Forty shades of green is an understatement. The Emerald Isle is truly a kaleidoscope of green hues scattered over the rolling hills of this beautiful and historically rich country. My journey to this beautiful island began in Dublin. This bustling town is rich with warm and welcoming people. With Trinity College, Grafton Street, The National Library and the Jameson Distillery, just to name a few, one doesn't have to look hard to find interesting and entertaining places to visit.
I then traveled north to Northern Ireland which was an entirely new glimpse into this wonderful country. Belfast was my next stop. This beautiful city is flourishing with new growth and commerce. It was very interesting to see where the famed Titanic was built, along with the beautiful town square and the Old Belfast City Opera House. You really sense the English influence in the city with the Victorian architecture. If you have time, a trip to the Crown Bar Liquor Saloon on Victoria Street right in the heart of Belfast is a must.
Next I headed up the Antrim Coast. This follows the coastline from Belfast up to the Giant's Causeway. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Scotland. This is a truly beautiful drive and there are many wonderful hotels and castles for a relaxing overnight stay to enjoy all this area of Ireland has to offer. One of my favorites is the Ballygally Castle which has a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean from a warm and inviting great room with a fireplace and bar for a truly relaxing experience.
The Giant's Causeway is a must see on any journey to Ireland. Spectacular! This natural wonder is a national treasure and comes with a wonderful myth of how the Causeway was formed. Just make sure you take the trolley down; your legs will thank you.
Next I was off to the Walled City of Derry in County Derry. Derry or Londonderry (Irish: Doire or Doire Cholm Chille, meaning Oak wood of Colm Cille), often called the Maiden City, is a city in Northern Ireland. The old walled city of Derry lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, and the present city now covers both banks (Cityside to the west and Waterside to the east) and is connected by two bridges. It is one of the only places in Europe not to have its defensive walls breached (though the original fortified gates have been replaced). Derry is very near the border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and also serves the west of County Derry. All throughout Northern Ireland you will see large "wall" art depicting the political and religious turmoil that has been such a part of its history. A walking tour of the wall is a must in Derry.
Other must-see places include Clonmacnoise in County Offaly. This sacred site overlooks the famous River Shannon and dates back to 548 AD. The on-site museum houses three of the original High Crosses and many ancient grave carvings displaying the rich monastic history of this site.
Also in County Offaly is Birr Castle Demesne. The Castle is still a private residence, so no tour of the castle is available. However, I found the 72-inch telescope on the property fascinating. It was actually the first telescope to identify other galaxies. Birr Castle is also well known for its beautiful gardens and well worth a stop on your travels.
If you want a true medieval experience, don't miss a nights stay at Kinnitty Castle. In County Offaly just a few minutes from Birr Castle, the castle has a long and colorful history which dates back to ancient times. Located on an ancient druidic ceremonial ground, where leylines cross and mystical forces are prevalent, the area around Kinnitty can be considered to be the solar plexis chakra of Ireland. it is said to be haunted and has been featured on Most Haunted television. Just beware, if the ghost does not get you, the stairs will. There are no lifts in the charming castle holding to it's true authentic style.
Finally my travels took me to the famed Dromoland Castle. This fabulous castle is about 20 minutes from Shannon Airport and is the perfect place to spend the last couple of nights of your Irish vacation. The castle, a magnificent Renaissance structure built in the 16th century, was once the royal seat of the O'Brien clan. Refurbished and transformed into a luxury hotel in 1962, it retains priceless reminders of the castle's historic past. Splendid woodcarvings and stone statuary, hand-carved paneling and fine antique furnishings surround guests. On the castle's 375-acre estate, guests can hunt, fish, ride horseback, golf, play tennis, and more.
Covered with world class golf and spa resorts, rich history of many of America's most famous figures, breathtaking beauty and warm people, Ireland is a destination that everyone should experience at least once in a. lifetime. It is definitely a trip worth taking.