Discover the Countryside of the Emerald Isle with Roland’s Ultimate Guide
Are you going to Europe? Get ready to explore Roland’s guide to the unique Countryside of the Emerald Isle with Collette Tours. With a camera in hand, you are prepared for an adventure. A small group of curious travellers joins you, guided by an expert. You’re in for an unforgettable experience. Have you ever considered a small group tour? It was my first experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
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Welcoming Arrival
Landing in Dublin was brilliant, especially since our chauffeur awaited us with our names on a board. He welcomed us warmly and pointed out the best places to explore while we went to the RIU Hotel. With the sun shining brightly, why not make the most of it? Starting your adventure as soon as you arrive is the way to go!
Wonders of Dublin
Dublin is renowned for its vibrant bar scene but boasts a rich historical tapestry. There are many places to discover. You can explore the oldest libraries. You can also visit the iconic Ha’penny Bridge. Learn about the storied history of the RIU Hotel. Let’s dive into the wonders of Dublin and embark on an exciting journey through this captivating city.
Dublin in a Day: History, Landmarks & Lively Pubs
After an overnight flight and a quick breakfast at the RIU, we couldn’t wait to explore Dublin. We skipped sleep and hit the streets by 10:30 am. There was a big crowd at the new Portal between NYC and Dublin.
RIU Plaza The Gresham Dublin:
Our stay at the RIU Hotel, built by Thomas Gresham in 1807, was perfect. Located on O’Connell Street, this hotel has a charming history and is surrounded by art, monuments, shops, and restaurants.
Marsh’s Library:
We visited Dublin’s oldest public library, Marsh’s Library, which opened in 1707. It’s a must-see for history buffs, with a rich past that includes the first female Roman Catholic keeper, Dr. Muriel McCarthy.
Ha’penny Bridge:
We walked across the historic Ha’penny Bridge, the oldest cast iron bridge over the Liffey River. It’s a must-see and a great spot for photos.
The Temple Bar and Temple Bar District:
No visit to Dublin is finished without stopping at The Temple Bar. Its lively district is a must-see. The original Temple Bar was buzzing with live music and happy faces. We enjoyed the atmosphere and found a quieter spot nearby to take in the local scene.
Day 2-A Journey Through History, Culture, and Music
Let’s start our tour with Collette Tours. A local guide accompanies us in Dublin and takes us through fascinating areas. This includes a full tour and our welcome reception in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral. We also visit Temple Bar and some charming terraced houses. We also had a local expert on Dublin’s magnificent sights by motor coach.
Dive deep into the culture and colour of Ireland’s world-famous O’Connell Street. Marvel at the electric green expanse of Phoenix Park. It is Europe’s largest enclosed city park. Deer roam freely in the park. It was also the site of the 1979 Papal visit. We drove by Trinity College and the beautiful Georgian streets and squares, to name a few.
Day 3 Exploring the Irish Countryside: From Majestic Thoroughbreds to Historic Castles
And we are off. We start the day with an early breakfast at the fantastic RIU hotel before heading to our tour bus. Our first destination is the Irish National Stud in East Cork.
Travelling along Ireland’s country roads, we were thrilled to see many newborn foals, some just 24 hours old. Witnessing these future regal thoroughbreds and exploring the well-kept gardens and waterway wonders was outstanding. The horses, roaming freely in the fields, loved our attention.
After lunch- Exploring the Rock of Cashel: A Journey Through History.
Next, we visited the imposing Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings. Its grand facade made me feel small in comparison. This historic site, where St. Patrick preached, has been featured in films like Excalibur, Barbarian Queen II, and a recent Netflix production.
It’s a must-visit, with beautiful grounds surrounding the castle and a second castle visible in the fields below. Along the way, we were accompanied by friendly sheep, adding to the charm of the Irish countryside.
Day 4-East Cork Midleton, Kinsale
A night at the Garryvoe Hotel in Cork was genuinely unforgettable. Everything exceeded our expectations. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. The sitting areas were cozy, where we enjoyed delicious culinary delights. The breathtaking Northern Lights show made the night truly magical. It was the most spectacular show in years, turning our stay into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Garryvoe Hotel has been family-owned since 1900. It is ideally located with open fields behind it and a stunning 5-mile beach right in front. This unique combination of natural beauty and warm, welcoming hospitality creates the ideal spot. It offers a relaxing and memorable stay.
A Morning of Whiskey and Wonder at Old Midleton Distillery
Whiskey in the morning? That’s how they do it at the Old Midleton Distillery! My first-ever whiskey tour was an exhilarating experience, guided by an expert who shared fascinating insights into whiskey production. Even the seasoned whiskey enthusiasts in our group couldn’t stump her with their questions!
The tour was captivating, with impeccable grounds that set the perfect scene. In the end, we enjoyed a whiskey tasting. Hundreds of aging barrels surrounded us. This setting added to the authenticity of the experience. After the tasting, we headed to the social bar.
A talented mixologist crafted a whiskey-based cocktail that was nothing short of perfection. I quickly stopped at the vault. I wanted to hunt for the most expensive bottle of Irish whiskey. It was a memorable day with rich flavours and unforgettable moments in Emerald Isle.
Exploring Kinsale: A Charming Coastal Adventure
We had our first opportunity to explore independently in the afternoon without guides. We visited the charming coastal town of Kinsale, Emerald Isle. This beautiful village is brimming with local shops, restaurants, and fresh products to buy. The bay area offered stunning views. We found a little spot serving the best and biggest fish and chips. It was the highlight of our entire trip. It was a perfect mix of exploration, local flavour, coastal beauty, and ice cream.
Day 6: Discovering the Hidden Beauty of Garnish Island
We travelled through the famed “forty shades of green” before arriving in the picturesque village of Glengarriff. From there, we boarded a ferry. We then set sail for the historical site of Garnish Islands, nestled in the protected harbour of Bantry Bay. This hidden gem is home to Ireland’s most stunning gardens, and it took me hours to explore its wonders.
A Taste of Italy: Beauty and Elegance in the Garden
The Italian section was particularly captivating with its magnificent columns, elegant buildings, and lush greenery. Creepers, hanging baskets, and vines draped from the structures add to the enchanting atmosphere. What started as a half-day visit could have quickly become a whole day. We could have spent the entire day exploring all the different sections of the garden.
Check out my images. These are just a few of the over 100 photos I captured of my experiences in Emerald Isle. Each photo provides a small glimpse into the beauty of Garnish Island!
Day 7: Dingle Peninsula
This morning, we explored the beautiful Dingle Peninsula, driving along Slea Head with its rolling hills and rugged cliffs.
Have you ever heard of the 100 shades of green? During our drive, the rain made these shades of green stand out! As we followed the coastal road, I was amazed by the changing landscape. The Dingle Peninsula felt genuinely unique.
At Dunquin Pier, Emerald Isle, I went to the bottom and enjoyed the stunning scenery. I tried aerial photography and could see the total size of the bay where I stood. The fog also made the view more magical, changing the landscape.
We walked along the coast from Dunquin Pier. It is a quiet bay surrounded by cliffs. We followed the trail through the farmer’s land, mesmerized by the beauty around us!
Day 8: Aran Islands (Inishmore)
Getting on a ferry as we made our way to the Aran Islands was a wow moment. Many people lived on the islands, and access to these ferries was not how I wanted to live! I love that there are no fences; their fences are built with rocks. Take a peak at the images.
Exploring the Aran Islands: History, Goats, and Breathtaking Views
Aran Islands was an awe moment as we got closer. Arriving at the docks, we saw an area with shopping, a patio, and bike rentals. It’s the best way to explore the Island on the one-car-wide streets. Our guide visited historical sites and his goat farm to learn about goat milk products. They specifically create their cheese for restaurants on and off the Island. But letting the goats out of the barn was my favourite time. Goats are funny, so adding the baby goats to the mix was a laugh.
Savouring Aran Islands’ Parmesan-Style Goat Cheese & Cozy Stays
Their cheese was delicious. They created a parmesan-style goat cheese. Imagine making soft cheese, which takes approximately 4 to 10 litres of goat milk. This amount of milk yields 1 pound, or about 450 grams, of cheese. Firmer cheeses like goat gouda or goat cheddar need about 10 litres. It’s due to the higher moisture content lost during the cheese-making process. And the parmesan requires even more goat milk.
We spent the night in a cozy cabin, adding an excellent area view. Tired out, we went to bed early and prepared to travel to our next destination, Cliffs Of Moher, Emerald Isle.
Day 9: Aran Islands (Inishmore) Cliffs of Moyer In the afternoon
We visited Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric hill fort perched dramatically on the cliffs, overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean. I suggest taking your time as you make your way up. Soak in the beauty of the surroundings because it’s a level 3 hike.
Our next stop was the Seven Churches, a significant Middle Ages pilgrimage site. We soaked in the history and serenity of the ruins. After completing our tour, we enjoyed a drink to celebrate the end of this remarkable journey.
Tomorrow, Cliffs of Moher
It’s from my favourite spot: the Cliffs of Moher. I first saw these towering cliffs from above many years ago. Still, I prefer the bottom view. Experiencing them from below is more impressive. There are two great ways to take in the cliffs. One boat takes you directly to the base, offering a unique perspective of their sheer grandeur. Alternatively, you can choose the returning ferry, which also gives you stunning views as it passes by.
The sight is breathtaking, with the cliffs rising majestically from the sea. We even spotted locations where famous movies were filmed, adding more magic to the experience.
After an unforgettable day with Collette Tours. We are back on the mainland for our final night before flying back to Canada tomorrow. What a perfect way to end the trip!
Discover the World in Comfort: Why Small Group Tours with Collette is a Must-Try
It’s an incredible adventure! The tour was exceptionally well organized. The team at Collette Tours managed every detail. They took care of everything, from flights and accommodations to activities. They selected fantastic places to stay, each offering unique charm and comfort. We dined at some of the best local restaurants.
This gave us a real taste of the region. Our guide was outstanding—always ahead of everything, with a deep knowledge of every destination. She shared fascinating facts with us, told us stories, and pointed out things to see. She ensured we made the most of our time in each location.
Experience the Magic of Small Group Travel with Collette Tours
If you haven’t experienced a small group tour, I recommend trying one with Collette Tours. Their small group tours offer a more intimate and personalized experience with fewer travellers. This setting allows for more flexible schedules and unique activities that larger groups can’t enjoy.
The professional team at Collette has been crafting these tours for years, and their skills show in every aspect. They deeply understand each destination, which means they know how to create an unforgettable journey. They take you from hidden gems to iconic landmarks. It’s a hassle-free way to explore. You leave all the planning to the experts so you can focus on enjoying the adventure!
I missed talking about the special stop at the Deck of Cards! Please view the images below and see why I liked my trip with Collette! This stop was not on the list!
As a visual storyteller, my photos are just a glimpse of what you can experience on this unforgettable journey. You will travel through the Emerald Isle with Collette Tours!
Until next time,
Roland
