Thinking of going to Ireland? We went last October for a couples trip and wanted to share our experience with you all!
By far the best decision we made was to hire our tour guide, Eric Cosgrove, from ‘Ireland with Locals’. He took us to all the small towns, sightings, local pubs and restaurants that we would’ve probably never discovered on our own. Eric made all the decisions and we just had to show up.
Day 1: We flew into Dublin, went to Kilbeggan Distillery (the oldest distillery in Ireland), ate lunch at the world famous seafood restaurant Moran’s Oyster Cottage, and stayed at the Cashel House Hotel in Connemara
Day 2: Eric took us to Spiddal Craft and Design studios for local shopping and coffee. On this drive we learned that the Irish do in fact believe in fairies. Bad fairies. Had lunch at Monks Ballyvaughan where we had the freshest seafood. Drove along the coast to Cliffs of Moher. Everyone says this is the most magical place and really is. Pictures don’t do it justice but it is the most dreamy view that I’ll always remember. We then stayed the night at the Moy House. Very cozy and beautiful bed and breakfast.
Day 3: We took the ferry making our way to the town of Dingle. On the way there we took a pretty steep and scary drive up a mountain, but once at the top was an incredible view of the ocean and the town. Went to Murphy’s for Guinness, Fish & Chips, and the best wings I’ve ever had, Foxy John’s Hardware store that’s conveniently a hardware store with a pub built in, and Dick Mack’s for some late night drinks.
Day 4: Drove Slea Head along the coast making our way to Coumeenole Beach. A beautiful cove where you can listen to the ocean waves for hours. Visited the Gallarus Oratory a chapel located on the Dingle Peninsula. Went shopping and had lunch in Killarney. Took a mini tour of Ross Castle before taking the very windy and scenic route through the Ring of Kerry. We stopped to take pictures of the landscape while getting the chance to pet and see the red deer up close.
Day 5 & 6: We stayed at the Park Hotel for two nights, which is a 5-star gorgeous hotel in Kenmare. Our group took advantage of a private spa experience at the hotel where we were pampered with massages, a hot tub overlooking the forest and lake in the distance, a steam room and sauna. At night they extended the offer to let us watch a movie in their theatre room.
Day 7: Took another beautiful and scenic drive through the country making our way to Kinsale. We all agreed this was probably our favorite town because of the shops, pubs, and overall vibe. We had Hot Whiskey at the oldest pub, Greyhound, ate dinner at the White House Restaurant, then topped of the night at Kitty O’ Se’s for some live Irish music and dancing.
Day 8: On our way to Dublin we stopped to visit Charles Fort outside of Kinsale. The fort is located on the water’s edge and is star-shaped. The grounds, ruins, and views into the ocean were worth the time to tour. Our first night in Dublin we started at the Barge, walked through Camden and George Street pubs stopping at a few, then made our way to Brazen Head the oldest pub in Dublin. This was my highlight in Dublin because of the traditional Irish band and watching locals dance. Made our final pit stop for the night at Zatoon Kebabs for gyros.
Day 9: The final day in Dublin we spent time touring the Book of Kells, the Old Library, Kilmainham Gaol a former prison, an outside tour of Guinness, witnessed the crazy party scene in Temple Bar area, and had our final dinner at Elephant + Castle
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