Ireland = anything but boring! I’m sharing my 10-day adventure, full of castles, coastlines, and cobblestone streets. It all kicked off in Dublin—come along as we explore the Ireland!
Day 1: Dublin
Arriving in Dublin was anything short of a new experience for me.
First order of business: stay in a real castle! Fitzpatrick Castle in Killiney was my home base for the next two nights. But first… the drive.
Spoiler: I got lost. Multiple times. Ireland’s roads are different, and Google Maps didn’t always help. But hey—what’s a trip without a little adventure?
To hit the city, I took the train from Killiney (pro tip: the Irish version of “around the corner” = 20–25 min walk). Dublin buzzes like Washington, D.C.—busy streets, energy everywhere.
I arrived in Dublin City running on jet lag, but excited to explore for the two days I had in Dublin.
Stopped at the famous Temple Bar: flowers spilling from the rooftop, cozy inside, live Irish music, and happy people-watching.
A local asked if I was traveling with anyone. “Me, myself, and I,” I said. Lesson learned: maybe don’t tell strangers that.
Tasted my first Guinness—it’s strong. I get why people love it, but dark beer isn’t my thing.
Dublin is perfect for shopping and city energy. Me? I’m all about wide-open spaces and cliffside views—can’t wait to get west.
Day 2: Wicklow
Adventure started before even arriving—front desk booked a taxi, and the driver channeled his inner racecar driver.
Side Note: Everyone I encountered in Ireland from Day 1 was extremely kind and helpful.
Horseback riding in Wicklow = absolute dream. Moss-draped trees, lush greenery, gentle guides, and a horse that loved to stroll. Rain popped in, then out—classic Irish weather.
Lunch in a nearby town = food coma achieved.
Day 3: Dublin to Galway
Follow me along as my adventure carries me to Galway! Did you know Ed Sheeran was first discovered playing music on the streets of Galway?
Galway is the perfect mix: lively streets, street performers, cozy cafes, and that small-city charm.
Slept in, grabbed coffee, and hit the road to Galway (about 2.5 hrs). Solo travel = freedom. Windows down, music up, no compromises. Road signs, roundabouts, left-side driving? Nailed it.
If you’re struggling to take a solo adventure and are not sure where to start, I invite you to start in our Mindset + Reflection section.
I stopped at Corrib House Tea Room for a coconut pastry and chai latte—so good I went back the next day.
If you’re looking for more tea room options, Cupan Tae is another absolute gem—super cute and cozy. Beyond that, Galway’s inner city is full of restaurants, so no matter what you’re craving, you’re bound to find something delicious.
Galway Cathedral: Marble heaven. Parking: 5€—worth it.
Galway Shopping
I’m not much of a shopper when I travel—unless I find things I can’t get back home. I love discovering unique gifts, and I was on a mission to find something special for my kids. One store I was really hoping to visit in Galway was Claddagh Jewelers. Mother-daughter gift picked (necklace/ring for her, and a ring for me). Sweater for my son! So many charming shops, music, and energy—perfect for wandering.
Day 4: Galway
The Kylemore Abbey Castle
I drove west to explore Connemara National Park, but along the way, I stumbled upon something truly stunning—and I just had to stop. No regrets! If you’re in the area, I highly recommend visiting Kylemore Abbey Castle—it’s a must-see.
Unexpected stop, but wow—worth it! The Abbey is gorgeous, and the gardens stole my heart.
Connemara National Park
Wandered on a quiet trail, breathed in Ireland’s lush greenery. Ran into sheep. Waited politely as they blocked the road. Leap Year vibes = check.
This day was all about space to reflect and just be—me, myself, and I. Absolute bliss.
If this sounds like an adventure you’d enjoy, check out our Travel Adventures for more journeys off the beaten path.
At one point, I came across a herd of sheep completely blocking the road. I just sat there, watching them take their sweet time, and talking to them like they could understand me. I’m pretty sure I got their attention—most of them turned to face me with their heads—but did they speed up? Not a chance. They sauntered across the road at their own pace while I patiently waited, completely charmed by their stubborn little parade.
This little encounter instantly reminded me of my all-time favorite movie, Leap Year! In my mind, I was Amy Adams, and the sheep… well, they were the very same stubborn sheep of Ireland from the film. I felt like I was living out scenes straight from the movie, and honestly? I was loving every single second of it.
Have you seen Leap Year? Because if you have, you’ll totally get why I couldn’t stop smiling at this moment.
It had been a long day of adventuring, and I loved every single minute of it. By the time I headed back to my hotel, I was ready to relax and soak it all in.
Tomorrow’s adventure? It’s going to have my full attention… and trust me, it’s about to get truly magical. Keep reading—you won’t want to miss this!
Day 5: Galway
I haven’t even left Galway yet, and already I know today is going to be the most magical day of all! Visiting Ireland has always been a dream of mine, and well… hang tight—I’ll get to the best part soon.
Met Gary, our tour guide at the New Galway Station—huge personality, big humor, kind heart.
If you’ve made reservations in advance, you can take a tour and even enjoy dining at a medieval banquet in Dunguaire Castle. But our tour group had an even bigger, more magical stop ahead. Think tours and medieval vibes.
Fun Fact: The correct term for ‘castles’ in Ireland is ‘townhouses.’ They were built in Ireland so many miles apart equally to communicate with one another with ships coming inland back years and years ago.
Our tour stopped by Doolin Village for some lunch. It was definitely filling and easily put me into a food coma once back on the tour bus until Gary announced our next stop.
Cliffs of Moher
Friends, the Cliffs of Moher—absolutely breathtaking. I don’t even have the right words… but somehow I have a million of them. The views were nothing short of spectacular! Honestly, photos don’t do them justice.
Standing there on the cliffs, with the wind whipping me in every direction, I felt like I was in heaven. I could have stayed there forever, just soaking it all in.
This view literally took my breath away, and the wind carried my tears off like it was part of the magic. It was a dream come true—a moment I had imagined for years, finally unfolding before me. Have you ever held onto a dream, hoping one day it would come true? That was me, right here, right then. I made this happen. I was completely lost in the beauty surrounding me, and I never wanted to leave.
Our next stop was Poulnabrone, also known as the Portal Tomb. It was fascinating! Historical excavations revealed the remains of approximately 33 people at the site, suggesting that this tomb was in use for around 600 years—thousands of years ago. Standing there, it’s incredible to think about the lives connected to this ancient place.
What I found super fascinating was the limestone all around us. All of this was created from the combination of glacial movement and rainwater dissolution. Just look at this!
Fun fact: The Irish used to heat their homes with peat from bogs, which are about 75% water! Nowadays, most homes stick to more traditional heating like gas or electricity.
Day 6: Galway to Killarney
Today I woke up, grabbed a quick bite at the hotel, packed my things, and checked out of the Menlo Park Hotel. Then it was off to the inner city of Galway for some sightseeing. I took my time wandering the streets, soaking in the live music from local performers, and even stopped for lunch at The Kings Head—a perfect little spot to refuel and enjoy the city vibe.
Menlo Castle
I left Galway’s inner city and stumbled upon Menlo Castle. With nothing pressing until dinner at another castle later, I figured, why not? A sign said not to enter if closed, but the area looked clear—so I jumped the gate and ran up to snag some AH-MAZING pics. I loved all the ivy covering the ruins—it quickly became one of my favorite castles in Ireland!
Coole Park Nature Reserve
My buffet dinner at Bunratty Castle wasn’t until 5:30 p.m., so I headed to Coole Park Nature Reserve. It was small, quiet, and the weather was perfect—sunny, with no “liquid sunshine” (as the Irish call rain).
I did a great job killing time while still exploring more of Ireland! Next, it was off to Bunratty Castle for dinner. Along the way, I met two silly pigs—one looked like he was plotting his escape from a mud pit—and crows everywhere! Like a scene straight out of a scary movie. I’d never seen so many in one spot. Do you notice how I always seem to run into animals? I guess we just share some kind of energy.
This was such a fun and memorable experience! The castle itself was beautiful, and we were greeted with music and mead as soon as we walked in—what a way to start the evening.
I was headed to Killarney and couldn’t wait! Driving in Ireland had been fine… until I hit the dark, narrow roads. I whispered “Jesus, take the wheel.” Growth moment = check.
Eventually, I arrived at Muckross Park Hotel & Spa for the next two nights.
Stunning room, cookies + milk, and an AH-MAZING bathtub. Front desk lady = strong Irish accent, hilarious.
Day 7: Killarney
Here we are, friends—I’m in Killarney! Soaked in the tub, enjoyed room service breakfast—slow, relaxing, perfect.
Next up: the Ring of Kerry! My tour guide, John, was quite the character. He told me the Muckross Park Hotel & Spa sits across from 25,000 acres of national park and just 3 miles from downtown Killarney—an easy walk, he said… just not alone in the dark. Castle ruins? Yep, nearby too. I knew I was in the perfect spot—my happy place.
Then he asked if I traveled with anyone. I said, “Why yes, the best company ever… me, myself, and I!” He looked over, smiled, and said, “You’re one brave lad, my lady. Enjoying your time?” I grinned and replied, “Living my best life! I am loving Ireland!!”
One stop on the way to the Ring of Kerry was called the Red Fox Inn—well, that’s what John called it. The official name? The Kerry Bog Village.
The village felt like stepping back to 19th-century Ireland. I loved seeing the Irish Foxhounds—so big!—and the charming Bog Ponies, constantly flipping their tails. I even treated myself to a real Irish coffee with Baileys… delish!
The Dingle Peninsula
In Slea, I got to watch a sheep herder show us how his dogs manage his Scottish blackface sheep with just whistle commands. The dogs were so eager, herding the flock together and then splitting them apart on cue. Absolutely AH-MAZING!
He explained that the sheep fear the dogs when they slowly walk toward them—but not when the dogs lie down. Incredible to watch in action!
Honestly, the Ring of Kerry drive felt endless between stops—so much to see, and I was starvin’ Marvin by this point! We stopped at Scarriff Inn with a beautiful water view, where I treated myself to shepherd’s pie and Irish cider.
Day 8: Killarney to Waterford
When you can make your own choices, that’s real power—self-trust in action. I had a terrible migraine the night before, so I decided to sleep in and take it slow. My huge bathtub was calling, and I was not saying no.
Killarney National Park
I stopped at Muckross House for a relaxing breakfast, soaking in the beautiful views of the gardens.
These views did not disappoint. Gorgeous!
While exploring Killarney National Park, I hiked to Torc Waterfall—didn’t realize the walk would be such a journey, but oh, so worth it! The waterfall, about 70–80 feet high, steals the show. I snapped photos, soaked in the view, and then started my walk back through the park.
Ross Castle, built in the 15th century, sits right in Killarney National Park. I didn’t spend as much time here as I wanted—hunger struck, and it was time to start heading toward Waterford.
Driving M8 to Waterford
Voila! I made it to my B&B in Waterford and was greeted by the one and only Matt. He welcomed me warmly: “Why, my lady, you must be Christine! Driving all the way from Killarney? Alone? You are one brave lady!”
Matt loved to chat, telling me his name means “Brazil” in Irish and that his daughter moved to Virginia for horseback riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I didn’t mind at all—it was such a pleasant, friendly welcome.
Matt gave me a tour of the B&B and said his wife wasn’t home. He explained, “When she learned a single lady was traveling alone, she said, ‘Give her the suite! She needs her own bathroom.’ So I did… or I’d hear about it in the morning!”
I couldn’t stop laughing. Such a character! I love the personalities of the Irish I’ve met so far on this trip.
Day 9: Waterford to Dublin
Ah, Ireland… how I love you! Morning brought an authentic Irish breakfast from Pauline and Matt—tomatoes, poached eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, orange juice, and coffee. All for one person! Did I eat it all? Not quite—but I gave it my best shot.
I love finding and exploring places that look untouched by people. These castle ruins were just that.
Kilkenny
I drove to Kilkenny (about 37 km/22 miles from Waterford) on Matt’s suggestion to see Kilkenny Castle. The town had such a charming small-town feel. I even stopped at Cafe 22 for a chai latte—which did not disappoint.
The Kilkenny Castle was huge and stunning, inside and out. The grounds were immaculate, with water fountains sprinkled throughout the lawn.
Kilkenny easily made my top list of places to revisit—right up there with Killarney and Galway. Just look at those vibrant colors! Loved it all!!!
I spent 2–3 hours in Kilkenny before heading back to Dublin. Just like on arrival, I had a special request from my travel agent—a castle stop on departure. Fit for a queen, if I must say so myself.
Before checking into my castle, I stopped at The Yacht for dinner—a beautiful spot right on the water with a gorgeous view. You know me… I love a gorgeous view! Just look at how fancy and beautiful my drink and meal were. I’m all about a good presentation!
Wrapping up my journey, I arrived at Clontarf Castle Hotel—beyond my expectations! Crystal chandeliers hung from ceiling to floor, and everyone I saw was dressed to the nines. Absolutely breathtaking!
My room was fit for a queen—my name even appeared on the TV screen welcoming me. Fancy? Absolutely. Perfect? Just what I wanted.
“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.”
-Anonymous
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