Ireland: The gorgeous road trip destination that's right on your doorstep

Ireland is one of the most beautiful road trip destinations that doesn’t get much mention. If you are looking for a destination for your next road trip, you can choose to explore the whole of the Emerald Isle or just a small piece of it. No matter how you choose to see Ireland, you will find that it is a diverse country that has something for everyone.

Wicklow Mountains

To experience the Wicklow Mountains fully, you can travel south of Dublin, get to the village of Bray and then head through the village of Enniskerry. This route will give you a great view of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain in the horizon.

On your way, don’t forget to admire the Italian gardens and enjoy Ireland’s highest waterfall at Powerscourt Estate. The most memorable stop on the Wicklow Mountains will be at Glendalough, which is known as the valley with two lakes on it.

Rock of Cashel and Hore Abbey



The Rock of Cashel is a must-see on your road trip through Ireland. It is a ruin that sits on top of a hill and is often surrounded by sheep to give you the full Ireland experience. Although there is not much to do on the inside, the outside is gorgeous if you would like to take pictures of it.

The Hore Abbey ruins are a small distance from the Rock of Cashel. From Hore Abbey, you can also get a gorgeous view of the Rock of Cashel and this is the perfect spot for a photograph.

Cork and Cobh in the East
 


Cork is a few hours away from Dublin and is located at the centre of a lot of Ireland’s attractions. During your drive to Cork, you will have the chance to experience the gorgeous town of Cobh. This town is home to the Titanic museum and is the last place the Titanic stopped before its voyage through the Atlantic.

At Cobh, you would also visit the church as well as the local neighbourhoods located on a steep hill.

Ring of Kerry



The Ring of Kerry is also a must-visit for anyone going through Ireland. The roads are quite narrow here, so you have to be careful. The Kerry cliffs offer some driving challenges and are located in the middle of the ring. To complete your trip, you should also drive the Skellig Ring which is a short drive at the end of the main ring.

Before you travel, be prepared

The roads in Ireland are quite narrow in a lot of places so if you want to rent a car, you should get the smallest one that suits your needs. Also, you might find yourself driving off the road a lot, especially in the southside. Before you travel, it is also a good idea to get proper travel insurance. It is important to check that your travel insurance covers COVID-19. If you have a hard time finding insurance that covers COVID-19, you should choose travel insurance from Staysure. Staysure is a leading travel insurance provider in the UK. On their website, you can get quotes for a single trip or multiple trips. Their insurance policies have no upper age limit and you can get in touch with them through their website to find flexible cover that suits your needs.

There are so many interesting and beautiful places to visit, see and stay at while in Ireland. If you are feeling adventurous, you could take a road trip around the whole country, although that will take some time due to all the attractions found in Ireland.

Note: The pictures in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the Creative Commons license. Each picture has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.

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10 Dublin Experiences to help you further understand Irish Culture

We have looked at the ‘Best Countryside in Ireland’ in an earlier feature; now we’re taking a closer look at one of the oldest European settlements in the world. Located on the east coast of Ireland at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin is a global economic centre that retains its deep, traditional roots. So here are 10 ways to experience Irish culture in Dublin.

1. Catch a Rugby Game at the Aviva Stadium



Rugby is a massive part of Ireland’s culture, and the biggest games are held in the 51,700-capacity Aviva Stadium. In 2017, the Aviva Stadium beat the Principality Stadium in Wales for the chance to host the inaugural Guinness Pro14 final match. "Dublin is a fantastic venue for rugby supporters who are used to coming here in the Six Nations," explained Pro14 chief Martin Anayi. If you get a chance, seeing the Irish national team play will open up a whole new side of Irish culture for you to witness first hand.

2. Dive Deep Into Irish Culture at the Trinity College Library



The Library of Trinity College Dublin is a legal deposit or a “copyright library,” which means that Irish publishers are required to provide a copy of all published work here for free. Apart from the books, the library contains, journals, magazines, newspapers, maps, audio recordings, and artefacts that reveal the nation’s history. This includes 9th century king Brian Boru’s cláirseach, otherwise known as an early Irish medieval harp, which serves as a national symbol of Ireland. It is located in the impressive Long Room in the Old Library section.

3. Walk Into the Realm of the Leprechaun



The National Leprechaun Museum combines Irish history, mythology, and pop culture, and presents them in innovative and interactive ways. Travel beneath the Giant’s Causeway, experience Leprechaun-sized rooms, and interact with the enthusiastic guides of this strange, eerie world. Find out why modern global pop culture is rife with Leprechaun-inspired lore.

The Leprechaun is certainly been a very important part of Irish history. Live Science notes that from the eighth century legends of the luchorpán to the now classic movies Darby O'Gill and the Little People and Leprechaun, the mythical creature has been a popular de facto symbol of Ireland. So much so that they can be found everywhere promoting Irish culture. Even on platforms that are not directly connected to Ireland. Online, Slingo has an array of games based on the Leprechaun legend, including Irish Riches, Leprechaun Fortune, and Rainbow Riches, that all feature symbols and imagery closely associated with Ireland.

So engrained into Irish culture are the creatures, that even those who don't know the myths know that they are from Ireland. The best way though to trace the roots of these modern legends is back to the source with a visit to the National Leprechaun Museum.

4. Visit Dublin’s Curiously Nicknamed Statues and Monuments



Dublin is obsessed with brandishing its public monuments with hilarious nicknames. Near Ha’penny Bridge, you’ll find two charming ladies that were erected in 1988 to represent the ordinary women of the city – now affectionately called “The Hags With the Bags”. Meanwhile, the epic Spire of Light that stands 120 metres over the former site of Nelson’s Pillar – an engineering marvel – is also referred to as “The Stiffy at the Liffey”. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

5. Go on the Ultimate Dublin Pub Crawl



For the classic experience of a cold pint of Guinness in an 1800s Irish pub, check out The Long Hall. If you’re looking for opulent luxury complete with chic, modern, and art deco fixtures, you’ll fare better at 9 Below. For a no-nonsense, modern Irish bar experience, go to The Bar With No Name and try out their refreshing selection of cocktails.

6. Recognize Dublin’s Standup Comedy Legacy



They say there’s no better way to get to know a culture than to find out what the people find funny. The stand-up comedy scene in Dublin has produced the likes of Alison Spittle, Conor O’Toole, Gearoid Farrelly, and many other notably stand-ups that keep the lively, local comedy culture alive. Get your dose of Dublin comedy at any one of the local comedy spots.

7. Listen to the Sounds of Dublin



Some of the best musicians in the world make their home in Dublin. Cobblestone Pub is where you’ll find spontaneous performances of traditional and authentic Irish music. If you want a taste of local blues and jazz, head to J.J. Smyth’s. If you want to know what music is currently popular in the city, the 1,500-standing-capacity Vicar Street is a great place to catch a gig.

8. Drink In the Culture at the Guinness Storehouse



Apart from being home to the top-floor Gravity Bar, whose panoramic views and ample supply of Guinness make it the perfect place to grab a pint, the Guinness Storehouse is also a repository of local history. This multimedia homage to the Guinness legacy is just a small part of the 26-hectare brewery, which produces around 2.5 million pints of stout on a daily basis.

9. Hike the Dublin Garden Trail



Want to know how Dubliners establish green spaces in their fairly hectic urban environment? The Independent points to the recently-established Dublin Garden Trail, and its 12 different gardens. This also includes the Ardán and its seven separate gardens, each aimed at capturing a different mood. There’s also Knockrose Garden set around whitewashed farm buildings. And if you’re looking for a big green area to get lost in, Tyrrelstown House’s 10 hectares of parkland – including 500-year-old walled gardens, as well as its own organic vegetable garden – should do the trick.

10. Cruise the River Liffey



Typical tours down the Liffey last 45 minutes to an hour. It’s a great way to see sights like O’Connell Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge, Liberty Hall, the 18th century Custom House, the Docklands and its Georgian Warehouses, and many other marvels of past and modern architecture.

Photo Courtesy: The photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each photo has been linked to their host page on wikipedia.

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4 Hidden Attractions in Ireland by JustFly

Ireland is a small nation in terms of geography, but what it lacks in size, it makes for in breath-taking quality. Many of the landscapes here look like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Looking up Ireland’s scenery on Google images will show you just how magical these places appear; and don’t think that those places only exist with the help of photo editing — such wonderful spots really does exist, and they are waiting for you.



The country’s tourism industry plays a pivotal role in its economy, that is why the government does everything to protect their country’s natural beauty. Last 2015 alone, an estimated 8,643,100 travelers from overseas went to see Ireland.

My trip to Ireland

Like many tourists, I visited Ireland with the goal of going to the Bunratty Castle, the Little Museum of Dublin, the Shop Street, and other easy-to-access tourist spots. By my fifth day, however, I felt that there is so much more in Ireland for me to see. Visiting these top-rated tourist attractions was a delight, but I needed more. I wanted to see the secluded gems that this country has to offer. So I did what every sensible traveler would do.

I left my itinerary in my room and set off on to a journey to the unknown.

Why go down the ‘road less traveled’?

To some, visiting hidden places in a country far away from your own may seem like a daunting act. One that requires you to have a thick wallet and an expert-tier knowledge in traveling. But letting fear hold you back is something that you will ultimately regret. And I hate regretting.

During my unplanned journey across Ireland, I met several locals and I realized how welcoming the Irish people can be, should you project the same ethos.

By the end of my journey, I was able to visit countless places that so many other tourists are unaware of. Do not get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with following a travel guide. In fact, I am not the type to deliberately travel off the beaten path, lest I know the destination is worth it — and believe me. Ireland’s destinations are definitely worthy. And so worthy that you might actually think of immigrating to Ireland. After all, its job scene and the educational system are some of the best in the world. And if you actually plan on moving there, these are the steps to follow in order to get the spouse visa.

So here are 5 of Ireland’s best hidden attractions, brought to you by online travel agency JustFly.

1. The Keshcorran Caves



This historical landmark can be found near the regional R295 road. I remember seeing the caves from afar, being highlighted on by the orange afternoon sun. Looking at the small caves positioned up in an almost perfect line made me think of an ocarina.

It may not necessarily be hidden, due to its proximity to a major road, but hiking up the Bricklieve Mountains to reach the caves is not an easy task. The climb was treacherous and path — if you could call it that — are lined with stinging nettles.

2. Boyne Valley



If history is your cup of tea, then look no further than Ireland’s Boyne Valley. This wonderfully aged landscape is peppered with ancient ruins, holy temples, and mysterious tombs, among others. The area is lush with green foliage that refreshes the mind as much as it does the eyes.

Running through the valley is the River Boyne, 112-kilometer long river that is teeming with wild brown trout.

3. Huntington Castle



In the still village of Clonegal in County Carlow, Ireland, the magnificent Huntington Castle stands strong. This castle, which once acted as a stronghold for the Caviness family during the Plantations of Ireland, is now a private home that is open for public tourists. The walls are now covered in vines but the gardens outside are very well-maintained.

I remember visiting this place and being told by a local to leave the moment evening comes. He told me about the ghosts that haunt the castle, of the restless souls of Druids, and of the strange mist that silently rolls in at dawn.

4. Mourne Mountains



I went to Northern Ireland last year and made sure to visit this hidden gem. During that time, I was writing a book and had run out of ideas. Writer’s block, as they call it. The moment I stepped foot on this, for some reason, ideas came pouring in. I knew I had to pen down my thoughts. If you’re like me, you may discover the motivation to create your own stories in the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland. This wild yet equally charming landscape is so overflowing with backwoods, streams, caverns, hollows, and wildlife that it's said to have stirred the creative ability of Irish authors.

If you’re adventurous and willing to take on new destinations in Ireland, or anywhere in the world, come check out JustFly! They have some of the cheapest airline tickets available. These JustFly reviews, written by the company’s previous customers, will help give you more ideas about the company’s service quality. We hope you enjoy!

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Round the Corner — Holiday Destinations Just a Hop From Ireland

Holidays are a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with your friends. If you’re catching up with a buddy who lives in another country for a short break, a great idea is to meet in the middle. This way, neither of you has to travel too far and you can spend more time together.

The destination you select for your vacation depends on where you’re setting off from. If your pal’s arranging their last minute holidays from Ireland, perhaps a European city or coastal resort would be ideal. Of course, Ireland itself has lots of attractions, including prehistoric monuments at Brú na Bóinne, the rugged terrain of County Donegal, the monastic ruins of Glendalough and Clonmacnoise and the bright lights of its capital Dublin.

Breaking in the Cities
However, the European mainland also has its tempting holiday options. You’ve got the traditional tourist hotspots that you can explore, of course, such as Paris, Rome and Barcelona. However, if you fancy something a little different, the Hungarian capital of Budapest might catch your eye. Easy to access, this metropolis is bursting with architecture. While there, you can stay in historic hotels such as the former prime minister’s residence Bródy House or the ex-aristocratic palace Hotel Palazzo Zichy. There’s no shortage of watering holes in this city and you should check out the many garden bars on offer, just for the experience. You can also relax in Budapest’s famous thermal baths.

For sheer natural beauty, though, it’s going to take something special to top Iceland. You can spend some time in the buzzing capital of Reykjavik or, if you fancy getting away from it all, head to the north of country. Iceland’s second city Akureyri is easily reached by a short connecting flight and from here you can check out the impressive sea life on the island of Grímsey. You might even get to see the Northern Lights.

Joining in the Beach Boom
If you and your friend simply want to chill out on the beach, a resort on Albania’s Adriatic coast is a rewarding option. The country has 380 miles of coastline and seaside villages galore. Many people are expecting a tourism boom here, so now may be one of your last chances to see the area in all its natural beauty.

For all out relaxation in the sun, the Canary Islands are perfect and Fuerteventura is a great option. Here, you can get your fill of bars and beach life and this holiday spot represents the ultimate in convenience.

Of course, wherever you end up will depend in large part on how easy it is to coordinate travel arrangements with your friend. However, with a little research, you shouldn’t struggle to find the perfect destination for your rendezvous.

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The Best Countryside in Ireland

Ireland is famous for some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. It is not called the Emerald Isle for nothing, with its mountains, lakes, seashore and the shimmering green central plain, it is truly a gem. Ireland is said to have 40 shades of green that surround the castles, monasteries and ancient stone circles that dot the countryside.

The River Lee Hotel in Cork is a great place to start. One of the most luxurious hotels in Cork, where visitors can enjoy the rugged natural beauty of West Cork, the beautiful beaches and friendly people. It is also near Blarney Castle where the Blarney Stone was built into the battlements of the castle in 1446. Visitors hang upside down and kiss the stone in the hopes they will gain eloquent speech and great wit.

The Cliffs of Moher on the south western coast of County Clare rise dramatically 120 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. They are one of the most popular attractions for visitors, and are a member of the European Geoparks Network. The cliffs mainly consist of sandstone and Namurian shale, and there are 300 million year old river channels cutting through their base. Approximately 30,000 birds live on the cliffs with over 20 species.
Ireland also has beautiful landscaped gardens such as the Kilfame Glen and Waterfall. It is a romantic era garden from 1790s and has not been changed for 200 years. There are woodland paths, ancient trees and tiny bridges over the stream that is fed by the waterfall. The flowers and ferns are historically correct for the 18th century. It is an Irish Heritage Garden with 15 acres of natural landscape open to the public.

In the centre of Ireland is the Lough Boora Parklands. They contain many natural and manmade lakes, woodland areas, wetlands, 50 km of walkways and provide a new habitat for flora and fauna. The ancient bog lands, having been stripped of peat, have been reclaimed by nature. Along with enjoying the spectacular natural beauty, visitors can fish, walk, cycle, bird watch, see the archaeological Mesolithic site and view the sculptures throughout the area.

A visit to the countryside wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a working farm. Tullyboy Farm has farm animals that children can pet and feed in a safe environment. Visitors learn about Irish culture and tradition and can participate in the activities of the farm such as making butter, organic gardening, grooming animals and cooking. There are other fun activities such as fishing, herding sheep, pony rides, tractor rides and catching frogs in the bog.

The Glen of Aherlow, Tipperary is in the lush Aherlow River valley between the Galtee Mountains and Slievenamick. The local people welcome visitors who arrive to walk, horse ride, cycle and fish. There are also many early Christian and prehistoric sites in the valley. The Galtees are the highest inland mountain range in Ireland at 919 meters and are a good challenge for hill walkers. Five corrie lakes are only accessible by foot. Near the local Heritage Towns there is golfing, horse racing and other activities.

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