I continued to work my way north along the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive and with each hair raising bend and narrow road I began to fall more in love with the Irish culture and history. This week I crossed 2 counties, County Kerry and County Clare, and took the time to slow down, get out of the car for a bit, and use my own two feet to finally do some walking in Ireland.
I think any good road trip needs to have a mix of driving and activities else you stop really ‘seeing’ things; your eyes get used to simply scanning the road at 50 mph and our brain tunes out the rest. Oh – and your ass gets really sore. I got in touch with Ireland Walk Hike Bike, a local adventure operator along the Wild Atlantic Way, and I was able to get to places off the tourist map as well as learn an immense amount about the history and culture of the area. I went out with them in Killarney and on the Dingle Peninsula and it was so nice to be the passenger for a bit and just soak in knowledge. They took me on little hikes around the area, parks, secret photo spots, crumbling Abbeys, old movie sets, and waterfalls. We braved high winds, and pelting rain, and Linda even held onto me while I inched to the edge and took a picture with gale force winds trying to blow me away!
Then they equipped me with maps, B&B reservations, detailed hiking instructions, and sent me further north on my own to see and hike around the Burren, an other-worldly limestone landscape. I did a 14 km self-guided hike while the rain and wind lined up like planes taking off on a runway and then would come rolling across my path in intervals. I was reminded once again that nothing brings you closer to a culture and feeling of a country than walking through it through the good times and bad weather. And the feeling of accomplishment when you complete a hard day is you get to bask in the glow of satisfaction – and treat yourself to a Guinness at the local pub.
Everything started to really come together this week – the land, people, history, and culture. I can hardly wait to see what next week brings on the road!
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 week of my road trip I am a guest of Failte Ireland. and Ireland Walk HIke Bike. However all opinions expressed here are my own.
By Renuka October 23, 2014 - 11:32 am
This is so fabulous. Ireland is such an intriguing destination! I agree, one needs to walk beyond the tourist crowd to get such amazing views. Great photos!
By Cam October 23, 2014 - 11:55 am
Looks wonderful! We’re planning a trip to the UK for Rugby World Cup next year and plan to spend a few days in Ireland… so many bloggers have been sharing stories and photos lately, it’s getting me excited!
By Susie Wellendorf October 23, 2014 - 2:48 pm
This looks incredible! We’re planning a five-day trip to Ireland in June. I know. It’s definitely not enough time. Based on your experience, where would you prioritize a five-day road trip? I’m thinking we’ll spend at least a night in Dublin and then hit the road for four days to see some of the countryside. We plan to fly out of Shannon.
Thanks for sharing your journey!
By Sherry October 25, 2014 - 5:18 pm
Lucky you…and yes – 5 days is enough for a teaser! I am not completely finished with the entire coast yet – but if you had 5 days I would maybe suggest you go to Dingle Penninsula. There are so many hikes and old history there – I really loved it. Dingle town is also really cute. I did some little hikes with Ireland Walk Hike Bike and they brought me to some areas I wouldn’t have found on my own. So you could do a couple of days on the Dingle Penninsula and then a couple of days north of there on the Burren (also you can see the Cliffs of Moher)- there are some great hikes there too. If you want any more info or places to stay – let me know. I had some really great luck around those areas!
By Susie Wellendorf November 2, 2014 - 3:42 pm
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond with your trip ideas. I had my eye on Dingle Peninsula. If you have any hotel suggestions in the ares you suggested, I’m all ears. Thanks again!
By Ken November 5, 2014 - 5:02 pm
Susie- if you do go to Dingle ( and i do for holidays every year 🙂 A really nice place to stay is Gorman’s Clifftop House http://www.gormans-clifftophouse.com/ Its about a 20 minute drive from Dingle town. Its popular – its not a late night place but food is very good and sunsets in summer can be spectacular as the dining room looks over the ocean. see streetview http://goo.gl/Jv0px4
If you stay there do take a walk before dinner walk out the gate turn right and walk for a bit where you can cross the ditch ( somewhere between Gormans and the gates of the circular house next door) and join a track that goes along the cliffs to TPs Pub where you can have a pint and then walk back via the road with an appetite for dinner.
If you are going to dingle and are interested in more info re walks etc let me know- I have lots of info that I put together for friends over the years.Cheers!
By Susie Wellendorf November 6, 2014 - 9:24 am
Thanks for the recommendations, Ken! That place looks great. A nice hike with the reward of a pint sounds perfect. 🙂 As we narrow down our plans, I may take you up on your additional hike recommendations.
Best to you and happy travels!
By Mary @ Green Global Travel October 25, 2014 - 5:10 pm
Wow, more incredible photos from Ireland! You must be having an amazing time!!
By Stephanie - The Travel Chica October 25, 2014 - 7:56 pm
So many beautiful, unique landscapes.
By Johno Crotty November 5, 2014 - 6:46 am
Hi Sherry,
Fantastic pictures and what seems like a fantastic experience. I am delighted that you enjoyed our country so much. We do some self guided and guided tours that your readers might be interested in extremeireland.ie
By Bhavya @ Grand Hometel November 7, 2014 - 5:40 am
The Portal Tomb is the thing. Such delicacy hanging on asymmetry yet lending a poignant touch to the overall landscape.
By Dan November 11, 2014 - 10:25 pm
Such a rugged landscape! Great photos