Ireland
Ireland: Wild coastlines, rolling green hills, and timeless charm.
Ireland is a country shaped by wind, water, and time, where stone walls cut through quiet fields and cliffs drop into restless seas. Small villages hum with music and storytelling, while narrow roads lead to hidden beaches, ancient ruins, and wide open skies. It’s a place that feels both grounding and otherworldly, inviting you to slow down and take it all in. And if you like beer, “Guinness is good for you.”
The Guinness Storehouse (Museum)
The only museum we hit was the famous Guinness Storehouse. I went along because my son really wanted to go, but I probably would have passed on it if he wasn’t so excited. Boy am I glad I went!!! It blew my mind. Such a cool museum.
A seven-story journey through Ireland’s most iconic beer, set inside the historic brewery in the heart of Dublin. Interactive exhibits walk you through the brewing process, the history, and the advertising that made Guinness a global symbol. It all ends at the Gravity Bar on the top floor, where you can sip a perfectly poured pint while taking in panoramic views over the city. Your first beer is included with the price of admission ;)
“Guinness is good for you.”
Road Trip!!
Driving in Ireland comes with its own unique adventures. You’ll be on the left-hand side of the road, navigating narrow lanes, winding country roads, and confusing roundabouts. It’s all part of the charm—and once you get the hang of it, the drive becomes part of the fun, offering the freedom to explore Ireland at your own pace. We took a 10 day road trip that was spectacular!
Ireland Road Trip Loop:
Dublin → Killarney → Lahinch → Kilkenny → Dublin
This circular road trip takes you through the heart of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes, blending lively cities, wild coastlines, and quiet countryside. Starting in Dublin, the route leads you through rolling green hills to Killarney and Beaufort, where lakes, stone bridges, and misty mountains set the tone. From there, the drive toward Doolin and Lahinch reveals rugged Atlantic scenery, dramatic cliffs, and windswept beaches that feel completely untamed. The road continues inland toward Kilkenny, passing through sleepy villages, medieval ruins, and patchworked farmland before returning to Dublin, full circle. It’s a slow, scenic rhythm of castles, cliffs, coastal air, and countryside charm — best experienced with no rush and plenty of stops along the way.
Dublin
Dublin is where history, culture, and modern life collide. Wander the lively streets of Temple Bar with its colorful pubs and live music, browse stylish boutiques and local markets on Grafton Street, or explore historic landmarks like Trinity College and Dublin Castle.
Whether you’re after vibrant nightlife, shopping, or a taste of Irish heritage, Dublin offers it all in a walkable, welcoming city.
Temple Bar-Dublin’s most famous neighborhood, Temple Bar is known for its lively pubs, cobblestone streets, and nonstop music. Wander the area by day for galleries, markets, and some surprisingly good vintage shopping tucked between cafés and record stores, then return in the evening when live Irish music spills into the streets. A visit to The Temple Bar itself is worth the stop-touristy, yes, but undeniably fun and incredibly iconic.
Dublin Castle Grounds-An easy and worthwhile stop in the heart of the city, Dublin Castle grounds offer a glimpse into Ireland’s long history. The stone courtyards and surrounding buildings make it a pleasant place to wander while exploring nearby streets.
Trinity College Campus-A beautiful campus filled with historic stone buildings and open courtyards, perfect for a relaxed walk through one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. Many visitors also stop here to see the famous Book of Kells and Long Room library. The day we visited, the sun had just come out and the lawn was a mass of happy sun worshipers!
Old Storehouse Bar & Restaurant-As you can imagine, there are many classic Irish restaurants to be found in Dublin, but one must get an order of fish n’ chips for certain. This place was a lively spot for classic Irish comfort food and a great place for a first taste of fish n’ chips. Warm, welcoming, and full of pub atmosphere.
Love Lane-A colorful little alley near Temple Bar, Love Lane is filled with street art, poetry, and messages about love and connection. It’s a quick but memorable stop, perfect for photos and a small moment of charm tucked into the heart of the city.
Also worth seeing:
St. Stephen’s Green
Ha’penny Bridge
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
Grafton Street
Book of Kells & The Long Room Library
Rock of Cashel
After leaving Dublin, our first stop was The Rock of Cashel. Perched atop a limestone hill in County Tipperary, the Rock of Cashel is a striking symbol of Ireland’s medieval past. This historic complex includes a cathedral, round tower, Cormac’s Chapel, and Celtic crosses, each steeped in legend and centuries of history.
Wander through its stone walls and arches while imagining kings and bishops who once walked these grounds, then pause to take in sweeping views over the surrounding green plains. A visit here is both a journey through Ireland’s story and a chance to experience the drama and beauty of the Irish countryside from above. In my opinion, it is a must see.
The Road to Lahinch:
Killarney → Kinsale → Dingle → Dunquin → Lahinch
We headed to Killarney for the night, staying just outside of town in a beautiful countryside Airbnb that offered quiet surroundings and a peaceful contrast to the busier towns along the route. That evening, we drove into town for dinner at Harrow, a contemporary brasserie known for dry-aged Irish beef and fresh local seafood. It felt like a bit of a splurge, but absolutely worth it for a memorable meal during a short stay in Killarney.
The next day, we began the journey toward Lahinch, making our way first to Kinsale, a charming harbor town known for its colorful buildings lining the streets. We stopped there for lunch before heading toward Dock Beach and James Fort, where it’s definitely worth getting out of the car to walk around and take in the coastal views and surrounding landscape.
From there, the drive continued west, eventually reaching one of the most breathtaking stretches of the trip. The road from Dingle to Dunquin was truly stunning—narrow and winding, with dramatic coastal views that seemed to unfold around every turn. It was one of those drives where the scenery keeps pulling you to the side of the road, making the journey itself just as memorable as the destination at Lahinch.
Lahinch
A relaxed coastal town along Ireland’s western edge, Lahinch is known for its wide sandy beach, steady Atlantic waves, and ever-changing tides that dramatically reshape the shoreline throughout the day. Surfers are a constant presence here, taking advantage of the reliable waves, and while we didn’t golf, the area is known as a popular destination for golfers with renowned courses just outside of town. Lahinch also makes an ideal base for visiting the nearby Cliffs of Moher, offering a laid-back place to stay within easy reach of one of Ireland’s most iconic sights.
Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s most unforgettable landscapes, the Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically above the Atlantic, stretching for miles along the rugged coastline. Walking the cliff paths gives you time to take in the full scale of it all—towering rock faces, waves crashing far below, and endless ocean views that shift with the light and weather. The day we visited, the sun was out in full force, which felt like a very special treat and made the views even more spectacular. It’s a place best experienced slowly, allowing time to walk, pause, and take in the power of the landscape.
Kilkenny
Before returning to Dublin, we stopped in Kilkenny, once again staying outside of town on a farm where the countryside provided a quiet place to slow down after days of driving. The cows quickly became a highlight of the stay, adding to the charm of being surrounded by open land and rural life. A full day was spent exploring Kilkenny Castle, one of Ireland’s most impressive historic sites, with beautifully preserved interiors and expansive grounds that made it easy to linger and take it all in.
