May the road rise to meet you
Elisa Speziale
Dear readers,
today our stop is at the known Emerald Isle, Ireland, with its lush landscapes, charming villages, and rich history, it is a dream destination for many. A road trip through the southern part of the country offers an unforgettable experience, allowing you to explore its diverse counties, vibrant culture, and fascinating historical sites. The best way to explore this special place is with a car! So be brave and rent it! But remember and don’t forget they do drive on the left-hand side of the road!! Along the way you can stop and explore lakes, fields, cliffs, castles and more!!! Let’s see some major stops!!
Your journey begins in Dublin, the bustling capital. Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere by strolling through Temple Bar, an area filled with pubs, restaurants, and street performers. Careful its usually very crowded but fun!
You definitely cannot miss visiting Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university, founded in 1592. Home to the Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript from the 8th century that seals a milestone in philology!!!
Are you a fan of beer?? Or curious to know more about this special ale?! Well, you are in the mother land! Head towards the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the history of Ireland's most famous export and enjoy a pint of the black gold!!!!! Of course, you will find Dublin Castle and ilmainham Gaol, a former prison that played a significant role in Irish history. Coming to Ireland one cannot not think of St. Patrick, its patron Saint and his legendary life. It is right here in Dublin where you can visit the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral. The largest church in Ireland, founded in the 5th century.
It is a Foodie's Paradise as well! You must try a traditional Irish breakfast, consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, and toast. Don’t forget the traditional Irish fare similar to a stew and Guinness stew all this is a taste of Ireland!
I have to tell you dear reader that going to Ireland, which is home of great writers from Joyce to Yeats, I cannot not mention The Winding Stair. A charming bookstore and restaurant located on the banks of the Liffey River. Here you can enjoy delicious food and stunning views while having a beautiful book in hands. If you are lucky in weather, I recommend to enjoy the sun and a walk in the Picnic Market. A vibrant food market held every Saturday, offering a variety of international cuisines and local produce. Get lost in its streets and have fun!!
After this amazing pit stop head towards Kilkenny: The Medieval City. Often referred to as the "Marble City" due to its many black marble buildings, steeped in history and culture.
Kilkenny is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Ireland, with narrow cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and a magnificent castle where you can walk and get lost in its history and many legends. If you end up in this picturesque town in August you might be lucky and participate at its annual Medieval Festival, featuring jousting tournaments, street performers, and medieval markets.
As it is the land of writing Kilkenny has a rich literary heritage too, it was home of famous authors such as James Stephens and Austin Clarke. You might like to stop by a bookshop and see what you can find!!
Do you like legends? especially about witches?? Then go back in time towards the bloody and dark times of witch hunt stopping in the Kyteler's Inn. A historic building believed to have been the home of Alice Kyteler, a woman accused of witchcraft in the 14th century. It is a real spook! But with an amazing Irish coffee it does have another taste!
While walking through these streets and admiring Butlers' Theatre you can smell the sweet smell of the Kilkenny Black Pudding. A traditional Irish breakfast sausage made with blood, suet, and oatmeal to eat while sipping a clod Kilkenny Ale, a popular Irish beer brewed in the city.
Kilkenny is a city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture. Whether you're interested in exploring medieval ruins, enjoying delicious local food, or simply soaking up the charming atmosphere, Kilkenny is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Well, my friends it is the land of castles, right? Then take your car further west and you will encounter a majestic landmark: Rock of Cashel. A hilltop fortress with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This iconic landmark is home to a collection of medieval ruins, including a cathedral, a round tower, and a Romanesque chapel. The Rock of Cashel is a magnificent hilltop fortress located in County Tipperary, Ireland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. It has a long and complex history dating back to the 5th century. It is believed that St. Patrick visited the site in the 5th century and established a church there. In the 12th century, the Rock of Cashel became then the seat of the King of Munster. The Vikings attacked the site several times, but it was always rebuilt. Can you imagine?!
Of course, several legends are associated with the Rock of Cashel. One legend tells the story of a giant who lived on the rock and challenged St. Patrick to a duel. St. Patrick defeated the giant and converted him to Christianity. Or more a romantic fairy tale one where a princess was imprisoned on the Rock of Cashel and then rescued by a brave knight who climbed the cliffs to free her. And so enjoy the stunning view where prince charming came from!
Well…. Well… well…. Has anybody heard of Titanic?! Has anybody asked where has it left from? Here you go… you will head a bit south… and find out more about this!
Make your way to Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic before its tragic maiden voyage. Visit the Titanic Experience, a museum that tells the story of the ship and its passengers and of course you must take a stroll along the cobbled streets of Cobh and admire the colorful houses overlooking the harbor, it really seems that you’re walking in fantasy land. It is a picturesque town located in County Cork it offers a delightful maritime charm with Spike Island, a former prison island located in the harbor.
Now do you want a bit of ‘young vibe’? Close to this colorful and maritime small city there is Cork: The Rebel City, due to its history of resistance against British rule.
Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, is known for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere. Explore the English Market, a historic food market. Visit the Crawford Art Gallery, which houses a collection of Irish and European art. Cork. It is a city where natural beauty and cultural attractions collide and it has plenty of activities for all ages! So, you’ll never get bored.
A great place to buy fresh seafood, including oysters, salmon, and crab. O'Connell's a traditional Irish pub with live music and a friendly atmosphere is one of the best places to have a lively Irish evening!
There is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Killarney National Park, one of Ireland's most stunning natural areas that you cannot skip. It is Killarney itself.
This town and the park offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and outdoor activities. The park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including Lough Leane, the largest of the three lakes in the park and Torc Waterfall, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery but do not miss the famous Ladies View. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Killarney and its national park have something to offer everyone. Wander and get lost in your thoughts here!
Now let’s go get wild!!!! In the Dingle Peninsula the Wild Beauty!
Venture to the Dingle Peninsula, a rugged and scenic region known for its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming villages. Visit Slea Head, a dramatic headland with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales that swim in these waters, they might surprise you!!
Follow the Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal route that stretches along Ireland's western coast. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, rugged cliffs. Stop at charming villages like Ballybunnion and Lahinch, where you can relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Make a detour to Kilkee Cliffs, a series of dramatic cliffs that rise from the Atlantic Ocean. Hike along the cliff paths and enjoy!! One can’t obviously miss The Cliffs of Moher a stunning natural wonder located on the western coast of Ireland, in County Clare. These dramatic sea cliffs stretch for approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) and rise to heights of up to 214 meters (702 feet).
The cliffs offer breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands, and the surrounding countryside. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily limestone, that have been sculpted by wind, rain, and waves over millions of years. The area has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times. And … it is where Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was shot!!
Further up there is The Burren: A Unique Landscape of
limestone pavements, ancient dolmens, and rare flora and fauna. Visit the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a Neolithic burial site, and explore the Aillwee Cave, a fascinating underground cavern.
The Burren is a unique karst landscape in County Clare. If you are a fan of science, it’s the perfect spot!!!
Along the way upwards have a pitstop and step back in time at Bunratty Castle, a beautifully restored medieval fortress. Take a guided tour of the castle's interior and enjoy a traditional Irish banquet in the castle's banqueting hall.
The original Bunratty Castle was built in the 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement. It was destroyed several times over the centuries, but it was rebuilt each time. The current castle dates back to the 15th century and was restored in the 1950s. You can even explore the nearby craft village, where you can watch skilled artisans demonstrating traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and blacksmithing.
Your journey ends in Galway, a vibrant city with a lively arts scene and a reputation for traditional Irish music. It is known as The City of the Tribes. Galway's nickname comes from the 14 tribes that once ruled the city. It is the Spanish Arch that recalls Galway's medieval walls and history. A must to walk through the city's Latin Quarter a pedestrianized area filled with pubs, restaurants, and shops and then stop at Salthill Promenade, a popular seaside promenade with stunning views of Galway Bay.
From here take a ferry on the Wild waves of the Atlantic to the Aran Islands, a group of three islands off the coast of County Galway. It’s the last piece of land before America…. In the Wild Atlantic you can Explore the rugged landscapes, ancient forts, and charming villages of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis ÓirrThe Aran Islands are a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and culture. They offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
A road trip through Southern Ireland is an unforgettable adventure that allows you to experience the country's natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its diverse landscapes, charming villages, and friendly people, Ireland is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, enjoy it to the fullest!! From its green land to its blue ocean tasting its culture and tradition and embracing the warmth of the people and the magic of its music that will accompany you from the beginning to the end!!!
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