Love, Life, & Beyond

Winding roads with rolling hills all along, cattle lazing around, and hardly anything else as far as the eye can see. That’s my image of the Irish countryside, and I’m glad to say it didn’t disappoint. Apart from the breathtaking landscapes and rich history, I was also surprised by the warm hospitality we received everywhere we went. It is truly one of the friendliest countries we’ve visited.

Ireland is steeped in folklore and legend. From the vibrant streets of Dublin to the rugged cliffs of the coasts, you get an enchanting blend of old-world charm and modern comforts. Of course, we cannot forget a pint of Guinness or a shot of whiskey in one of the many cosy pubs that are practically everywhere you go. 

Ireland Visa Application is No Fun

My sister and her family moved to Ireland almost two years ago. We had been putting off our trip to Ireland because getting a visa to any European country is back-breaking work, and even more so for an Irish visa. But, we finally buckled up and submitted a stack of paperwork (including photocopies of every page of every passport we’ve ever held) and waited a month to finally get the stamped passports. 

I would do a whole section on applying for the visa, but it is too confusing, and all the information you need is not even available from a single source. I admit this is not a great way to start a travel blog, but it helps set the expectations right.

When to visit Ireland

Ireland is quite cool most of the year. Even the summers are not very warm compared to some southern European countries. We went in June, which is the start of the summer season there. The temperatures ranged in the 20s, but the strong breeze was usually cold, especially if it rained. 

Carry a wind-breaker jacket with a lining if visiting in the summer or heavy jackets for the winter months.

Getting Around Ireland

We stayed with my sister and her family in Wicklow Town, about an hour away from Dublin, and were driven in their car for the most part. Within smaller towns, everyone is used to walking or cycling around for shorter distances. You could also opt to rent a car for your stay. 

However, buses are available between cities, and we used them to go to Dublin and back. Dublin, of course, has a much better network of buses to get around the city.

You must purchase a Leap Card or have exact change to pay the fare to use the bus. Also, note that it takes a day for the balance to reflect on your Leap Card, so re-fill it a day before. We did it on the same day and didn’t have the exact change, but the bus driver (and other passengers) were extremely patient and helped us pay with our larger Euro notes.

What to do in Wicklow Town

These are some of the places we visited in Wicklow. There are many more, but with three kids in tow, we didn’t want to crowd our itinerary. Be prepared for numerous complaints about having to walk so much!

There are some good cafes and pubs across the town. Pubs allow kids till about 7 pm and will have a kids’ menu for food.

Glen Beach Cliff Walk 

This is a pleasant short trek around the sea. You often see a few seals bobbing along the coast. The small beach is where they usually come to have their babies, so that beach is off-limits to people during the pupping season.

National Botanical Gardens Kilmacurragh

This is a beautiful garden to stroll around in and for the kids to run free. The variety of flowers and the beautiful views offer the perfect way to spend a few hours. This gorgeous garden has an excellent cafe serving great food and coffee. You can have a hearty breakfast here before going to the garden for a stroll. 

Wicklow Harbour and Pier

There’s a nice walkway around the harbour that leads to the pier. A small sandy play area for kids is a fun rest stop. The beach at the pier is pebbled, but if you’re interested in a quick swim in the freezing cold waters, you’ll have lots of company.

Magheramore Beach

This is one of the beaches that has sand instead of pebbles. The kids had a wonderful time playing in the sand. Apart from an ice cream stand, there’s not much else available here, so you need to go prepared with a picnic basket. Also, it is a bit of a walk from the parking area to the beach (and a climb back again), which might not be doable for everyone. The water is usually cold, but plenty of kids (and dogs) were having the time of their lives splashing around.

Powerscourt Distillery at Powerscourt Gardens

We didn’t have time to go to the gardens, but the distillery tour (with some whiskey tasting) was enlightening. Kids are not allowed on tour (for obvious reasons), but for the eligible adults, it was interesting to see the process and the warehouse of whiskey casks.

The Wicklow Gap

This is one of the highest Irish mountain passes (1,558 feet), served by an asphalted road. It is excellent for hiking or a quick stroll for amazing views. After a long car ride, we walked along Saint Kevin’s Way for a bit to stretch our legs.

What to do in Dún Laoghaire 

The charming suburb of Dún Laoghaire is about 30 min away from Dublin and is one of the larger cities after Dublin. We took a leisurely stroll on the picturesque East Pier, where the ice cream trucks do good business! The lanes along the harbour are lined with food trucks of various cuisines. Make sure to get your picnic blanket to spread out on a patch of grass and enjoy your lunch. Note that there’s only one public toilet complex here, which gets very crowded on weekends. You can also walk around the city square and do some shopping. Cafes are abundant, and you can use their restroom if you make a purchase.

What to do in Dublin

We stayed at the charming Stauntons on the Green, which is right opposite the park and a short walk from Grafton Street. It exudes old-world charm with gorgeous rooms, a cosy dining space, and a small backyard to laze about in the evenings. We had our breakfast here. It is a sit-down breakfast where they make your meal on order from a pre-set menu. There are no elevators for the higher floors, so you’ll need to specify if you need a ground-floor room.

St Stephens Green

Right in the middle of the city is this huge green space. It is a great place to relax or take a walk and say hello to its many avian residents. There’s also a play area for kids, making it an ideal picnic spot.

Grafton Street

If you want to shop or eat, then there’s no better place than Grafton Street. You can also complete your step goal walking along the many shops here, and when you’re done, just pick a cuisine you wish for, and there’s a restaurant for it here. Talk about being spoiled for choice!

Viking Splash Tours

This is a fun way to have a quick city tour when you don’t have much time. Plus, kids will love it. The tours start from Grafton Street. You can book your seat from their website to be sure you get the time slot you prefer. The open boat/bus takes you to some of the more famous spots in the city with some hilarious commentary from the guide. At the pier, the bus is transformed into a boat for a ride along the river and then back again on the road to end at the same place we started. 

Dublin Zoo

Bring your walking shoes and cameras and plan to spend a few hours here. Every enclosure was a treat, from the big cats and bears to the playful monkeys and seals. They are all kept in large open spaces with plenty of enrichment activities planned for them, and they all look happily engaged in their environment. If you book the tickets on their website a few days in advance, you might get them for cheaper. 

Natural History Museum

We saw this museum before it was planned to close down for a complete renovation. In its current state, it was just a long hall with specimens lined up all over the place. Admission was free, so if you have about 30 minutes to an hour, you can drop in for a look.

National Gallery of Ireland

Next to the Natural History Museum is the National Gallery of Ireland, and it’s worth spending an hour or two here if you have an interest in the fine arts. The permanent exhibits are free to visit, but special exhibits are charged. There are some beautiful works of art here, including those by the likes of Cézanne, Rubens, and Rembrandt, to name a few. 

What to do in Galway 

I first heard of Galway because of Ed Sheeran’s song, so the place already had my approval. It’s known as the festival capital of Ireland, hosting around 122 festivals and events each year. Galway is a lovely mid-sized city where you’ll find quaint houses along with contemporary buildings. We had a lovely few days here.

Cafe Hazel Mountain Chocolate

We came across this gem on the way to Galway. It’s a small coffee shop with a small chocolate-making workshop at the back. The kids loved seeing how chocolate is made and, of course, trying out some delicious goodies. The coffee and snacks were awesome, too.

Wildlands

We stayed at an activity-centred resort in Galway. Wildlands had enough to keep the kids and adults occupied. The cottages were well-equipped and spacious. There are plenty of activities for kids and adults of all ages. The kids had a blast and were properly tired out by the evening.

Cliffs of Moher

The cliffs are the prominent pictures we see in most travel brochures advertising Ireland. They look intimidating and even more spectacular up close. Technically, you can just walk the pathway around the cliffs, but you must pay to park. The designated pathway is quite safe with a boundary wall, but we saw some adventurous folks going further up the route where there’s no proper wall. If you’re lucky, you might even see some creatures of the sea popping up to say hello!

Visiting Ireland was an absolute delight. This captivating country offers not only stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage but also an abundance of fun and excitement. The food and drink were nothing short of spectacular. From hearty Irish stews to freshly caught seafood, every meal was a culinary adventure. And let’s not forget the delightful pints of beer and whiskey enjoyed in cosy pubs, where lively conversations flowed as freely as the ale itself. But what truly sets Ireland apart is the endless array of activities and experiences it has to offer. 

Ireland is a destination that caters to every traveller’s desires, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.