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.
We have traveled from Dublin, Dundalk, Donegal, Claregalway, Urlingford, and Wexford these past few weeks; stopping every chance we could to visit many of the historical sights we happened on as well as a few that were on our “do not miss” list.
There have been some unique and unusual experiences this time around. We encountered terrific restaurants in the most unexpected places, met so many genuinely wonderful people, and learned a ton of what are to us, fascinating historical facts about this beautiful country.
Dublin
We did not venture into the city of Dublin at all this time around. Our best recommendations of sights to see in Dublin, based on prior trips, however, 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 really interesting sights by hunting down a few geocaches.
One of our favorite restaurants in Dublin is The Brazen Head pub and restaurant. The Brazen Head was established in 1198 and is referred to as the oldest pub in Ireland. 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. The Church, located in Dublin’s city center, is a restaurant in a large restored 1700 church. We enjoyed great food here and were able to watch some great Irish dancing at the same time.
Dublin is, of course, 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. So much to see!
Dundalk
Dundalk is a short drive from Dublin, and it is odd that we 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 go into the town of Donegal on this trip. 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 well as 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 do not miss list for any visit in 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 available for visitors to wander through.
Urlingford
The Cragdog Farmhouse B&B became our next temporary home. We so enjoyed our stay here and the day excursions we had while here. 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 and a very brief two-night stay at Abbey House B&B in the heart of Wexford. We stayed here during our last visit to Wexford and enjoyed the B&B and our hostess, Georgina, so much, that we made it a point to return here.
The 12th-century St. Selskar Abbey ruin is a very brief walk from Abbey House B&B. These ruins have an interesting 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 this area. We discovered a great geocache at a nearby cemetery also!
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, along with 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 either 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, which turned out to be a great choice and began our long flight back home.
Steve and I had a wonderful experience in Ireland and loved every minute of it, just as we did all the previous trips we’ve made here. We are still not finished exploring here though and hope to return yet again in the next year or two.
