Sights, Tours, and Attractions
Alright, now that all of the accommodations are FINALLY done, we have set our sights on some really fun things to do while we are there!
What to do in Ennis
Cliffs of Moher
This will be one of the first places we go to without question. I can't wait to lay on my belly and look down over the cliffs. Already have butterflies just thinking about it!!
Banquet at Bunratty castle
This looks so fun!! It's a full banquet in a castle, with live music that would have been played almost 800 years ago! All of the grounds have been completely reconstructed and all around the castle is an authentic open-air historical site with reenacted battles, dancing, singing, etc. Going to be some good craic!
The Burren
The Burren is a limestone plateu that is as beautiful as it barren. A common misconception about the burren is that nothing lives here, but in fact, there are tons of different plants, flowers, and animals that thrive here! One of the cool things we want to do is go to this specific store/company that makes perfume/cologne from nothing but the plants and flowers in the Burren!! So neat!
What to do in Dingle
Slea Head Drive
One of the most scenic routes in all of Ireland, the Slea Head drive comes complete with sweeping views of the ocean as it crashes along the cliffs, ancient huts and stone structures, as well as some of the most well preserved Gaelic towns.
Ring of Kerry
The reason I chose this picture is because this is one of the most beautiful things I've seen pictures of on the Ring of Kerry. Of course we will be doing the full drive around it, but I can't wait to take in the beauty of this waterfall!!
Fungie the Dolphin
This guy looks like a blast! He's been around the Dingle harbor for the last 30 YEARS!! He comes up alongside boats, snorkelers, divers, kayakers, etc. He's extremely playful and loves attention. He'll do little tricks beside the boats, come up and meet you eye to eye... all sorts of cool stuff. Is a bit of an Irish celebrity!
Conor Pass
This is the highest paved road in all of Ireland. Going right through a small pass between some mountains. The views are described as absolutely breath taking!!
Inch Beach
I mean, what else can I say about this that I haven't before? It's absolutely beautiful, amazing ancient structures around the beach... and... IT'S A BEACH! I don't care how cold it is, I'll be taking a dip!
What to do in Dublin
Newgrange
The oldest structure in all of Ireland, and actually predates the pyramids!! This is a site that I can't wait to go and see. Living in the United States my whole life, I've never been able to really see anything older than a few hundred years at most... This is 5,000 years old!! Insane.
Guinness Brewery
What trip to Dublin is complete without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse? I just can't wait to be shown how to pour a real Guinness pint!! I've heard the restaurant there is top notch, and the view from the 7th floor is an amazing view of Dublin!
Glendalough
This is a biggie for my mom, she is super excited about it! I've looked at the maps, and everything about it is just gorgeous. The drive down there the scenery is next level. How can one Island have so much natural beauty!?!?!
The 1916 Tour
This is a tour about the 1916 rebellion that was suppressed, but sparked a fire in the hearts of the Irish which eventually lead to their independence!
The Literary Pub Crawl
This a pub crawl in rejoice of James Joyce (and other Irish writers, but mainly Joyce). The two tour guides are renowned for their wit, comedy, and how well they recite some of the best works of Joyce!! Along with listening to some beautiful passages from some great Irish writers, they also give you a bit of history on certain areas that had big impact on the literature of Ireland.
And that's that!
Of course this doesn't include all the different places we will be eating, or some of the smaller stops along the way, or anything that we do in between some of these... But these are the major ones!! ONLY 2 WEEKS AWAY!!! So excited!
Stay tuned for much more updates, and definitely come back for live day-to-day pictures, videos, and some writing as the journey unfolds!!