Hi All. I am spending a month in Ireland this summer. I had promised my best friend and the love of my life that we would go someday, but he passed away unexpectedly last June. I am now making the trip without him, both as a service to his memory and as part of my own grieving process. I expect it to be quite reflective of a trip and was wondering if there were any places I shouldn't miss, especially small off the beaten path places I can reach without a car. Travel time by bus does not dissuade me. So far my only plan is a few days with family friends in Galway. I've heard he dingle peninsula and donegal are lovely though. Also, I was considering taking the ferry to france for a few days just because I used to live in the NW and always loved them. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32322 posts
Louise,
First of all, my condolences on your loss (even though some time has passed).
As I recall, there was a movie that had some similarities with your situation (can't remember the name of it?). Ironically, I watched it while flying to Ireland and the U.K.
I'm assuming you'll be starting your trip in Dublin? I'd recommend spending a few days there to both recover from jet lag and get a sense of the history (see the Book of Kells and other sites - there's a large Cathedral across from the Harding Hotel that's incredible!).
Spending a few days in Galway would be great. You might also consider a daytrip to the Aran Islands. Dingle was absolutely one of my favourite spots! If possible spend at least 3-4 days there - lots of interesting Pubs, fantastic music and local sites such as the Gallarus Oratory and the Blasket Island Interpretive Centre.
Other sites that may be worth a visit: Rock of Cashel, Powerscourt Gardens, Kinsale, Killarney Park & Muckross House and the town of Cong (where The Quiet Man with John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara was filmed) and Ashford Castle (formerly, the "summer cabin" for Arthur Guinness but now a beautiful luxury Hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib).
There are sites in the north that may be of interest also, such as Portrush and nearby sites - Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, the Giant's Causeway and of course Belfast (it's an easy train ride from there to Dublin).
There are an enormous number of possibilities for a month in Ireland. With careful planning, it should be fairly easy to get around without a Car using train or Bus.
Hope this helps? Good luck and happy travels!
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
So many wonderful places in Ireland to take this special pilgrimage. Glendalough, Newgrange, Howth, easily accessible from Dublin. Not sure of transport available to the Beara Peninsula (Bantry, Sheeps Head, Durrus). This area is quintessential Ireland.
Cong, Connemarra, Westport, Cong and definitely Dingle are a must see. Hopefully this trip will help you in the process of paying homage to your partner and help you in your grieving process. Best wishes.