This September marks 10 years of me living in Ireland. How time flies. I can’t believe I have lived on the Emerald Island for 10 whole years. Neither have I thought that I am going to actually stay here. The plan was to spend one year in a foreign country which in my case was Ireland. I had no intention of staying, finding a job, a home, a man and start a family. After spending one year in Ireland in 2007, I wanted to stay a bit longer. It dragged out. Soon I realised it was mean to be. Leaving my home country Germany behind and starting a new life in a complete new country.
Ireland is a not a big island. It takes approximately 5 hours to travel from Sligo to the South of Ireland. With that in mind you’d think in those 10 years I have seen most places. You thought wrong. I know Dublin and the West of Ireland and some places in the midlands but mainly the South of Ireland is non existing to me and my camera.
I created a bucket list of places I would like to visit. My aim is to complete this list in the next year or two. Ireland has beautiful landscape to offer. Even though it can be a hit and miss sometimes with the weather. It rains a lot unfortunately. I suppose to make the most out of it, get the rain gear out and off you go.
Aran Islands
The islands are located off Galway and Doolin. I was in Galway so many times but I have never managed to buy a ticket in Salthill and go over. Maybe soon.
Ring of Kerry
You hear a lot about the Ring of Kerry and it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland. To some it might be just a normal road route but it’s famous for its beautiful scenery and heritage. It starts off in the town Killarney. You can take three roads which are the N70, N71 and R562, To give you heads up on the road names, the N Roads are generally easy to drive. The R roads are typical country roads which can be very narrow and bumpy but in saying that they can also be the best roads to bring you to the most beautiful scenery.
Rock of Cashel
One of the most popular and most visited tourist attractions is located in Country Tipperary. It’s also known as Cashel of Kings and was seat of the High Kings of Munster.
Right now you can visit Rock of Cashel between 9am and 7pm with an admission fee of €7. The first Wednesday of every month gets you in for free.
Dingle
Dingle is located at the very bottom of Ireland slightly West. It would take me over 5 hours to drive from Sligo. It’s also the home of the famous dolphin Fungie. One of the reasons why I would like to visit. There are one hour Dolphin boat tours operating from the Pier of Dingle.
While in Dingle I will also have to drive the Slea Head Route. It is advised to leave early during the summer month and to drive it clockwise as the roads are very narrow. It takes around three to four hours. On the way you’ll find multiple attractions like the town Inch with its beautiful beach.
Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone
Blarney is located 8km from Cork City. The castle itself is mainly a ruin but some parts of it can be viewed. What makes the castle so famous, is its “Stone of Eloquence”. The stone is said to bestow the gift of the gab on all the people who kiss the stone. It is advised to have a second person helping you kissing the stone because you have to lie on your back, dangling over the edge, trying to reach the stone with your lips. A kind of dangerous attraction but well worth it if you follow the instructions.
Dursey Island Cable Car
Dursey Island is located in the Western part of Cork. This is where Ireland’s only cable car operates and traverses open seawater in all of Europe. You might get lucky and see the dolphins jumping in the water while going over. The cost is 8 Euro return.
Whale Watching in Cork
West Cork attracts minke whales, fin whales and humpback whales. Weather depending you can book your trip on Cork’s Whale Watching Website.
Powerscourt Gardens
Moving to the East of Ireland… Powerscourt Gardens and its Waterfall located in County Wicklow. The waterfall is the highest one in all British Isles. You’ll see many beautiful things in the garden such as Japanese gardens and old trees. I can imagine this place is glorious on a warm summer day. A packed picnic is well worth it to have here.
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I heard about those. They are actually in Sligo. I didn’t manage to see them when I lived there though.
A fantastic list Janine. Like you I’ve not seen as much as I could have in my years living here.
There are also some fantastic caves if you wish to venture below ground for some history and adventure.
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You have seen more than me so. lol I have never really been to Cork before. I think I did vistit Blarney Castle but not 100% sure.
I went to Cork in 2010 and we took the bus to Blarney. It was January and I was wearing skinny jeans and a pair of black ballet shoes. I climbed to the top of the castle with my mate and as we got higher and higher I started panicking thinking how the hell am I going to get back down these increasingly small and wet steps?!
When we finally reached the top and I saw I had to hang off the castle backwards with two men holding me to kiss the stone, I decided against it. I was shaking with fear.
I then realised there was an alternate way down and made it back in one piece!
We loved going to the Shannon church in Cork and ringing he church bells. They have music sheets and you can play a range of songs. Incredible views of Cork from the top as well.
Oh wow, I hope you get to visit all these places! I’ve only been to Dublin, Galway and Cork. Looks like there’s so much more! X
I’ve never been to Ireland. I didn’t realise there was so much to do!
I’ve always fancied a few weeks in Ireland as it looks so stunning and this just confirms it. Saving this post for my must do within the next few years list!
Great list Janine, shamefully I’ve never seen half off your list. Must make more adventures around Ireland a priority x
Gorgeous photos! I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland, it looks like such a beautiful part of the world! x
Such a beautiful part of the world – no wonder you decided to call it home! 🙂 I’ve been to Dublin but would love to see more of what Ireland has to offer.
I’ve kissed the Blarney stone but that was a good many years ago. Ireland is truly beautiful with so much to see and do.
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Hello neighbour 🙂 Good luck with the traveling. There will be a lot of stops with the new baby I imagine. Once they are older it’s a lot easier to travel. We are going to Spain next week with my 18 months old going on a plane for the first time. Wish me luck.
Delighted to discover your blog! Always looking for travel inspiration at home. I live just down the road from you (Carrick) so like you, would love to explore down south more. So this year, as we have a new baby, we’ve booked a staycation in Kerry – Sneem which is on the Ring of Kerry. Really excited about it although not sure how baba will handle the 5.5 hour drive!! Been to Dingle before and it is so beautiful and the drive across the Connor Pass is stunning. Happy Travels ???
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Northern Ireland I do a different bucket list 🙂
Eniskillen is so beautiful too I really enjoyed Ireland, it’s a lovely country