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Travel Journal

Our Adventures in Ireland

8/30/2024

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​Land of Myth, Magic & Endless Green
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FYI: This blog contains affiliate links.
I​reland had always been a dream destination for my husband and me, a land of myth, magic, and endless green. So, when the opportunity arose to go there last Spring Break we jumped at the chance. Since we only had one week we decided to narrow our exploration to Galway and Dublin. Galway, as it was the place of my ancestors, and Dublin because we had an old friend who lived just outside the city and wanted to combine our journey with a chance to reconnect. We included the Cliffs of Moher as no trip to the emerald isle is complete without it.

Our adventure began on St. Patrick’s Day when we ventured to the West Coast. Galway welcomed us with open arms, its colorful pubs, and friendly locals creating an infectious energy. We stayed at Corrib Guest House, a bed and breakfast adjacent to its famous Tea Room. The full Irish Breakfast, pastries, porridge with fresh berry compote, and rich coffee were mouthwatering. We explored the Latin Quarter and strolled along the River Corrib near our Bed & Breakfast out toward the scenic Galway Bay, enjoying the laid-back yet festive vibe of the day. 


The Galway Cathedral, where we listened to St. Patrick’s Day Mass, was a highlight; its stunning architecture a testament to the city's rich history. Later that day we experienced the Galway St. Patrick’s Day Parade, listened to music in the street, and enjoyed Irish coffee, fresh seafood chowder, and more live music at the Famous King’s Head Pub on High Street.


From Galway, we booked a full day bus tour that showcased  the raw beauty of County Clare in the Province of Munster, including the Wild Atlantic Way, the Burren, and the Cliffs of Moher, a natural wonder that took our breath away. Standing at the edge of the towering cliffs, with the wind whipping and the ocean stretching out before us, felt like a moment of pure magic. It was a truly unforgettable experience. We enjoyed listening to our fun and knowledgable tour guide from Galway Tour Company, learning about Irish history in the region.

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From Galway, we booked a full day bus tour that showcased  the raw beauty of County Clare in the Province of Munster, including the Wild Atlantic Way, the Burren, and the Cliffs of Moher, a natural wonder that took our breath away. Standing at the edge of the towering cliffs, with the wind whipping and the ocean stretching out before us, felt like a moment of pure magic. It was a truly unforgettable experience. We enjoyed listening to our fun and knowledgable tour guide from Galway Tour Company, learning about Irish history in the region.
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Galway Bay
Our trip culminated in Dublin, a city that effortlessly blends history with modern charm. We wandered through the cobblestone streets, marveling at the Georgian architecture and the lively atmosphere. A pint of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse was a must, and the panoramic view of the city from the top floor was simply breathtaking. This was followed by a fun tour of Roe & Co Distillery, where we learned all about Irish whiskey.  A quick trip to the iconic Temple Bar to listen to some live Irish Ballads was a must (although its mostly tourists).


Dublin’s literary heritage was palpable, and we couldn’t resist a visit to Trinity College to see the Long Library and Book of Kells. Another highlight of our trip to Ireland was the food. We decided to do a small group food tour called Delicious Dublin Food Tour where we trekked throughout the city with a guide and tasted local dishes including various Irish stews, cheeses, ice cream, and more. I miss the delicious Irish brown bread served at every meal, and the freshest seafood.


The Irish people have a strong sense of history connected to both The Famine and The Easter Rising. While in a pub one night we saw a newspaper clip posted on the wall, a moving letter from P.H. Pearse (President of the Irish Republic) to his mother written during the Easter Rising; "Do not grieve for all this, but think of it as a sacrifice which God has asked of me and you".

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We stayed at Wynn’s Hotel in the heart of Dublin, appreciating its old-world charm, convenience, and traditional breakfast served by waiters in black and white. Dublin is a walkable city, and public transportation, if needed is a breeze.

On our last night, we enjoyed a lovely seafood meal in the Coastal town of Dalkey, only a twenty-five-minute subway ride along the water, with our Irish friends whom we were able to reconnect with. It was the perfect ending to an amazing trip.

Ireland captured our hearts in a way we hadn't anticipated. The green lush landscapes were breathtaking, the people were warm and welcoming, the music was subline and ubiquitous. We returned with hearts full of memories, a newfound appreciation for Ireland, its people and its culture, and a desire to explore more of this incredible country.
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Irish music at practically every restaurant, pub or street corner!
This video is from the famous TEMPLE BAR



​Where We Stayed

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Corrib House


​Where we stayed in Galway

Corrib House Guest Accommodation
 Woodquay 3 Waterside, Galway, Ireland
Phone: +353 91 446 753

Everything about our stay felt absolutely perfect. The inn exudes old-world charm, with rich wood details and spacious, character-filled guest rooms featuring wonderfully comfortable beds. Our room even had a claw-foot tub—deep, inviting, and blessed with endless hot water.
Each morning we were greeted with a truly memorable Irish breakfast, though the homemade jams and freshly baked breads were just as tempting for a lighter start. Best of all, the property is an easy stroll to the high street, making it the ideal blend of comfort, charm, and convenience.



Where we stayed in Dublin

Wynn's Hotel
35-39 Lower Abbey Street, D1 Dublin, Ireland

If you’re seeking old-world charm wrapped in the grace of a truly historic hotel, Wynn’s Hotel delivers beautifully. Though the property dates back to the 1800s, the guest rooms feel refreshingly modern—offering comfort without sacrificing character. Breakfast is a particular delight, served by attentive waitstaff in a ballroom-like dining room that gazes out over the lively streets of Dublin. It’s the kind of experience that feels both timeless and wonderfully removed from the everyday.
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    We absolutely love using booking.com when planning our trips, especially for international travel.  I love how it has everything in one place! Some of our posts contain affiliate links.

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