Before going to Ireland my sister and I didn’t really know anything about this country. The trip was only planned a few months prior, so our expectation it would be a calm relaxing trip. Wrong! Once we landed we realized this country had so much to offer. By the end of this trip we needed a vacation from our vacation. Here are 10 things we loved about Ireland.
ONE: Malahide castle
This castle is only 20 minutes from Dublin city and was by far the highlight of the trip. The castle is well persevered and you get a glimpse into the lives of Talbot family, who owned it for 800 years. The town of Malahide is also a beautiful town to visit.
TWO: Howth Fishing Village
When we imagined an Ireland fishing village this is what we pictured. The village is not very big, but it is charming. Although the castle in the village is a private residence, it’s still worth the visit to see how grand it is.
THREE: Guinness Irish Stout
Irish people say the Guinness does not travel well and they aren’t lying. This famous Irish drink is perfect drink to order when listening to traditional folk music in a pub.
FOUR: Connemara landscape
On our second day in Galway Bay we took a tour of the Connemara region. We had a great tour guide who provided interesting facts of the landscape and history. This region is known for the traditional Irish culture and it’s amazing greenery.
FIVE: The Library at Trinity College
This library looks unreal, as if you are walking onto a Harry Potter movie set. The tour of the university is also very interesting. Queen Elizabeth I founded the school back in the 1500’s, so you can imagine amount of history the university holds.
SIX: Farmleigh Estate
My sister and I love old homes, so we made a visit to the Farmleigh Estate. The grand home located in Phoenix Park, which is a wonder of it’s own, was once owned by the Guinness family. It is now where all foreign leaders stay when visiting Ireland.
SEVEN: Brazen Head Pub
This is the oldest pub in Dublin establish in 1198. Unlike the famous Temple Bar, this pub is outside of the main tourist streets and therefore less crowded.
EIGHT: Stroll down St Stephen’s Park in Dublin
We are so glad we came in the autumn time, since we got to see all the colored trees lining the pathways. I wish we had more time just to sit and relax at a park bench.
NINE: Fade Street Social Gastropub
This is where we had our last night in Dublin and it was perfect end to an amazing trip. The gourmet tapas were unique and tasty. It was located in a trendier area in Dublin.
TEN: The Irish People
What made Ireland such a great place to visit is the people. They are so kind and chatty that makes you feel at ease. Made it so much easier to ask for help, if they hadn’t already offered it, and made the trip even better.
