The Emerald Isle: 2 Weeks in Ireland
The Emerald Isle!! What could be better than a trip to Ireland! This trip meant a lot to me and my family as our heritage is in the south of Ireland AND this was my first international trip! My dad came over to the USA from Ireland, by ship in 1964 and in 2018 we were able to plan a trip for the whole family to visit his hometown.
From Limerick to Galway, Killarney to Tipperary, we saw so much history & culture. Each town had its own charming personality and incredibly nice townspeople. We reconnected with so many family members and enjoyed every minute of tracing our ancestry to connect the dots. Second or third cousins, once removed or twice…? Which great great grandparent do we share? Who knows but family is family!
We saw miles and miles of the greenest countryside in the world, some of the most regal castles still standing and spent lots of time appreciating the rain! The Isle’s greatest hits were the Cliffs of Moher, the Gap of Dunloe, the Galway Races, Conor Pass, and the shore at Dingle. Our family hiked waterfalls in a downpour, had high tea at Adare Manor, took a horse drawn carriage ride around Muckross House, biked the castle grounds, had spa treatments with a view of the mountains and took a boat ride on Killarney lake. We learned about our family’s crest, a few phrases in Gaelic/Irish and to dance a jig. The aim for this trip was to interact with the locals just as much as we spent time being tourists and with so many family members to show us around, this feat was easily accomplished. My cousin took us on a pub crawl in Kilkenny, my aunt took us up to Ladies View, a cafe and shop, at the top of the mountain in Killarney National Park and then pointed us in the direction of the beach at Ballybunion.
My favorite part of the trip was the jaunt up to Galway for the races! We shopped for dresses and big hats for the special day in the cutest boutiques in Adare and headed over to the racetrack with the crowds… in the rain. You guessed it, it rained all day but that didn’t stop the party! This crowd was as lively as it gets and true race horse fans. My sister and I placed our bets, grabbed a drink and watched the horses run a few furloughs in no time at all!
The most memorable parts of our walk round the family tree was seeing where my dad’s family is from in Abbeyfeale and where my mother’s grandfather came from in Ballylanders. We saw the building my grandmother (dad’s side) had a shop in and the family house, the building where my great grandfather (mom’s side) lived and worked, and visited Torque Waterfall where my parents got engaged in 1993.
I enjoyed so many different parts of this trip but nothing compared to meeting locals and hearing their stories. The Irish are known for being some of the most friendly and welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Some people call it the gift of the gab! Check out my recommendations and itinerary as you plan your trip to the Emerald Isle!
What to Know Before You Go
-Money: Ireland uses euros so make sure to convert your cash or check with your credit card that you can use it abroad! Right now the euro and the dollar are converting at the most equitable rate in 20 years.
-Transportation: Driving in Ireland is pretty tricky and manual rental cars are crazy expensive, so it would be worth it to hire a driver or join tours to see the countryside landmarks, like the Cliffs of Moher or the Gap of Dunloe.
Where to Visit
Southern Ireland
Limerick
Adare Manor.
Adare boutiques.
Killarney
Killarney National Park, Torque Waterfall.
Killarney National Park, Ladies View cafe and shop.
Kerry
Conor Pass.
Dingle Bay.
Ballybunion Beach.
Gap of Dunloe.
MuckRoss House.
Galway
47 miles from Galway in County Clare are the 14 kilometers of sea-cliffs known as the Cliffs of Moher.
7 days of the Galway Races, held at Ballybrit Racecourse starting on the first Monday in July.
Where to Stay
Olde Ground Hotel Ennis.
Adare Manor.
MuckRoss Park Hotel & Spa.
Mary-Kate's Boolakennedy Farm Cottages.
Things to Do
Shop in the Adare boutiques.
Attend the Galway Races.
Hike Torque Waterfall in the Killarney National Park.
Buy a claddagh ring and sweater from The Irish Store.
Visit Fungie the dolphin in Dingle.
See the beach at Ballybunion.
Go horseback riding at Conor Shire Farms in Adare.
What to Pack
Rain gear…more rain gear-Umbrella, raincoat, waterproof boots.
Good walking shoes or hiking boots.
Don’t forget your passport!
Outlet adapters.
Check your cellphone and credit card plans for using abroad,
Sweaters and layers!
Heading to the Emerald Isle? Steal my free itinerary below! Can’t wait for my next visit, see you there!
