Ireland

Ireland… The land of the most pleasant people! They are so friendly, maybe it’s the whiskey, but still.. And I can tell you one thing, it’s true when they say that they don’t eat corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day!!

Flew Aerlingus! The airline was fantastic!!

My friend and I did a tour to Ireland the week of St. Patrick’s Day. We went with CIE who were fabulous! Everything was well organized. We chose the Irish Adventure package which goes around the entire country, North and South.

An exciting welcome package from CIE tours! I love these things!
Our road map
1st thing I see in Dublin driving from the airport to the hotel.. I knew I was in love already!

Day 1, We met our group and did a walking tour of Dublin. After that, we went to Trinity College and saw the Book of Kells, which is one of the oldest manuscripts out there (800 AD) and was created by celtic monks. The library at Trinity College is stunning!!

Trinity College library

Day 2, we traveled by bus through some gorgeous sceneries and eventually made it to the House of Waterford Crystal. Watching them make pieces was pretty cool. Had a guided tour through the city.

A jaw dropping crystal clock that sits on display at Waterford Crystal

Day 3, we went to Cobh, my favorite part of Ireland, it’s so beautiful here!! Also, it was Titanics last port of call. We then went to Blarney Castle. Incredible sight to see and no, I did not kiss the stone!

Beautiful city of Cobh
The Titanics last port of call heading to NYC
Blarney Castle

Day 4, we drove Irelands most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, then right to Killarney where we had some drinks and enjoyed the evening. It was St. Patrick’s Day and we could not find corned beef on any menus anywhere! That’s because they don’t eat it! It’s an American thing.. Our whole tour group was baffled and we didn’t know what to eat so we ate the best burgers I think any of us had ever had!! Their beef is delicious!

The very green Ring of Kerry
The best burger I’ve ever eaten was on St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland! Who would’ve thought?!
An Irish coffee of course!!

Day 5, Cliffs of Moher.. A view I can’t even explain. You have to physically see it, pictures don’t do it justice.. We then headed up to Galway.

Cliffs of Moher

Day 6, we watched trained sheepdogs rounding up some mountain sheep. It was actually very interesting!! Then did an ancient city tour through Derry.

Day 7, a visit to the Giant’s Causeway which has huge columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Then up to Belfast and saw where the titanic was built! That was amazing to see since I am infatuated with titanic stories.

Giants Causeway.. Caused by volcanic eruption 60 million years ago!
Titanic museum
Where the Titanic was built

We then eventually made our way back to Dublin and the tour ended. This was such a great way to fully cover all of Ireland in one shot. Highly recommend them!! CIE..

Hot Toddy of course!