5 Car-Free Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland

As I’m writing this, this time a year ago I was on my first-ever incredible solo adventure to Ireland. My solo adventure to Ireland is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Throughout my time in Ireland, I decided to create a home base for myself in Dublin (here), given that I am NOT interested in solo driving on the other side of the road – LOLLLL! Not only did my solo adventure teach me tons about myself, but it also taught me so much about Ireland, including how to visit different places within the Emerald Isle and meet so many incredible people and hear so many impactful stories all along the way. During my trip, I took 5 car-free day trips from Dublin, Ireland via local bus tour operators.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Where To Book?!

If you’re considering I highly recommend downloading the GetYourGuide app on your phone to help you select which day trip(s) make the most sense for you. That way, you’re able to see which tour operators have availability on the days that work for you given your group’s interests and preferences.

Additionally, if you’re looking for lodging while in Dublin, Ireland, there are plenty of options to choose from!

5 Car-Free Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland

1 – Cork County

Cork County, Ireland covers the majority of Ireland’s southwest coast upwards. From fertile farmlands and castle country to the North to rugged coastlines and peninsulas to the South, Cork County, Ireland truly has it all. It is also home to Ireland’s second-largest city and the 2nd stop on my Ireland tour … Cork! Cork is home to much of Ireland’s tech hub, having both Apple’s and Amazon’s international headquarters (including several other tech companies) located there. Some of the most notable sights in Cork County (which I saw on my incredible day there) include Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle which is home to the well-known Blarney Stone.

Book your Cork County adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Cork County here.

2 – Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are rugged cliffs that stretch approximately 14 kilometers across Ireland’s Atlantic Way in County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher are walkable and you can *even* hike across them, too, although it may not be highly suggested throughout parts of it. Just like with Netflix’s Irish Wish, the Cliffs of Moher are featured in several well-known films, photos, etc. Truly, I GASPED when I saw the Cliffs of Moher in-person, as it was such a grand sight to see!

Book your Cliffs of Moher adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to the Cliffs of Moher here.

3 – Northern Ireland (Giant’s Causeway & Belfast)

Northern Ireland is apart of the United Kingdom, sitting on a part of the Emerald Isle aka Ireland. Ireland is a predominantly Catholic nation, whereas, Northern Ireland, a British territory has a Protestant majority. Though Northern Ireland has a Protestant majority, it does have a Catholic minority and hence caused conflicts between the residents: a Protestant majority who wanted Northern Ireland to remain apart of the United Kingdom and a Catholic minority who wanted Northern Ireland to reunify with Ireland. From 1968-1998, Belfast as the heart of Northern Ireland, was central to these secular conflicts that created unrest worldwide. As a result of these conflicts, over 3,500 people died with many more people injured and a heightened level of trauma, suffering, and anxiety face and linger amongst the people of Northern Ireland to this day. It is said, according to the tour guide, that the people of Northern Ireland are known to have a darker sense of humor as a way to cope with the things that they’ve been through over the decades. And, in some towns, such as Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the Catholic people and Protestant people remain separated to some extent. I find it important to share the history of Northern Ireland as it shows the power that conflict has in our world as a whole and especially in Northern Ireland and with their people and culture. While a small part of the world, a brutal 3-decades long conflict is still significant as shown throughout Northern Ireland.

Book your Northern Ireland adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Belfast and Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland here and here.

4 – Connemara

Connemara is rather remote for Ireland (which is a country the size of the state of South Carolina in the United States!), yet boasts some unique stories. With a population of ~32,000 people, Connemara is the only region in Ireland where the majority of its population speaks the native Irish language. In fact, Irish families send their kids in ~middle school-high school for a Summer away to stay with a host family in Connemara to learn their native tongue. I learned from my tour guide that some of the Irish’s Summers away in Connemara were where many teenagers experienced their first kiss, went to parties, went on dates, and more! Connemara’s economy is mostly focused on agriculture, fishing, artisan crafts, and tourism. One of the most distinct things about Connemara is its gorgeously unique landscapes and scenery playing homage to Ireland’s only fjord.

Book your Connemara adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Connemara here.

5 – Glendalough

Located in a glacial valley with two stunning adjacent lakes within the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is home to a 6th century monastic heritage sight. This 6th century monastic heritage sight was founded by St. Kevin who resided there as a hermit and attracted followers of the Christian faith who aspired to do the same. Indeed, Glendalough is a placed of pilgrimage and has been for over 1,500 years. While not much is accurately known about St. Kevin’s time at Glendalough, stories have been passed down over the centuries, some of which are of Irish mythology (which is contains a fascinating array of stories in itself!). Surrounded by natural beauty with an upper and lower lake, the Wicklow Mountains, the remains of two mining sites, and the monastic settlement, truly Glendalough is a peaceful place to simply reflect, enjoy your surroundings, and feel pride for those that have done the same before us. Learn more here, including information on the first-ever pilgrimage aka a series of walks on St. Kevin’s day on June 1, 2024!

Book your Glendalough adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Glendalough here.

Wrap-Up

Ireland is truly such a magical country and there are so many options to see the Emerald Isle without the hassle of driving. Dublin is an excellent city and home basis within Ireland, making most of the country easily accessible within a day’s trip reach. Truly, there are SO many car-free day trips to take from Dublin!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Dublin, Ireland Travel Guide

It may be 10 months after my trip to Dublin, Ireland and I am *finally* getting around to writing my final post here about my first-ever and amazing 8 day solo trip to Ireland. Throughout my 8 days in Ireland, I spent it all in the country’s capital city of Dublin which I chose to make my home base. Dublin holds such a happy place in my heart and I am SOOO excited to share with y’all more about my time there!

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Dublin, Ireland Travel Guide

Getting There:

To get to Dublin from Washington, DC, there are luckily a few great direct flight options. The major airport in Dublin is Dublin Airport. To my knowledge, both United Airlines and Aer Lingus (an Irish-owned and run airlines!) offer frequent direct flight options out of Washington, DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD). My dog Rosie’s dog walker is from Ireland and highly recommended Aer Lingus to me, given her experiences, and I was highly impressed! Personally, I loved being on a smaller plane for a Transatlantic flight via Aer Lingus and getting to enjoy Irish flair to/from Ireland. At the same time, the flights offered on Aer Lingus are reasonably priced and offer several flight connection options to/from Dublin, too. Currently, I am on Aer Lingus’s email list and am constantly getting updates on the Irish airline’s sales which I suggest anyone interested in traveling to Ireland signs up for to get the insider scoop on! Alongside Washington, DC, Aer Lingus offers several frequent direct flight options to/from many major United States cities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.

One of the unique aspects of the travel experience in and out of Ireland is that Ireland is one of a few if not the only European country that offers the United States customs in all of their airports in Ireland. Upon arrival at all Irish airports upon departure to the United States, all passengers go through airport security and wait in the duty-free shopping section upon being called via a timed entry given flight times to go through United States customs. All passengers flying to the United States will go through airport security and then United States customs and will be given their gate number once they go through United States customs and can then go to their gate and board their flight across the Atlantic. Indeed, doing United States customs before boarding my flight back to the United States was SO nice and such a stress relief! At the same time, this process gave me more time to relax on the flight home and enjoy time being reunited with those that I love.

Where I Stayed:

While in Ireland, I was initially going to stay in Dublin and Galway, but once I landed in Ireland, I made the executive decision to make Dublin my home base for the entire trip. Hence, I spent 8 days in Dublin, Ireland! That all being said, logistically speaking, I switched hotels a couple of nights into my trip as it made the most sense financially for me to do so. 

In addition to the hotels I stayed at, there are several lodging options within Dublin!


 

Castle Hotel – My first two nights, I stayed at the elegant Castle Hotel. It’s conveniently located just off of one of Dublin’s main streets: O’Connell Street. The Castle Hotel is essentially a grand millennial’s paradise! The hotel’s Georgian-inspired flair offers an interiors filled with antiques galore alongside an onsite The Castle Vaults Bar & Restaurant (more on that below!) as well as a high tea in the afternoons which guests must reserve in advance. Complimentary breakfast (both buffet style and traditional Irish breakfast) is offered to guests each morning. If I were to come back to Dublin, I would recommend you make the Castle Hotel your home the entirety of your trip, given its plethora of offerings and sheer grand millennial elegance!

Hotel St. George by Nina – My second hotel where I stayed for the remainder of my trip was Hotel St. George by Nina. The hotel’s lobby has a truly elegant appeal with an onsite breakfast bar at an additional cost to guests. I had a room with a huge window facing O’Connell Street, which made it a great location to be. Compared to The Castle Hotel, while a nice location and a cheaper price, the amenities weren’t as great and due to its major street location it got pretty loud at night making it tough to fall asleep. That all being said, there are benefits and costs to any hotel!

What I Did (in Dublin):

St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Founded in 1191 as a Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a magnificent cathedral, serves as the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The interiors and exterior alongside the surrounding gardens of this almost-1,000 years’ old cathedral are seriously worth visiting! Visitors can attend a show, worship via a Sermon, or book a ticket to experience and tour the cathedral’s interiors.

Trinity College – With notable alumna such as Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and Willam Rowan Hamilton, Trinity College is a research university founded in Dublin on March 3, 1592. To this very day, Trinity College is an active college and research institution where students still live and learn and study at. The campus grounds are free to walk and attract tourists from all across the world (alongside its student body and staff and faculty!). One of the most notable attractions visitors can pay to see is the Book of Kells Experience (I write about it more in-depth here). It is worth noting that visitors must reserve their prepaid ticket to the Book of Kells Experience in advance as they do not accept walk-in’s.

Stroll Georgian Row – An activity I was REALLY looking forward to while in Dublin was strolling Georgian Row to see *none other than* the iconic colorful doors of Dublin (!!!!). Georgian houses have the Georgian architecture that is prominent all across Dublin. Georgian Row is the longest stretch of Georgian houses that runs from the corner of Merrion Square all the way to Leeson Street Bridge. Let’s just say that Georgian Row is GREAT for photos and for highlighting the many beautiful and unique doors of Dublin!

Christ Church Cathedral – Christ Church Cathedral was founded circa 1030 in Dublin, Ireland and was formally known as The Cathedral of The Holy Trinity. Almost 1,000 years later, Christ Church Cathedral serves as a magnificent part of Ireland’s heritage and offers visitors the opportunity to tour its grounds, worship via a Sermon, or host their own event. Although I didn’t get a chance to tour this time around, I would definitely add Christ Church Cathedral to the top of my list for my next trip to Dublin!

Dublin Castle – Located on Dublin’s Dame Street, Dublin Castle is an Irish government complex, conference center, and nowadays tourist attraction. Dublin Castle opened its doors in 1204 and still stands today in its original glory. The interiors of Dublin Castle’s exhibits offer a tribute to Ireland’s history, including highlighting its female leadership and remains a grand millennial’s paradise through showcasing gorgeous pristine antiques from centuries’ past. Guests can reserve timed entry tickets in advance.

Stroll St. Stephen’s Green – One of Ireland’s most well-known public parks, St. Stephen’s Green has served as the setting for numerous turbulent times within Ireland’s history. Most notably, St. Stephen’s Green is where the 1916 Easter Monday Rising took place when the Irish Citizen Army attempted to overthrow the then-governing powers of Great Britain. Today, St. Stephen’s Green is a gorgeous park to stroll through to admire local flora and fauna and be reminded of how far the nation of Ireland has come over the centuries.

What I Did (Beyond Dublin):

Throughout my time in Dublin, I used Dublin as a home basis to explore other parts of Ireland. Ireland is actually the size of the state of South Carolina in the United States. Hence, traveling from one end of Ireland and back is pretty doable to do within a day trip’s reach. I am so grateful that my 8 days in Dublin, Ireland offered me the opportunity to visit other parts of the Emerald Isle. Moreover, feel free to check out where else I visited beyond Dublin more in-depth below:

I’ve also compiled a list of car-free day trips to take around Ireland from Dublin.

Where I Dined:

The Winding Stair (40 Ormond Quay Lower) – Located above its *very own* downstairs bookshop (more on that below!), The Winding Stair overlooks Dublin’s River Liffey and serves delicious eats. The Winding Stair’s menu and bar is small but curated to perfection and was one of my favorite meals during my time in Dublin. Whether or not you choose to dine here and climb up its windy stairs to do so, I highly suggest checking out The Winding Stair Bookshop. I will also note that The Winding Stair is a bit of a splurge even for lunch when I went, however, my meal was SO GOOD I would make sure I dined there on my next trip to Dublin!

Murray’s Bar (33-34 O’Connell Street Upper) – Probably my FAVORITE pub in all of Dublin! Murray’s was coincidentally located just a block away from each hotel I stayed at making it the perfect hangout spot for a delicious Irish meal. Each time, I would *always* order a Guinness and usually some fish n’ chips aka my favorite traditionally Irish (and English!) meal! Typically, I’d pop up a chair right at the gorgeous bar and listen to some live music and talk with fellow visitors and locals, alike. The interiors of Murray’s are stunning and filled with gorgeously stained glass windows. The best part besides LOVING Murray’s and making it my go-to spot?!?! My Uncle James also unknowingly that I did the same thing made his go-to spot Murray’s when he went to Dublin a few months later!

Temple Bar Pub (47-48 Temple Bar) – Known for its live music and rich history as one of the most popular pubs in Dublin, Temple Bar Pub is one of the most famous pubs in all of the Irish capital. Temple Bar Pub is coincidentally located in Dublin’s Temple Bar neighborhood and is truly the heart and soul of it. Here, I had a good time hanging at the bar, enjoying a Guinness, and taking in the fun historic pub known for a good time.

Flanagans Restaurant (61 O’Connell Street Upper) – Given that Flanagan is a family name, I knew I *had* to dine at Flanagans Restaurant when I passed by it on my first night in Ireland. While definitely popular with tourists, I found this restaurant to be highly organized and efficient, however, I would suggest dining elsewhere for better meal quality and lower cost.

Starbucks – College Green (1 College Green) – As a MAJOR Starbucks lover and at least once a week goer, I had to try out a Starbucks while in the Emerald Isle! I fueled up at the Starbucks on College Green, as I was severely combatting jet lag during my first morning in Dublin via stumbling upon it while strolling. I was IN AWE at the huge variety of options to choose from when it came to baked goods, coffee, sandwiches, and more. Not to mention the fact that the ingredients are all well-made and fresher due to Europe’s stricter food chemical regulations. I highly recommend visiting a Starbucks abroad, as it’s truly a taste of home in case you feel home sick and *of course* for the experience! See all Starbucks locations in Dublin here.

The Castle Vaults Bar & Restaurant (1-4 Gardiner Row) – Located on the lower level of the Castle Hotel, the Castle Vaults Bar & Restaurant is amazing! The restaurant offers live music during dinner hours alongside a delicious menu. I came here for dinner on my second and final night at the Castle Hotel and would totally dine here every night if I ever come back to Dublin and stay at the Castle Hotel (which would be my first hotel choice!). I was able to chat with several fellow travelers from all across the United States, including somebody also from the Washington, DC area! Truly, that meal was a memorable night alongside the amazing salmon I had!!

Yamamori (38 Ormond Quay Lower) – I stumbled upon Yamamori after a long bus ride from Galway after my day trip to Connemara. Personally, I am a HUGE Asian cuisine fan and was missing Asian cuisine while in Europe, so I was excited to have some abroad! Yamamori truly did not disappoint and seriously brought me so much joy to enjoy after a long day away from Dublin!

Dunne and Crescenzi (14-16 Frederick Street South) – Like many of the restaurants previously mentioned, I *again* stumbled across Dunne and Crescenzi after I was strolling through Dublin’s Georgian Row and got a bit … hangry. Let’s just say that this delicious Italian meal with wine was light and truly hit the spot. The staff here were extremely friendly and the restaurant’s interiors were small yet elegant and transported you to a restaurant in what felt like an urban Italian wine shop.

Restaurant Six (6 Cavendish Row, O’Connell Street Upper) – I knew I wanted to dine at Restaurant Six when I saw its lovely menu outside of the nearby hotel to both of mine: Cassidys Hotel. I ordered a gnocchi and it was AMAZING! The vibes were sheer elegance as well as the meal. Truly a delight and one of my favorites on this trip!

The Church Cafe, Late Bar & Restaurant (Jervis Street, North City) – Located in a former church converted to a restaurant, The Church Cafe is known for its delicious eats, drinks, and live music. I ended up coming here for an espresso martini at the bar, since it was super crowded and tough to get a table and let me tell y’all that it was SO WORTH IT! To be able to dine in a former church like I did in Louisville, Kentucky (here) is such a neat experience while at the same time enjoying live traditional Irish music. What a wonderful experience and place to enjoy a martini!!

Where I Shopped:

Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street) – Dating back to 1723 as a co-operative weaving mill on the banks of Ireland’s Avoca River, Avoca has since become an Irish-based and Irish-made shop selling clothing, home goods, and several weaved items. I came across Avoca while strolling the shops alongside Dublin’s well-known shopping street – Grafton Street – and fell *in love* with the grand millennial merchandise is all of the windows. I *of course* popped into the storefront and fell in love with ALL that I saw. After internally debating, I ultimately came home with a new pair of Irish-made pajamas that I adore!

The Winding Stair (40 Ormond Quay Lower) – The Winding Stair bookstore lives on the lower level of the winding stairs below the restaurant that I dined at and wrote about above while in Dublin. It is one of the oldest surviving independent bookstores in the city and focuses on being a creative outlet for its readers and visitors, alike. The Winding Stair bookstore focuses on Irish writers and literature, which is SO neat to see and learn more about as a visitor.

Wrap-Up:

I still almost feel like crying when I remember the plane landing in Dublin as this city remains the place where I had my first-ever solo trip! Truly, Dublin and all of Ireland is and will always be a special place. The people of Dublin and beyond are some of the kindest, most welcoming people that I have ever met. Ireland is an incredible country and Dublin truly is at the heart of it all boasting much of the nation’s history, culture, and heritage.

Until next time, Dublin!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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12 Hours in Connemara, Ireland

While I was in Ireland on my *first-ever* solo trip back in April 2024 to Ireland (read more about my experiences at the following: Cork County, Cliffs of Moher, Trinity College, Glendalough, Belfast, and Giant’s Causeway), I *just knew* that I wanted to see Kylemore Abbey located in the unique Irish region of Connemara while I was there without hopping in a car to drive on the opposite side of the road (see a list of car-free day trips here). Initially, I was planning to do an overnight in Galway – a coastal town – but opted not to as I loved the hustle and bustle of Dublin. BUT – many tour operators did not go to Kylemore Abbey from Dublin in April which can be an off-season travel month. Nevertheless, I persisted and found a way to make it to Kylemore Abbey!!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

12 Hours in Connemara, Ireland

I was *truly* fascinated and IN AWE with the entire region of Connemara, Ireland: the home of Kylemore Abbey. Needless to say, I am SOOO glad that it made it to Connemara while in the Emerald Isle, as I was blown away by its unique scenery and beauty. I had NEVER seen anything like Connemara before!

About:

Kylemore Abbey is located in Ireland’s distinct Connemara region. Connemara is rather remote for Ireland (which is a country the size of the state of South Carolina in the United States!), yet boasts some unique stories. With a population of ~32,000 people, Connemara is the only region in Ireland where the majority of its population speaks the native Irish language. In fact, Irish families send their kids in ~middle school-high school for a Summer away to stay with a host family in Connemara to learn their native tongue. I learned from my tour guide that some of the Irish’s Summers away in Connemara were where many teenagers experienced their first kiss, went to parties, went on dates, and more! Connemara’s economy is mostly focused on agriculture, fishing, artisan crafts, and tourism. One of the most distinct things about Connemara is its gorgeously unique landscapes and scenery playing homage to Ireland’s only fjord (more on that below!).

As for Kylemore Abbey, was built by Mitchell and Margaret Henry in the late 1800s and are responsible for restoration of Connemara’s economy which has since provided several jobs and economic stability to the region and its people. Since 1920, Kylemore Abbey has become a Benedictine Abbey: home to the Benedictine nuns who retreated there during World War 1 and have been there ever since. Today, the first floor of Kylemore Abbey is open to visitors alongside its gorgeous Victorian Walled Gardens, a chapel, and lakeside grounds.

Tour Operator:

Lally Tours was the ONLY tour operator that offered an option for people to visit Kylemore Abbey and Connemara from Dublin in early April. The tour started off with complimentary bus tickets to/from Dublin and Galway and then a pickup/drop off adjacent to the Galway bus station for my Connemara tour. The tour via Lally Tours was excellent and offered great views and facts of Connemara.

Where We Went:

Killary Fjord – Ireland’s only fjord! I had never seen a fjord until visiting Killary Fjord. My tour bus offered a brief stop at Killary Fjord located in Northern Connemara to enjoy its gorgeous scenery!

Kylemore Abbey – The main point of interest and stop of the tour (although my tour did offer an option in lieu of Kylemore Abbey at Connemara National Park). I had a few highlights at Kylemore Abbey while there. First off, I LOVED getting to tour the first floor interiors of Kylemore Abbey, which are a grand millennial’s paradise (!!!!) and see ALLL of the late 1800’s styles on the mannequins and within its interiors. The hand-painted and uniquely designed wallpaper is gorgeous and is always a highlight for me. Second, I adored the Victorian Walled Gardens, despite it being an ultra-windy day and lots of the flowers not being at their peak bloom yet alongside the lovely lakeside walk to the Abbey’s chapel to say a prayer. The nature is seriously lovely here and perfect for some lovely strolls. And, last but not least, I still CANNOT stop thinking about that delicious salmon quiche I had at the onsite restaurant – ONE of the best lunches I’ve ever had! Kylemore Abbey was truly an amazing experience for me and a major high of my entire Ireland adventure.

Connemara – The scenery and landscape in Connemara is like no other! Connemara is such a unique place and I had never seen any place like it!! While it was a super windy day when I visited, I opted to take most of the scenic Connemara photos on the bus route from the window of my seat.

Wrap-Up:

Being transparent, I went into this tour with the intention of visiting Kylemore Abbey. However, I left this tour with a whole new perspective and knowledge base of a unique region of Ireland I never knew existed til I stepped foot on the bus that took me there! Connemara is a beautiful region with such distinct character historically and economically and scenery wise. I am excited to visit again as I was indeed BLOWN AWAY!

XOXO – Katie <3

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4 Hours in Glendalough, Ireland

Long time, NO talk about my incredible solo trip to Ireland back in April of this year! While in the Emerald Isle, I went on several day trips (including Cork County and the Cliffs of Moher) across the country, including a magical 4 hours in Glendalough, Ireland – a gorgeous glacial valley tucked in the Wicklow Mountains that’s home to a 6th century monastery. Truly, getting to visit Glendalough felt as if I was in an Irish lakeside fairytale come true!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

4 Hours in Glendalough, Ireland

Day Trip Operator:

Just like my day trips to Cork County and the Cliffs of Moher, I used Paddywagon Tours for my half day trip to Glendalough. Paddywagon Tours is an affordable and well-known tour operator with several tours leaving from Dublin (and a few other Irish cities!) for the day. I LOVED how convenient the pickup location was for these tours, too, as it was *just* a couple of blocks from my hotel, making for an easy morning stroll.

About:

Located in a glacial valley with two stunning adjacent lakes within the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is home to a 6th century monastic heritage sight. This 6th century monastic heritage sight was founded by St. Kevin who resided there as a hermit and attracted followers of the Christian faith who aspired to do the same. Indeed, Glendalough is a placed of pilgrimage and has been for over 1,500 years. While not much is accurately known about St. Kevin’s time at Glendalough, stories have been passed down over the centuries, some of which are of Irish mythology (which is contains a fascinating array of stories in itself!). Surrounded by natural beauty with an upper and lower lake, the Wicklow Mountains, the remains of two mining sites, and the monastic settlement, truly Glendalough is a peaceful place to simply reflect, enjoy your surroundings, and feel pride for those that have done the same before us. Learn more here, including information on the first-ever pilgrimage aka a series of walks on St. Kevin’s day on June 1, 2024!

Takeaways:

Glendalough is indeed an incredible place. Upon exiting the tour bus for approximately 90 minutes to stroll at the Glendalough (including the heritage site and adjacent lakes and trails to/from it all!), I was able to see the monastic heritage site and both lakes amongst the breathtakingly gorgeous Wicklow Mountains. Upon first glance, I found myself walking across stunning cobblestone bridges like I was *in* an Irish fairytale (!!!!!) to the monastic heritage site. At the monastic heritage site, there is a cemetery of crosses (which is *very* hard to get a slot in nowadays as its super prestigious), the monastic tower, and the cell where St. Kevin would pray and practice his faith as a hermit. Truly, it was an incredible experience to see where so many have come before us to practice the faith that they loved and were so passionate about exploring and touching others’ lives with. Glendalough is such a place filled with love, hope, and beauty!

To top it all off, after a visit to the monastic heritage site, I started my stroll on the trail to the upper and lower lakes nearby. On the way to the lakes, I saw … a waterfall (!!!!!) amongst stunning beautiful green moss. HOW MAGICAL!!!!!! And, well, the perfect home for fairies! The walk (if I recall!) is about a mile and SO worth it to be in a forest amongst waterfalls, mountainous views, and lakeside gushes of wind (when in Rome – am I right?!?!). At the lakes, it was SOOOO relaxing amongst the wind and showers of rain here and there to simply be in the moment. Bodies of water, especially lakes, given my childhood Summers spent at East Grand Lake in Northern Maine, have a special place in my heart!

And, on the bus ride home, our tour guide shared some beautiful Irish mythological stories as we drove through the Wicklow Mountains on our way back to Dublin. While I don’t remember a ton about the stories that she told us, I do remember just enjoying how perfect this morning and the moments were at and around Glendalough. It is such a special place!

Wrap-Up:

Being at Glendalough was such a magical experience. I seriously felt as if I was in an Irish lakeside fairytale. Sadly, no fairies to be seen this time around, but maybe next time!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Trinity College’s The Book of Kells Experience Review

While on one of my tour-free days in Dublin (see my tours outside of Dublin to Cork County and the Cliffs of Moher here and here), I ended up strolling through Trinity College’s campus amongst a sea of fellow tourists. I admired the gorgeous Trinity College campus at every “Oooo” and “Ahhh”! While strolling through Trinity College, I stumbled upon the Book of Kells Experience that Trinity College has to offer and booked a ticket for later in the day! Hence, my tour-free day in Dublin had a tour booked!!

Well, what makes the Book of Kells oh so special?!?! The Book of Kells is one of the world’s oldest books that has witnessed many centuries of world history. Scottish monks brought the Book of Kells to Ireland, when they were escaping from the Viking raids. The book dates back to approximately 800 AD and also contains several intricately drawn illustrations and ornamentation which even surpasses those of Insular Gospel books in its extravagant nature and complexity.

About: The Book of Kells experience is a magnificent experience! Taking place at its current home of Trinity College surrounded by several historians striving to preserve it for centuries to come, The Book of Kells experience gives visitors a glimpse into the book’s incredible and resilient history alongside its preservation. Guests get to see two open pages of the book, alongside the Old Library at Trinity College where many more books are being preserved, too. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased at the door via a QR Code or here.

I personally LOVED the relaxing nature of the Book of Kells experience! It was amazing to learn more about this beautiful and resilient book’s history and significance. It was super cool to kick off the exhibit with illuminated recreations of some of the many well-known manuscripts from the book and to then see the book in real life (although, it is worth noting that NO photos are allowed of the Book of Kells in order to preserve it). However, my favorite part was getting to see the Old Library after coming face to face with the Book of Kells, itself! The Old Library was extremely magnificent (!!!!) with its winding staircases and original-to-itself architecture. It also is home to several other historical books that Trinity College staff and historians are striving to keep alive for generations to come in an adapted climate (given climate change). The best part?!?! Seeing a Gaia on tour of planet Earth in the MIDDLE of the Old Library!

After coming face-to-face with the Book of Kells and Old Library, I headed to part two of the Book of Kells Experience, which was an illuminated recreation similar to Artechouse in Washington, DC (here) of this iconic book and its significance. One of my FAVORITE memories from this exhibition was getting to “watch” Ada Lovelace aka the founder of coding amongst several other well-known international scholars from centuries-apart have a conversation with one another in real-time. During this exhibition, it was also cool to watch a video of the story of the Book of Kells, too, as it withstood the Vikings’ invasion of Scotland and life in Ireland where it resides to this very day.

All in all, the Book of Kells Experience was a highlight of my time in Dublin and Ireland as a whole! I had SO MUCH FUN seeing the magnificent Old Library and the Book of Kells, itself, alongside “meeting” Ada Lovelace and other well-known scholars.

XOXO – Katie <3

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A Day at Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

I had an INCREDIBLE trip to Ireland back in April, which I shared about ALLLL over my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee). And, now, I am finally getting around to sharing and writing out ALLL of the details over here on the blog. Today, I am sharing about my day trip to Ireland’s iconic Cliffs of Moher via The Atlantic Way. Truly, getting to see the Cliffs of Moher within the sunshine (!!!!) was such a gift, alongside seeing these magnificent cliffs in real life, too!

After watching Irish Wish on Netflix featuring Lindsay Lohan via a virtual movie night with my best friends Holly and Lindsay a few weeks before jetting off to the Emerald Isle (where the Cliffs of Moher were featured SEVERAL times!), I got SOOOO excited to see the Cliffs of Moher myself! Needless to say, the Cliffs of Moher truly BLEW ME AWAY! As apart of my solo trip to Ireland, I took 5 day trips across the country (and into Northern Ireland) with local tour operators from my home base of Dublin. Going to the Cliffs of Moher was my second day trip throughout Ireland and one that was very much for the books.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

A Day at Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Tour Operator:

Paddywagon Tours is a popular Irish-based tour operator with headquarters in Dublin (with pick up’s literally just a couple of blocks away from both of my hotels!). I ended up doing 3 Paddywagon Tours while in Ireland (one of which I have already shared about going to Cork County, Ireland!), especially due to its utter convenience of pick-up right by my hotel!

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are rugged cliffs that stretch approximately 14 kilometers across Ireland’s Atlantic Way in County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher are walkable and you can *even* hike across them, too, although it may not be highly suggested throughout parts of it. Just like with Netflix’s Irish Wish, the Cliffs of Moher are featured in several well-known films, photos, etc. Truly, I GASPED when I saw the Cliffs of Moher in-person, as it was such a grand sight to see!

While my tour primarily focused on spending time taking in ALLLL of the views at the Cliffs of Moher, my tour bus also drove throughout Ireland’s Atlantic Way, where we *even* took a quick stop at an Irish beach amongst the many many many twists and turns with all of the scenic views in between. This bus ride was one of THE MOST exhausting rides of my entire life due to all of the several twists and turns along the way. However, the scenic views were truly some of THE BEST that I have ever seen in my entire life.

And, along the way back to Dublin amongst all of the twists and turns via the ride home, my tour bus stopped at a BEAUTIFUL castle, Dunguaire Castle which had … SWANS!!!! At the pond nearby.

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle is a 16th century tower house located on the shore of the Galway Bay in County Galway. It was built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan and has since been restored. Today, it beautifully sits in all of its peaceful glory with swans hanging out all around it.

While visiting Dungaire Castle was ALSO a pretty brief stop on my tour bus, it was truly one that I will remember for the books! Seeing the swans chilling alongside the Galway Bay was such a beautiful way to close out my visit alongside the Atlantic Way!

Wrap-Up:

While visiting the Cliffs of Moher, I enjoyed getting to see some of THE MOST beautiful views that I have EVER seen in my entire life! Amongst all of its windy roads, the Atlantic Way is indeed one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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A Day Trip to Cork County, Ireland

Over on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee), I have been sharing ALL about my first-ever solo trip to Ireland that I took in early April over the past few months. Now, I have *finally* gotten the chance to start sharing ALLLLL about this incredible trip of mine!!! I will be splitting my content into each day trip (I took 5!) alongside one bigger guide for my home base for those amazing 8 days in Dublin (including hotels, getting there, dining, etc.). And, I am going to start my first of MANY Ireland posts over here with my day trip to Cork County, Ireland.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

A Day Trip To Cork County, Ireland

Cork County, Ireland was the first of 5 day trips that I took on my trip to Ireland. I used a few different tour operators throughout my time in Ireland (more on that below!) and primarily used GetYourGuide to book each of my day journeys across the Emerald Isle. Personally, as a first-time solo traveler, I LOVED getting to simply hop on a tour bus with a ton of other people hassle-free as I got to see SOOOO many incredible sights that Ireland has to offer. And, overall, my day tour to Cork County truly BLEW ME AWAY. Not only were my fellow travelers on my tour bus pretty awesome people that I learned SOOOO much from, but I ALSO ran into my cousins’ former high school classmates while at Blarney Castle (VERRYYYY small world!) AND spent much of the day with my jaw LITERALLLY on the floor!

About:

Cork County, Ireland covers the majority of Ireland’s southwest coast upwards. From fertile farmlands and castle country to the North to rugged coastlines and peninsulas to the South, Cork County, Ireland truly has it all. It is also home to Ireland’s second-largest city and the 2nd stop on my Ireland tour … Cork! Cork is home to much of Ireland’s tech hub, having both Apple’s and Amazon’s international headquarters (including several other tech companies) located there. Some of the most notable sights in Cork County (which I saw on my incredible day there) include Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle which is home to the well-known Blarney Stone.

Tour Operator:

Paddywagon Tours is a popular Irish-based tour operator with headquarters in Dublin (with pick up’s literally just a couple of blocks away from both of my hotels!). I ended up doing 3 Paddywagon Tours while in Ireland, especially due to its utter convenience of pick-up right by my hotel!

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel was our first major stop on our tour of Cork County. Technically, Rock of Cashel is located in Cashel County, Ireland about 1-2 hours from Cork City. The significance of Rock of Cashel is that it served as the traditional seat for the Kings of Munster before the Normans invaded Ireland. Much of the structures at Rock of Cashel date back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

Truly, Rock of Cashel was magnificent! The tour bus stopped at a scenic overlook of Rock of Cashel at a distance for a few minutes and it truly was incredible to see it amongst the partially cloudy skies and green Irish pastures. Once we drove and walk up to and around Rock of Cashel, I was TRULY in awe at the magnificent structures that laid before my eyes. Indeed, Rock of Cashel was the start of many jaw-dropping moments (LITERALLY!) throughout my weeklong adventures in Ireland!

Cork City

As previously mentioned, Cork City is the second-largest city in Ireland and home to many international hubs for tech companies. Needless to say, Cork is a VERY tech-savvy city! Cork is ALSO the county seat of Cork County and our *very first* stop in Cork County. We had a brief lunch stop in Cork where I got *none other than* fish & chips at a local Irish cafe/pub. Cork was extremely colorful and gorgeous. The streets were lined with beautiful shops holding many charming antique and grand millennial inspired finds. Not to mention the fact that the buildings alongside Cork’s streets were super colorful and fun! I seriously wish we had more time in Cork to stroll the shops and colorful streets (alongside the city’s notable historic market which some of my fellow bus-mates explored!).

Blarney Castle

Located near downtown Cork, Blarney Castle was our final stop on our tour and BY FAR my favorite of them all! Blarney Castle is home to the *VERY* notable Blarney Stone. Blarney Castle is a medieval structure built as early as 1446 by the MacCarthy of Muskerry Dynasty, which is a cadet branch of the Kings of Desmond. To kiss the Blarney Stone, you are gifted with the gift of great eloquence. Alongside the Blarney Castle which provides guests with the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone, guests can enjoy Blarney Castle’s extremely gorgeous gardens and stroll alongside its stunning medieval structures including the Blarney House (which ALSO left my jaw dropping literally again!!!!).

My jaw was dropped THE MOST while at Blarney Castle during my day in Cork County! I opted to not kiss the Blarney Stone (however, I DID climb a bit of the stone tower that IS Blarney Castle though!!!) and the line that ensued to do so to stroll the gardens instead. While strolling throughout the gardens amongst the rain and mud and my forgetfulness in bringing an umbrella during the day, I truly enjoyed every twist and turn and opportunity to take in ALLLL of the sights and sounds and smells around me. One of the BEST parts of it all was coming across the Victorian looking home that is known to be the Blarney House. I LITERALLY gasped when I saw it! It was STUNNING!!!!! There were also some extremely gorgeous medieval stone towers amongst the gardens and green pastures around me, too. Blarney Castle was truly my highlight of the day!

Most notably, I ended up coming across my cousins’ former classmates via recognizing their high school name on sweatshirts while strolling through the gardens. As I was leaving, my cousins’ classmates and teachers were gathered getting ready to leave as well, so I *of course* introduced myself and confirmed that they were my cousins’ former high school classmates (they are in early college/post-college now!) which was a super special and fun moment!

After I left Blarney Castle’s grounds, I went to the gift shop and the Blarney Woolen Mills outlet which is the largest Blarney Woolen Mills outlet (I discovered that there are MANY of these throughout Ireland!) in all of Ireland. I got a gorgeous hot pink woolen blanket there and two wool scarves at the gift shop. Irish fashion is pretty similar to my own preppy and grand millennial style, too! It was super fun to see the similarities between my own personal style preferences and those that are considered mainstream Irish to visitors and locals, alike.

Wrap-Up:

My day trip to Cork County, Ireland was the first of MANY tours that I took throughout my 8 days in Ireland. I LOVED the people I met on my tour throughout the day alongside those that I ran into, too! I found the most similarities with people on my Cork County tour than any others, which makes it have a special meaning to me. Truly, I look back and smile when I think of this tour the most out of all of my Ireland tours.

Stay tuned for more details on the rest of my experience and adventures in Ireland in the coming weeks/months!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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