One of the things I love about living in Dublin is its proximity to both the mountains AND the sea. If you want to go for a mountain hike, you’ve got the Wicklow mountains right there, which provide excellent hikes or scenic walks along the Wicklow Way (like this one). Or if you want a coastal cliff walk, there are stunning walks like the Howth Head Loop or the Bray to Greystones walk. But if you’re more of a sea swimming and beach person, there are TONS of gorgeous beaches and places to swim along the coast in and near Dublin. It definitely comes in handy on a sunny day in Dublin to have so many options.
Another thing I love about living in Dublin is that when it’s warm and/or sunny, people really appreciate it. Ireland’s general rainy weather make those hot, sunny days all the more sweet.
So when it’s sunny in Dublin, Dubliners FLOCK to the mountains or to one of the many sea swimming spots.
I know, I know. To say I’ve been AWOL from this blog is a total understatement. NEVER have I gone this long without posting! That just goes to show how insanely busy my summer has been, and how much I have to share! Since getting my visa situation sorted in April, it’s been non-stop! From road trips and rural hikes around Ireland to markets and music festivals, this summer has been a whirlwind of fun and great weather and I’ve only been able to squeeze in a few posts. But the chilly weather is creeping up, which means fall is approaching and the long summer days will be coming to an end soon. SO. Back to business then, shall we?
One of my favorite summer activities was actually one that could be done at any time of the year. A road trip! One of the best road trips in Ireland, actually. THE RING OF KERRY to be specific. Ever heard of it? If you’ve been to Ireland or done any research on things to do, you probably have. Along with The Giant’s Causeway and The Dingle Peninsula, The Ring of Kerry is one of the best and most well-known scenic routes in Ireland – a 179km circular route through the Iveragh Penninsula in County Kerry. And after visiting it, I can say with certainty that has to be one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
Sure, I may be a bit biased with my love for Ireland. It’s a beautiful place with amazing scenery and stunning natural landscape, but there are many other countries that this can be said about as well. But one of the things I think makes Ireland unique is it’s charming people. And during my Ring of Kerry experience, the Irish charm once again made the experience truly memorable.
…OH, but so did the fact that in one day we drove past mountains, beaches, loughs (lakes), medieval ruins, and overall STUNNING views!
You should rent a car (and get over your fear of driving on the opposite side of the road – it’s not that bad!), pull over at as many photo-op spots as your heart desires, drive off the beaten path when you can, breathe in the fresh air, make pit stops at any chocolate factory you find, and enjoy the ride…
I’ve been meaning to share this with you guys, but I was still making the list myself! I feel like I’m constantly adding on to this list based on suggestions I get from locals. But, here is my “To-Do List” during my year here in Ireland!
