cliff of moher ireland
We departed on Ryanair on the evening of August 8th and arrived in Dublin without any issues. Upon arrival, we were greeted by classic Irish weather: wind and drizzle. Luckily, this weather only lasted the first evening, and the following days were blessed with bright sunshine and a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed the magic of summer and gained many unforgettable experiences.
Let’s see where exactly we went.
We booked our activities through Get Your Guide, and if you like any of them, you can find them at the end of the article.
Day 1: Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour
Our first stop was the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the coast of the Irish Sea. The unique basalt columns look like a path built by giants towards the sea. According to legend, this extraordinary formation was created by Finn McCool, an Irish giant.
Our next stop was the magical Dark Hedges. This tunnel of dark, twisted beech trees feels like a gateway to a fairy tale. The location has served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV series, so some of you may recognize it from the “Game of Thrones” series.
Unfortunately, there were riots in Belfast, so we had to cancel our city tour. Instead, we were able to spend more time exploring the natural wonders. Visiting the Titanic Museum was also an unforgettable experience, where we learned about the history of the Titanic and the circumstances of the ship’s construction.
Throughout the full-day bus tour, we traveled in a very comfortable bus, giving us plenty of time to admire the beauty of the Irish countryside. The landscape was varied, from green fields to rocky coastlines, offering a diverse and captivating view.
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher
We dedicated our second day to exploring one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, the Cliffs of Moher. We signed up for a full-day bus tour, allowing us to travel comfortably and have ample time to admire the scenery.
We set off in the morning and were treated to numerous breathtaking viewpoints along the way. We arrived at the Cliffs of Moher in the early afternoon, where we could stand in the wind and marvel at the endless blue of the Atlantic Ocean. The height of the cliffs and the sight of the massive waves were truly awe-inspiring.
We made several stops along the way to get to know the Irish countryside. In the small town of Doolin, we enjoyed a traditional Irish lunch at a cozy pub, where we had the opportunity to taste local specialties. A visit to Bunratty Castle also allowed us to take a little trip back in time and learn about the Irish Middle Ages.
On our way back, we followed the coast and admired the rocky shores and wild landscape from numerous viewpoints. By the end of the day, we returned to our accommodation completely exhausted but enriched with countless experiences.
Day 3: Half-day tour of Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains – Dublin city tour
We spent our third day in one of Ireland’s most beautiful regions, the Wicklow Mountains. As part of a half-day tour, we visited Glendalough, a favorite destination for Dubliners. We fully understood why: the valley’s stunning beauty, crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, and historical ruins offered a unique experience.
In the valley, there are the ruins of a 6th-century monastery, which was once one of Ireland’s most important religious centers. Walking among the ruins, one could feel the historical significance of the place. Our guide told us that Glendalough has appeared in many films, such as “P.S. I Love You.”
During the tour, we enjoyed numerous breathtaking viewpoints and soaked up the tranquility of nature. The Wicklow Mountains truly are the green heart of Ireland, a place where one can forget the hustle and bustle of the world.
Early in the afternoon, we returned to Dublin and eagerly embarked on exploring the city. The bus dropped us off on O’Connell Street, the central artery of Dublin. Both sides of the wide street were lined with shops, cafes, and souvenir stores. With a short walk, we reached Temple Bar, the cultural center of Dublin. The cobbled streets are home to numerous pubs, restaurants, and art galleries, where live music and Irish dancing await visitors.
After Temple Bar, we visited Dublin Castle, which was once the government center of Ireland. The castle buildings and gardens are a stunning sight and offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
We ended the day in Howth, one of Dublin’s most beautiful coastal towns. We took a stroll along the town’s charming harbor.
Day 4: Journey Home
On the fourth day, unfortunately, it was time to say goodbye. Our return journey was not as smooth as the trip there. Our flight was delayed by three hours, so we only arrived in Budapest in the early morning.
Overall, however, we can say that Ireland completely enchanted us. The beautiful landscapes, historical buildings, and friendly people gave us unforgettable experiences. The green hills, the wild coastline, and the cozy towns captivated us so much that we are sure we will return soon to explore the southern part of the country.
We were particularly touched by the hospitality and helpfulness of the Irish people. Everywhere we went, we were greeted by friendly people who were happy to answer our questions and help us find our way around.
