Our exploration of Ireland’s west coast began in Killarney, a town long regarded as a gateway to some of the country’s most spectacular natural and cultural landscapes. Nestled near lakes, mountains, and national parklands, Killarney provided the perfect starting point for our journey north. The adventure opened on a high note with a rousing evening…
Category: Ireland
Ireland 2025 – East Coast
Leaving Dublin, we began our drive southwest toward Killarney, setting out to explore the easter side of Ireland. Our first stop was the beautiful seaside town of Dalkey, where we met up with an old high school friend, Jim McCormick, and his wife, Brigid, and shared a lovely, leisurely lunch—great to see old friends again…
Republic of Ireland 2025 – Dublin
After leaving Northern Ireland, we crossed the border and headed south into the Republic of Ireland, arriving at our first stop—the vibrant capital city of Dublin. We checked into the newly renovated The Mercantile Hotel, perfectly situated in the heart of the Temple Bar district. From our doorstep, we stepped directly into the lively pulse…
Northern Ireland 2025
Arriving in Belfast by ferry from Cairnryan, Scotland was a fitting way to begin our time in Northern Ireland—a smooth, comfortable 2½-hour crossing that eased us from Scotland into a city shaped by the sea. After checking into the AC Hotel Belfast, we set out to explore a place whose story blends industrial might, resilience,…