The Perfect Ireland Getaway
Booking a tour from this post earns me a small commission at no extra cost to you!
Have you ever asked...
- Is it worth traveling to Ireland?
- What's the #1 thing to see in Ireland?
- What to know before going to Ireland?
- What are the things to do in Ireland?
From the Claddagh Ring's timeless symbols of ❤️ love, loyalty, and friendship to the haunting tales of the Great Hunger, every corner of Ireland tells a story.
On my way home from Tenerife, we added on three days in Ireland, where my ancestors are from. Can you see it all in three days, you ask? Well, I gave it a shot!
Why Group Tours?
I’m not a huge fan of group tours. I prefer wandering on my own and exploring sites at my own pace. However, when you only have three days, are driving on the opposite side of the road, and want to see as much as possible, group tours are the way to go! I’ll include links to the ones we did—both were amazing.
This trip was my last vacation in my 40s, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve long had a fascination with Ireland, where my family comes from. They immigrated during what is known as the ‘Potato Famine’—which I came to learn the Irish call the ‘Great Hunger.’
Irish history is incredible. The people are so resilient.
The Great Hunger (1845-1852) was a devastating period in Irish history, caused by a potato blight that wiped out the primary food source for millions of Irish people. While the famine itself was due to natural causes, British policies exacerbated the crisis. Exports of grain and livestock continued while the Irish population starved, leading to mass emigration. Over a million people perished, and another million fled the country, many to America and Canada.
My great-great-great-grandparents left Ireland during this time, seeking a better life. They eventually settled in Bovill, Idaho, where they built a new future but never forgot their homeland.
Where We Stayed
We stayed in downtown Dublin at the Point A Hotel on Parnell Street—a reasonably priced and safe hotel that was centrally located. The rooms were small but modern, and the location made it easy to explore Dublin on foot.
Day 1: Exploring Dublin
Dublin is a big city with so much to see! While we only had one day, I think two would be ideal. Here are the highlights:
🏛 Book of Kells at Trinity College
A masterpiece of early medieval art, housed in Trinity College Dublin, featuring intricate illustrations of the Gospels. We loved the new visual tour, which brought the history of the Book of Kells to life with interactive displays. The stunning Long Room Library, with its towering bookshelves and ancient texts, was a highlight of the visit.
Pro tip: The Book of Kells display changes daily.
Tickets: Purchase in advance (get tickets here).
Preservation efforts: They are actively moving books to preserve them.
🍺 Guinness Storehouse Tour
A seven-story experience of Ireland’s iconic beer, culminating in panoramic city views at the Gravity Bar. I highly recommend this tour! It’s well worth it. They walk you through all of the details for how they get to the perfect Guinness.
Pro tip: Schedule an afternoon tour in advance (link here).
Experience: The tour walks through multiple floors showcasing the making of Guinness, from the brewing process to advertising history.
Fun fact: The tour ends with a large Guinness pint—too big for us to finish!
🍽️ Best Meal in Dublin: St. James Irish Pub
On the way to Guinness Storehouse, stop at St. James Irish Pub—by far the BEST meal we had in all of Ireland! We enjoyed traditional Irish stew, fresh soda bread, and a delicious hamburger and fries. Great wine selection, too.
🎶 Temple Bar
Dublin’s cultural hub, alive with music, pubs, and a lively atmosphere. A great place to visit and grab some photos, and so some shopping. We did this during the day in the Christmas season and it was beautiful. But be warned, most locals will tell you to avoid it in the evenings.
Pro tip: After 9 p.m., drink prices rise hourly to target tourists.
Shopping & sightseeing: Great for souvenirs and daytime exploring.
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
Click here for the tour we did. Through Viator Tours.
This was an incredible tour! The guides shared so much history as we traveled.
🌿 Cliffs of Moher
Towering cliffs offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. We even had a wedding proposal! And she said, ‘yes.’
Weather warning: We visited in November—wet and windy! Locals advised not to bring an umbrella due to strong winds.
Walking options: Easy trails, plus golf carts for those who need assistance.
Visitor’s Center: Great shopping and food. Bring your own poncho—they are expensive here!
Photography tip: The weather changes quickly, so be patient for the best shots.
🌊 The Burren
A unique, rocky landscape filled with history. Walking through the Burren was an emotional experience, knowing my ancestors left this area due to starvation and hardship.
The Burren is known for its vast limestone pavements and historical remnants. During the famine, desperate families built penny walls (walls constructed for minimal wages) that went nowhere, all to earn a daily meal. a stark reminder of the suffering endured here.
📸 Check out my photo from the Burren, now available in my Etsy shop!
🌆 Galway
A vibrant city known for its colorful streets, festivals, and Christmas markets.
Shopping tip: Restrooms require change, so bring some coins!
Drink of the day: A hot toddy as we explored.
Day 3: Blarney Castle & Cork
Exact Tour We did: Link to our tour here. Viator Tours
Another early day, another fantastic tour!
🏰 Rock of Cashel
A stunning 6th-century site with seven distinct structures, also known as St. Patrick's Rock.
History: A former seat of the Kings of Munster and later a religious site.
Weather warning: Rainy and windy, but still worth visiting!
🍽️ Cork City & English Market
We weren’t here long—just enough time for food!
Where to eat: St. Anne’s, Shannon - Roe & Co
Recommendation: Reuben sandwich & a big glass of wine—absolutely incredible!
🏰 Blarney Castle & Kissing the Blarney Stone
A must-do experience!
Pro tip: In summer, cruise ship crowds cause several-hour wait times.
Grounds: Beautiful park with scenic walking trails.
The Kiss: You have to lay on your back, grip the bars, and kiss the stone upside-down!
Photo tip: You can purchase your official Blarney Stone photo at the end.
Safety warning: Narrow, slick stairs—watch your step.
📸 Check out my Ireland photography in my Etsy shop!
May the road rise up to meet you, and may the wind be always at your back. ☘️
#IrelandTravel #Dublin #CliffsOfMoher #BlarneyCastle #TravelItinerary #VisitIreland #CorkIreland #GuinessStorehouse #RockofCashel #Ireland #Vacation #Travel #EatDrinkTravl #Shamrock #Irish #viator
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment