Hi all,
Holy moly! It’s my second to last week in Dublin! What a whirlwind the last few months have been. It only seems fitting to write a good old fashioned travel diary. Ireland has been the most beautiful place with kind, genuine and hilarious people. While I was fortunate enough to travel to other countries as well, I want to show some love to Ireland.
Howth, County Dublin, Ireland: My first “trip” around Ireland was to the coastal town Howth. A twenty-five minute train ride from Dublin and you are in one of the prettiest towns I think I have ever seen. There is a market that has artisanal crafts, homemade pastries and delicious meals. The harbor has the perfect landing to stand and watch the seals swim about the bay. There is a castle (which I have never actually visited) and a wonderful small beach perfect for collecting sea glass (which I have done many times). The locals even swim in the water, year round! My favorite activity is definitely the cliff walk which has so many options. It is a moderate walk uphill, but within twenty minutes the view is so worth it.
Howth, IE
Galway, County Galway, Ireland: Located approximately two and a half hours from Dublin by bus, Galway is an adorable town with lots to do. On Sundays, there is a farmer’s market with even more yummy food options and adorable hand painted wall hangings. I picked up quite a few for my family! One of the most famous shops in Galway is the Thomas Dillon Claddagh Ring shop, which was where the original ring was made and sold! This is a huge part of Irish culture and is a ring with two hands holding a heart. The placement of which hand and way the ring is oriented can indicate relationship status, and many people wear them as their wedding rings! The town of Galway was filled with cute shops and street performers playing beautiful Irish music at every corner.
Galway, IE
Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland: Now this one was certainly a trek from Dublin—a three and a half hour train ride with a connecting hour and a half long bus ride. The views, beaches, foods, and chance to visit made it all the more worth it. I stopped in a few places on this trip and was able to see Inch Beach as well as a spot where Star Wars The Last Jedi was filmed! The town of Dingle was adorable, with so many fish and chip restaurants due to its close proximity to the water. The shops were adorable and each painted in pastel colors. The weather was a bit rainy, but this did not stop my friends and I from getting some great photos!
Dingle, IE
I hope you enjoyed this quick snapshot of a few of my favorite stops in Ireland. I am going to miss this beautiful place so much and am going to be forever grateful for the lessons, new perspectives and memories it has given me. If you ever get the chance, visit Ireland!
Until next week,
Anna Tutek