I’m getting ready to make my 6th trip to Ireland.
Yes.
You read that correctly.
Sixth.
Obviously there must be something special about this country if I want to travel there again and again.
So what makes Ireland so damn special?
Mountains and peaty bogland along the Old Bog Road in Connemara, County Galway.
The history
Ireland has an incredibly rich, complex and interesting history.
From the Celtic tribes with their kings of BC times to the arrival of Christianity around the third century to Viking invasions a few centuries later to the English invasion in the 1100’s (and never leaving!!) to more recent events such as the potato famine and the final revolt against the English, Ireland’s history can be found in every corner of this island.
Passage tombs such as Newgrange, stone circles at Drombeg and Beltany and the earliest agriculture settlement at Céide Fields are all fabulous spots to learn about ancient life and rituals.
You’ll find early Christian settlements and monastic sites at Glendalough and Clonmacnoise.
And of course there are castles of all kinds. Ones that are still very much intact such as Kilkenny, Trim and Bunratty to ones that are now merely ruins such as King John’s Castle in Carlingford and Ballycarbery Castle on the Ring of Kerry.
If you like military history then Charles Fort in Kinsale is a must. It’s one of my favorite sites.
Ireland’s history is everywhere.
Walk around a cemetery.
Look for statues and plaques noting some moment in time.
If you keep your eyes open you’ll find it and you’ll be amazed at the rich history of this country.
Newgrange passage tomb, County Meath.
Beltany Stone Circle near Raphoe, County Donegal.
Glendalough monastic site in County Wicklow.
The ruins of King John’s Castle in Carlingford, County Louth.
The landscape of Ireland
There’s no doubt about it that Ireland’s landscape draws so many visitors each year.
It’s stunning!
The coastline is probably the most awing with rugged cliffs plunging straight down into the sea such as the Cliffs of Moher and Slieve League.
You’ll find little coves along the coast with colorful harbor towns tucked in safely.
And Ireland has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever stepped foot on.
The rolling, fertile fields of the interior are simply lovely with all the shades of green.
Then you have the peaty bogland with mountains popping up here and there out west.
Throw in geological wonders such as Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and you have this fabulous mix with something for everyone.
I love Ireland for this very reason.
The mountains of the Beara Peninsula. Stunning!
Kinsale harbor and town in County Cork. Great town!
Tramore Beach in County Donegal. One of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland!
Mountains and bogland of Connemara.
Fields of hay in Ireland.
Wicklow Mountains. Beautiful!
Silver Strand beach — AedÃn’s Beach — County Mayo.
Cliffs of Moher, County Clare. They are impressive!
The gorgeous southwest County Cork coast.
Mountains near Roundstone, Connemara, County Galway.
The pubs
Ah yes.
You can’t visit Ireland without some time in a pub.
And you don’t have to be a lover of Guinness or Jameson to partake in the fun.
Remember that these are really public houses that were — and still are — the center of a town or community.
This is where people meet to catch up on the latest news, share a meal, celebrate a holiday or birthday, play music, dance and generally come together.
Present day pub life is still much the same.
And it’s one of the aspects of Ireland that makes Ireland, well, Ireland.
For me it’s where I try to become a local.
I have a pint or a wee dram, sit back and watch the people.
I listen to conversations.
And I tap my foot along to the music — and maybe even sing a few words to some of the songs I’ve learned over the years.
Some pubs have been modernized.
But so many of them are still quite old and traditional with wood floors and peat fires.
I can’t wait to be in a pub again!
Pub and houses in Allihies, County Cork.
Musicians in a pub in Westport, County Mayo.
The interior of the Singing Pub, County Donegal. Love it!!
The people
There’s no doubt about it — the Irish are the best thing about Ireland.
That lovely accent.
The gift of storytelling.
The warmth of their hearts.
These are some of the friendliest folks on the planet.
And they’re always eager to help you out with directions or suggestions on things to do on your visit.
They’re happy to tell you stories of their home — just don’t believe every word. The Irish do tend to exaggerate a bit!
I have a couple of Irish friends making me a very lucky person because they are true friends.
So on your trip to Ireland be sure to slow down and connect with the people.
They are Ireland’s greatest treasure!
My Irish friend, AedÃn, on my first visit to Ireland. I’m lucky to have her as a friend!
Three Irish girls — warm hearted to the core!
Ireland is such a beautiful country. We just returned home from a 7 day road trip around Ireland. We had an amazing time taking in the scenery. We definitely need more time there to take in more. We didn’t have a ton of luck with the bars… maybe we didn’t pick the right ones. We loved the western side of Ireland. The mountains, hills, cliffs etc are so beautiful.
I think with the pubs it can be hit or miss on the night. I’ve always had luck at least at a couple during my travels. But off season can be tougher. And yes, the West of Ireland is magical!!
I could not agree more. Ireland is amazing, I’ve only been once but I can’t wait to go back. I think the landscape, the pubs, and the people are by far my favorite thing. There is just something about them combined that makes for one of the best countries!
I agree, Susanna, that Ireland does have the perfect combination of things. You’ll have to start planning that return visit!
I’ve been very intrigued by Ireland more so than ever after watching Game of Thrones 😉 Thanks for another inspiration via this post, I think I gotta make this trip happen sooner than later 🙂
You’re welcome. And Ireland wants you to visit soon Richa!
Every single photo captures a new beauty that I yearn to see one day soon! You’ve captured Ireland perfectly. Keep up the wonderful content!
Thanks Mikayla. Hopefully you’ll get to Ireland soon!!
I couldn’t agree more – there’s a kind of magic to this country that’s made me return more than one. It’s that heady mix of welcoming, cosy culture and a spectacular landscape that does it for me to. It’s also refreshing to here another voice saying it’s OK to return to the same places you love. I feel this way about travelling in France – with every visit I feel I get to know and understand and fall more deeply in love with the people and the place. Hooray to return visits!
I like that you used the word “magic” in your description Alice. It’s how I feel. And yes, hooray to return visits!
I fell in love with Ireland as well, such amazing landscapes! Need to go back soon 🙂
Ireland is waiting for your return visit Christina!
I did not frown reading you’re going back for the 6th time. I do the same. I don’t care if I could be adding more countries to my list, all I wanna do is go back to the places I loved the first time and see them again, and again, in a different season, with different people (or alone). I have that thing for Norway, I have been going back countless times. I have only been to Ireland twice, but I intend on going back again. There’s still so much to see and I long to go and get some fish and chips and stout beer daily! Yes, Ireland is amazing.
I agree with going back to places you love. You can always “dig a bit deeper” on each journey — getting to know a place better.
I lived in the UK for over a decade and never made the trip to Ireland. I really want to now, it looks so beautiful and green. It’s something really nice and calming about seeing those cozy pubs and awesome coastal images.
As an American I was never “Oh, I have to visit Ireland.” Then I met an Irish woman 12 years ago traveling in Spain. 10 1/2 years ago I made my first trip to Ireland — and fell in love with the country. So I hope you travel to Ireland someday as I’m sure you’ll love it.
I am so completely with you on Ireland! I love the people, the history, the scenery, and – let’s be real – the pubs! There’s no other place on earth where you can walk in to a pub, listen to amazing live folk music, and strike up a friendly conversation in front of a roaring fire like in Ireland. 🙂
So true, Kelly! Ireland is all of this — and more!
I’ve only ever gotten the chance to visit Dublin for a few days, but I would love to visit Ireland again. Your photos are incredible! After researching European cliffs for a story I’m creating, I saw many photos of the Cliffs of Moher and found out how breathtaking Ireland’s landscape is. My favourite of your photos is the Glendalough monastic site – it looks like a storybook setting!
I think Ireland really comes alive — that you see the real Ireland — outside of Dublin. So I hope you get to see more of Ireland, Linda!