We’ve finally reached the end of this adventure, and our remarkable trip to Ireland is over. Steve and I have enjoyed so many spectacular journeys in Ireland over the last several years; this one is no different, and as always, we are so sad our trip has ended.
These past few weeks, we have traveled from Dublin, Dundalk, Donegal, Claregalway, Urlingford, and Wexford, stopping every chance to visit many of the historical sights we happened upon and a few that were on our “do not miss” list.
This time around, we have had some unique and unusual experiences. We encountered terrific restaurants in the most unexpected places, met so many genuinely wonderful people, and learned a ton of fascinating historical facts about this beautiful country.
Dublin
We did not venture into the city of Dublin at all this time around. Based on prior trips, however, our best recommendations of sights to see in Dublin are Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, and Dublin Castle.
The Hop On Hop Off bus is a great way to get around town, and I recommend it as a comfortable way to get around Dublin. We also discover many “not so famous” but interesting sights by hunting down a few geocaches.
One of our favorite restaurants in Dublin is The Brazen Head Pub and Restaurant. Established in 1198, it is referred to as the oldest pub in Ireland. The food is good here, and during one visit, we enjoyed an interesting storytelling performance in an upstairs room.
Another restaurant we particularly enjoy is The Church. Located in Dublin’s city center, it is a restaurant in a large restored 1700s church. We enjoyed great food here and watched some great Irish dancing at the same time.
Of course, Dublin is not to be missed during a trip to Ireland, but be sure to get out of the city and travel through the countryside with one of the many bus tours offered or, as we like to do, in a rental car. There is so much to see!
Dundalk
Dundalk is a short drive from Dublin, and oddly, we had never visited here before. We made up for that, however, because on this trip, we stayed in Dundalk for eight days and took long day trips each day out into neighboring communities. This town is a perfect home base location.
The Church of St. Patrick and the Dundalk County Museum are two of our favorite sights we recommend in Dundalk.
Donegal
We did not visit the town of Donegal on this trip. However, we highly recommend a visit to the remarkable Ringfort, Grianan of Aileach. The Ringfort is very near the Red Row House B&B, which was our very nice home for the few days we were in this area.
Donegal is a great city to visit and should not be missed on a trip to Ireland. We have great memories from our visits here. The Glenevin and Glencar waterfalls are also in this area, as is the spectacular Malin Head in northern County Donegal.
Claregalway
During our few days’ stay in this area at the Thatched Cottage B&B, we took more than one long meandering drive along the coast to Lettergesh Beach through Connemara. Kylemore Abbey, also in this part of the country, is one of those iconic buildings you so often see in photos of Ireland.
Kylemore Abbey should be on your must-see list for any visit to this area. The Abbey is quite nice and has a great tearoom restaurant on site. The stars here, in my opinion, are the magnificent gardens.
Urlingford
The Cragdog Farmhouse B&B became our next temporary home. We enjoyed our stay and the day excursions we had while there. The nearby castle ruins are remarkable, but my favorite from this area is the Kilcooley Cistercian Abbey.
Wexford
Our final stop on this wonderful trip was the town of Wexford, where we spent a very brief two-night stay at Abbey House B&B in the heart of Wexford. We stayed here during our last visit and enjoyed the B&B and our hostess, Georgina, so much that we made it a point to return.
The 12th-century St. Selskar Abbey ruin is a brief walk from Abbey House B&B. These ruins have a fascinating history. It is where several treaties were signed.
Hook Lighthouse is only one of the very special places to visit in this area. During our last trip to Ireland, we toured this lighthouse and spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the area. We also discovered a great geocache at a nearby cemetery!
The beautiful Johnstown Castle is also near Wexford. A walk through the gardens here is worth a visit alone but castle tours are also available. Steve and I and our friends Lois and Darrell visited here not too long ago. Do not miss a visit to this castle.
Wexford is home to many tourist attractions and is a perfect place to spend a few days or even a week. I cannot recommend Georgina’s Abbey House B&B enough as a wonderfully comfortable and enjoyable place to stay.
Finally headed home
After our few days in Wexford (there are never enough days), we drove our last miles back up to Dublin. We returned our rental car to Easirent, a great choice, and began our long flight home.
Steve and I had a wonderful experience in Ireland and loved every minute of it, just as we had on all our previous trips here. We are still not finished exploring Ireland, though, and hope to return in the next year or two.
