H Y D A W A Y

This is a guest blog post by Hydaway ambassador Amber Smith. Follow her on Instagram @amber_smith14 and find more fun blog posts from her at Camp Nine Ten. All photos are from Amber from her trip to Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland is home to some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. I first visited Ireland in 2013 on a college tour. I loved it so much I moved to Galway (think Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl) for almost a year after I graduated from college.

In this blog, I will be sharing the best places to visit in Ireland. These are my top 5 favorite places to visit while in the Emerald Isle.

 

5. Cork & Blarney

Blarney is a small Irish village that is home to the Blarney Castle. Visiting this castle is a must and while you are there. Make sure to kiss the Blarney Stone to receive the gift of eloquence as the legend says. For planning ultimate guide to planning your trip to Cork & Blarney while in Ireland click here.

 

4. Belfast

While technically Belfast is located in Northern Ireland (which is a separate country from the Republic of Ireland), I thought it was worth including because of its beauty. While in Belfast, you will want to visit the Titanic museum and do a black taxi tour. When visiting, you can take a day tour to the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge . Just a heads up the Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge was used in several scenes. It truly is stunning.

 

3. Dublin

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and has a population of nearly 1.2 million people. More importantly, it’s full of things to do and places to see. I suggest visiting the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar; it has a 360-degree view of the city and a great gift shop. Another must-see while in Dublin is the Trinity College Library, and the Book of Kells. Be sure to go there in the morning to avoid the line. For those of you who are more interested in shopping, I recommend a stroll down the famous Grafton Street for shopping and entertainment by street performers. Finally, don’t forget to check out the pubs and live music in the Temple Bar area for one of the best things to do in Ireland.

 

2. Killarney

Killarney is a small beautiful village with lots to explore. Top attractions include the Muckross House and Gardens, horseback riding in Killarney National Park (Think P.S. I Love You). You should also consider the Irish Whiskey Experience. There you can blend your own Irish Whiskey and learn how Irish whiskey pairs perfectly with farmhouse cheese or artisan chocolate!

 

1. Galway & the Cliffs of Moher

Galway and the Cliffs of Moher are must-sees on any visit to Ireland. In fact, Galway was voted the European Capital of Culture for the year 2020 and definitely earns that title. It’s a beautiful coastal town with museums, pubs, shops, and great food. Top attractions in Galway include the Galway Cathedral, The Spanish Arch Area, the Blackrock Diving Tower, and the historic Kylemore Abbey. Just a short trip away is the iconic Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking and are a great way to wrap up your Irish road trip.

 

So, now that you have your trip to Ireland planned, don’t forget to pack the essentials:

Your passport, Hydaway bottle and travel case, camera, outlet converter, portable battery pack, dry shampoo, face wipes, a pair of earbuds, and a padlock for storage lockers. In conclusion, there are tons to see in Ireland so book your trip now and start exploring.