by Anne Berry
Don't you just love the brightly painted doorways on the Georgian townhomes in Dublin?
There's an old wives' tale that claims women in Dublin began painting their doors different colors so their drunken husbands wouldn't wind up in the wrong house—and the wrong bed—after coming home from the local pub. Whether or not that's true, I don't know, but it sure is an entertaining story.
I remember my first trip to Ireland. At the time, the Broadway show Riverdance was popular, and I just loved watching Irish dancing in the local pubs. I also discovered that Guinness tastes much better in Ireland than it does in the U.S.!
Taking the train to the nearby cities of Waterford and Cork, was another highlight, but as much fun as that was, the next time I visit Ireland, I plan to go on an escorted driving tour (a.k.a. a bus tour).
You may be thinking, “I don’t want to be stuck on a bus for hours getting from place to place.”
I understand, but to see the iconic sites, you have to drive. (And don't forget, the Irish drive on the opposite side of the road.)
So take a moment ... Imagine witnessing the breathtaking views of mountains and sea along the Ring of Kerry — experiencing the stony isolation of the Burren — bracing yourself atop the windy 700-foot Cliffs of Moher — walking among 60-million-year-old stone columns on Giant’s Causeway — visiting the atmospheric ruins of Blarney Castle.
Now imagine someone else doing all of the driving, so you can marvel at the scenery stress-free.
Sounds pretty great, right?
Below, we've included a sample itinerary of a classic Ireland tour that takes you to all of the must-see spots.
If you’d prefer something more in-depth or off-the-beaten-path, give us a call and we can help put something together for you.
Classic Ireland Two-Week Tour
Day 1 - Arrive in Dublin and visit Dublin Castle.
Day 2 - Visit Crumlin Road Gaol and St. Patrick’s Grave to learn about the man behind the holiday.
Day 3 - Explore Belfast, including a walking tour and a visit to Titanic Belfast.
Day 4 - Discover Giant’s Causeway, then enjoy a guided walk in Derry.
Day 5 - See Donegal Castle and Westport.
Day 6 - Witness real-life sheep herding and visit Westport House.
Day 7 - Explore Galway and take in the majesty of the Cliffs of Moher.
Day 8 - Sample tea and scones in County Kerry and discover Dingle Peninsula.
Day 9 - Enjoy Killarney’s Lakes and a jaunting car ride.
Day 10 - See why Blarney Castle is so famous, then explore Waterford.
Day 11 - Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces in Waterford, then learn about Dunbrody’s Famine Ship.
Day 12 - Enjoy Dublin sightseeing.
Day 13 - End your tour back in Dublin.
This is only one example of how to visit Ireland. If you're ready to go on your own journey, we can help! To get started, schedule a time to chat with us.