Ireland has a special place in my heart. That’s where I spent my honeymoon. All of the hyperboles you’ve heard about Ireland are true. The grass really is that green. The people really are that friendly. And the beer really is that good. Today’s post is a quick itinerary for a one week road trip around Ireland in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
If you have more time, take it. You could spend weeks exploring this beautiful country. Around every turn you’ll find towns whose names have become part of the English language, like Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford. Start every morning with a massive breakfast at a bed and breakfast. End every night with dinner in a pub. If you only have a week though, here’s what I wouldn’t miss.
Fly to Dublin. There are direct flights from Boston (of course), as well as Washington, Philly, New York and Chicago.
Start your road trip around Ireland as soon as you land. Rent a car and drive to Galway. Your road trip will take you along the southern coast and back to Dublin for your return flight.
County Clare – wander along the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Spend the night in a bed and breakfast.
County Cork – Visit Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone. The stone is said to give the “gift of the gab” to those who kiss it. Eat dinner in a pub in the tiny village of Kinsale and spend the night.
Waterford – Check out the Waterford Crystal factory and pick up some expensive glass.
County Wexford – Spend half a day at Ireland National Heritage Park, where structures from Ireland’s history give you a sense of the country from ancient times to the medieval period. Spend the night in Wilton Castle.
Dublin – Finish back where you started in Dublin. See the Book of Kells at Trinity College, the hand-lettered manuscript of the Gospels that’s been called the most beautiful book in the world. Tour the Guinness brewery and taste one of Ireland’s finest exports at the source. Get back on a plane and go home happy.