It’s been a little while since our trip to Berlin and my last update.  Since then, we haven’t traveled much because I have been sick and it has been a Sicilian summer (aka hot AF).  I have been working quite a bit and picked up some volunteer opportunities which have kept me pretty busy!  However, we recently got back on the road for a midsummer trip to Ireland!  *If you’re looking for a simplified planning itinerary with additional options, click here.

I have to say, I wasn’t as excited about Ireland as some other places we have traveled.  As it turns out, Ireland is my most favorite place yet.

Here is our itinerary for our five-day venture, along with lots of photos of course!

 

Day 1 – Dublin and Cliffs of Moher 

On our very first day in Ireland, we awoke in Dublin and decided to spend the first half of the day checking out what it had to offer before we jaunted off to the Cliffs of Moher for sunset.  We had already pre-purchased tickets (I highly recommend doing this) to Kilmainham Gaol and The Book of Kells at Trinity College.  So, as I kept saying during the trip, our first stop in Ireland was… prison 🙂

Kilmainham Goal is a former prison that held many Irish revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.  The tour was a bit somber, but enlightening, as we learned about and visited areas where many were imprisoned and executed by the British.

 

After the tour, we walked around Dublin a bit before our reserved time to see the Book of Kells and the Old Library at Trinity College.  The Book of Kells is Ireland’s national treasure – a book created in a monastery c. 800 AD!  The book is very ornately illustrated and contains a manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, along with other passages.  Of course, photos of the book are not allowed, but I was able to take a few photographs of the impressive Old Library.

 

After our visit to the prison and the library, we stopped in at an Irish bar for a pint.  After the pint, we did some walking and shopping before heading to the opposite side of the island to the Cliffs!

Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at the Cliffs, there was no visibility. So, we headed to Shannon for our second night.

 

Day 2 – Cliffs of Moher and Killarney

Since the Cliffs were rained out on the first day, we decided to try again on Day 2.  We arrived just in time to get a decent view before the rain came in and clouds covered.  It was an amazing to see in person. We also got to pet some super cute cows, so that was a bonus!

The Cliffs of Moher are ~700 feet at their highest point and range for over five miles.  Photos don’t do it justice at all – even seeing it in the fog and rain was just so breathtaking.   If you look closely at the left side of the photo, you can see tiny little people on top.  That can give you an idea of just how overwhelming the cliff faces are.

 

After the Cliffs, we drove to Killarney and checked into our “hotel,” Cahernane House, which was actually a manor house that was constructed in 1877.  It was absolutely gorgeous and definitely one of the most luxurious places I’ve ever stayed.  We spent the remainder of the day relaxing around the grounds.

Day 3 – Dingle 

After a much needed day of relaxation, we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at our hotel before before heading out to Dingle for the day.

The drive to Dingle was stunning!  Our first stop was at Inch Beach.

After Inch Beach, we proceeded to Slea Head Drive, where we drove around the peninsula and stopped in various locations to explore and enjoy the views!

 

Famine Cottages

This famine cottage museum is dedicated as a memorial of the Great Famine in Ireland (+2 million deaths).  They also have a small animal park located there, in which we got to pet a variety of cute animals.

 

Scenic Views 

Slead Head Drive is a MUST SEE while in Ireland.

 

Dún Chaoin

 

Ceann Sibéal – Star Wars Film Location for ‘The Last Jedi’

Gallarus Oratory

This dry rubble masonry building is ~1,300 years old (and it’s completely waterproof, how?!).  It was built by early christians in the area and is definitely worth the 3€ entrance fee!

 

After exploring the peninsula, we headed back to Dingle for dinner before returning to Killarney for the night.

Day 4 – Killarney 

We originally intended to visit Dingle on Day 2 and Killarney on Day 3, but alas, rain.  It definitely would have been nice to have more time to explore the Ring of Kerry/Killarney National Park, but it would have taken us much more time than we had available. We started the day off at Ross Castle and then moved on the visit Muckross House (which was coincidentally once owned by the brother of the former owner of the Cahernane House).  The grounds surrounding the house were massive, so we explore them a bit before continuing on the drive around the Ring.  We stopped at random stop offs before visiting Ladies View, which was absolutely remarkable. Since we needed to drive back to Dublin that night, we had to end our exploration of Killarney there and hit the road.

 

Ross Castle

 

Muckross House

Built in 1843, the house is now managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Trustees of Muckross House. The Queen of England once stayed here as a guest and you can see her quarters if you elect the tour.  We had the tour (no photographs allowed), and it was very informative.  But, the grounds themselves are massive and gorgeous, so you don’t really need the tour to fill your time.

 

Torc Waterfall

 

Ladies View

 

Scenic Stop-Off

 

About half-way to Dublin, we stopped in Cashel to see the Rock of Cashel and have dinner. According to local folklore, the Rock of Cashel originated in a mountain 20 miles outside of Cashel but landed in Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave.  It was also the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman Invasion.

 

After our visit, we had a nice, leisurely dinner and then hopped back in the car to Dublin.

 

Day 5 – Dublin and home

On the last day, we spent most of our time packing to go before walking around Dublin one last time and heading to the airport to catch our flight.  We briefly checked out Dublin Castle.

 

We honestly wish we had more time to spend exploring Ireland.  So, you know what that means… we will be back! 🙂