Ireland, a land of love, stands as a timeless symbol of all things romantic, joyful, and amorous!
Ireland Fast Facts
- Did you know Ireland is where the world’s first wedding dress originated?
- Medieval Irish monks were the first to brew traditional Irish wine.
- The Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish wedding ring, has a history dating back 400 years. Even the term “Honeymoon” has its origins in Ireland!
Best time to travel in Ireland
Visit Ireland during the summer with your loved one! Ireland has a typical temperate oceanic climate, with no major differences between the four seasons.
The period from July to September is particularly pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius. This season also hosts Ireland’s largest arts festival, the Galway Festival, and one of the country’s largest multidisciplinary festivals, the Kilkenny Festival.
7 Days in Ireland
Planning for stay in Ireland? Here is a 7 Day Ireland Itinerary:
DAY 1: Get a taste of Dublin’s history
O’Connell Street, a significant and bustling street in Dublin, Ireland, was named in the honor of Daniel O’Connell, a leader in the Irish nationalist movement. At the street’s one end stands a statue of Neil O’Connell, adding a touch of reverence to the area.
Built in 2003, the “Spire” is a 121-meter-tall stainless steel minaret, holding the title of the world’s tallest outdoor sculpture. Situated on O’Connell Street, it makes for a striking landmark.
Take a selfie, and then head to the nearby Le Bon Crubeen restaurant for a delightful meal. This local favorite offers a romantic French bistro ambiance, accompanied by jazz tunes, and serves authentic French dishes. And, of course, indulge in a glass of Irish coffee, combining the best of wine and coffee.
DAY 2 to 3: Dublin sightseeing
Explore the oldest university in Ireland, Trinity College, established by Queen Elizabeth in 1592. With a history spanning over 400 years, Forbes magazine recognized its campus as one of the most beautiful worldwide!
The prestigious Trinity Library houses numerous invaluable works, earning it a place among the “three major libraries in Europe,” alongside the British Library in the United Kingdom and the Oxford University Library.
Trinity College’s Library, featured as the Library of the Academy of Magic in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” houses Ireland’s esteemed national treasure, The Book of Kells.
This manuscript, showcasing the pinnacle of Irish Medieval craftsmanship, boasts intricate illustrations and serves as a testament to the height of medieval Irish Celtic art. To fully appreciate its details, a magnifying glass is recommended!
Walk out of Noda’s world-famous school and head to St. Stephen’s Park. Enjoy a sunny afternoon on a lawn mat, picnicking while basking in the light filtering through the leaves. It’s almost as if Monet’s “Luncheon on the Grass” has come to life.
At night, venture to the Temple Bar. This is Dublin’s nightlife hub, featuring the city’s best pubs, galleries, restaurants, concert halls, theatres, and art shops.
The Temple Bar district is brimming with Irish flavors, offering the chance to mingle with locals over a glass of Guinness beer, accompanied by the melodious sounds of violins and harps—a pure joy!
DAY 4: Lose yourself in Galway
Walking through the pubs of the streets of Ireland, you will inadvertently hear the “The Galway Girl”, and you can’t help but wonder about Galway, the westernmost small town in Europe, who can’t wait to meet the dark- haired, blue-eyed Galway girl.
Take the Irish train from Dublin to Galway, stroll through the colorful streets of the town, listen to a street artist, and awaken the musician in you! Have lunch and head to Galway Cathedral in the city center, one of the largest stone churches in Europe. The 44-meter-high dome is a Renaissance architectural beauty, while rose windows and Mosaic are adorned in Christian art.
Since its establishment, the cathedral has maintained its own choir, performing a range of music from the 16th to the 20th centuries, as well as renditions of Gregorian chants and traditional Irish music.
The Spanish Arch is the sole surviving remnant of the old wall in Galway, situated on the east bank of the Corrib River. Legend has it that this area used to be a fish market, and the sturdy walls were erected to shield Spanish sailboats, which often docked close to the pier, earning it the name “Spanish Arch.”
DAY 5: The Cliffs of Moher: Soak in the Beautiful Scenery
Situated in the westernmost part of Ireland and towering as the highest cliffs in Europe, the Cliffs of Moher overlook the expansive Atlantic Ocean, showcasing their majestic and perilous beauty. National Geographic magazine has hailed them as “the most beautiful place in the world.”
For adventure enthusiasts, the Cliffs of Moher offer a breathtaking landscape, featuring sheer, jagged walls weathered by the relentless waves day and night, standing guard against the forceful surges from the sea.
With an annual breeding ground for over 30,000 seabirds, the Cliffs of Moher also harbor numerous rare plant species. The dramatic setting played a significant role in the iconic story of Harry Potter and Dumbledore portayed in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
Standing at the cliff’s edge, one experiences the feeling of being at the edge of the world, gazing down into the deep blue waters, with an involuntary tremor in one’s legs.
And at the end of this enchanting journey, a well-deserved reward awaits…
For four consecutive years, Aniar has been recognized with a Michelin star. Despite its unassuming decor, resembling more of a casual European café than an esteemed Michelin restaurant, Aniar has secured its place among the culinary elite.
Chef JP McMahon attributes the distinctive flavors of the food to specific geographical and environmental factors, including climate, soil, wind, and sea, as well as the natural shifts in seasons.
Sitting in this modest Michelin-starred restaurant, savoring the chef’s meticulously prepared delicacies, is a moment of pure joy.
DAY 6: Walks the Seaside on horseback
Spending a day riding on horseback, much like a local from Galway, allows you to traverse the soft sandy beaches and gallop along the Atlantic coastline. It feels like a fairy tale, and indeed, everything in Ireland seems like a dream.
Day 7: Exploring the Enchanting Grafton Street
Grafton Street, considered amongst the world’s top ten most expensive shopping streets, comes to life with its Gothic charm. Immortalized in the Irish film “Once,” this bustling street features street artists and flower girls, embodying the city’s free spirit and exuding an endless artistic allure.
On this street, encounter numerous local Irish literary and artistic youths, passionately playing their beloved instruments like guitars, violins, and accordions. If you have a musical gift, consider this street your stage to showcase your talents!
Additionally, Grafton Street boasts an array of luxury brands and specialty shops. Whether you’re a shopping enthusiast or not, a leisurely stroll through this vibrant street is sure to captivate your senses.
