IRELAND
One of my favorite places I’ve ever traveled to, Ireland is a beautiful blend of history, adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and endlessly welcoming people. Though relatively small in size, the island is filled with cities and towns that each have their own distinct personality, culture, and charm.
Ireland’s history is deeply woven into everyday life. From centuries old castles and cathedrals to murals and political landmarks in Belfast, reminders of the island’s complex and resilient past can still be seen everywhere you go. In Northern Ireland especially, places like the Falls Road and Shankill Road murals offer a powerful glimpse into the history of The Troubles and the lasting impact it had on the community.
I’ve visited Ireland in 2017, 2024, and 2026, and each trip has been completely different from the last.
In 2017, one of my best friends and I road tripped the perimeter of the island, stopping in Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Cork, Galway, Killarney, and Kilkenny along the way. My friend Rory, who I traveled with, comes from a large Irish Catholic family, and one of the most special parts of the trip was visiting her extended family in County Cork. Her great aunt and uncles, who own the wonderful Clancy’s Pub, welcomed us in, shared stories, and gave us a tour of the town and their family roots. It was one of those travel experiences that makes a place feel deeply personal and unforgettable.
In both 2024 and 2026, I returned for long weekend trips focused mostly on Dublin, and each visit showed me something entirely new. Dublin may feel small compared to other European capitals, but it’s incredibly lively and full of character. From cozy pubs with live music to hidden bookstores, historic streets, and incredible food, it’s the kind of city that keeps revealing itself no matter how many times you visit.
2017 Road Trip
Route: Dublin → Strangford → Winterfell Castle & Demesne → Belfast → Giant’s Causeway → Carrick-a-Rede → Dark Hedges → Derry/Londonderry → Galway → Cliffs of Moher → Kinvarra → Killarney → Cork → Fermoy → Dublin
Highlights: Galway, Kerry Cliffs, Smithwick’s Brewery Tour, and Killarney National Park.
- Dublin: Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Croke Park, The Ha’penny Bridge Inn, Buskers Bar, The Hairy Lemon, and Murphy’s Bistro Cafe
- Northern Ireland: Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dark Hedges, Winterfell Castle & Demesne, and Derry/Londonderry
- Galway & West Coast: Eyre Square, Murphy’s Ice Cream, Cliffs of Moher, Kinvarra, and colorful Galway streets
- Killarney & County Kerry: Killarney, Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, Skellig Islands, Kerry Cliffs, and Ballinskelligs Beach
- Cork & Kilkenny: The Cornmarket Centre, Blarney Castle & Gardens, Fermoy, Clancy’s Bar, and Smithwick’s Experience
Wicklow Mountains
Hike Stats: 6.32 miles • 1,344 ft elevation gain • 2 hr 41 min moving time
Tucked into the heart of Wicklow Mountains National Park, this quickly became one of my favorite hikes in the world. The landscape felt completely untouched and wildly cinematic, with rolling green mountains, winding rivers, deep valleys, and weather that changed by the minute.
The wind that day was unbelievably strong, the kind that makes you feel tiny against the mountains. At times it was almost difficult to walk in a straight line, but somehow it only added to the magic of the experience. Clouds moved dramatically over the peaks, sunlight would break through for brief moments, and the entire valley felt alive.
One of the most unexpected moments of the hike was spotting reindeer in the mountains. Seeing them wandering through the mountainside and wind made the entire place feel almost mythical.
The Wicklow Mountains are often referred to as the “Garden of Ireland” and are deeply tied to Irish folklore and history. Legends speak of ancient spirits, hidden lakes, and wandering fairies among the hills. The nearby Glendalough valley, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, carries centuries of monastic history and folklore, adding to the haunting and magical feeling of the region.
- Location: Wicklow Mountains National Park
- Nearby: Glendalough Valley
- Best Part: The dramatic winds, mountain views, and unexpected reindeer sightings
- Overall Feeling: Peaceful, wild, cinematic, and completely magical
Hurling & Gaelic Football
A really unique experience while in Dublin is visiting the GAA Museum and taking the stadium tour at Croke Park, where you get an inside look at Ireland’s rich sporting culture and the history behind hurling and Gaelic football.
The tour walks you through the history of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), founded in 1884 to preserve traditional Irish sports and culture. Today, hurling and Gaelic football remain deeply woven into Irish identity and community life, with local county rivalries carrying generations of pride.
Hurling is often described as the fastest field sport in the world, played with wooden sticks called hurleys and a small ball called a sliotar. The sport dates back over 3,000 years and is rooted in Celtic mythology, with legends telling stories of warriors and heroes playing the game. Gaelic football combines elements of soccer, rugby, and basketball into a fast paced and incredibly entertaining sport.
Touring Croke Park itself was incredible. The stadium holds over 80,000 people and feels massive when standing pitch side. Throughout the experience you get behind the scenes access to areas of the facility while learning about the cultural importance of the games, famous matches, and the role the stadium has played throughout Irish history.
At the end of the museum there is an interactive section, where you can test different motor skills and see how they relate to hurling and Gaelic football. Activities measured things like hand eye coordination, reaction time, accuracy, strength, and power, giving a really fun glimpse into the athleticism required to play the sports at a high level.
- Location: Croke Park, Dublin
- Experience: Museum admission, stadium tour, and interactive sports activities
Wicklow
Mountains
Giants
Causeway
Dark
Hedges
The Derry
Peace Bridge
Cliffs of
Moher
Killarney
National
Park
Skellig
Islands
Kerry
Cliffs
