Dublin

Wilde. Swift. Yeats. The pubs, people, and places of Dublin inspired these literary giants, making the city a mecca to many literary traditions we know today. Dublin and its citizens—known to be among the friendliest in the world—are an experience melding together a storied medieval history with modern progress. To walk down the streets and alleyways of this city means immersing yourself in a proud and vibrant culture always looking back and reaching forward.

First and foremost, the people of Dublin are its lifeblood. Festivals and street celebrations abound, with a rich tradition of music and dancing that makes Dublin a great place to let your hair down year round. These people and the traditions that came from them—the iconic Irish pub experience and James Joyce’s Ulysses being among many—make Dublin the cultural center of Ireland.

Settled in around the ninth century, Dublin changed hands between native Irish settlers, the Vikings, and eventually the Normans coming from Wales. It was then that Ireland ultimately came under the control of King Henry II of England until Ireland gained its independence in 1922. Echoes of Dublin’s medieval history permeate throughout the city. Dublin Castle, built in the 13th century following a quintessential Norman style, once served as the center of power for the King of England and today is the location of presidential inaugurations and foreign affairs events. Christ Church Cathedral, constructed in 1030 AD, is a stone Gothic building which held the preserved heart of St. Lawrence O’Toole until 2012 when it was stolen.

Dublin is also home to Trinity College, the alma mater of Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, and many more heroes of the literary world. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I of England, it was modeled after the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Though modern construction has been incorporated, much of Trinity College is a gleaming example of the Georgian aspic style.

For a tranquil respite from the bustling city, many Dubliners enjoy taking peaceful strolls around the pond of St. Stephen’s Green. Once marshy grazing land, the green is now a brilliantly manicured, lush green getaway from the city.

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• Irish Adventure: Dublin, Belfast & the Northwest Counties
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County Clare

In the wild west of Ireland, County Clare beguiles with dramatic landscapes and a centuries-old heritage. The rolling green fields emblematic with Ireland give way to a surreal rocky terrain known as The Burren. Drive along this stony coastline and eventually … you’ll come to the edge of the world.

At least, that is how it may seem when you encounter the Cliffs of Moher—a collection of sheer sea cliffs that are estimated to be around 300 million years old. For five miles, the cliffs dominate the landscape, plunging down into the steely waves below. A massive 702 feet at their highest point, the Cliffs of Moher also offer magnificent views of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and the mountains of Connemara—if the temperamental Irish weather cooperates.

Those who wish to explore some of Ireland’s most far-flung locales can board a ferry in Galway Bay and set off for the Aran Islands. Inis Oirr (Inisheer) is the smallest of the islands, with a population of approximately 250 people. The tiny island is easily traversed by foot or by horse-and-trap tour. Its main attraction is the eerie shipwreck of the M/V Plassey, a cargo ship that ran aground in 1960 and was left behind—its rusted shell looming from the shore.

Back on the mainland stands a slightly more elegant ruin: Ennis Friary. Founded in the 13th century, the Friary boasts dozens of 15th- and 16th-century limestone sculptures, including a famous statue of St. Francis displaying the stigmata, as well as scenes from the Passion story.

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• Irish Adventure: Dublin, Belfast & the Northwest Counties

Donegal

The town of Donegal offers travelers a mix of serene natural beauty—from its charming harbor, picturesque beaches, and craggy mountain passes—to manmade delights such as the iconic tweed that bears the town’s name.

For centuries, Donegal has continued to produce their tweed using traditional methods and local materials. Sheep's wool is still spun on a flax wheel and woven on a loom, and the rich purple and green colors come from plants such as blackberries, fuchsia, and moss. The tweed is then crafted into caps, suits, and vests prized by locals and travelers alike.

Rising in the center of town is elegant Castle Donegal. Constructed in the 15th century, its origins are contested—some say it was built by local Irish chieftains while others believe it to have initially been a Viking fort. The structure lay in ruins for 200 years before it was recently restored to its former glory.

Natural and manmade beauty can be found at Glenveagh Castle and National Park, the second largest park in Ireland. The castle was commissioned in 1870 by Captain John Adair. While the end result was stunning, Adair is not remembered kindly by the people of Donegal, as he forcibly evicted 224 tenants from the land all for the sake of his own personal hunting estate. In an ironic twist of fate, Adair died before his lavish castle was completed. Today, the castle and grounds are open to the public; and the lakes, forests, and glens—not to mention a herd of wild red deer—are free for everyone to enjoy.

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• Irish Adventure: Dublin, Belfast & the Northwest Counties

Killarney

Killarney is a scenic town located in County Kerry that is marked by three lakes and more than 40 islands. Its verdant landscape is sprinkled with moss-covered ruins, stone castles, and historic cathedrals. This land has been inhabited for centuries and rose to prominence during the Bronze Age due to the availability of copper ore found on Ross Island—a scenic piece of the 26,000-acre Killarney National Park. Another treasure of Ross Island is the 15th-century Ross Castle, which was believed to have been one of the last sites to surrender to the English during the 17th-century Irish Confederate Wars, which were civil wars fought between the Irish, English, and Scottish.

About a mile away from Ross Island is another island that sits in the National Park, Innisfallen, which is located on the Lough Leane Lake. In the seventh century, the island was vacant and isolated until a monk who sought solitude to pray moved to Innisfallen and established a monastery. Today, the monk is known as Saint Finian and the island is known for this ancient site.

While these famous Killarney attractions are currently some of the town’s main allures, in the 19th century, the construction of the railway and visits from royalty and important novelists boosted the town’s popularity. Today, Killarney is also known for its expansive stretches of green fields and craggy mountains, lush forests and tranquil waterfalls, charming downtown streets and exciting pub culture.

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• Post Trip:Dingle & Killarney: County Kerry’s Rugged Coastline on Irish Adventure: Dublin, Belfast & the Northwest Counties

Galway

Picturesque Galway on Ireland’s west coast has long been considered the most “Irish” of the Emerald Isle’s cities. Here—among the cozy pubs, fish and chip shops, and colorful homes that line the harbor—you’ll find a reverence for Irish tradition and customs stamped on the city’s soul. Stroll down cobbled Shop Street, the city’s bustling main thoroughfare, to hear the lilting notes of fiddles, pipes, and accordions mingle with the voices of notoriously chatty locals. And keep an ear out for the sound of the mysterious Irish language: there are more Irish speakers in this traditional corner of the country than almost anywhere else in Ireland.

For all its history, Galway seamlessly merges old with new. This is, after all, a university town, and the large student population lends a young, hip vibe to the city’s medieval architecture. The 16th century Spanish Arch, an iconic Galway landmark, is a reminder of the city’s former standing as an important trading port for the Spanish and French; today, it’s a popular meeting spot for the young and young at heart, who often gather here to enjoy a pint on a sunny day.

Outside the city center, wild Connemara charms with its windswept landscape and rugged coastline. This remote part of Galway was made famous by John Wayne’s acclaimed turn as “The Quiet Man,” the 1950s romance also starring Maureen O’Hara. For Galway’s signature souvenir, venture to Claddagh, the parish known for its eponymous ring. The hands, heart, and crown on the ring’s face symbolize friendship, love, and loyalty—values embodied by the friendly and spirited people of this coastal city.

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• Irish Adventure: Dublin, Belfast & the Northwest Counties

Ring of Kerry

No trip to Ireland is complete without traversing at least part of the Ring of Kerry. This 110-mile loop cuts through some of the most dramatic landscapes on the Emerald Isle: Towering cliffs give way to startling ocean views, sheep and goats appear, tuft-like, on the verdant hillsides, and winding roads trace the Atlantic's rugged edge, testing a driver's nerve.

As you'll find out, Kerry is different from the rest of Ireland. Known by locals as "the Kingdom," Kerry's beautiful, if harsh, landscape has left it in some ways isolated. Accents are stronger here, the people more hearty; lone farmsteads in craggy valleys seem passed over by time. But this isolation has helped to preserve the Ring of Kerry's most prized resource, its nature. Today, Kerry is a designated Dark Sky Reserve; with such little light pollution, a clear nighttime sky offers unparalleled stargazing. And keep an eye out for bats—parts of the Ring serve as a sanctuary for these nocturnal winged creatures.

Of course, that's not to say there's no civilization along this spectacular coastal route. The charming village of Sneem is a popular stop on the route, offering colorful cottages and even more colorful locals in the village watering holes. Stop for a pint to embrace the small-town feel of life here; you might just leave with a new friend. Slainte!

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Dingle Peninsula

Jutting jauntily into the sea, the Dingle Peninsula beckons travelers with its spectacular landscapes and lively pub scene. Here, verdant farmland slopes gently down to the water's edge, while the surf pounds craggy beaches where fishermen haul in the day's catch. Inland, history is everywhere: early Christian chapels and holy wells grace the roadsides, medieval ring forts stand guard, and the famous bee hive huts showcase ancient Irish ingenuity.

Tradition, too, is alive in Dingle: As Ireland's westernmost point, the peninsula is home to a sizeable number of native Irish speakers and in fact overlooks the famous Blasket Islands, a now-abandoned archipelago that was once home to a community of Irish speakers and artists. In Dingle town, the unofficial "capital" of the peninsula, trad sessions of traditional, foot-thumping Irish music can be found each evening in the bevy of local pubs. Strolling along the town's hilly streets, expects to see quaint Irish cottages, colorful pubs and storefronts, and fishing boats bobbing in the picturesque harbor.

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County Cork

This southern county has a little bit of everything, and a lot to love. First, there's Cork City, Ireland's second-largest metropolis, home to a world-renowned university and a burgeoning fine dining scene. Then, there are the charming little seaside villages like Kinsale that offer a breath of fresh, salty air. A stroll along Kinsale's colorful harbor showcases small-town Ireland at its finest: modern art galleries sit side-by-side traditional pubs, yachts bob alongside working fishing boats, and everywhere the playful lilt of a Cork brogue can be heard in the air.

You'd be remiss to visit County Cork and not pay a visit to one of Ireland's most talked about landmarks: The Blarney Castle. This medieval fortification, once the stronghold of the King of Munster, is best known for housing the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the Stone are given the "gift of the gab," or the gift of eloquence and persuasive speech. Climb the steep stone steps to reach the open-air battlements where you can kiss the stone and see for yourself if the legend is true.

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Killybegs

There are few places better to get acquainted with Ireland’s maritime heritage than Killybegs. Located in the northwest corner of the Emerald Isle, in County Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way, this unassuming working town is Ireland’s largest fishing port. Day by day, the harbor bustles with activity as trawlers haul in their catch, preparing the bounty of the sea for export around the world, and for use in the town’s famously delicious seafood.

Killybegs was once famous for its handwoven tapestries and carpets, which adorned the halls of such prestigious building as the White House, the Vatican, and Buckingham Palace. The old Donegal Carpet Factory, where these prized goods were made, is now a museum dedicated to Killybegs’ carpet and fishing heritage, but this weaving tradition is still carried on today throughout the county, where weavers large and small spin famous Donegal tweed.

The town is also a popular gateway to the region’s magnificent natural scenery. Just an hour’s drive away awaits the cliffs of Slieve League, which, at a height of almost 2,000 feet, tower over even the famous Cliffs of Moher to the south. And, peppered along the Wild Atlantic Way lie many beautiful beaches, whose sweeping ocean views attract travelers and day trippers alike.

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