One Week Eire Journey Information

Driving on the opposite facet of the street on slim, 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 best possible approach 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 after we met up with mates and so they instructed 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 would have liked to take the leap and hire a automotive. I will break down our one week Eire itinerary and hope this can aid you plan your journey.

After just a few days in beautiful Dublin we hit the street to discover Eire’s castles, countryside, and see a number of the greenest surroundings I’ve ever seen. A street journey is the easiest way to expertise the rolling inexperienced hills of Eire!

Now, I do know you could be pondering that you simply’re terrified to drive on the fallacious, err, left facet of the street. 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 grasp of it fairly rapidly. I might extremely suggest having: 1. a copilot to be careful for passing cattle, automobiles, and when you’ll want to make a flip, and a couple 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 you’ll want to swing vast. Oh and three. snacks. You want snacks after all. 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 per week lengthy journey information in Eire. I believe that is the proper size of time to actually 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. For those who do have additional time I like to recommend heading to Northern Eire, notably Large’s Causeway and Belfast. However since we had one week, here is what we did:

Per week is a extremely great period of time to see Eire. Even thought it is a small nation, there’s actually a lot to see and do. Most guests spend just a few days in Dublin after which deal with simply the north or south of Eire. The south is the most well-liked with spots just like the Ring of Kerry, the famed Blarney Stone, and Cork. However there’s tons that you simply’d miss if you happen to simply noticed the most well-liked 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 stunning AirBnb. Shockingly, inns and AirBnbs have been dearer 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 off 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 take a look at 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 best 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 remains to be out.

Do not forget to test 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 might hit one thing. Sure, I assumed we might get run off the street. However actually, it is the easiest way 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 Fort

Gown discovered right here.

We drove south and headed to Kilkenny, a small historic city well-known for its fort and the “medieval mile”. This lengthy stretch of street is filled with historical past together with historic church buildings, historic buildings, and naturally the gorgeous fort. Once I consider Irish castles, I consider the darkish, grey stone, sitting on lush greens. Kilkenny Fort embodies that. You’ll be able to take a tour of the fort, 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 to take a look at St. Canice Cathedral– however you may must enter by means of the facet. The entrance is just for the three B’s: brides, bishops, and burials. You’ll be able to climb the 140 steps as much as get a superb view of Kilkenny.

Since we have 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 placing fort.

Because the seat of many kings, this 12 century tower sits atop a limestone rock. You’ll be able to take a free tour as soon as inside and likewise see an excellent view of the countryside.

Subsequent, we hit the tiny, cobblestone street and went to Blarney to see the fort, kiss the stone and see the attractive gardens. We arrived an hour and 20 minutes earlier than closing and have been instructed that, “you solely have time to run up and kiss the stone and are available down” however since there was NO LINE we have been capable of stroll across the gardens as effectively. (You may like: Methods to Keep away from strains and folks whereas touring)

That is the spot the place you may kiss the Blarney Stone.

Whereas the stone was cool and a should, the gardens round have been so spectacular. The plush ferns, shiny 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 while you’re driving and every little thing seems so beautiful. We stopped after a fast rain bathe to see a double rainbow stretching throughout the sky. This was considered one of my favourite features of the drive. We had the power to only cease and discover.

For dinner, we ventured all the way down to Kinsale since they’re identified for good seafood. I had probably the greatest seafood dished in my life at a stunning place known as Jim Edwards. Extremely suggest!

We spent the night time simply outdoors of Killarney, so we may get up and discover.

Day 5: Killarney, Kissane Sheep Canine, Dingle, Tralee

I instructed you: we pack it in. Now, you can unfold this out over a pair days or extra, however we have been restricted on time and actually wish to see all of it. So, we did. We wakened shiny and early and headed to the well-known Ross Fort 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’ll be able to 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 residence was so attention-grabbing. I discovered issues that basically shocked me: like how girls 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 fireplace so their face would not soften. If I used to be instructed I wanted to place arsenic on my face to look good I’d simply maintain a tan.

Subsequent we drove by means of 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 may take photos of sheep on the edges of the street. 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 canines to herd the sheep on the tough mountain terrain. It was unimaginable to look at the canines work.

I am a canine lover and seeing canines attending to do what they love makes my coronary heart soften. These are a number of the happiest canines on the earth as a result of they’re actually serving a function. I HIGHLY suggest visiting a sheep canine farm if you happen to come to Eire.

Plus I bought to carry a pet. So my day was made.

After enjoying with the canines we took a drive and headed to Inch Seashore. This small stretch of land juts proper out to the ocean and has a really vast, onerous, sandy seaside. Individuals have 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 seaside it was time for some ice cream. We headed to the lovely city of Dingle. Right here we bought an excellent view of the Atlantic Ocean lined with brightly coloured houses and retailers. We ate ice cream at Kool Scoops. I extremely suggest this store. Murphy’s Ice Cream retailers are in every single place, and whereas scrumptious, it is a bit overvalued.

Prime 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 stupendous, 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 known 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 straightforward drive. One of many different company on the AirBnb gave us a incredible tip for the highly regarded and busy Cliffs of Moher. He instructed 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 street as instructed. A street so small you needed to honk round corners to warn these approaching the opposite approach that you simply have been developing.

However we did as directed and located a quiet home the place we paid simply 2 euro for parking and quite a bit with only some 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 have been so majestic and grand. You’ll be able to 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 just a few hours, mesmerized by the birds who weren’t getting blown over by the unimaginable 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 can 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 averted 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 not like another in Eire or all over the world. 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 House

On our final day we headed to Galway as everybody instructed 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 someday. Whereas I used to be instructed 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 means of Eire I am satisfied the easiest way to get round is to drive. For those who do have just a few extra days or additional time I would recommend heading as much as Northern Eire to see Large’s Causeway and Belfast.

BONUS: For those who’re a Sport of Thrones fan, you then’re in for a deal with in Eire. Many iconic scenes from the present have been filmed in varied places all through the nation, together with the Darkish Hedges in County Antrim, which was used because the King’s Highway, and the Fort Ward property in County Down, which was remodeled into Winterfell. You’ll be able to even take a guided tour of a few of these filming places 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 places in individual is a should for any fan.

Eire is an unimaginable nation stuffed with tradition, magnificence, and enjoyable. We met so many vacationers touring from America studying about their heritage and discovering that the nation is just not solely unfold with historical past of the previous, however monuments from prehistoric occasions. I assumed that Eire can 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 ingesting and singing in a thatched-roof pub or wish to stroll for miles alongside sheep, you may discover one thing to get pleasure from.

Sláinte!

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