Irish adventure
Exploring Ireland
Our oldest daughter who works in Boston had an opportunity to work in her company’s office in Dublin for the month of April! We were fortunate to visit for her last week of the month and explore Dublin as well as several towns on the west coast of Ireland.
Key sights to explore include:
Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Home to Ireland’s oldest university and the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, housed in the stunning Long Room of the Old Library.
Dublin Castle: A historic fortress dating back to the 13th century, featuring medieval crypts, State Apartments, and beautiful gardens.
Guinness Storehouse: A must-visit for beer enthusiasts, offering interactive exhibits about Guinness brewing history and a panoramic view from the Gravity Bar.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: The largest cathedral in Ireland, built in honor of the country’s patron saint, showcasing impressive Gothic architecture.
Phoenix Park: One of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe, perfect for outdoor activities, home to a zoo and a herd of wild deer.
Temple Bar: Known for its lively nightlife, cobblestone streets, art galleries, and traditional Irish pubs.
Kilmainham Gaol: A former prison turned museum, offering a sobering insight into Ireland’s political history.
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology: Hosting an extensive collection of artifacts from prehistoric to medieval Ireland.
Christ Church Cathedral: A grand medieval cathedral with crypts and a fascinating historical story.
Ha’penny Bridge: An iconic 19th-century pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey, offering great photo opportunities.
A few places we enjoyed a meal in Dublin:
Grano
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Drury Buildings
Over the weekend, we rented a car and drove to Dingle with a stop in adorable Adare for lunch.
Adare, Ireland, is known for its pretty thatched cottages and rich history. Located in County Limerick, it combines old buildings, cozy pubs, and beautiful nature, making it a popular spot for visitors. The name "Áth Dara," means "ford of the oak," showing its link to the land. Visitors can walk past medieval buildings, visit Adare Manor, and shop in local stores.
Eat: Cafe (first one on the left)
Dingle, Ireland, is a small coastal town on the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. Known for stunning landscapes, traditional Irish music, fresh seafood, and friendly locals, it offers hiking, surfing, and dolphin watching. Rich in history with ancient ruins and Gaelic-speaking residents, Dingle blends nature, culture, and heritage, making it a top Irish destination.
Eat: Boathouse Cafe
Drive: Slea Head (hold a baby lamb along the way!)
Stay: Tower view Bed and Breakfast (amazing breakfast!)
The next day we drove to Galway with a stop at the Cliffs of Moher on the way for a hike and enjoy the view..
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland, rise 702 feet above the Atlantic and stretch 14 km. Visitors can hike trails with coastal views and spot seabirds like puffins and guillemots.
Galway, Ireland, is a vibrant city on the west coast known for its rich history, arts, and scenic coast. Its colorful streets feature shops, pubs, and cafes. Famous for festivals like the International Arts Festival and Galway Races, it attracts visitors worldwide. Nearby nature spots like the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara offer hiking and sightseeing. Galway’s culture, history, and natural beauty create a genuine Irish experience.
Stay: Leonardo Hotel (right in the heart of town with water views)
After leaving Galway, my husband and I went for a night at the Dromoland Castle which was magnificent!
Dromoland Castle is a historic, luxury castle in County Clare, Ireland. Built in the 16th century, it is now a five-star hotel that combines Irish tradition with modern comforts. The castle sits on a large 450-acre estate with gardens, woods, and a lake.
We enjoyed a leisurely walk around the property and then took a boat on the lake with a bottle of wine before having dinner in the casual restaurant on property. We ended the night listening to live music in the castle lounge.
The next morning we were spoiled by a decadent breakfast and then had scheduled Skeet shooting lessons, something we’ve never done. It was fun to try something new!
We drove back to Dublin in the afternoon and stopped at a historic castle. We were able to relax and have a couple more nights in Dublin with our daughter before heading back to Boston.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments!
xo
Whitney