Dia dhuit:) (hello in Irish Gaelic)
The Emerald Isle is ideal for hiking, admiring castles and cliffs, and trying some great food. Ireland gives you many opportunities to explore the natural wonders and quaint villages that line the countrysides.
It’s important to know the difference between the two Irelands. The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are both on the island of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is its own country and Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom. It’s been like this since the 1920s, and this particular detail matters especially to the people from this island country.
Roughly 70,000 people speak Irish Gaelic and they actually speak it daily, and about half of the 5 million population here understand Gaelic. However, everywhere you go, English is ubiquitous!
Food and Beverage
Traditional Irish cuisine consists of simple, hearty dishes that usually derive from family recipes passed down from generation to generation. Ireland is famous for its potatoes and pints of Guinness but Irish food has lots to offer when it comes to food and drink.
Irish stew is a dish commonly made from lamb, mutton, or beef with plenty of root vegetables added. More modern recipes typically use lamb or beef instead of mutton and also include the addition of carrots, red wine or even Guinness! This delicious dish is the ultimate Irish comfort food, perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Irish soda bread is a simple, moist bread made by combining basic ingredients like bicarbonate of soda, buttermilk, flour, and salt. The bread is typically enjoyed with butter alongside soups or stews for dipping.
A boxty is a potato pancake made from cooked mashed potato, grated raw potato, buttermilk, flour, and salt. Boxtys can be paired with almost anything, however the most common is alongside eggs and bacon in the morning.
Colcannon is another potato recipe but this one is known as the holy grail of mashed potatoes. This recipe consists of mashed potatoes, kale, green onions, milk or cream and lots of butter. This dish is served as an accompaniment to a main meal and can also be prepared with bacon. It is divine:)
Barmbrack is a sweet Irish bread made with dried fruit (usually sultanas and raisins), and is the perfect accompaniment to a pot of tea. This bread is the centre of various traditions in Ireland. The most popular is at Halloween where charms are mixed into the dough before baking and held significance for those who found them in their slice.
Irish coffee was created in the winter of 1943 by Joe Sheridan. He was a chef at Foynes Port near Limerick. Sorry poems aren’t the only thing to come from Limerick apparently. Foynes was one of the biggest civilian airports in Europe during World War ll and then went on to become an airbase for transatlantic flights. More often than not, these flights often carried political or Hollywood royalty and as a stopover location, a new restaurant was created to cater to these passengers. One evening, a flight had to turn back to Foynes Air base mid way through its journey and the restaurant’s chef Joe Sheridan decided to whip up something special for them to drink since they were all complaining of being cold……Alas, the famous Irish coffee was born.
Irish Beer is well-loved and known as the National drink of Ireland….well Guiness more specifically. Irish beer is in fact ancient. It can be traced back at least 5,000 years. In earliest days of Irish agriculture, fertile soil, soft, unpolluted rain and gentle, cool breezes made for a climate that could produce superb barley.
Legend has it that Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, even had his own brewer, a priest named Mescan, and Irish monasteries dominated the manufacture and supply of ale for centuries, which is why there is the ruin of an abbey within the grounds of the Smithwick brewery, in Kilkenny city. Believe it or not, monks were expert herbalists, so ale was flavoured using herbs, particularly gentian, as hops were difficult to grow. Monks would drink their beer during Lenten fasting, and gave it the name “liquid bread”.
Whether you are into beer that is creamy in texture or hoppy bitterness or even notes of coffee, chocolate, and herbs, any beer is definitely worth the try when visiting Ireland.
Dublin
Dublin is city that is part quaint and intimate yet familiar and friendly. Nestled in between mountains, centred on a river and framed by a beautiful bay, the city’s streets and alleys are filled with stand out art and beautiful historic buildings, hip cafés and traditional Irish pubs. Dublin has a fun and eclectic energy about it and walking its streets fills your soul with it!
Dublin is a social place, packed with culture, creativity and craic (fun). You’ll see it in the busy pubs, in the rolling nightlife scene, in the music and in the chat. This ancient gem shines in natural beauty, too. Dublin Bay boasts coastal walks, little villages, incredible ocean views and epic mountain backdrops. There’s literally an adventure around every corner.
Things to do in Dublin
Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin, and is Ireland’s oldest surviving university. Founded in 1592, this world renowned institution was modelled after Oxford and Cambridge colleges and it continues to be Ireland’s highest-ranking university with 17,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students having chosen this post education university.
St. Patricks’s Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most popular attractions. It was built between 1220 and 1260, and the Cathedral is one of the few buildings left from the medieval city of Dublin. Jonathan Swift, Dean of St Patrick’s, is one of around 700 burials on the site.
Dublin Castle was originally built as a defensive fortification however, it later became a royal residence, Over the years parliament and law courts have also used the castle to conduct their affairs. It has also served as a military garrison.
The castle is also used for hosting official State visits as well as more informal foreign affairs engagements, State banquets, Government policy launches, as well as acting as the central base for Ireland’s hosting of the European Presidency approximately every 10 years.
A stop in Dublin would not be complete without a pop into the Temple Bar which is considered a Dublin institution that dates back to 1840. the bar is a traditional pub offering a good showcase of Irish culture, food, beer and of course Irish daily live music! They have a cool store you can purchase some swag in as well. 🙂
We were looking forward to trying out the Dublin portal which was supposed to link New York City to Dublin through a live camera. People can dance and sing or apparently moon people from either side of the Atlantic which caused this technological one time wonder to shut down temporarily. Some people got arrested for performing lewd acts on top of the mooning. So, there was no portal for us just a giant empty screen that displayed the text that it was asleep lol
Things to do in and around Ireland
Viktor’s Way is a perfect place to venture to if you are looking for something completely different to do. This Indian Sculpture Park contains over 30 sculptures in black granite and bronze in heights ranging from 1.7m to 4.5m. It took over 9 years to design and construct this collection of interesting sculptures.
When you enter the Indian Sculpture Park, you enter through the “Birth Canal”. As you move through the park, a number of Ganeshas (a deity in the Hindu religion that is said to bring good luck) will line the paths. Many of these sculptures are meant to illicit some contemplation and interpretation.
The entire park is dedicated to Alan Turing and his contributions to the field of Medicine. I found the grounds to be serene and a peaceful way to spend an hour. The trails that lead to the interesting and unique statues are easy to maneuver. There are numerous benches within the park that provide lots of opportunity for quiet reflection and a break if needed.
Kilkenny Castle was built in the twelfth century, and was the main seat of the Butlers, earls, marquesses and dukes of Ormond for almost 600 years. The castle, set in extensive parkland, was remodelled in Victorian times. It was formally taken over by the Irish State in 1969 and since then has undergone restoration works. The park it sits within is absolutely breathtaking. If you really want to experience this gem, take the Kilkenny train from the city center to the castle entrance.
The Rock of Cashel is set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone and certainly is a masterful display of medieval buildings. There is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.
The surviving buildings are quite simply remarkable. Cormac’s Chapel, for example, contains the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland. Overall, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and most visited tourist attractions.
Cork County
In Cork county, you’ll come across a bunch of sweet little towns. There are also are long and scenic stretches of wilderness and coastlines.
Blarney Castle is a medieval fortress that is currently a partial ruin. There are some rooms that can be visited but most people who venture here come to kiss the “Blarney Stone”. The stone is a block of bluestone that is built into the crenulations of Blarney Castle. The castle grounds are spectacular and whether you enjoy the castle from the exterior, interior or both, this historical site has a magical vibe to it.
Legend has it by kissing the stone it gives the kisser the gift of eloquent gab and flattery. Meh, it’s worth a try if you want to break out of your shell! I actually just blew it a kiss as leaning over backwards 70 feet about the ground was a wee terrifying for me. I really don’t need more gift of the gab….my husband hard launched himself into the stone with puckered lips though. The next few hours on the drive west, he was rather quiet so I’m not sure the legend worked on him lol. Incidentally, the word blarney in Gaelic means clever, flattering, or a charming talker.
Dunguaire Castle used to one of the strongholds built by Guaire’s descendants. Its name is derived from Dun (fort) of King Guaire. It was 1 of at least 9 fortifications constructed in the region.
Dunguaire Castle is relatively small and built in the traditional Irish Tower House style, whose most predominant external feature is its 23 meters tall keep. There is also an outer curtain wall or bawn surrounding a courtyard. The structure also includes a towerlet or guard room at the courtyard’s southwestern corner.
The Cliffs of Moher show the staggering height of the rock face, and the stunning views from the top. The cliffs at their highest are 214 meters. You can feel the sea spray from the Atlantic Ocean when you visit the cliffs. To make the most of the grandness, trekking along the trails along the clifftop will allow to experience the wind beating against while you hike. There are many viewing points along the way where you can admire the edges peaking slightly upwards. It’s a magnificent way to spend an afternoon.
Galway
Is a coastal bohemian city with a love of traditional music. Here you can find lots of “Galway girls” as Ed Sheeran would sing. Galway really draws you in with its fun loving spirit making it hard to resist. The spirit of Ireland’s west coast beats through the bustling streets, from mellow old pubs to cosy corners, to shops selling Claddagh rings, Aran sweaters and bog-oak carvings.
Quay street is lively. There is plenty of opportunities to indulge in some window shopping, people watching, pub crawling, fine dining and off the hook nightlife…..all of which are recommended.
Menlo Castle is a picturesque ruin of a 16th century castle. This castle was home to the Blake family who lived there from 1600 to 1910. The Blakes were described as the richest family in Galway. In 1910, a fire took hold of the castle and tragically took the lives of Lord and Lady Blake’s invalid daughter, Eleanor, and two maids. No trace of Eleanor’s body was ever found. Some say this castle has been haunted by Eleanor’s ghost since.
Getting to it was a bit of an adventure as it is on private farmland and forest, along the waterfront. Despite the signage posted, we were welcomed by a local walking his dog and encouraged to enjoy the trails and the ruins. We actually got quite the historical background from this young man who was quite intrigued with how we even knew and found this place. Thank goodness for being a nerd! lol
Galway Cathedral is one of the largest and most dominating buildings in Galway. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1958 and was completed in 1965. It is located on the site of the former city jail and features a dome at a height of 145 feet. It was the last large church in Ireland to be made from stone, and features a huge octagonal dome that complements the skyline of the City of Galway. Inside the visitor will find the rose windows and wall paintings, which echo the broad tradition of Christian art, particularly impressive.
Meath County
An hour drive from Dublin will bring you into another era. This place is truly the stuff of fantasy, which obviously enticed the location scouts on the lookout for somewhere to film the movie ‘Braveheart’ which starred Mel Gibson. Trim Castle has put Trim and Meath county on the map worldwide.
Trim Castle is situated in the centre of Trim town on the shores of the River Boyne. The remains of the castle are not only those of Ireland’s largest castle but the largest Norman castle in Europe. The castle consists of a central 3 story cruciform shaped keep with twenty corners, the remains of a curtain wall which has rectangular towers on the north and west sides and round towers to the south and east, the remains of a three towered defending keep entrance with stables and causeway, a three aisled Great Hall with undercroft, a defensive tower and a building thought to have been used as a mint.
Northern Ireland
The Troubles is a term used to describe a period of conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted roughly 30 years, from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. However, the origins of these tumultuous times can be traced back hundreds of years. The Plantation of Ulster at the beginning of the 17th century settled Protestants from lowland Scotland and the North of England causing a sectarian split in the population of the province; something that still resonates today and fed into the Troubles. Northern Ireland is predominantly Protestant.
Catholics on this island consider themselves Irish and hold nationalist views, wanting an independent Ireland free from British control. Protestants identify largely as British and unionist, meaning they wish to remain linked to the United Kingdom. Up until til the turn of this century, Northern Ireland had so much political and social unrest that few people visited this part of the island. Today, despite a lingering undercurrent of how those times came about, Northern Ireland is a grand place to venture into. The Northern coastline is exceptionally beautiful!
Belfast
Belfast is charming and packed with brilliant attractions, lined with boundary-pushing art galleries and home to super-cool pop-up restaurants that spring up around the city. Belfast possesses layers of history that make it such a compelling place!
Things to do in Belfast
Belfast was birthplace of Titanic and is currently home to an award-winning visitor attraction that transports you back to the glory days of Belfast’s maritime history. The Maritime Walkway is where the Titanic was first launched. Here, you can find the the SS Nomadic which ferried passengers from shore to board the infamous ocean liner. The Thompson dry dock is where the Titanic was decorated with opulent luxury.
Built on the site of the Harland and Wolff shipyard where Titanic was constructed, Titanic Belfast is a must see when visiting Belfast. The buildings angular, aluminum-clad design mirrors the shape of Titanic’s prow and its height (38 meters) is the same as the ship’s hull.
Once Inside, there are 9 interactive galleries to be experienced from its construction to its sinking. The exhibits are quite moving especially the one on the sinking, the names of those who perished, and the search and subsequent discovery of the Titanic in 1985. It was my 2nd visit to this museum and it was just as interesting and thought provoking this time around as it was the first time.
Botanical Gardens opened its gates in 1828, the Royal Belfast Botanical Gardens (as they were known then) were once privately owned by the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society.
Today, these now public gardens provide a beautiful green space in the city centre where you can escape the hustle and bustle. There is a Rose Garden, exotic plant collections and 2 landmark buildings: the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine House.
The Solidarity Wall in Belfast is a colorful spot to take in the political climate. Northern Ireland has around 2,000 murals, most of which contain political themes or references to the “Troubles”. Belfast hosts the largest concentration with at least 700 murals, a third of which are in excellent condition.
Many of Northern Ireland murals are political propaganda but they also stand as historical evidence which tells a story. The people of Northern Ireland understand the importance of their murals and have worked to preserve and maintain them. One third of the murals in Belfast are in excellent condition.
Northern Ireland’s political wall art dates back to the early 20th century when it was used occasionally by Loyalists. The late 1970s and 1980s saw an explosion in muraling as a form of political expression. Some murals were created by artists commissioned by political or paramilitary groups, others by amateurs unknown to history.
Crumlin Road Gaol first opened its gates to prisoners in 1846 and for 150 years was a fully operational prison. On March 31, 1996, the Governor of Belfast’s Crumlin Road Gaol walked out of the fortified prison and the heavy air-lock gates slammed shut for the final time.
During those 150 years the Gaol has housed murderers, suffragettes and loyalist and republican prisoners. It has witnessed births, deaths and marriages and has been the home to executions, escapes, hunger-strikes and riots.
The Giant Causeway was formed just under 60 million years ago. At the time, Ireland was still attached to North America. As Europe started to pull away from North America, this created huge rifts in the earth’s surface. Those rifts produced cracks, and up through those cracks came lots of molten rock and lava.
Over time, erosion then caused rivers to form in the basalt. As more lava flowed through the river valleys. the Giant’s Causeway we think of today was formed. Legend has it that an Irish giant named Finn McCool created a causeway to get across the Irish Sea to face his rival, the Scottish giant Benandonner. Following their fearsome meeting, Benandonner ripped up the causeway as he fled back to Scotland, leaving what you see here today. Today, it is a World UNESCO Heritage site.
The Ring of Gullion is a unique geological landform, unparalleled elsewhere in Ireland or the UK. It was the first ring dyke in the world to be geologically mapped. The ring of low, rugged hills forms a ‘rampart’ around the heather-clad Slieve Gullion mountain. In here, semi-wild habitats of heath, bog and woodland contrast with the neatly patterned fields and ladder farms call this area home.
Worth the visit or not: WORTH
Irish history goes back millennia, and it includes Vikings, Celts and warrior clans. Given this, there is an estimated 30,000 castles and ruins that decorate Ireland from one end to another.
Ireland has an unmatched and rich heritage. Given it’s strong historic background, its unparalleled beauty, and it’s large diaspora worldwide, this culture is very well known and celebrated in many parts around the world. The Irish make Ireland very special and their warm hospitality, will make an impact on you almost immediately. Their festive and effervescent dispositions allow this island country to be front and center for festivals, and the Irish are the perfect hosts!
As lovely as Ireland is, there are a record number of “wet days” that range from about 150 days to 225 days a year. I love the climate because it reminds me of Vancouver Island, my old stomping grounds. With all the rain that descends upon Ireland, there are many rainbows to be seen, however chasing rainbows here doesn’t mean there is a lot of gold , a leprechaun with some lucky gold charms at the end of the rainbow. Even though leprechauns are part of modern Irish folklore, unfortunately there aren’t any real leprechauns in Ireland….well I didn’t meet any!
Happy Travels 🙂
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