I kicked off my solo road trip through Ireland in County Cork. It hasn’t taken me long to figure out that the island of Ireland is divided by counties – each person fiercely proud of their own and wary of other counties. I decided to drive the Wild Atlantic Way and cover as many counties as I could and I kicked off the trip in Cork where I saw an old friend who showed me around the city. From there I picked up my little (and I mean little) red car and hit the road. Sure – that sounds simple – but driving a manual transmission car on the left side of the road took some getting used to. Honestly – I was a wreck of worry, anxiety, and terror. Until you’ve taken on this task yourself can you really know how much there is to think about at once when you switch sides of the road and drive in foreign countries. Add to that the notorious winding, one lane roads throughout Ireland – and you have a recipe for disaster – at least that’s how my trip started out.
And that’s precisely why I wanted to do this alone – I knew it would be challenging to drive, navigate, and work on my own on the world’s longest coastal driving route dubbed the Wild Atlantic Way. The beauty of this challenge was that after 1 1/2 days of white knuckle driving and my nose practically on the windshield, something just clicked and it went from terror to sheer fun. I love that crossover – it’s a rush like no other.
So now I’m jetting around in my little red car for the next few weeks around the counties of Ireland. Every day I look out at the views ahead of me and think – it can’t get any better than this – and then it does the next day. So far my adventures around County Cork have taken me on walking tours, kayaking, historical stops, pottery making, and of course the best part to any trip is meeting the locals. But the most impressive part of my road trip so far has been the photography. Some days I stop at least 3 times an hour to take pictures. The sun, stormy clouds, green hills, black and white cows really are picture perfect here. I let out audible gasps as I round a corner and see a new view. And sometimes I gasp because I round the corner and there is a car coming towards me on a single lane road. I’ve become quite good at backing up.
Much, much more to come on this solo road trip – so stay tuned as I make my way through other counties and adventures! Enjoy County Cork for now…I had so many Instagram pictures I couldn’t even decide what to put in the recap – and all of this only after 5 days of road tripping!
What is Week In-Stagram Review?
Each week brings some new scenery and location for me – that’s just the way I like it. If you want to follow where I am real time – then on Friday I will post some of my Instagram photos from the current week. Some weeks I may be traveling somewhere exotic, and some weeks it may be less interesting – but it will give you a peek into my life of perpetual motion.
FOLLOW MY LIVE TRAVELS ON INSTAGRAM!
Disclosure: For this first week of my road trip I am a guest of Failte Ireland. However all opinions expressed here are my own.
By Evie October 17, 2014 - 11:51 am
Looks BEAUTIFUL Sherry! Never had Ireland on my “to-do” list (being mainstream and all), but I think it just made a place on my list !
By Maria Falvey October 18, 2014 - 2:59 pm
I’m thrilled to see my families’ ‘hood’ featured here. It’s such a lovely place and what you can do through Instagram never ceases to inspire me.
By Brian October 20, 2014 - 1:09 pm
Was just there this summer, can’t believe how photogenic a country is. And when you go somewhere there is more to it than the intended tourist stuff. Like at castle Blarney, there is poison garden, fern garden and the best waterfalls in Ireland (that you can wslk up to). Thanks for bringing me new locales via your photos.
By Nancy D. Brown October 21, 2014 - 3:24 pm
Lovely photos. I would love to experience Ireland from the back of a horse!
By Wynne November 5, 2014 - 1:23 pm
Oh my god, that would be fantastic!
By Mary @ Green Global Travel October 23, 2014 - 1:46 pm
These are beautiful! I love the door on UCC campus and the last photo of the sun bursting through, wow! I can see how it would be hard to choose!
By Wynne November 5, 2014 - 1:24 pm
I’ve a friend who dreams of exploring Ireland. I may have to tap you for some specifics in about two years or so!
By Katie @ Second-Hand Hedgehog November 6, 2014 - 3:50 am
Looks incredible! I’ve seen a few travellers exploring the Wild Atlantic Way over the past few months, and it seems like such a breathtaking route. Would love to drive it someday. Hope your time in Ireland continues to be amazing! 🙂
By Donna Nanson January 20, 2018 - 8:39 pm
I love your freestyling way of travel and your generosity in sharing the beauty you see.
My husband and I will be following the same roads and pathways in May.
We will surely think of you as we go.
By Sherry January 21, 2018 - 11:48 am
Thanks Donna!