etraveladmin Ireland is a land of indescribable beauty, where legend and reality coexist. Visitors are unable to leave the country due to this one-of-a-kind combination.
Wild Atlantic Way scenery is breathtaking.
This breathtaking route has some of the most dramatic and dazzling coastal views in the world! It is wild and untamed, free and unbridled! You can dive into the invigorating sea swells of a stunning 2,500km stretch of coast, snuggle in cosy tucked away Irish Pubs, seek refuge in old monastic sites, indulge in hidden gastronomic gems of ancient fishing villages, or simply enjoy the scenic sea-salted shorelines at your own pace.
With nine counties and six regions, this is the world’s longest defined coastal drive, stretching from Donegal’s Malin Head in the north to Cork’s Mizen Head in the south. Hiring a car is the best way to explore this route.
Every turn reveals a rich history.
There are 5000-year-old unforgettable stories waiting to be retold in a country as ancient and legendary as Ireland. If you enjoy history and castles, you will never want to leave Ireland. There are castles to explore at every turn, from the gothic to the stately to the haunted and crumbling.
From Viking invaders to high kings, monks to fleeing immigrants, ramblers and fishermen to modern-day poets, saints, and scholars, Ireland’s Ancient East pulsates with legendary tales and mighty battles. While there are numerous sites to visit, here are a few highlights:
Br na Bóinne
Br na Bóinne, located 40 kilometres east of Dublin in East Ireland, predates both the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge.
The Blarney Castle
While there are castles in every county in Ireland, Blarney Castle in County Cork (shown here) is one of the most visited. And, while you’re there, don’t forget to kiss the Blarney Stone to obtain the gift of gab.
Dalkey Castle and Heritage Town
Transported me back in time as costumed actors entertained me during my guided tour of the 10th-century Dalkey Castle.
Castle Malahide
A must-see if you’re staying in Dublin for more than a day, this charming castle is only 30 minutes by train from the city centre and has been beautifully maintained and restored. The high tea is out of this world.
A dream location for adventure seekers
Ireland is a country tailor-made for adventurers. Surfing, sea kayaking, paragliding, rock climbing, caving, hiking, mountain biking, and walking are just a few of the activities available.
Hiking
Listening to the legend of an Irish poet around the Aideen grave while walking through the evergreen hills incandescent with autumnal leaves cloaking the woods was a surreal experience. We arrived at Howth Summit after a short lung-filling walk through the woods to take in the breathtaking views of Dublin Bay.
Ziplining
Zipit Forest Adventures caters to everyone’s adventure appetite, from bite-sized chunks to weekend warriors looking for the latest thrill. But don’t be too easy on yourself. Climbing the treetops, crossing the wobbly wooden planks, walking on wires, swinging through trees in cargo nets, and flying on zip lines all require some stamina. You can, however, select from simple to difficult circuits.
Kayaking on the sea
We started kayaking from Bullock Harbour to Dalkey Island with Jenny of Kayaking, fully equipped with wetsuits and equipment.
Specifically, the waves were a little rough, and the water was icy cold. However, it was one of the most captivating experiences I had in Ireland. We passed through a seal colony on our way to Dalkey Island, an uninhabited 6000-year-old Viking base.
Segway
Take a Segway Tour in Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces in any European capital city, if you want to see the city at a relaxed but fun pace. It’s a unique way to see the Park, with plenty of highlights along the way.
Unparalleled Pub Culture
Ireland invented the concept of a great pub. After all, Ireland has been exporting Pubs (also known as Public Houses in Ireland) to the rest of the world at breakneck speed since 900 AD. While pub culture in Ireland has a long history, at its heart is a sense of camaraderie, friendship, and fun known as ‘craic.’ For centuries, the most important social outlet for feasts, weddings, funerals, wakes, christenings, birthdays, and any other celebration you can think of has been an Irish pub.
They are also a talent breeding ground, not just a place to drink alcohol. Many great writers have emerged from these social milieus, including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and Brendan Behan. Traditional Irish music and dance add to the irresistible and authentic Irish Pub experience.
Real-Life Filming Locations
From Hollywood blockbusters to captivating television series, Ireland’s spectacular scenery and historic buildings have appeared in more Hollywood films than you can shake a wooden spoon at. From Roman Britain to post-apocalyptic Northern England, the Emerald Isle has played many roles. And Dublin put on a good show to stand in for London, Berlin, and even Boston!
