Ireland ...in 4.5 days?

I've taken a bus tour a time or two (2011, 2014), even had friends travel me about and explain the history and landscape of this wondrous, friendly Island. Amazing, truly.

This time however, it felt right, so the two of us took the plunge and hired a car for our trip. As you would suspect, driving on the opposite side on very narrow roads proved to be a challenge; sometimes fun and exciting and other times white knuckling and hair raising lol, yet so worth it.

Welcome to Ireland.  Here's the map of the exploring on the Emerald Isle we did in only four days. Leaving time for reunions and new adventures, pub moments, sight-seeing, walking and sometimes even sleeping ;)

We arrived Friday 13:00 and departed 12:30 on Wednesday.

Friday - Dublin thru Cavan to Irvinestown. Slept. 

Saturday - Irvinestown to Giants Causeway onto Magherafelt into Moneymore back to Irvinestown. Slept. 

*Can recommend a fantastic Airbnb for anyone who wishes to stay with an awesome family in Irvinestown, message me.  David, Karen and Family are truly incredible hosts. 

Sunday - Irvinestown thru Donegal and a beach found at Rossnowlagh (best known for surfing), before getting onto Sligo and then Gallway.  Slept.

*Can recommend a delicious restaurant in Gallway called 'The Brasserie'.  Lamb dinner and a scallop with crab dish; both were nice portions and Heaven to our lips.  And to start, a beautiful tray of treats from the sea...the service, divine also. 



Gallway to Cliffs of Moher then into Limerick en route to Blarney. Up to the top floor at the Castle for a stone kissing (for one of us, the other did so the first visit 5 years before) into City Centre of Cork before driving the distance to Waterford. Slept. 

*Can recommend a top notch Italian restaurant located in the Viking Triangle with amazing food and awesome service called 'La Fontana'...thank you Ana and Enrico. Menu, wine, beer, appetizers...you honestly can't choose something that is not delicious).  Gracias... simply incredible.

Tuesday - From Waterford driving near Enniscorthy into Coolnahorna thru Arklow headed for Glendaloch. Short visit there before making our way up the Wicklow Mountains to the Gap before descending and driving into Dublin centre.  Slept.

*P.S. When in Dublin one must visit the nearest Madigan's and if you don't know where one is, visit the one on O'Connell Street.

Wednesday - Dublin centre to the airport for the car return and catching the flight home...not before enjoying a traditional Irish Breakfast. 

Amazing Trip.  If we had two more solid days, I'm sure we could have visited Belfast and Wexford; and quite possibly driven the Ring of Kerry, to make the four corner adventure complete.  ...next time ;)



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~ Holiday Heidi