It has been almost five years since I created my very own Ireland bucket list. Now more than ever, it is the perfect opportunity to tick off any remaining destination on my list as well as add new ones.
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands consist of three islands… Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer. All can be reached by boat from either Galway or Doolin in Co. Clare. In September last year I ticked this destination off my bucket list. I took a ferry from Doolin pier to Inisheer which is the closest island to the shore. Inishmore seems to be a popular for a camping trip. I did enjoy Inisheer on the comfort of a rented bike. You can easily explore all of the island within three hours or so. The beach is so beautiful and the water was so clear and blue.
Rock of Cashel
Last Summer a friend and I managed to explore a bit around the country when we could safely do so again. One of the places brought us to Co. Tipperary where you can find the Rock of Cashel. At the time we visited, the grounds were still closed. Instead we had a little walk around it. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion.
Dingle
Three years ago we spent our Summer vacation in Ireland. We chose Tralee as our base and explored Co. Kerry. One of the days it brought us to Dingle. It is quite a busy little town during the Summer. The houses are so bright and c0lourful and the people are so cheery and friendly. We managed to take a boats tour that year to see Fungi and we did see him a couple of times which I am grateful for. Dingle also has a lovely aquarium. It’s such a quirky little place.
Powerscourt Gardens
When Powerscourt Gardens opened up its doors again last Summer after a long lockdown, we took the opportunity to drive down to Wicklow and pay the gardens a visit. The Avoca Terrace Cafe was open with socially distanced tables available. My favourite part was definitely the Japanese Gardens.
This leads me to all the places I have not explored from my last list and to all the places I want to add to my new bucket list.
1. Ring Of Kerry
When we spent our Summer holiday in Kerry a few years ago, we didn’t aim at driving the whole Ring of Kerry loop because the kids were still very small then. Maybe next year I might be doing the loop myself.
2. Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone
Half of our Summer holiday will be spent in County Cork this Summer. Castles are always a big hit for the kids so I am hoping to make a stop here and tick off this attraction on my list. The main purpose of everyone visiting this castle, is to kiss the Blarney Stone. However with COVID, I don’t think this will be open anytime soon.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Located in Northern Ireland and part of the Giants Causeway Road, this bridge is connected to the cliffs and 30 metres above sea level. It is a very popular tourist attraction. I have been to the Giants Causeway many time but never made it to the rope bridge. Last Summer I finally planned to drive up but unfortunately due to COVID the rope bridge was closed and it is still closed now.
6. Mizen Head
When we visited Donegal last Summer, it brought us to the most Northern point of the county, Malin Head. It is only right to add the most Southwesterly point which is Mizen Head, located in County Cork. Right now the path and bridge is closed but hopefully that will change by July when we are heading to Cork.
7. Saltee Islands
The Saltee Islands are located in the South of County Wexford and are a very popular attraction. A lot of wildlife can be found like the most famous ones which are puffins. I literally would just go to see some puffins. Bookings have to be made well in advanced. The ferry will depart from Kilmore Quay but it all depends on weather conditions. The island is a quite rocky place and beware not to bring your best footwear as you may get wet feet getting off the ferry.
8. Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is a twin-pinnacled crag approx. 12 kilometres west of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. Skellig Michael consists of approximately 22 hectares of rock, with its highest point, known as the Spit, 218 m above sea level. It’s best known for its Gaelic monastery at the top. Several boat tours to Skellig Michael are available. It takes roughly one hour from mainland to the island and you get around 2.5 hours to explore the island which should be plenty of time.