Dingle town and its surrounding areas in the heart of County Kerry is home to one of the most idyllic road trips in the west of Ireland. The charming town of Dingle in the County Kerry is a popular seaside stop and the town is situated on the most western point of the entire country. The drive into the town boasts some stunning coastline, rolling hills, craggy cliffs and striking seascapes, making it one of the most beautiful drives along Ireland’s famed Wild Atlantic Way.

Inch Beach
Take in the scenery of Inch Beach just outside the town of Dingle. The whole Dingle Peninsula has stunning ocean views, however Inch is one of the few long stretches of sandy beach along an otherwise rocky coast. The Blue Flag beach additionally has the safety of lifeguards on duty during the Summer time.

Minard Castle
Close to Dingle Bay, is the historic Minard Castle. Set overlooking the Irish Sea, the Castle ruins date back to the 16th century. Three stories of castle still stand however it was rendered uninhabitable after it was attacked by Cromwell’s Army in 1650. Walk along the boulder-filled beach next to the Casle and explore the outside of the castle walls.

Dingle Town
The popular bustling fishing town of Dingle is home to approximately 2,000 residents and the town is regularly frequented by tourists. The town has plenty food and drink options serving local cuisine and fresh fish and seafood, as well as charming shops. This part of Ireland is a Gaeltacht district – a region of the country that still speaks Irish. Signs and menus will all be in English however many locals will speak Gaelic.

Dingle Bay
Just outside Dingle town in Dingle Bay, lives Fungie the bottlenose dolphin who has been a local fixture in the waters along Dingle since 1983. Boat tours leave regularly from the port offering a chance to spot wildlife, as well as admire the landscape from a new perspective on the water.

Slea Head Famine Cottages
Slea Head Famine Cottages are another popular stop along the Dingle Peninsula. These stone homes were built in the 1800s and lived in at the peak of the Great Irish Famine. The houses are preserved and now serve as part of an exhibit dedicated to the intriguing local history.

Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula along the west coast of Ireland provides a breathtaking setting for a road trip.

The South-West of Ireland boasts some of Ireland’s most unique attractions and landscapes. The South-West consists of Cork, Kerry and Clare. As you drive through the narrow roads of the Wild Atlantic Way, you will be greeted with the breathtaking views of the peninsulas, coastlines and mountains. 

Cork is often referred to as ‘The Real Capital of Ireland’. It is the second largest town in Ireland with a generous mix of city and rural landscapes. If a shopping trip is on the top of your bucket list, Cork City is home to the finest local produce including The English Market who has the finest cheeses, meat, and locally produced goods. From retail to electronic goods, there’s something to suit everyone. 

As the sun sets, there’s never been a better time to explore the picturesque countryside of Kinsale. The Old Head of Kinsale is visited by thousands of tourists and locals each year and continues to be a popular destination during a self-drive tour of Ireland. 

As you drive along the rural roads of Kinsale and surrounding areas, you will be greeted with country views of mountainous breath-taking settings

Reconnect with family, nature and the outdoors by cycling and hiking. Cycling is healthy, sustainable, takes us away from crowds, and its popularity only looks set to continue once COVID19 restrictions ease.

One of the popular cycle routes from Waterford to Dungarvan is the Waterford Greenway which is a 46km cycle route.

Just three years old, this reboot of an old railway line has been a great tourism success and is also a popular choice for those embarking on a honeymoon in Ireland. Highlights of the route include the Victorian railway tunnel near Durrow, Ballyvoile viaduct, Mount Congreve Gardens, and small pleasures like pastries at Coach House Coffee in Kilmacthomas or the sweet counter at O’Mahony’s Siopa Beag in Durrow.

Another popular cycle route is the Phoenix Park in Ireland’s capital city Dublin. Featuring pedestrian and cycle only avenues and it features stunning scenery of Dublin city as well as nature including the wild fallow deer. The park also is home to Ireland’s president as well as the historic Farmleigh house and the country’s largest zoo; Dublin Zoo.

In the heart of the Ring of Kerry is the scenic town of Killarney which is home to a stunning cycle loop through Killarney National Park. The 10km cycle loop is flat route following traffic-free paths as it loops around Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park. Stunning lakes, ancient oak forests, Muckross House, Ross Castle and spectacular mountain views provide plenty photo opportunities. Not forgetting Ireland’s only herd of red deer, as well as the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, where the three Killarney lakes coalesce.

When it comes to Ireland travel, whatever part of the country you decide to venture to on your next trip, you’ll be sure to have the vacation of a lifetime!

A video filmed by an Irish bride on her honeymoon along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland beautifully showcases the music, culture and diverse landscapes of the Emerald Isle.

Edwina Guckian, a “Sean Nós” dance teacher from Leitrim, filmed and edited the video of the 14-day vacation in Ireland taken with her husband Michael across Ireland’s western route, along the 2500km Wild Atlantic Way. Commencing their trip in a vintage Volkswagen Camper, the couple started the trip in the beautiful county of Donegal, following the coastline to the counties of Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, and Clare, home to the Cliffs of Moher. They then took a ferry across to Kerry and down to the bottom of Cork.

“Being a dancer, I leave the country a lot with projects and shows, so when it came to deciding where we wanted to go for our honeymoon that was easy! Why go anywhere else when you’ve got this on your doorstep?” Guckian told Lonely Planet.

The video, which is set to the song “Homebird” by Cry Monster Cry, showcases Ireland’s natural majestic landscapes, stunning coastlines, extensive wildlife as well as the country’s culture and people.

“I love the outdoors and I love Ireland. The landscape, the weather, the wildness, the hidden treasures, the yet to be discovered, the history, the welcome, the language, the people, the characters, the culture. All of this means home to me. I wanted to capture Ireland in its raw, most natural state. I wanted to capture Ireland through my eyes,” said Guckian.

Edwina created the film as a way to share her honeymoon experiences with her family and friends, but the video quickly went viral after she posted it on her Facebook page.

“I didn’t think it would get so much attention. I’m delighted to see the positivity it brought to so many people and renewed a love for Ireland within many Irish themselves. It had hundreds of comments from couples and young groups of friends speaking about how they were doing this next summer and even more from people from abroad,” she said.

As COVID-19 restrictions finally start to lift around the world, many people are now planning about the day when they can travel again. Whether it be a self drive vacation or a guided tour of Ireland, although your next vacation is realistically still some time away, now is the perfect time to think about where you want to go when life gets somewhat back to normal.

Forbes travel journalist Larry Olmsted has recommended that when we can travel again around the world, we should aim to “travel better than before.”

He suggests mapping out a multi-year travel plan to ensure everyone gets to see the places and do the things that are most important to you.

“Life is short enough without not knowing when the next shoe will drop. A lesson to be learned right now is that if there are things you want to do in your life, you should get a move on it,” he writes.

In an ongoing travel series for Forbes, Olmstead presents 30 best bucket list destinations to consider, one of which includes Ireland.

Ireland is on many travelers’ top dream destinations list for various reasons and many travel for the perfect Ireland honeymoon experience. Additionally for the estimated 80 million people around the world, many with Irish ancestral roots, many visitors to Ireland love to visit the homeland of their ancestors.

But even for those with no Irish roots, Ireland has a lot to offer, including welcoming friendly people, stunning scenery, the Wild Atlantic Way, beautiful castles and historic sites, vibrant culture and music especially in Galway, a great food scene, the best beers and whiskies, and some of the world’s best golfing destinations.

“Why Ireland? Because it is the land of 100,000 smiles and welcomes. Those who have visited find it the friendliest place on earth,” says Anne Scully, the president of luxury travel agency McCabe World Travel.

She adds: “To many American visitors it is their ancestral home, and the need to walk the land of their ancestors is so important to them. Ireland is also known for beautiful castles, fine hotels and welcoming B&Bs.”

There are so many attractions and cities to visit once you arrive in Ireland. Dublin, Ireland’s capital city is full of attractions like the Book of Kells at Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol as well as the Guinness Storehouse.

And when traveling on the Wild Atlantic Way, the beautiful scenery of the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula should be on everyone’s travel list. Additionally Kinsale is the gourmet capital of Ireland and the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher in Clare should not be missed.

In Northern Ireland, a visit to the capital city of Belfast, the Titanic museum, Bushmill’s whiskey distillery, Game of Thrones sites such as the “Dark Hedges,” and the spectacular Giant’s Causeway are also popular with those visiting Ireland.

According to Scully: “All of Ireland is a land to experience slowly, enjoying and savoring the joy of its people, the great food of their land and sea, and the hospitality of their lodgings. One trip is never enough – Ireland is always calling you back for more!”

Picturesque Ireland is the preferred choice for many newly wed couples dreaming of a honeymoon in a serene setting. Choose between luxury Irish castles, modern cities such as Dublin, Ireland’s capital city or the sheer remoteness and beauty along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Ireland is easily explored on a self drive tour where you can hop in your rental car and drive independently and flexibly.

Ireland offers a magical adventure which is sure to enchant you. At Discovering Ireland Vacations, we have put together some of the main reasons to consider an Ireland honeymoon.

Stay in a restored castle….fit for a King or Queen
There is reported to be more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins in Ireland and many of them have been fully restored as luxury hotels. Ashford Castle is a popular choice for honeymooners. The 800 year old five-star Ashford Castle is not only beautiful and luxurious but it is also set on Ireland’s largest lake in the village of Cong, about an hour from Galway city. Other popular castle options include Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ballynahinch Castle in County Galway in Connemara and Castle Leslie in County Monaghan to name but a few.

Ireland’s Beautiful Natural Setting
Travelers across the world are drawn to the countries natural beauty and it’s serenely beautiful setting. The calm solitude and the peacefulness found in Ireland is just one reason why Ireland should be top of the list as a honeymoon destination. Plan a luxury retreat in a quaint cottage in the midst of solitude in a remote area of Ireland or book a majestic castle for a unique honeymoon. There are thousands of beautiful, scenic places to enjoy in Ireland from stunning coastlines, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, the beautiful Ring of Kerry and the cosmopolitan city of Dublin.

Rich Ancient History
Ireland has a rich and ancient heritage. The ancient history of the country makes it alluring and Ireland’s history spans across different eras and relics of those periods are still to be found throughout the country. Explore the Book of Kells in Trinity College in Dublin, The Rock of Cashel and Glendalough in Wicklow to name but a few historic attractions. Glendalough is home to one of the most ancient monastic sites in Ireland. The early Christian monastic settlement Glendalough was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the Monastic City. Most of the buildings in the settlement that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries.

A Wide Range of Activities
Ireland boasts many lakes, making fishing a popular activity, and its miles of stunning coastline means that there are dozens of surfing, paddling, snorkeling, and diving opportunities suitable for even the most amateur sports person. Quiet country roads, lanes and parks are perfect for biking and there are plenty of trails perfect for amateur horseback riding. Additionally dozens of mountains, hills and walking trails are perfect for both hikers and walkers of all fitness levels. There are an abundance of Irish traditions such as falconry as well which involves flying a hawk as you walk through the woods.

Tourism Ireland has just launched an inspirational video to remind people of the beauty of Ireland and what people planning a vacation to Ireland can expect when the COVID-19 lockdown is over.

The video includes clips of Irish landscapes that have been untouched and unspoiled during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

The video, entitled “I will return“, features spectacular shots of famous Irish landmarks including the Ring of Kerry and the Irish countryside and provides a stirring message that Ireland will get through this current health crisis and once again people will start making trips to Ireland again soon.

The “I will return” video features a specially written poem promising better times ahead and reminding us of the beauty and resilience of Ireland.

“Alas I’ll have to wait to see my true love’s form, but we all know that these green lands have weathered much tougher storms,” the video’s narrator says.

The video promises that Irelands most popular cities, towns and destinations will still be there for self drive tours and various types of vacations when the COVID19 lockdown is over and it encourages people to dream about better times in the future.

Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons said that the video “allows us to keep the beauty of the island of Ireland to the fore.”

Tourism Ireland has additionally unveiled a new campaign intending to help ensure that the island of Ireland stays “front-of-mind” for those planning a vacation to this magnificent country. 

The new campaign involves using the hashtag #FillYourHeartWithIreland to share inspirational content online connecting people with the island of Ireland. Some of this amazing content includes, a trad music session, lessons on how to Irish dance, a virtual tour of the island’s towns and villages, audio of the words of Nobel Laureate poets and playwrights, a TikTok video from Ireland and much much more.

The campaign also involves a partnership between Tourism Ireland, Culture Ireland and Other Voices, and content from Good Food Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland will be shared as well.

“Hope To Inspire” Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons commented, “Our message to people everywhere is that, as soon as you can travel again, our spectacular scenery, rich heritage and warm welcome will be waiting. Until then, you can dream of, and plan, your future holiday. We want to bring #FillYourHeartWithIreland onto people’s screens and make them smile. Our aim is to keep the beauty of the island of Ireland to the fore and to showcase our authentic homegrown talent. While we may not be able to travel just now, we hope to inspire people for their future visit.”

For all history lovers and explorers, County Cork gives us the opportunity to spend a summer surrounded by incredible locations. Visiting these places means walking in the footsteps of people from the past, discover the culture and try new things in the Rebel County. 

Spike Island and the Titanic

The island of Cobh, called also Great Island, is not only the place where take a picture of the famous Deck of Card Houses, but is also the location of the “Irish Alcatraz” and the last post of call for the Titanic. 

Well connected with Cork City through a train and a bus service, Cobh in summertime offer daily tours to Spike Island fortress and prison in the past and now an incredible place to discover Irish History. This little town offer moreover, a museum on the migration, the Heritage Centre and an opportunity to discover the real story of Titanic Experience

Kinsale

This lovely and colorful town is one of the most popular place to visit in Cork area.

Charles Fort and James Fort are incredible locations to discover Irish History, while the town centre offers the opportunity to eat amazing local seafood, buy arts and crafts and take the perfect Instapicture.

Cork City

Cork City is beautiful during every season, but the Summer has a particular charm. 

The places to visit are endless, as well as the things to do such The English Market.

Fresh food, colorful veg from all over the world, lovely cakes and bread. This is the perfect location to start a day of exploration around the city. After a delicious breakfast, the best thing to do is start to walk and get lost in the lovely and colorful street of Cork and then stop for a visit to the beautiful historical sites.

Elizabeth Fort, Cork City Gaol, and then Nano Nagle Place and Shandon Bells and Tower, these are all incredible places to discover the historical side of Cork. In this incredible city, there are endless opportunities and for all the tastes. You can also going to amazing places to do some shopping, visit art galleries such as Crawford Art Gallery, have a lovely pint at the Franciscan Well Brewery, the best thing after a long day!

The eastern coast of Northern Ireland and Antrim Coastal road with a tunnel

1. Planning Your Destinations:

At Discovering Ireland we have a range of self drive tours on offer including 6 night, 7 night, 8 night, 10 night, 12 night and 14 night tours complete with action-packed itineraries and activities not to mention the breath-taking landscapes endured along the way.

There are a wide array of activities available with each package. Each of our tours has different themes so there is a self-drive tour to suit everyone.

2. Going At Your Own Pace

Self-drive tours are designed to be enjoyed immensely. With our range of self-drive packages and Ireland vacation deals, you have the flexibility of choosing your own dates. Guided tours tend to follow a strict schedule which doesn’t leave much time to fully explore.

3. Visit Hidden Gems

During a self-drive tour, you can immerse yourself in Ireland’s Hidden Gems. Ireland is known to tourists all over the world for having some of the most picturesque sights and idyllic landscapes which provides a perfect backdrop for some photography during your self-drive tour.

4. Having A Bite To Eat After!

After each day, there is no doubt that you will be hungry from all the travelling. With self-drive tours, you have the flexibility of discovering Ireland’s most delicious restaurants.  Relax and unwind and enjoy the luxurious menus Ireland’s restaurants has to offer.

5. Peace and Quiet!

A self-drive tour is meant for relaxation and a break away from everyday life. When you embark on a self-drive tour, you can park your car and embrace the peace and quiet Ireland has to offer. Not only that, the roads in Ireland are generally quite especially during the certain months of the year meaning you won’t be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic during your self-drive tour.

Between 1845 and 1849 the Famine covered the green and beautiful lands of Ireland, bringing with it terrible death and destruction. These past events are known to be one of the biggest tragedies of 19th Century. Millions of lives were lost and people were forced to emigrate by crossing the ocean in ships called “coffins” to America hoping for a better future. An estimated one million people died from starvation, typhus and other famine-related diseases during the Great Irish Famine.

An estimated two million additional people emigrated from Ireland. Many people embarking on trips to Ireland visit many of the areas effected by the Great Irish Famine including Skibbereen in West Cork. Many self drive or escorted tours of Ireland allow you discover these areas of interest by walking or cycling through Ireland, allowing people to commemorate one of the most famous famines in history. Forgetting this important part of the history is hard, and bringing attention to all of the people who lived in those terrible times, is very important. Literature and cinema provide an great way of remembrance, giving a new perspective and narrative of the events which occurred 175 years ago.

Films to watch…

Black 47 (Netflix)
The critically acclaimed Black 47 can be considered a western movie tells the story of the veteran Martin Feeney and his revenge against landlords abuses that have destroyed his family. The historical reconstruction, background story, the powerful images give to this movie the perfect mix of ingredients for a breathtaking film on the Great Irish Famine.

Books to read…

The Hungry Road
One of the most famous and acclaimed fiction authors is Marita Conlon-McKenna. Her best selling books are translated all over the world and become classics of literature read also in schools. Her first book published was, Under the Hawthorn Tree (1990) and it’s followed by other two books of the trilogy Wildflower Girl (1991) and Fields of Home (1996). Her last book published is called The Hungry Road (2020) and it is a story of courage and strength during terrible times. In this novel some of the key characters are based on real people in these terrible times, such as of Dr. Donovan from Skibbereen, who was the first person to define starvation and its impact on human bodies. This book is an epic story which tells the courage, the hopes and the people who fight to survive dreaming about a better future.

The Graves a Walking
Written by John Kelly, this book is a great piece of historical reconstruction and provide, moreover, to an incredible analysis of the political, social and environmental causes of this human tragedy.

The Great Irish Famine
A History of four real stories of people described by Enda Delaney. This book brings a unique and extremely personal perspective of these tragic years of the Irish famine, providing moreover an important contribution to the publications about The Great Famine.