My Trip to Ireland from India

Last September by chance I got a good break from work, I decided to utilise this time to explore a place on this earth and without any hesitation I chose Ireland. After India if I love any country that is Ireland. I like this country so much since my childhood as I was quite fascinated with its greenery, culture and people.

Once you go to this place you will find green grass of Ireland really is an incredible green! Without any doubt it is going to be the one, everlasting memory I will have of this beautiful country. During travel meet friendly Irish people, saw stunning scenery and yes surprisingly encountered the fabulous food! Yes, it’s not all potatoes in Ireland!

Stayed there for 12 says. Let me share my tour plan with your guys.

Day 1 and 2: Dublin

I started with Dublin as it is a great place for walking and walk I did. First day took the hop on hop off bus when I was new in the city. It helps in educating the layout of the city and it was a great chance to get a quick introduction to the city. Dublin Sightseeing’s Green hop on hop off bus gave us this and more. I didn’t hop off the bus. And you know the reason? Drivers was having fabulous Irish humour! Second day I even had time to take a visit to the fishing village of Howth.

Days 3, 4 and 5: Belfast

Belfast was a fabulous treat! 3rd day was dedicated to know the local food. I walked through the streets of the city stopping at great food and drink places. Another tour I loved was the the Legendary Black Taxi Tour. I saw the murals of the Shankill area. A must for everyone!
In case you didn’t are not aware of the fact that the Titanic was built in Belfast and you should visit the fabulous museum where you can learn how all about it, it is so Ill done that you will like it for sure.

Day 6: Causeway Coastal Route

From Belfast to Portrush and further the Causeway Coastal Route is not to be missed. The scenery is superb and the driving easy! I stopped in Cushenden, took the spectacular Torr Head drive, stopped to walk the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede and saw the incredible Unesco listed Giant’s Causeway. If you still have time, visit Dunluce Castle. It is a beautiful architecture.

Day 7: To Clifden

After a quick visit to the Dark Hedges of Games of Thrones fame if you are a fan of this series, I started my drive south hoping to make it to Clifden. The countryside is beautiful especially in country Tyrone where the hedged roads take you through some beautiful scenery. Because they are narrow and winding, it does takes longer than you think.

Originally I was going to stop in Istport but people I met along the way encouraged me to drive the extra miles to Clifden. I’d also consider spending the night at Ashford Castle. And I didn’t repent for my decision.
So many options…so little time! Aah!!

Day 8: To Dingle

From Cifden I headed around the coast to beautiful village, named Roundstone. And I must say that I would love to come back to. It is a beautiful place.Moher are stunning especially on a sunny day. Up until now the Iather had been grey and dreary so I was excited for this day of blue skies!
Head to the visitor center and take the walks either side.

There are two ways to reach the Cliffs of Moher. First…follow the N 67 to Doolin from Ballyvaughan or second…take the coast road, the R 477. This was a lovely drive but do remember it did add an extra hour to the journey.

Day 9: The Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula was wonderful. The drive around Sea Head was spectacular and I’m so glad I took the advise of people I had met that I should see the Dingle Peninsula instead of following the tourist buses around the Ring of Kerry. I then headed to Kenmare via the Kilkenny National Park.

Day 10: To Kinsale

Till this day weather was according to my wish but the weather was not looking good as I headed off to explore the Ring of Beara. A low fog stopped me heading to the high Healy Pass so instead I decided to explore a few of the towns on the way to Kinsale. Stay: Blindsgate House

Day 11: Kinsale

Kinsale is an absolute fun town. It’s bright colours impart a happy feel. Having two nights here meant I could take it easy and enjoy the town, exploring its every corner. I folloId the Scilly walk around the bay to a Ill known pub, The Bullman for some excellent Irish food and Guinness. The walk back seemed so much quicker! Really.

Day 12: to Dublin via Wicklow

This is another leg that probably should take two days especially as I would have loved a night at Ballymaloe House. I somehow managed a quick visit here and to the cooking school a few kilometres down the road to see it’s wonderful garden.

From here it was up the coast to Wicklow. Time was running out so unfortunately I missed one of Ireland’s famous sites, Glendalough in the Wicklow forest. This gave me longer to wander through the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens before heading to Dublin for my last night!

It was a very quick visit for me! I strongly feel that I should revisit Ireland soon. Next time I want to prepare more well for this country.