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 a camera in hand and a small group of curious travellers guided by an expert, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. 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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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’s so much to discover, from the oldest libraries to the iconic Ha’penny Bridge and 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.
Day 1: Exploring Dublin’s Highlights
After an overnight flight and a quick breakfast at the RIU, we couldn’t wait to explore Dublin, so we skipped sleep, hit the streets by 10:30 am, and discovered 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 complete without a stop at The Temple Bar and its lively district. 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, taking us through fascinating areas like a full tour and our welcome reception in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral, 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 and marvel at the electric green expanse of Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest enclosed city park with deers roaming around, and the 1979 site of the Papel 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, from the spacious and comfortable rooms to the cozy sitting areas where we enjoyed delicious culinary delights. But what made the night truly magical was the breathtaking Northern Lights display—the most spectacular show in years—that turned our stay into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Family-owned since 1900, Garryvoe Hotel 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 makes it the perfect destination for 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 were treated to a whiskey tasting, surrounded by hundreds of aging barrels that added to the authenticity of the experience. After the tasting, we headed to the social bar, where a talented mixologist crafted a whiskey-based cocktail that was nothing short of perfection. To top it all off, I quickly stopped at the vault, hunting for the most expensive bottle of Irish whiskey. It was a memorable day, full of rich flavours and unforgettable moments!
Exploring Kinsale: A Charming Coastal Adventure
In the afternoon, we had our first opportunity to explore independently, without guides. We decided to visit the charming coastal town of Kinsale. This beautiful village is brimming with local shops, restaurants, and fresh products to buy. The bay area offered stunning views, and we stumbled upon a little spot that served our entire trip’s best and most significant portion of fish and chips. 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 and set sail to the historical site of Garnish Island, 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.
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 was supposed to be a half-day visit could have easily turned into a full day of exploring all the different sections of the garden.
Take a look at the images—these are just a few of the over 100 photos I captured, each 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, I went down 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, a quiet bay surrounded by cliffs, following the trail through the farmer’s land, mesmerized by the beauty surrounding 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.
Aran Islands was an awe moment as we got closer; arriving at the docks, we saw an area with shopping, patio, and bike rentals, as it’s the best way to explore the Island on the one-car-wide streets. Our guide took us to 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.
Their cheese was delicious. They created a parmesan style of goat cheese. Imagine: It takes approximately 4 to 10 litres of goat milk to make 1 pound (about 450 grams) of soft cheese, and firmer cheeses like goat gouda or goat cheddar can need closer to 10 litres due to the higher moisture content lost during the cheese-making process. And the parmesan takes 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.
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 and soaking in the beauty as you make your way up, as 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, but I prefer the bottom view after experiencing them from below. There are two great ways to take in the cliffs: one boat takes you directly to the base of the cliffs, offering a unique perspective of their sheer grandeur, or 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, 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, and the team at Collette Tours took care of every detail, from flights and accommodations to activities. They selected fantastic places to stay, each offering unique charm and comfort, and we dined at some of the best local restaurants, giving us a real taste of the region. Our guide was outstanding—always ahead of everything, with a deep knowledge of every destination. She engaged us with fascinating facts, stories, and things to see while ensuring we made the most of our time in each location.
If you haven’t experienced a small group tour, I recommend trying one with Collette Tours. Their small group tours offer a more intimate, personalized experience with fewer travellers, allowing 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 expertise shows in every aspect. Their deep understanding of each destination means they know how to create an unforgettable journey, from hidden gems to iconic landmarks. It’s a hassle-free way to explore, leaving 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 through the Emerald Isle with Collette Tours!
Until next time,
Roland
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