Exploring Ireland - First Hand

I have been very fortunate to have experienced travel throughout Ireland and the UK.  Just beware that traveling to new places can leave you outrageously addicted and wanting more.

First, let me tell you that I stayed in hostels while I was there and I highly recommend them. Not only are they a very affordable accommodation, they will also give you the chance to socialize with many other travelers from all across the globe.  

Also before I get into the meat of my Ireland trip, let me add a quick suggestion about flying to another country's time zone, land early morning to midday.  As tired as you might be from a flight, go wander about the city or village your staying at until it is your average bedtime by the new time zone. when you wake up the next morning you'll be ready to roll and in-sync with your new time.

Ireland is breathtaking, its people warm and friendly and each city and village is diverse from one another.

Dublin
Dublin is a big city, but the feel of the area I stayed in had a indescribable unique feel to it. I stayed at Barnacles in the Temple Bar Area of Dublin and from there I walked everywhere.  It is a magnificent experience to get a feel for an area by walking its streets over and over again... However be sure when you're looking at a map that you aren't holding it upside down, though this can lead you to further traveling adventures, it can result in a bit of ribbing from your traveling companions. 

Some of the not to miss sights in Dublin are

Guinness Storehouse and museum - The tour takes you through fascinating and humorous history and ends with a pint of their famous drink. Get to the storehouse when it first opens like I did, when we exited, the queue wrapped around the entire building.

Trinity College - Beautiful campus and home of the enchanting Book of Kells.

Dublin Castle - An interesting place, I was a bit thrown by part of the outside of the castle being painted in very bright colors.

St. Patrick's Cathedral and garden - Awe inspiring, a must see in Dublin. There isn't a charge to enter, but they do ask for a donation. I also took a bit of a power nap in the adjoining garden. 

St. Stephen's Green - Probably not on everyone's list of must sees, but this quiet park in the midst of the city is a tranquil place to sit and rest a moment.

Around Dublin you will find many statues and memorials that are also a must to visit. I highly recommend getting up one morning at 6 am and wandering around, the city is nearly deserted and very peaceful.

While in Dublin I did travel north to the Boyne Valley to visit Newgrange, a  Stone Age monument that was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.) during the Neolithic period, which makes it older than Stonehenge and Great Pyramids of Giza. Newgrange is a large circular mound with a stone passageway and chambers inside. As long as you are not claustrophobic you can enter this  ancient temple and bask in the mathematical genius of the ancients.

County Cork
Cork City - At the time I visited the entire city was under construction and we didn't stay long, it was more of a meeting place with an Irish friend and a springboard toward our western coast visit. We found rooms at The Bru hostel and in the morning we took a tour bus to see Blarney Castle and Kinsale area. 

Blarney Castle - Though I was impressed with Blarney Castle and its history, most of its recent history being hanging guests upside down at the top of the castle to kiss a stone, I was more impressed by the surrounding area. Our guide was quite knowledgeable about various plants and even introduced us to an edible white flower that grows everywhere in Ireland. 

Kinsale - A beautiful fishing village, that can truly say it has great fish and chips.

County Kerry
Killarney - Though we actually stayed in a hostel in Fossa, it was five minutes from Lough Leane and Killarney National Forest. The hike through the Forest to Ross Castle was incredible, also long. We ran across wildlife and ruins in the forest (we were never able to figure out what the ruins were, though we did ask some of the locals). I do advise when taking a long hike toward a point of interest, it is best to be sure the place you intend to visit is open. Killarney national Forest was well worth hiking through twice and Ross Castle was definitely worth seeing.

My whirlwind tour of Ireland had many more interesting adventures and unforgettable moments, but the next time I travel, I'll be asking Rawhide Travel and Tours to make a solid itinerary for me.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you get the very best in business or leisure travel and at the very best value. Let us help you enjoy travel in and around the UK. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

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