In October 2015, I spent seven days in Ireland on an epic road trip. 1 car. 7 days. 1,000 km. 1,000,000,000 memories.
Getting Around
The route was simple: start in Dublin, get out of the city immediately, and make a giant circle around the island, hitting as many sights as possible.
1. Kilkenny
Kilkenny was the perfect pit stop to immerse in small town Irish culture. I stopped at multiple cafes, jumped around in the leaves, explored Kilkenny Castle, and ended the day at the pub.
2. Cobh and Cork
Day two started out with a quick drive over to the village of Cobh. It was an adorable little town with coloured homes, big churches and hilly streets. How fun would it be to live in that little red house?
Cork was easily one of our favourite stops on the trip. It had the perfect balance of a city vibe, but with a small town feel. It's home to University College Cork, a uni that is basically a castle and couldn’t be more beautiful in autumn.
I also spent a good amount of time enjoying Oliver Plunkett street, with ginger beer, fish & chips, and live Irish music. And last but not least, ended the time in Cork with delicious pancakes.
3. Killarney and The Black Valley
On day three, I took the road less travelled. Imagine driving through winding roads too insignificant to appear on any map.
Now add grass, rocks, boulders, sheep, a couple horses, 180-degree bends, a few other cars, and the most epic of views into the mix. I experienced all of this, and made it back alive before sunset.
4. Dingle, Adare and "The Farm"
On day four, I head up the west coast of Ireland. First, stopped in Dingle for a quick walk around. Most of the shops were closed as it was Sunday, but still got to enjoy some delicious homemade ice cream.
Then drove along the Dingle Peninsula and headed north. On the way, I climbed a mountain, because why not?
I reached Adare and went on a hunt to find the adorable homes with thatched roofs that I'd seen online. Sadly, some of them had burned down in a recent fire, but I still found some really nice ones.
I ended day four with another check off the bucket list – as I spent the night on a farm, complete with a field of cows.
5. Cliffs of Moher
On this beautifully sunny day, I drove up the west coast of Ireland to see the edge of the world – otherwise known as the Cliffs of Moher. I was surprised at how touristy it was, given the rest of Ireland had been so quiet and off the beaten path – but we didn’t mind! The sights were worth it.
Then I jumped back into the car for a long drive across the country – stopping only in Ballinasloe for a biscuit break and postcard pit stop.
6 and 7. Dublin
I returned the rental car and lived on feet for the last two days in Dublin.
There were plenty of tourist things to explore, like walk around Temple Bar, get certified for perfect beer-pouring at Guinness Brewery, and check out the beautiful Trinity College.
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