I think there’s a reason why Ireland’s rolling hills and folklore-packed scenery sits at the top of many bucket lists: its magic seeps into your bones. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Ireland a few times (most recently for a matchmaking festival…but we’ll talk about that later), and with St. Patrick’s Day coming up, I want to reminisce! Here are a few of my favorite sights and experiences in Ireland so far. Fingers crossed, there will be many more to come!
1. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Cork
Could it get any more iconic than celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland? The stars aligned in 2022 when a dear friend hosted me in Cork for the holiday weekend. The festivities couldn’t even be dampened by the rain–it quite literally rained on the St. Patrick’s Day parade, but no worries! That was just an excuse to find the coziest pub. It was the perfect start to exploring more of Ireland, including my first visit to Galway (a city I’ll never tire of–more below!).
2. Staying in a Classic Irish Bed & Breakfast
Maybe it was from all the Gilmore Girls I watched growing up, but staying in a classic inn or B & B has always appealed to me. I snagged a room at the Belvedere Lodge my first night in Cork, and couldn’t have been happier. And it really was one of the most restful sleeps of my life (that bed was extra comfortable after sleeping in the airport the night before–which honestly was worth it after coming off of a magical week surfing in Portugal). Waking up to sun pouring in from the garden, and heading downstairs to a full breakfast, piping hot tea, and all the buttered toast one could want…I’d love to experience more B&B stays across Ireland!
3. Road Tripping Down the Wild Atlantic Way
I didn’t know your jaw could be on the floor for hours on end, but the Wild Atlantic Way was just that gorgeous. Something about Ireland’s scenery makes me feel at peace. You can feel the crashing waves in your bones long after you lose sight of the shore. I felt so lucky to be taken on a mini road trip by my local friends (both because of their insider knowledge and because I didn’t have to attempt driving on the left side of the road). My face was practically glued to the window, watching lush green fields and colorful village facades whiz by. Highlights? The Cliffs of Moher and standing with my feet in the Atlantic.
4. Attending the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
After devouring rom-coms set in Ireland like Leap Year and P.S. I Love You, how could I not harbor at least one finding-love-in-Ireland fantasy? I find Ireland’s lush hills and thrashing seas to be terribly romantic, no matter the occasion, but they were a welcome backdrop for the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival I attended last September. (You can catch my full recap in the Fodor’s article here.) More of a town-wide pub crawl, the real thrill came from spending a laugh-filled weekend with friends.
5. Wandering Around Galway
I could never get tired of this city! Known as being the traditional counterpart to Dublin’s city-slicker personality, the colorful streets welcome you in. Galway is bursting with the chance to listen to trad music. Tig Cóilí has the perfect window seat, but time allowing, I would always choose to cross over into Old Town and head upstairs at the Crane Bar. If you’re lucky enough to come during the third Friday of September, you’ll catch the nationwide Culture Night. The streets were packed with art installations, live performances, music, and the like. Speaking of,
And then, there’s everything to do with your time in between. Sipping through history with a whiskey tasting at Garavan’s, browsing Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, or watching brave swimmers jump into the sea at Salt Hill all make my list.
I could go back to Ireland again and again. I hope I’m fortunate to go back soon and make more memories there! Have you ever been to Ireland, or is it on your list?
Would love to hear from you,
Xx Denae
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