Ireland

We flew from London to Dublin and spent the entire month of August in Ireland. I wasn't prepared to fall in love with this country!

We spent a few days in Dublin before picking up a rental car. For the things we wanted to experience in this city, we did not need a car. It is a walkable city and there are a couple of very affordable tourist bus lines that run to and from the airport (we used Dublin Express).

Once our time in Dublin was complete, we drove to Northern Ireland: Belfast, Port Rush, and Derry (aka Londonderry). In Belfast, we took a Black Taxi political tour. Neither of us were familiar with the political history of Ireland (The Troubles, Northern Ireland & The Republic of Ireland) prior to visiting. This tour was perfect for us. Our guide/driver considered the fact that we didn't know much and thus presented the information with that in mind. However, if we'd had some knowledge already, he would've delved deeper into the stories and complexities. I recommend splurging a little on this tour.

If you are planning a summer trip to Ireland, be sure to check the dates of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. From what I understand, this weeklong Irish music festival is hosted by a different city each year. In 2026, it was in Belfast. We were lucky to have been able to visit during this time (we didn't plan this) - we enjoyed walking through the city center lined with Irish musicians and their fans.

On our way to Portrush, we stopped for our Gobbins Cliff Path tour. This needs to be booked in advance. The coastal views are stunning and it is fun! It is not too physically demanding but if you're concerned, I would check the website before booking. We were there in August, so there were many interesting seabirds, but too late for puffins. It is possible to see them in June/July if this is something that interests you.

From Portrush, we did a lot of sight-seeing... Torr Head Scenic Route, Magheracross Viewpoint, Dunluce Castle to name a few. We also visited Giant's Causeway, the town of Bushmill... this area is beautiful. One thing I will say about the Torr Head Scenic Route - it is a beautiful drive but it's very narrow and the driver doesn't get to enjoy it except at the stops. We stopped at Torr Head Ballycastle for a super-quick hike up for a gorgeous, peaceful view.

We only spent 1 day in Derry (aka Londonderry). We joined a walking tour and learned a little more about The Troubles as well as Bloody Sunday. I appreciate how our guides can share this information with tourists and present it so eloquently.

After Derry, we drove to Donegal - thus ending our stay in Northern Ireland. Keep in mind, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom so the currency is the pound sterling. The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro.

On the way, we stopped at Doagh Famine Village and Wild Alpaca Way. The Doagh Famine Village is another historical attraction that gives you a peek into what rural life was like during the Great Famine. I was impressed that it is presented in such a way that conveys the tragedy but doesn't leave you feeling completely depressed. The Wild Alpaca Way is a group hike (easy) in which you take an alpaca with you along a gentle, scenic walk. This is something I never knew I wanted to do! The caring guides answer all your questions about these adorable animals and share interesting anecdotes. If I have any advice for you on this activity - it is to wear closed-toe shoes (I saw someone wearing sandals... yes, there will be poop).

While in Donegal, we enjoyed more beautiful sights such as Assaranca Waterfall and Slieve Cliffs. And on our way out of Donegal (to Sligo) we visited the Fairy Bridges, Gleniff Horseshoe Viewpoint, and Glencar Waterfall. Honestly, you'd think by now we'd had enough Ireland viewpoints but, no: each is captivating in a different way.

We had a list of more places to visit from Sligo but we decided to rest for a few days.

From Galway, we drove to Doolin to see the Cliffs of Moher. We spent more time recharging our batteries in Galway as well.

Once we got to Dingle, we were rested up for our Slea Head drive. This is a scenic loop that everyone does while visiting Dingle. Some people drive it, others bike it, and we even met some who were doing it on foot. There are multiple stops to include viewpoints, farms, beaches, even a museum (The Blasket Centre). If you do this, you can plug in all the attractions on your map app and follow it in clockwise order (clockwise is the agreed upon route because the roads are so narrow).

After Dingle, we made some Ring of Kerry stops on our way to Portmagee. Our stops included Killarney National Park, Torc waterfall, Ladies View, Moll’s Gap, Kenmare, Sneem, Derrynane Beach, Waterville, and Kerry Cliffs. There is more you can do, but this was it for us. Our Portmagee visit was to do the Skellig Michael island tour. That didn't happen unfortunately.

When we left Portmagee, we drove to Cahersiveen and visited Cathergall Stone Fort and stopped at Mountain Stage Viewpoint.

We then spent about a week in the small towns of Killarney, Kinsale, Cobh, and Cork. All of these towns have their own unique charm - - tons of small shops, pubs with live Irish musicians, and cozy cafes. If you don't have time to visit them all, any 1 or 2 that you choose will round out and complete your Irish tour!

From the Dublin airport we flew to Venice, Italy... time to change gears!