Ireland
Ireland is a country that gets into your bones. The landscape is impossibly green, the people are genuinely funny and warm, and the culture of storytelling, music, and community runs deeper here than almost anywhere in the world. Whether you are tracing your family roots, driving narrow roads along sea cliffs, or sitting in a pub listening to a session of traditional music, Ireland has a way of making you feel like you belong.
The country is compact enough to drive across in a few hours, but rich enough that you could spend weeks exploring and still feel like you missed something. The east coast has Dublin, a city with literary pedigree, excellent restaurants, and a pub culture that is an art form. The west coast is where the drama lives: the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, the Burren, Connemara, and the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most spectacular coastal drives on Earth.
Where to Go
Dublin is the natural starting point. Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, the literary pubs of Temple Bar, and the Georgian streets of Merrion Square make it one of Europe’s most walkable and likable capitals. The food scene has improved dramatically in recent years, with restaurants like Chapter One and The Winding Stair earning serious recognition.
The Cliffs of Moher on the west coast are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, and they deserve the attention. The cliffs rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch for five miles. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands and the mountains of Connemara.
The Ring of Kerry in the southwest is a 111 mile loop through some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery: mountains, lakes, villages, and coastal views. Killarney National Park, with its lakes, castles, and red deer, is the gateway. The Dingle Peninsula, less touristed than the Ring of Kerry, is equally beautiful and home to some of the best traditional music pubs in the country.
Galway on the west coast is a university town with a bohemian spirit, live music on every corner, and a food culture built around oysters, seafood, and farmer’s markets. The Aran Islands, a short ferry ride from Galway, feel like stepping back in time, with stone walls, thatched cottages, and ancient forts perched on cliff edges.
Where to Stay
Ashford Castle in County Mayo is one of the most famous castle hotels in the world, offering falconry, fishing, and five star luxury on the shores of Lough Corrib. Adare Manor in County Limerick is another legendary castle property with a Tom Fazio golf course. The Merrion Hotel in Dublin is the city’s finest, set in four restored Georgian townhouses. For a more intimate experience, Park Hotel Kenmare in County Kerry combines old world elegance with stunning views of Kenmare Bay.
Food and Drink
Irish food has undergone a quiet revolution. The country’s butter, dairy, and seafood are among the best in Europe. A full Irish breakfast, with bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, eggs, and soda bread, is a meal that carries you through an entire day of sightseeing. Irish stew, made with lamb, potatoes, and root vegetables, is the ultimate comfort food. Along the coast, fresh oysters, smoked salmon, and seafood chowder are outstanding.
The pub is the center of Irish social life. Guinness tastes different in Ireland, and that is not a myth. A pint of Guinness in a good Dublin pub, served properly with a two part pour, is one of the simple pleasures of travel. Irish whiskey has also experienced a renaissance, with distilleries like Jameson, Redbreast, and Teeling offering tours and tastings.
Let Us Plan Your Ireland Trip
Ireland is one of the most rewarding destinations in Europe, and it is closer to the East Coast than most people realize. Nonstop flights from several US cities put you on the ground in seven to eight hours. We will help you design a road trip that captures the best of the country without spending all your time behind the wheel.
