RTW backpacking travel in Eastern and Western Europe
It might be the peat. It’s certainly the deep Irish brogue. But perhaps it’s also just the charming spirit of all who cross your path. Ireland has this certain something that makes the country feel incredibly unique; a something that I couldn’t quite identify for the first three weeks I spent in the country. Finding …
Affectionately referred to as “Irish mothers’ milk” by some and “the pint that drinks like a meal” by others, Guinness is a cultural right of passage on a visit to Ireland. And as a fiercely Irish yank, the Guinness Factory Tour was tops on my “must-see” list. But I had my doubts: Was it going …
The heart and sole of Ireland lives in the country’s pubs—and I don’t mean because of the Guinness, although let me assure you that plays a role. But it’s the country’s music and warm enthusiasm that keeps the yanks like myself enthralled with Ireland’s rich history and amazing music. I have to admit, my fondest …
Oscar Wilde described the Connemara region as a “savage beauty”—he was surely referring to the rough landscape that is largely covered with peat bogs, rocky hills, and interlocking chains of lakes. I’ve got to say, if ever there was a lonely landscape, it would have to be this region of Ireland. To really and truly …
The local residents living in the Aran Islands are as unique as the topography of this small chain of limestone islands lacing across the top of Ireland’s wind-swept Galway Bay. Known across the country as the cultural heart and soul of the Emerald Isle, the Aran Islands boast not only a prehistoric fort, but also …
After arriving in Doolin, a charming town on the western coast of Ireland, I learned an important travel lesson from my host. He put it to me straight, noting that there are two ways to set out on any great travel adventure: I mean really, is there even a choice?! Given his recommendation that we …
“Umm, did you hear that sound?” I oh so casually asked Laura as we drove from Doolin—a quaint and inviting village on Ireland’s wild west coast—toward the Cliffs of Moher. Laura, partially deaf in one ear, paused to consider and definitively shook her head before re-launching into her story. But I couldn’t shake the nagging …
In addition to Ireland’s most scenic coastline and sights: Slea Head Drive, and Dingle town, there are two other parts of the Dingle Peninsula that I really loved. I spent several days listening to Irish music and soaking in the good vibes in Dingle town. I also drove through a lot of the Dingle Peninsula. These days …