireland!

Whether you like history, fantastic food, the best scenery, drinks, fellowship and fun, this is the place I think everyone should visit and experience!

Dublin-This place needs several days to see most of it! Museums, churches, shops, eateries, pubs and more!  There is something for everyone when you visit Dublin.

-St Patrick's Cathedral, the largest cathedral and one of the most historical sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history for over 800 years. There are so many beautiful and massive churches that are mostly open to the public to sit in, admire the incredible stained glass windows or be prayed for.  

-The Temple Bar pub, famous red pub, sits in the middle of cobblestone streets full of shops, pubs and eateries.  For the adults, you will want to take the Jameson and Guinness tour (eat at the Guinness restaurant and try a pint or 2!) 

-Learn of the potato famine (1845-1852, starvation took out almost half the population) and see several streets lined with headstones.  

-There is a leprechaun museum that is kind of a hidden gem.  Did you know Walt Disney changed the original leprechaun’s clothes to green (they actually wear brown/red) so that it would look better when on TV?

-Trinity College, which houses one of the oldest known libraries, where The Book of Kells is on display.  It is the original 9th century-1200 year old manuscript containing the four Gospels in Latin. 

Cliff of Moher-Dramatic cliffs, breathtaking views, this destination cannot be beat!  If you can, go during sunrise or sunset, it is a view that will occupy your mind for years to come! The little hobbit gift shop is a must visit too.

Waterford-Yes, this is where Waterford Crystal comes from!  I toured this massive company,in awe of the things they create, the history and stories of what it takes to work for them. It’s amazing to hear and watch them work, while they talk.  I think my favorite piece is the NFL Championship trophy that is only made here.  While here, visit a local sandwich shop, which has Blaa bread, it is The Best!

Ring of Kerry-It was a rainy day (which is not unusual for Ireland) when I visited the Ring of Kerry. Photographers were lined up to get that perfect shot of sun rays shining through the clouds, over the open sea, to show the absolute perfection of this place.

Blarney Castle-There are a few things that are extraordinary about this visit.  The Blarney castle, which houses the Blarney stone.  Kiss the stone for the gift of gab!  It has a tree (or bush) from every continent and one of the only complete poison gardens in the world!  Yes, you read that right, poison garden with a variety of every poison plant to educate the pros and cons of these dangerous plants. I bet any Harry Potter fan will recognise some of them, like Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) and Wolfsbane (Monkshood/Aconite). There are so many more to see and learn about. (Strictly for educational purposes, of course.)

Cobh (Pronounced Cove)-Did you know the last port of call for the Titanic was Cobh, Ireland?  You can walk through the museum and still see the pier the final passengers walked across to board the doomed luxury ship.

Killarney-Killarney National Park is over 24,ooo acres and combines mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls. It also houses a few castles!  My suggestion is take the horse drawn carriage ride through a portion of this park.  There is also a little theater that often has local dancers and musicians come to put on a show worth watching!

Whatever your favorite reason to travel, Ireland is the destination!