Me and 7 other friends spent a week in late July in Ireland, discovering its wonders.
Day 1:
Arrival in Dublin at lunchtime with direct flight from Bergamo (Italy), we immediately took a bus to Kilkenny (about 2 hours), where we spent our first night at Tourist Hostel. The small medieval town is delightful, I was enchanted in front of the majestic castle that stands along the banks of the river right in the city center, then we enjoyed the sunny day to explore the castle gardens and the quaint streets that branch out in all the historic center. Then we headed to St Canice's Cathedral, a well-preserved and very beautiful medieval cathedral to visit, conveying a bleak but exciting atmosphere.
Day 2:
Wake up at dawn, bus to Cork where we stopped for an hour and then bus to Killarney. A small town in the Irish countryside, very very welcoming and lively, the inhabitants are very friendly and kind. After settling at the Neptune hostel, we walked to visit the famous National park, we took a 3 km path that took us to Ross Castle, an imposing fortress on a large lake that left us all by mouth open, wonderful is to say a little! I recommend a boat trip on the lake and a visit to the castle with the guide. On the way back we met horse and deer and we passed by St Canice's Cathedral, medieval cathedral symbol of the town
Day 3:
Early morning bus to get to the Cliffs of Moher, the famous cliffs, a symbol of Ireland. It is a fundamental step, given their beauty and uniqueness. I transmit a huge sense of infinity and carefree, we were lucky enough to visit them with the sun and it was really worth it.
Then we headed, always by bus, to Galway at sleepzone hostel.
Day 4:
From Galway we took a bus that took us to catch a ferry to the Aran Islands, particularly Inishmor, the largest of the three. It was the best day of the holiday, despite the bad weather, after a nice plate of freshly caught salmon, we hired the bicycles and we traveled around the island, stopping in the large bays to contemplate the green landscapes, the seals and the black ocean. Peace and nature reign supreme, in my opinion I believe these islands represent the REAL Ireland in its wonders and time.
Day 5:
GALWAY CITY
Very youthful and full of life, characteristic and with many attractions. We visited the city center, galway city museum, spanish arch, eyre square and the cathedral. We also bought the typical Claddagh rings.
In the evening we reached Dublin, where we stayed at the Mec Hotel.
Day 6-7:
Visit of Dublin, a city that has conquered my heart for its tranquility and joy, a great European capital but at the same time very livable. We visited:
Trinity college (with guided tour), St. Patrick cathedral, O connel street, Georgian quarter (Grafton street), and large green parks. We also visited the Art Gallery, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse.
It was an indestructible trip, which I advise everyone to do! Bus travel is comfortable, fast and efficient, unfortunately a bit 'expensive. Goodbye Ireland!
Francesco N