I’ve been wanting to write for awhile, but I haven’t had any ideas, so I thought it might be a good time to kickstart the travel portion of the blog! I’m still thinking of how I want to organize it, but I figured starting with a country I know well might be a good place to start.

So…….Welcome to the Ireland recommendation blog.

As a disclaimer for this and all of my subsequent travel blogs, I’m only recommending things I have done personally. Believe it or not, I haven’t done anything in every country, so if one of your favorites is missing from my list, drop it in the comments! I’d love to take your travel recs too!

I think it makes the most sense to break this one up into a few categories: cities, sights, restaurants, and things to note. I can’t promise all of the travel blogs will be in this format, but it’ll be fine for now.

Enough yappin, let’s get to it!

Cities

• Dublin
  • Howth
• Galway
• Cork
  • Kinsale & Cobh
• Kilkenny
• Glendalough

These are all of the cities that I have been to in Ireland, so far. I’ve heard wonderful things about other places like Killarney, Waterford, and Dingle, but I haven’t been to them yet, so you’ll have to trust me with this selection.

Ireland has so many fun places to go. Dublin is awesome, but the best way to get the full taste of what Ireland has to offer is by visiting the smaller towns. They have such character and you never know who you’ll encounter or what adventures you’ll find when you’re there!

Sights

• Cliffs of Moher (County Clare)
  • The “postcard” cliffs of Ireland. If you’ve looked into Ireland at all, these are the cliffs you’ve seen. Try to schedule on a clear weather day, though, knowing Ireland, predicting such a thing really is an impossible task. There are a lot of tour groups that will take you on day trips from Dublin. They often stop in Galway as well, which is nice, especially if you’re on a short trip. Fair warning though, locals will make fun of you because how are you driving to the other side of Ireland and back in a day??? Piece of cake for fellow Midwesterners though 🙂

• Blarney Castle/Blarney Stone (Cork area)
  • Another iconic activity in Ireland. Blarney Castle was one of my favorites that we visited, as cliche as it is. It’s popular for a reason, okay?? The grounds around the castle are stunning and there is so much to see. If you are a daredevil, kissing the Blarney Stone is a must do. However, you do have to be lowered upside-down from a tower to kiss it? This slight detail was left out for me too, so prepare yourself in advance. You’re welcome.

• Kilkenny Castle (Kilkenny)
  • The town of Kilkenny is so fun, in general, but Kilkenny Castle makes it that much cooler. In the center of the town, Kilkenny Castle was one of the most complete stone castles that I’ve ever seen. The outside is exactly what I think of when I think of a medieval castle. I will say, the inside was also cool, but it’s giving more Versailles vibes… They put a lot of furniture and decorations to recreate what it would’ve looked like while in use. Don’t get me wrong, it was cool to see, but when I think of a castle, I was kinda hoping it’d be a slightly damp, dark place that hadn’t been touched since it was in use. Neither here nor there, it was cool, and still made my recs list.

• Rock of Cashel (Cashel)
  • This one one of my favorites that I’ve visited in Ireland. The Rock of Cashel is this cool stone cathedral that is up on a hill in the middle of this tiny town. There is a cemetery all around it with old gravestones that are sill in excellent condition and very cool to look at. This is one that I hadn’t heard about previously, but ended up being one of my favorites. If I’m remembering correctly, they have a more modern part of the cathedral where a university is studying the artwork or something? I could be totally wrong on that, so don’t go for that alone…. It’s not the most convenient to get to from the big cities, so this is one that I’d recommend visiting in you are renting a car and driving around.

• Guinness Storehouse (Dublin)
  • I couldn’t make an Ireland recommendations list without the holy grail, now could I?? This place is beyond touristy, but you get three free pints of Guinness with your entry, as well as a few samplings during the tour in the museum, so it’s worth it for that alone! In all seriousness, the Storehouse is super cool, detailing the history of Guinness in every aspect (how it’s made, the family, advertising, etc). With your ticket, you either get to have your picture on a pint of Guinness or get the opportunity to pour your own pint. There is a clear correct answer in this equation… I’m sorry to the IG girlies, but knowing how to pour your own pint is the ultimate flex, in my opinion… To each their own though. The Gravity Bar at the end of the tour is also a can’t miss. You get a stellar view of Dublin city, while enjoying your third pint of the day. What could be better??

• Howth Cliff Walk (Howth/Dublin area)
  • Not really a sight, per se, but a fun activity, nonetheless. Howth is easily accessibly from Dublin via the DART and the trailhead is a short 10 minute walk from the station. You’ll find spectacular views of the Irish Sea, as well as getting in some vacation exercise! It is pretty long though. The trail that scales the entirety of Howth took me about 3 hours and ended up being about 8 miles, so manage your time. I believe there are shorter options, but don’t quote me on that.

• Dun Laoghaire pier (South Dublin)
  • This is a very me recommendation. Dun Laoghaire is one of my most favorite places in the world, truly. Could it be the nostalgia for my time living in South Dublin? Probably. In any case, it is a cool pier with great ice cream places and coffee shops, good thrifting, and cool boats to look at on the walk to the light house. The Forty Foot in Sandycove is also close by, if you fancy a sea swim.

Places to Eat in Dublin

I didn’t really write down where I ate in the other places I’ve been in Ireland, so this will just be Dublin specific.

• Shoe Lane Coffee
  • Good coffee and AMAZING ham & cheese toastie!!!
• Natural Bakery
  • Great pastries and I love how they put chocolate pieces on their cappuccinos
• Temple Bar
  • Iconic, but very touristy. Most expensive pints in Dublin, but good live music every night
• Fitzsimon’s
  • In the Temple Bar area, which makes for a convenient bar crawl stop. There has lots of levels and it has a great rooftop
• Porterhouse
  • Similar to Fitsimon’s, but it doesn’t serve Guinness. It does have great live music and the food is delish
• O’Neil’s
  • On the O’Connell side of Dublin center, but it has a great beer garden area to watch live sports
• The Hairy Lemon
  • One of my favorites and a must stop every time I’m in Dublin! I dream of their bangers & mash
• The Square Ball
  • Awesome deal for brunch with bottomless drinks! Super fun spot to bring some friends and play some board games
• Queen of Tarts
  • TBD if it still exists, but it used to have really great pastries and soup, perfect for a rainy day
• The Church
  • Fun bar/restaurant on the O’Connell side of the bridge. The building itself is beautiful inside
• The George
  • Super fun gay club to drop by on a night out
• Teddy’s
  • The classic Dublin ice cream stop!! Get any of the 99s for the true, authentic experience! My personal fav is the sprinkle 99
• Scrumdiddy’s
  • A more specialty ice cream spot in Dun Laoghaire with tons of toppings to choose from

A Few Things to Note

Last, but not least, here are a few things that are good to know during your trip to Ireland!

• Getting from Dublin Airport
  • I recommend taking one of the airport transfers. They’re conveniently located at each terminal and are super easy to book in advance or right when you land. Dublin Express and AirCoach are ones that I have used perviously and can personally recommend, but I’m sure any are good. Just check to make sure the place you’re going is on the route.
• Public Transportation
  • There are three main forms of public transport in Dublin: the bus, the LUAS, and the DART. You can pay in exact change on the bus, but I’d recommend just getting yourself a Leap Card when you arrive. You can get they at any convenience store and they work on any of the public transportation options across Ireland. Not to mention, you can easily top them up on the app & save them for your next visit 🙂

I think those are all of the recs that come to mind right now. I’m sure I’ll think of more on my upcoming trip to add though…

I am the biggest proponent for booking a trip to the Emerald Isle!! Do it and pour out some Guinness for me! (Just kidding!!!! I would never ask someone to waste Guinness!!!)

Happy travels!!

Best,

B