Ireland

Ireland sits on an island west of Britain in the North Atlantic with green rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and pub culture defining the character. The Republic of Ireland covers most of the island with Northern Ireland part of the UK. Rain falls constantly earning the emerald green landscape but also soaking travelers. Dublin is the capital while smaller cities like Cork and Galway offer different vibes. One to two weeks covers the highlights driving the coast and stopping in towns. The people stay friendly and talkative with craic meaning good times and conversation in pubs. English is the main language though Irish Gaelic appears on signs. It’s expensive especially accommodations and alcohol but the scenery and atmosphere deliver.

Dublin and Eastern Ireland

Dublin sits on the east coast as the bustling capital with Georgian architecture, Temple Bar nightlife, and literary history everywhere. Trinity College has the Book of Kells illuminated manuscript in the Old Library. Guinness Storehouse teaches beer history ending with a pint and city views from the Gravity Bar. Temple Bar district packs tourists into pubs with live music every night. The area feels overpriced and touristy but delivers the atmosphere visitors want. St Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park offer green space. Kilmainham Gaol shows harsh prison conditions during Irish independence struggles. The DART train runs along the coast to seaside towns like Howth with cliff walks and fish and chips. Newgrange north of Dublin is a 5000 year old passage tomb older than the pyramids with winter solstice sun illuminating the inner chamber.

West Coast and Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way coastal route runs 2500 kilometers along the entire west coast from Donegal to Cork with dramatic cliffs, islands, and fishing villages. Galway on the mid-west coast has bohemian vibes, traditional music sessions in pubs, and the Latin Quarter with colorful buildings. The city works as a base for Connemara mountains and Aran Islands. The Cliffs of Moher tower 214 meters above the Atlantic with walking paths along the edge. Tour buses pack the main viewing area but you can walk north for solitude. The Burren nearby has lunar limestone landscape. Dingle Peninsula in the southwest has mountain passes, beaches, and the town of Dingle with pubs and dolphin Fungie who lived in the harbor for years. Ring of Kerry scenic drive circles the Iveragh Peninsula with lakes and mountains. Killarney town gets touristy but works as a base.

Cork and Southern Coast

Cork city in the south has English Market for food, narrow lanes, and rebellious character earning it the rebel county nickname. Blarney Castle outside town has the famous stone you kiss hanging upside down for the gift of eloquence. Kinsale coastal town has colorful houses and gourmet restaurants. The southern coast stays less dramatic than the west but offers fishing villages and calmer waters.

Food is Irish stew, fish and chips, soda bread, full Irish breakfast, seafood chowder, Guinness obviously, Irish whiskey, boxty potato pancakes, black and white pudding, afternoon tea.