Ireland: A Personal Journey on the Emerald Isle

(424 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

Our visit to Giant's Causeway - Northern, Ireland

Have you always wanted to visit Ireland? Who wouldn’t? Picture yourself in a lush, beautiful countryside surrounded by some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met!


One of my favorite towns we visited was Galway, and it’s definitely a place I can’t wait to return to. It’s such a charming little town, full of character and warmth.


No trip is complete without trying the local cuisine. Once you’ve had Irish bacon, it’s hard to go back—it quickly became my favorite! Believe it or not, the scones at a gas station were absolutely amazing. And you can’t leave without trying Guinness stew. The pizza in Galway was also delicious (we definitely indulged more than once). Another highlight was Sean’s Bar, a pub in Athlone, the oldest pub in Ireland, dating back to 900 A.D.


The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see, and if you take the time to walk a little further, the views become even more breathtaking. Most visitors don’t venture that extra mile, so you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a more exclusive spot. We’re so glad we did! Another hidden gem was Slieve League, which far exceeded our expectations. It’s not as well-known as other spots, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. Slieve League is one of the tallest cliffs in the world and much less crowded, offering a more intimate experience. Honestly, while we thoroughly enjoyed the Cliffs of Moher and are glad we saw them, we loved Slieve League even more. So, if your itinerary and time allow, I highly recommend making the trip!


Donegal was another beautiful surprise—gorgeous landscapes and stunning Atlantic views. We stayed in a unique manor tucked away in a secluded spot. The B&B was like something out of a fairy tale, with high ceilings, character, and even gargoyle statues.


And then there’s Northern Ireland—where to begin? If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you absolutely have to explore the GOT filming locations: the Iron Islands, Tollymore Forest Park, the Gothic Stone Arches, and the famous Kings Road (The Dark Hedges). I was lucky enough to see a few, and I’d be happy to share more if you’re a GOT fan.


The Titanic Museum in Belfast is also a must-visit. You can explore the shipyard and walk along the decks of the Titanic, right where it all began. Fun fact: there are no artifacts from the ship on display because the site was declared a grave.


I can’t wait to return and experience even more of this beautiful country. When you’re ready to go to Ireland, I’d love to help plan your trip and share even more of my personal experiences!

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