I’ve always wanted to travel to and explore Ireland. Not just Dublin, all of Ireland. There’s something about that country that fascinates me. Maybe it’s because of the beautiful scenery and picturesque landscapes. Maybe it’s the history, with its Celtic, Christian, Viking and Medieval past. Maybe it’s the people and the culture. I think it’s all of the above. No doubt Ireland is on my Wanderlust list.

Now even though Ireland is on my list, I can’t exactly say I’ve never been. My husband and I had a layover in Dublin en route to Lisbon both to and from (we overnighted during our return trip). We spent that time with my husband’s sister and her family, who moved to Dublin years ago. That was a trip solely for family time and was short and sweet and lots of fun. However, we didn’t have time to see the city, so I told myself we’ll be back for the full Dublin experience … and it’s happening! Soon!

Now when most people think of Ireland they automatically think of Dublin. Sure enough Dublin is the first place I think of and I for one can’t wait to visit! I’ve always wanted to explore this city. Even more so, since we’ve been. I’m looking forward to visiting Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells; visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral; exploring Kilmainham Gaol and EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum; hanging out around Dublin Bay; walking along Grafton Street and having a drink at the famous Temple Bar.

But there’s so much more to Ireland than Dublin. Ask anyone who’s been and they’ll say the most beautiful parts of Ireland are outside the city by the countryside. Believe me, I’ve asked many folks what to do in Dublin, and at some point they all tell me to venture outside (after listing all the things to do in Dublin of course). Make’s sense. I think the most beautiful parts of many countries tend to be outside of the main city. So the first thing I noted when I decided it was time to take a return trip to Dublin is that we have to make time to visit at least one other part of Ireland while we’re there.

There are a number of reputable tours that offer day trips to other parts of Ireland from Dublin. This includes Northern Ireland (as most of you know, Ireland is split into two parts, Northern Ireland, which remains a part of the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland, where the city of Dublin is located).

So where else in Ireland do I want to go? Well, at the top of my list for sites to see are the Cliffs of Moher in Clare County. Belfast is an easy second … the capital city of Northern Ireland (after the partition of Ireland in 1922) and also where the Titanic was built.

Where else? Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim; the Blarney Castle in Cork; Brú na Bóinne in County Meath; I’d do the entire Ring of Kerry or just drive along the Irish coast if I could.

We won’t have time to see everything in one trip though. But that’s okay. Like I said, we have family in Ireland, so I have no doubt that we’ll be making multiple trips to the beautiful Emerald Isle. In the meantime, I’m gearing up for our next visit. Can’t wait!

CROSSED OFF WANDERLUST LIST – May 2019