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Ireland has undoubtedly earned its reputation as a fascinating country that boasts remarkable natural beauty and attracts millions of visitors yearly.
With its lush green hills, stunning coastlines, and majestic castles, it’s no wonder why Ireland is often referred to as the Emerald Isle. Every corner of the country is a captivating mix of history, legend, and folklore. From the vibrant Irish culture steeped in music, dancing, and traditions to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher and the scenic Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s natural beauty is unparalleled.
But it’s not only the iconic destinations that make Ireland unique. Visitors can also explore the ancient Newgrange passage tomb or the historic town of Kilkenny, both steeped in legends and old stories. With its renowned hearty cuisine, including traditional Irish stew, bacon, eggs with scones for breakfast, and the famous Guinness beer, Ireland offers a culinary feast for every traveler. The friendly locals, diverse landscapes, and endless activities make Ireland a unique destination offering unrivaled experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
Our Story and Top 5 Places to Visit in Dublin Ireland
In May 2018, we got ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Since I was a little girl, I had dreamed of going to Ireland and seeing the emerald green fields and cobblestone streets. And now that dream was going to become a reality. I took an awful passport photo and awaited our departure date.
Going into it, I knew this would be the longest flight I had ever been on. As someone who deals extensively with motion sickness, I was nervous. There is nothing worse than trying to puke in one of those small airplane bathrooms. But, praise the Lord, all our flights went smoothly – except for a tiny scheduling error on our part.
We flew into Dublin at 5 am their time.
Exhaustion hit us like a ton of bricks. We managed to catch a bus to our hotel after convincing the driver to accept a digital copy of our tickets instead of a paper copy. However, check-in was at 3 pm! For 5 hours, we trapezed through downtown Dublin, taking in the sights, smells, and local people. And trying not to strangle each other as we had not slept for over 24 hours at that point. By 11 am, we made our way back to the hotel. I think they felt bad for us, so they managed to get a room ready before check-in
even started.
We collapsed, exhausted, and slept for the next 7 hours. The next day was a big one—a full tour of the Cliffs of Moher. I was so excited. And we were not disappointed.
God’s creation was on display in all its glory. Emerald greens, rock formations, crashing waves of the ocean below. Amazing. Breathtaking.
*side note – I got engaged here. But that is a story for another time. 😉
For the rest of our trip, we ate at Irish pubs, tasted their famous gelato, walked through Phoenix Park, and saw the Guinness factory.
I will leave you with my top 5 places to see in Dublin.
~ Cliffs of Moher (by far my favorite)
~ Dublin Castle
~ Phoenix Park
~ Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre (a converted greenhouse)
~ The Brazen Head ( the oldest pub in Ireland, dating back to 1198)
We plan to make it back for our 10th anniversary. Please comment and let me know your favorite places to visit!
Giants Causeway is the next on the itinerary!
Book your next trip here, a stay in your very own castle!
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