We started and ended in Dublin. My friend Gen and my roommate Nicole and I all met up, got our rental car, and headed to the outskirts of the city after visiting Trinity college, and the book of Kells. That was the day that I saw the kind of library I would like in my own home (knowing that the probability of that ever happening is very minimal, but I am a dreamer after all). We stayed in a wonderful Bed and Breakfast, went to a renowned pub for dinner and woke up the next morning fresh and ready to take on the world. We were making our way around the country by car in a clockwise fashion. Headed north, we did hikes here and there, stopped in some popular location (like Glendalough) and (as per my natural demeanor) I headed off the trail and explored a little on my own. We found wonderful places as to be expected; hidden glens, flowing rivers, green shrubbery as far as they eye could see. We stayed in remote locations outside most larger cities which really allowed us not only to get a feel for the local experience, but we managed to make this a relatively inexpensive trip because of it!
We continued our trip by visiting more common tourist spots that were popular for good reason. Areas like the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and grounds were waiting for us to explore them in our very hands on fashion. I did kiss the Blarney stone and have acquired the gift of Gab (even if some say that I was already gifted with this), and played around in the wonderful gardens. We also did off the beaten path activities, such as night kayaking! That's right, you read that correctly. We met some of the nicest and most Irish people during what was probably the best 2 hours (or at least in the top moments) of my entire trip. Other moments include Ballycarbery castle (where I got to climb, and play in the old castle ruins), the Cahergal Stone forts (where I also got to climb and play in the old fort ruins - pattern?), the Giants Causeway, St. Nicholas's Cathedral, Carlingford, and anytime there was a dog around, whether it was at the apartment we were staying at, or simply wandering in the road.
Driving (though stressful at times, and especially in the beginning) also turned out to be one of my favorite things about the trip. It granted us so much more freedom as well as the ability to find little hidden gems that the Irish people also enjoy. I really love the immersive experience, and feel that it adds so much more to the overall vibe of the trip itself. Plus it really added to my overall confidence, reassuring me that in the near future, I could do something like this on my own (which has always been a dream). And so with winding roads, a small car, and a whole lot of adrenaline and courage, we made it all around and got to see some amazing sights.
Though I know I'm not describing every waking moment of the entire trip (the places we stopped at on the side of the road, the food we ate, the places we slept in), the overall trip was absolutely splendid and entirely unforgettable. I know that someday, I'd like to go back and do the things we ran out of time to do, but regardless if that day comes or not, I'm happy with what we ended up accomplishing during those eventful two weeks. So if you're looking for a place that will entrance and surprise every day with its history, progress and fairytales, then Ireland is the place for you dearest readers, just like it was for me.
K.P.H.
P.S. Should you want more detailed accounts of the trip, or just curious about the actual itinerary of the trip, feel free to check out my other blog that I co-write with my friend Gen: northernwanderwomen.blogspot.ca
