Exploring Ireland, Week Three of Our 52 Country World Tour

Brant, July 2024

Starting in Dublin

Country number three on our 52 countries in 52 weeks adventure brought us to Ireland. We began in Dublin, a city that immediately won us over with its food scene. Every meal seemed to highlight something fresh, hearty, and distinctly Irish. One of the most memorable moments came when my daughter took the wheel for the first time, bravely driving on the opposite side of the road. She handled it like a pro, and it became one of those family milestones we will never forget.

Our first stops were cultural treasures. At Trinity University we saw the Book of Kells, an ancient manuscript that has been preserved with incredible care. Just as impressive was the library itself, an endless hall of books that felt straight out of a movie set, easily one of the most remarkable libraries I have ever seen. We also explored the Natural History Museum, a classic collection that gave us a good sense of Ireland’s past and its wildlife.

Crossing the Country to Galway

From Dublin we set off toward Galway. Along the way I had a run-in with the local police when I was pulled over while driving. Luckily, the officer let me off with just a warning, a reminder to always stay sharp when navigating foreign roads.

Galway itself was everything we hoped it would be. Sheep dotted the landscape at every turn, making the countryside feel like something out of a storybook. We visited the Kylemore Abbey and its Royal Gardens, which were stunning both in architecture and design. The peaceful grounds were a beautiful contrast to the rugged coastlines we would later see.

One of our most unexpected discoveries was a small lakeside crab shack called Snappy Snappy. We met the owner, enjoyed an incredible meal, and left feeling like we had stumbled upon one of Ireland’s true hidden gems.

Farms, Cliffs, and Irish Weather

With the proper Irish weather rolling in, we leaned into the adventure and visited Moore Hill Open Farm. This charming family farm gave us the chance to feed animals up close. The emu greeted us kindly while the alpacas seemed a little less impressed, but it was a fun and memorable stop that brought a playful balance to the week.

No trip to Ireland would be complete without visiting the legendary Cliffs of Moher. The weather worked in our favor in an unexpected way, giving us the cliffs nearly to ourselves. Standing there, with the waves crashing far below and the cliffs stretching endlessly into the mist, it was hard to capture the true size and scope of the place. We braved the rain to snap some incredible photos and wandered off the beaten path to explore rocky trails that made the experience even more personal. It is an absolute must-see for anyone coming to Ireland.

Back to Dublin and Beyond

We wrapped up our week by returning to Dublin, where we toasted the journey so far with a traditional Guinness. It was the perfect way to close out our time in Ireland before heading to the airport and boarding a flight for country number four, Iceland.