My friends, I am excitedly in the initial stages of Planning A Trip To Ireland. It has long been on my bucket list to see the Emerald Isle. Our trip has tentatively been set for July of 2017. It will be the pot of gold at the end of a 30-year rainbow colored journey I have been on to complete my final college degree.
Planning A Trip To Ireland
Although I am just getting started in the planning here are 10 things our family would like to see:
1. There are a number of castles I would like to see but at the top of my list is Ashford Castle in County Galway. It is now a luxury resort and features elaborate gold interiors and extensive manicured lawns.
2. A few years ago I wrote an extensive post on The Book of Kells which is considered to be the most beautiful book in the world. I cannot wait to see it in person at the Trinity College Library.
3. On Mr. Decor’s list is The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. I mean you can’t really visit Ireland without at least tasting a wee pint from this world-famous brewery.
4. I imagine it’s not uncommon for one to go from the pub to the church (or vice versa) because we don’t want to miss St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
5. I’ve heard the views are spectacular at The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.
It’s No Blarney I Want To Go
6. Of course one must kiss the Blarney Stone at the castle near Cork, Ireland.
(Which reminds me I need to start going to yoga more often. 🙂
7. The Hill of Tara is an archaeological complex located near the River Boyne. It contains several ancient monuments some of which are quite mysterious.
8. The Ring of Kerry is a 111 mile (179 km) long circular drive which takes you to ancient monuments, romantic castles, spectacular gardens, colorful towns, and villages. The beautiful scenery consists of dramatic coastline, charming locales and ancient archaeological treasures. It is in short, a bloggers paradise.
9. Remember how I am planning on going to Guinness with the Mr.? This is so he will agree to a visit to the Galway Crystal Workshop. Ireland is famous for its crystal and I’d like to see how it is made. I’ll also settle for a trip to Waterford crystal or Belleek china.
11. Of course, we need something underneath all that fine china and crystal so perhaps we should pop into Thomas Ferguson’s Irish linen factory.
So have you been to Ireland, what must we not miss?
I've been to Ireland several timens and I'm sure I left there a piece of my heart…it's such a magic place!!!
Enjoy!
Laura,
This indeed will be a trip of a lifetime!
I am so happy for you!
Jemma
Oh how fabulous. This will be such a wonderful trip. Can't wait to tag along.
This sounds like another fun trip with lots of potential wonderful souvenirs! I can't wait to read about it!
I've never been anywhere outside of the United States and Canada, so this looks wonderful except for the flying part, which I basically avoid at all costs for a number of reasons. Still…. I do have some similar dreams and maybe someday….
Looks like some wonderful trip planning in the midst. ♥
Have not been to Ireland but it is on our bucket list, too. Trinity and Guinness would both be on the list along with a distillery. St Patrick's looks amazing! Our big debate is whether to drive ourselves or get a driver/guide? That castle that was turned into a luxury Inn is amazing. Wonder what it costs to stay there??? I guess I'll have to google it! Have a good week.
I would LOVE to visit Ireland! I can't wait to see all the pictures and stories from your trip! Have a wonderful time and take lots and lots of pictures!!
We enjoyed the tour of Waterford Crystal. It is amazing to watch the artists hand blow pieces. Have fun planning!
Hi Laura!! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm not in McKinney anymore – we moved to a town south of Boston which is known as the Irish Riviera, by the way. I've only been to Ireland once and I was 15 years old. The only thing I remember is holding a box of waterford glasses on my lap. Not the most comfortable was to travel. We stayed in a modernized thatch roof cottage on Galway Bay. At age 15, I wasn't impressed with much. I am sure you will have a wonderful trip. Do you ever read the blog You Must Be Wandering? Sandy is a fabulous person and travel agent and has helped my friends as well and I plan the trips of a lifetime. Have a great week!!
I love the magic, wonderful Ireland since ever, and always will, I wonder your joy and excitement just planning this strip of yours !
Hope your week is off to a great start, I wish you wonderful days to come, sending love to you
Dany
Oh Laura, I will try not to be envious, but I am turning green as I read this. I will bookmark this post, and look forward to your research and completed itinerary, not to mention the actual trip, when you go. It is on my bucket list too. My father's ancestors came to the US from County Tyrone (Northern Ireland) in the mid 1700s. All of your planned stops so far look wonderful. Can't think of a better proverbial carrot to dangle in front of achieving that degree in 2017!
Oh congratulations, Laura, on your impending college graduation and a trip to Ireland!! I'm so excited for you! My hubby has been to Ireland many times on business, but I was only there with him for a very short stay at the end of our week's visit to England. One thing I really enjoyed was shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills store on Grafton Street. I found lots of nice goodies there. 🙂
It looks like you've chosen the best spots to visit — I know you'll have a wonderful time. Can't wait to hear about it!
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
How exciting! We did #'s 2,3,4,6 and a few castles. We stayed at Mackree Castle in Sligo (if you go up north) and Adare Manor in Adare (Limerick). Other noteworthy sites we stopped at were Bunratty Castle, Rock of Cashel and Our Lady of Knock Church in Knock. Oh, and the port town of Kinsale is like something out of a storybook! We were supposed to go back for our 10th anniversary but we just had our 20th and haven't yet made it back! I'm jealous. And congrats on the degree, it is so well-deserved! xoKathleen
Laura this looks like it's going to be one of those once in a lifetime trips with so much to see and enjoy! Looking forward to seeing more from Ireland next year.
Oh Laura this sounds fabulous! A real dream come true! Well I know you will take lots of photos and write some amazing blog posts about the trip so we will get to live vicariously through you. I'm jealous!!!
Planning the trip is almost as much fun as actually taking the trip! Ireland is definitely on my list of places I hope to see some day.
I'm so excited for you, Laura! I really enjoyed these pictures. My son has been there twice and I have several Irish relatives (who came to America to live) that enjoy their trips home. I live in a wonderful Irish/Catholic neighborhood and you can really feel it in these days before St. Paddy's Day!!
Jane
What a beautiful trip you are planning!
I love hearing about bucket list items being fulfilled.
L-
Cant wait to hear about the trip! I loved visiting Ireland-I stayed for about 8 days in college and traveled around by myself meeting people and seeing all the beauty. I have visited many of the places you have on your list and I would love to go back!
I've never been to Ireland and after seeing the wonderful photos you shared of your dream places, I think we might be fine traveling companions! I'll look forward to the day you make it there and share your experiences. It's on my bucket list!
Ireland is wonderful, I'm sure you'll love it!