Limerick, County Limerick

destination • experience

King John's Castle

This Castle gives an informative walkthrough of the castle and Limerick. It is unlike most castles in the UK and Ireland because most of it is in ruins. It is still to learn about the history of the area and to walk around the castle remains.

Limerick, County Limerick

bar • cafe • restaurants

The Buttery

AKA The Buttery Kitchen was my favorite restaurant in Limerick. It is a comfortable upscale casual dining establishment that serves nice wines and delicious food. I recommend the fishy pie and the luxe hot chocolate!

Enniskerry, County Wicklow

destination • experience • outdoors

Powerscourt House & Gardens

This stately home in Ireland has one of the prettiest anf enchanting gardens that I have seen. You will find Pegasus's that guard a small lake, a pristine Japanese Garden and much more.

Enniskerry, IE

cafe • outdoors

Powerscourt Terrace Cafe

This is a very delicious Cafe inside Powerscourt estate. The food is freshly made and using local ingredients. This salads offered here are outstanding! If you are visiting the estate and gardens make sure to come into the cafe for a hearty meal!

Ireland, IE

destination • experience

Ireland

I have been to the Emerald Isle three times in the last decade and I am not done with it yet. I love this country for its natural beauty, enchanting folklore, friendly people and their love for whiskey. There are so many places to see outside of Dublin and easy to get to by train or coach if you are not driving. View my recommendations of my best of Ireland and Dublin!

Bushmills, Northern Ireland

destination • experience • outdoors

Giant's Causeway

This magnificent causeway was formed by an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. The result was 40,000 different height columns of basalt that interlock together. Have fun walking it!

Limerick, County Limerick

destination • experience • shopping

Limerick

Limerick is a lively City along the west coast of Ireland. There is a lot to do here from morning until the wee hours of the next morning! You can visit King John's Castle, do some shopping, eat great food and drink a lot of booze. When I was here it seemed like there was a street party outside my hotel every night. It can get a little loud so if you like a quiet place to sleep, I suggest that you find a hotel not in the center of Limerick! It is a very nice city though.

Cork, County Cork

destination • experience • shopping

Cork

Cork is a very lively and modern city in Ireland. You can take several detours from here, so this can be a natural start off point to visit other locations. There are plenty of international restaurants, including a lot of Asian cuisine here. There are plenty of places to shop as it is quite the busy City!

Belfast, Northern Ireland

destination • experience

Belfast

Belfast is located in Northern Ireland, UK and it is the capital plus largest city. This city had a rough and interesting history especially with Ireland. It is quite safe and friendly. There is a lot to do here from restaurants, pubs and historic sites. If you can, take a tour of the old murals that were painted during the Belfast's hard years as they are jaw dropping. Over the years, these murals have been painted over with happier scenes. Back in 2011, my friend and I saw one mural that we took a photo of it. I watched a documentary of these murals and in one scene that blue mural with men holding guns had been painted over. Belfast like other cities in Europe that had a harsh history, have recently made a comeback and you would never know its recent violent past.

Killarney, County Kerry

bar • experience

Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder

My friend recommended me this place as she was here a couple days prior to my arrival. It is an excellent whiskey bar and restaurant. It has an extensive whiskey selection as well as a pairing class. They offer both a cheese or chocolate pairing class. I chose the cheese pairing which was fantastic! I highly recommend getting a whiskey drink, dinner and doing the class!

Cobh, County Cork

bar

The Mauretania Bar

A historical pub in the center of Cobh that serves wonderful Irish coffees. It is comfortable, cozy and very friendly. It's just a great place to be!

Dublin 2, County Dublin

bar • restaurants

Old Mill Restaurant

Although this place could be considered a tourist trap, I like the food very much. I have been here twice in the last decade because they offer good priced lunch specials, the food is rather good and the service is friendly. It is also located in Temple Bar so you do not have to go too far if you are in the area.

Kinsale, IE

restaurants

Fishy Fishy Kinsale

Fishy Fishy- from the sea to the table. Fishy Fishy is definaltey Freshy Freshy! I read about this establishment online when I was researching places to eat in Kinsale. The town of Kinsale is a fishing village within a harbor, so it just makes sense to eat local seafood. This restaurant boast several dishes that are freshly caught and on the table, that is what I was looking for. The restaurant is upscale casual and was filled with tourists but not obnoxious tourists. I came in during lunch time but it looks as if this establishment is popular so making a reservation during busy time may be recommended. I was a solo traveler so I was seated immediately. The service here is very nice, friendly and helpful. I asked my server which dishes were freshly caught and which was his favorite. He directed me to the fresh cod with orzo and I realized why this was a favorite of his. The cod just melted in my mouth and it was nicely sided with a parmesan cheese crisp and orzo. The tastes and textures complimented each other perfectly. My server was also keen on the local gin, he recommended me Black's Gin from Kinsale. It really was a lovely gin and it was presented in the prettiest glass with a Blacks's black bird. I wanted that glass! My experience at Fishy Fishy was solid from start to finish. If the lovely village of Kinsale and I cross paths again one day, Fishy Fishy will be on my to do list as well as the Black's Gin Distillery! Fabulous!

County Galway, Ireland

destination • experience • outdoors

Kylemore (Abbey Entrance)

Kylemore Abbey has been home to the Benedictine nuns for almost 100 years. Before that it was a stately manor with a tragic romantic past. The grounds of the Abbey are beautiful as well as the building itself. Make sure to purchase a piece of pottery from here as they are made by the nuns- I still have my little handade bowl!

County Clare, Ireland

destination • experience • outdoors

Cliffs of Moher

Whether you drive to the Cliffs or take a day tour from Dublin, The Cliffs of Moher will leave a lasting impression. The cliffs drive right into the sea and are stunning. On a cold day they seem haunting and ancient. The drive to the cliffs are just as magnificent. Day tours from Dublin are not that expensive and leave early in the morning. It is worth the tour especially if you do not plan on driving.

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

destination • experience

Northern Ireland

If you see the Union Jack flags, you will know that you are in the UK! Northern Ireland and Ireland are two different countries that in the past had a harsh history. I met several Irish who were my age and said they never thought they would be able to work in Northern Ireland. The peace has just been recent and to cross over is just a drive over the boarder. Northern Ireland is beautiful, from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway . There are many things to visit in Northern Ireland so it is worth the trip from Ireland. Just remember to bring you GBP because it is the UK!

Cobh, County Cork

bar • destination • experience • outdoors

Cobh

A lovely little seaside town with a lot of history. Cobh is where Irish immigrants left for the states and there is a little Museum dedicated to them. There are several nice pubs and restaurants across the shoreline. You can also climb to the top of the hill to where the cathedral is. There are more restaurants up on the hill as well as a wonderful view of Cobh.

Killarney, County Kerry

destination • experience • shopping

Killarney

This little town sits at the mouth of The Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. It is a lovely shopping town that can be your jumping off point to that beautiful drive along the coast.

Dublin 7, County Dublin

bar • cafe • destination • experience • restaurants

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Get your whiskey on! Although this is not where the main working distillery is located, the Bow Street location is the original distillery. There are different types of tours you can take. I recommend taking the regular tour plus the secret tasting tour. You can try different levels of Jameson's that are not offered on the regular tour. It was a pretty lit experience! There is also a nice cafe that you can get food from the time it opens until it closes.

Kinsale, County Cork

destination • experience • shopping

Kinsale

You can easily visit this colorful fishing village as a day trip from Cork. It is a short drive or an hour by bus. Wandering this sweet little town by foot is easy and the seafood is phenomenal. Do not forget to take the relaxing harbor cruise to understand the history of this harbor and take in the beautiful views.

Glendalough, County Wicklow

destination • experience • outdoors

Glendalough

Glendalough is one of my favorite locations in Ireland. Located outside of Dublin the area of Glendalough is surrounded by rolling green hills, quiet winding roads and and is a beautiful place to ground yourself with nature. Within the park there is a Monastic Site, walking paths true the woods and a lovely little lake. This part of Ireland is a very special place.

Cork, County Cork

restaurants

Sakura Cuisine

This is a very popular Japanese restaurant in Cork. They take reservations but I was lucky enough to snag a table. The ramen and sushi are very good here. There are some items that are not on the typical American sushi menu. If you do not see something they can try and make it for you. I did not see spicy tuna hand rolls on the menu but they made one for me which was very nice. Great place especially if you are needing an Asian food fix!

Dingle, County Kerry

destination • experience • outdoors • shopping

Dingle

Dingle is a colorful little seaside town with a lot of charm. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, pubs and little shops that litter the streets. It's a fun place to spend the night or to have a meal before you are on your way.

Kinsale, County Cork

cafe

Food U

This little cafe that's its across the harbor is cute, casual and quite special. It really is not a big Cafe as it has limited seating inside and out. If the weather is nice you can choose to sit along the small sidewalk patio that overlooks the harbor. They serve sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks here. The cakes are presented very nicely and they are quite delicious too.

Bellharbour, County Clare

cafe • outdoors

Hazel Mountain Chocolate

Tucked away in a small village in County Clare you will find some of the best chocolate and hot chocolate in Ireland. Hazel Mountain chocolates are a family owned and run chocolatier that specialize in homemade chocolates. Their hot chocolate is spectacular, one of the best I have tried in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is definitely worth the trip of you love your chocolate!

Cong, County Mayo

destination • experience

Cong

The Quiet Man was filmed in this quiet little town. If you are classic movie buff or just driving through, Cong, is a lovely traditional Irish village to visit. There is an old cemetery, a museum and sweet little streets that you can wander through.

County Kerry, Ireland

destination • experience • outdoors

Ring of Kerry

One of the prettiest places to visit in Ireland. You can either drive or take a day coach trip from Killarney and ride along the rolling hills with a view of the coast line.

Brodick, Scotland

lodging

Pier House

Pier House B & B located on Aran Island is just steps away from the dock. We found it an easy location for us while visiting the Island. It was easy to get off the boat and load back on the next days, within a few minutes from the hotel. The rooms are comfortable, clean and quit roomy. There is an on sight restaurant but you can just as easy walk into the village for a bite. There were tour vans at the front of the hotel to take us back and forth from the forts. It is quite a nice stay especially for the convenience.

Galway, County Galway

destination • experience • shopping

Galway

This lively city along the West Coast is a favorite of mine. The Latin Quarter is filled with restaurants, shops and bars. Every September, Galway hosts the International Oyster and Seafood Festival. I attended it in 2018, ate oysters, met the mayor and had a grand ol time!

Inch Beach, County Kerry

destination • experience • outdoors

Inch Beach

Gorgeous beach especially during low tide. At certain times of the day and if the weather is just right, there is a magical reflection of the sky upon the water. They do offer surfing lessons here or bring your board if you do surf. There is a nice restaurant/ Cafe that offers hot drinks and nice bakery items.

County Galway, Ireland

destination • experience • outdoors

Aran Islands

Located off the Western Coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands, guard the mouth of Galway Bay. You can take a ferry outside of Galway and the best island to visit is Inishmore. There are just over 1,000 island locals, who speak the traditional Irish language.

Dublin, County Dublin

bar • destination • experience • shopping

Dublin

The capital city of Ireland is full of life, pubs, dining experiences and is the culture hub of Ireland. See my list of things to do in Dublin for more details!

Cork, County Cork

destination • experience

The Butter Museum

Of course there is a Butter Museum and of course I went to it! If you are a butter lover or want to know about the importance of butter manufacturing in Ireland, this is an enjoyable Museum. It is small but informative. Butter lovers we have our own museum!

Kinsale, County Cork

cafe

Poet's Corner - The Reading Cafe & Book Exchange

What a lovely little cafe in Kinsale. I was wandering around town looking for a coffee place that would catch my eye. I wanted a coffee for takeaway and possibly a snack. Poet's Corner caught my eye. It looked so inviting with the cute tables, chairs and a wall of books! For the traveling folk who like to read along the way, here is your book exchange cafe! I did bring a book with me on this trip but I was not ready to trade it in at the time but if I were, I could definitely do it here. There were many books ready for trading. Great for us readers and book nerds. As for beverages and snacks, they have the usual coffee drinks that are on a typical café menu board. This time around I opted for a cappuccino and it was very beautiful. I felt terrible that I had to cover it with a takeaway lid! As for snacks, they have a wonderful selection of homebaked goods. I chose the Sponge Cake with jam that was covered in chocolate and coconut. I was very happy with both and it made for a delicious journey back on the bus to Cork. Friendly baristas, cute café, great coffee, yummy desserts and plenty of books. Poet's Corner is a gem!

Midleton, County Cork

bar • destination • experience

Jameson Distillery Midleton

This Jameson location is the working distillery while the original is in Dublin. I have been to both and they were different experiences. If you come to this location, take the tour which is very informative on how they process their whiskey. You can also get a complimentary drink at the bar after your tour.

County Galway, Ireland

destination • experience • outdoors

Connemara Loop

Connemara is a very special place in Ireland. Whether you take one day to drive around the loop or spend several days exploring the area it will leave a lasting impression on you. The lake and the hills that surround it are stunning. When you drive through you will see plenty of famine houses left from the great hunger. There are different options for accommodations here to meet everybody's budgets. It is a great place to ground yourself with nature.

Galway, County Galway

bar • destination • experience • restaurants

Galway international Oyster & Seafood Festival

I never knew that oyster shucking could be a competition and a fun one at that. Oyster shuckers from around the world come to Galway in September to compete for the world title. It is a three-day event with different activities going through the weekend. I went on opening day which included various local seafood venders, drinking, dancing and of course oyster shucking. It was quite a fun time!

Galway, County Galway

lodging

Periwinkle Bed And Breakfast Galway

Amazing breakfasts and a great place to sleep! This lovely B&B is located in a quiet area of Galway. It is walking distance to the city center (about 15 minutes) and a couple of blocks from the coastline. It is quiet, comfortable and a very lovely place to stay.

Dingle, County Kerry

bar • cafe • restaurants

Sheehy's Anchor Down Restaurant

Sheehy's is a nice casual restaurant in the heart of Dingle. They offer wine, beer and delicious seafood. I loved there seafood chowder and fresh mussels! It is a very delicious place if you enjoy seafood.

Dingle, County Kerry

cafe • destination • shopping

Dingle Chocolate Shop

A cute little sweet shop in the center of Dingle that offers homemade fudge, chocolate and candies. I picked up several pieces of fudge and chocolate that lasted me a couple of days. It was nice to have a chocolate emergency stash for the following days. Such a delicious little place!

County Clare, Ireland

destination • experience • outdoors

Castle Gardens

I was very impressed with the Bunratty Castle grounds. It is set within park-like grounds that imitate a small village of the time. There are small animals that roam the grounds like roosters, birds and goats. The goats are in pens but I did see a couple of loose ones running around. There is a nice tea shop plus great shopping for wool items and souvenirs.

Ireland, IE

destination • experience • outdoors

Kinsale Harbour

The Kinsale harbor is quite large for this tiny little seaside town. If you have an hour I recommend that you take the harbor cruise. You can buy your tickets on board and there are blankets in case you get cold. It is a relaxing Cruise that goes along the harbor and gives you the history of the area. A great way to spend an hour in Kinsale!

Cork, County Cork

cafe • restaurants

Sticky Fingers Cork

Fun Donuts that are tasty and will indulge your sweet tooth. It was very hard for me to decide but the Banoff with banana cream was a favorite of mine.

Galway, County Galway

bar • restaurants

The Kings Head Bistro

Although it can be considered quite touristy, the king's head is a very nice place to grab a drink and food. I enjoyed my cocktail, seafood entre and the atmosphere very much. It's a great place!

Dublin 1, County Dublin

restaurants

Beshoff's O'Connell Street

Fish and Chips! Beshoff's is a very popular chippy in Dublin. It is casual counter service restaurant but in a very nice atmosphere. The servings are generous so come in hungry!

Dublin, County Dublin

bar • destination • experience • shopping

Temple Bar

Located a short walk from the River Liffey, Temple Bar is alive from daytime into nightime. This district is full of shops, ebtertaiment, restaurants and you guessed it… BARS! It is a lively place to grab some traditional Irish food and a pint during your Dublin visit.

Blarney, County Cork

destination • experience • outdoors • shopping

Castle Gardens

Kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the gift of gab! It's not as easy as it seems (see photo). I tried! This is a very popular touristy thing to do and there can be quite a line to give that stone a kiss. my recommendation is to be one of the first ones inside the Castle Park and go straight to the castle. You can check out all the shops when you're done. I was one of the first ones in and the time I got out there was already a line outside the castle! First come first serve...