Ireland's Call
A reflection on the people, places and memories that make Ireland so special
Iwonderfulreland! Just the word alone conjures images of dramatic green landscapes, the buzz of a lively traditional pub, the bustling streets of a town bursting with culture. While our travel plans might be hampered for now, what we do have are
memories of exploring the island of Ireland and great ideas to start planning our next vacation, when it's safe to do so.
TASTES AND THRILLS IN NORTHERN IRELAND
There’s so much to miss about Northern Ireland, where to even begin!? Belfast is so rich in history and culture it is one of those bewitching cities that can be revisited over and over again. Each time we visit, we find something new. From City Hall to the River Lagan and beyond, what we miss about traveling is meeting new people and discovering new hidden gems.
We long for chatting with friendly locals in a cozy pub after spending a long afternoon exploring Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor experience. The story of "the ship of dreams" will live in your mind and soul for days, if not years, after you visit.
When it comes to cuisine, nothing beats the taste of local favorites like an Ulster fry or fresh seafood. Belfast has a huge culinary offering to explore from the traditional to Michelin star cuisine. It's those wonderful, authentic foodie experiences that we can't wait to recreate on our next vacation.
Another thing we love about the island of Ireland is its easy accessibility! Just an hour's drive north along the Causeway Coastal Route is the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage Site comprised of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. This is an experience that no one who has visited will ever forget. Imagine, these structures were created by a volcanic eruption some 50 to 60 million years ago. We can't wait to get back to this incredible natural wonder. Close by, another surefire way of making memories is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Over 250 years old and 98-feet above the Irish Sea, the rope bridge offers a much-missed thrill. Right now we’re imagining the feeling of having the sea air blowing through our hair at such a height!
DUBLIN'S MEMORY MAKERS
Officially named as one of "the most Instagrammable places in the world for 2021" by Big 7 Travel, we're longing to roam its picturesque streets and take in all the sights. After lazy afternoons spent exploring the cobbled nooks and crannies of the city center and late nights enjoying the craic (Irish slang for fun) in the world-famous pubs and theaters, a trip to the iconic Kilmainham
Gaol reminds us of the city’s great history.
Kilmainham Gaol holds an important place in the history of Ireland’s fight for independence, as the Dublin jail was used in 1916 to imprison the leaders of the uprising. The tours and building itself really bring to life the history of the times.
What we've all been missing during these strange times is really stretching our legs in the great outdoors!
There's nowhere better in Dublin to do that than at
The Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe. A favorite among locals, the park is home to a large herd of fallow deer, the Zoological Gardens, Áras an
Uachtaráin (the President of Ireland's residence), and much more. It's a truly idyllic spot for leisurely strolls, bike rides, and picnics.
Back in the city center, there are museums that will astound and continue to reward those who visit and revisit. Inside the National Museum of Ireland, just off Stephen's Green, you'll find the incredible remains of
Bronze Age bog bodies preserved for centuries in Irish peat, alongside hordes of medieval treasure and Viking history. Just around the corner at the National Gallery of Ireland, you'll find a stunning collection of art, from Irish masters like Jack B. Yeats to Carrivagio.
This Dublin experience is a treat for the senses.
Of course, no trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, which tells the story of this famous brand in a truly interactive way. An incredible museum and culinary experience to boot, visitors can learn how to pull the perfect pint, the secret of the Guinness recipe and enjoy 360-degree views of Dublin from the newly extended
Sky Bar. What an experience!
EXPLORING IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST
Home to 5,000 years of history, memories are made exploring Ireland’s Ancient East. You can spend days visiting the sites and still have only touched the surface of all this area has to offer - the castles, ancient monuments, and stunning scenery abound. The jewel in the crown is, of course, the incredible Newgrange, which dates back to 3200 B.C and is a testament to the ingenuity of early man. This Neolithic tomb is simply magical. Twice a year, on solstice days, the chamber is lit up by sunlight. While you might not get to witness it firsthand, just being at this ancient site is something special.
Staying in County Meath, another dramatic visit is Trim Castle. Movie buffs might recognize the castle from Mel Gibson's film Braveheart. Another historic fortress in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East is the Rock of Cashel. Anyone who has visited this 4th-century Tipperary fortress will not forget that initial breathtaking view of this massive structure. The medieval Rock of Cashel has four edifices, including the Connac’s Chapel, the round tower, the cathedral, and the Hall of the Vicars Choral. This colossal fortress is one we can't wait to see again.
WINDING ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY
There’s a reason the Wild Atlantic Way has become worldfamous and the stunning scenery is only a part of it. As with much of Ireland's charm, the locals and food play as much a part as the stunning scenery. Our next vacation might very well start down in the colorful harbor town of Kinsale, County Cork, known as the Culinary Capital of Ireland. Along through the picturesque scenery of Kerry and Clare we'll follow this trail, one of the longest defined coastal driving routes in the world, up to Galway.
With its friendly locals, laid back charm, Michelin star restaurants and world-class pub food, there is nowhere in Ireland quite like the city of Galway. Days turn into nights as you explore the pubs and restaurants dotted along its narrow streets. This is a town that you could never tire of!
After the excitement of Galway, we'll keep heading north until we reach the charming County Mayo towns of Westport and Cong. Sitting on the Carrowbeg River, Westport provides a homely welcome that you'll not soon forget. We recommend staying in the town to enjoy the charming pubs and shops or attempting to climb Croagh Patrick, a mountain that's over 2,506 feet and an important pilgrimage site.
The tiny town of Cong has long been famous among movie buffs, as this was where the John Wayne classic, The Quiet Man was filmed. We walk along the tiny streets to follow in the footsteps of Maureen O’Hara and head to Pat Cohan’s Bar, which appeared in the famous film. While in Cong, we recommend bringing your walking shoes and exploring the hiking trails and hidden gems in the area.
In times of uncertainty, it can feel like things will never return to what they once were, and yet thinking about our memories from our favorite places around the island, shows that come what may, Ireland and all that makes her special still remains, waiting to welcome us all once again.