An Unexpected Irish Adventure

This trip was not part of any original itinerary. As you may have gathered by now, I have an innate passion for adventure and travel, which brings me immense fulfillment. However, my active lifestyle was significantly interrupted when I sustained a back injury at the end of winter 2022, leaving me immobile for several weeks. This period was particularly challenging and disheartening for someone like me, who thrives on activity. The only thing that provided me with hope was the thought of planning a holiday for when I would be back on my feet.

Having recently returned from a delightful trip to Scotland, we decided to explore Southern Ireland, which had come highly recommended for its stunning beauty. During my recovery, I found ample time to meticulously plan this self-drive holiday, envisioning it as a packed itinerary filled with experiences, sightseeing, and hidden gems. Our ten-day self-drive journey allowed us to explore a significant portion of Southern Ireland. The following experiences particularly stood out to us:

Our Top rated sites: - The Wicklow Mountains: Powerscourt Waterfall, one of my personal favorites. - Gouganna Barra: Offers breathtaking hiking trails. - Kilkenny: A charming castle and town worth exploring. - Cobh: Rich in Titanic history, with its Deck of Cards houses. - Ring of Kerry: Featuring Killarney and the stunning Torc Waterfall. - Dingle Peninsula: Including Coumenoole Beach and Dunquin Pier.

Our top Unique Experiences: - Lux Bus: An overnight stay in a bus—an exciting novelty for the children! - Boating Adventure: A local recommendation that provided a thrilling experience for the kids. - Seaweed Baths in Sneem: A serene retreat overlooking a picturesque lake. - Atlantic Seaweed Workshop: A guided exploration of local beaches, where we learned about various seaweeds and even sampled some. - Sheepdog Demonstration at Kissane Sheep Farm: A truly remarkable spectacle. - Feeding Baby Lambs: One of the highlights for the children during our stay at the Old Farmhouse near Dingle. - Gap of Dunloe: A delightful journey via horse cart and a boat ride across the lake back to Ross Castle. - Celtic Steps Show in Killarney: A vibrant cultural experience. - Galway Cookery Classes: A wonderful opportunity to make delicious fluffy scones with a local chef in her home.

Not to miss: - Glendalough - The National Reptile Zoo - Dublin: Featuring the historic Trinity College