Day 1-3: Dublin
Both a walking tour and self-exploration of the capital city; Dublin was a hip and historic gem.
Some of the sights:
St. Patrick's aka the beer cathedral, Temple Bar, Ha'penny Bridge, painted electric boxes, Christ Church Cathedral aka the whiskey cathedral, a Pennsylvania mural, and other fun sites!
Oh! And if you like any of the photos you see, head to the online gallery to purchase any prints or artwork! #shopsmall
Day 3: Athlone
A drive out to Galway was broken up with a stop is Athlone; another charming city - home to the world oldest pub.
Some of the sights:
Sean's Bar (dates back to 900 AD!), Athlone Castle, the river and the boats, and some Maryland police badges in Sean's Bar.
Day 3: Galway
Galway was my favorite! On a river and the coast with music and arts and walkable charm.
Some of the sights:
Galway Cathedral - really old and JFK went there, the murals, lots of shopping, lots of pubs, (not pictured) a Buster Keaton mural!
Day 4: County Galway & Connemara National Park
Hoped on the coach and headed out into the country outside of Galway. Breathtaking.
Some of the sights:
Kylemore Abbey, Diamond Hill and surrounding trails, lots of sheep, breathtaking loughs, hills, farms and more.
Day 5: County Clare
These photos were taken on the way to the Cliffs of Moher, but more on that below.
Some of the sights:
Dunguaire Castle - (kinda ugly, but on a lake) + more green hill and rock walls through the countryside
Day 5: The Cliffs of Moher
Literally, what I had been waiting for for years. Bucket List item checked off!
Breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and still brings tears to my eyes.
Day 6: Kerry Bog Village
A stop along the way in the Ring of Kerry. Charming and slightly weird tourist attraction. 10/10 recommend.
Some of the sights:
Replicated 19th century homes, thatch roofs, peat bricks, statue to man with largest herd of goats, (not pictured) very large, friendly Irish Wolfhounds, bog ponies, and more!
Day 6: The Ring of Kerry
Ok, this one needs to be on your bucket list. The MOST picturesque drive through County Kerry in the southwestern part of Ireland.
Some of the sights:
King Puck, another bloody caste, and Waterville
Charlie Chaplin likes to vacation in Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland. Makes a film buff happy.
Seriously, this entire drive was beautiful. Even from the back of a moving bus, I was able to get a lot of these shots.
Stopped in Sneem for a quick Irish-dairy-made ice cream and quick jaunt to the Garden of the Senses.
Entered Killarney National Forest and stopped to take in the views and gardens at Muckross House.
Day 7: Kilkenny
This city had the feeling of Dublin on a much smaller scale. A must go (back!)
Some of the sights:
Kilkenny Castle, Smithwick's Experience, walking around, and then we ran out of time.
The sum up!
Even with a full week there is still so much more to see of this country! And for when you and I go back - Book with Kim Mogard of Cruise Planners - K&M Sea the World Travel!
Check out the map to see all the stops we made on our journey...
