Clifden Castle, County Galway (Sky Road)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from our Garden in the Hollow!

Today, we're taking a little trip down memory lane to share one of our favorite travel experiences, our family adventure to Ireland! If you're dreaming of summer travel, this might just inspire you to add the Emerald Isle to your list.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, near Doolin

Why Ireland?

A year ago, as late winter melted into early spring, we decided to plan a summer trip to Ireland. From lush green landscapes to dramatic coastlines, the country's natural beauty left us speechless. The friendly, welcoming people made it even more memorable. Picture endless green fields, misty mountains, tranquil lakes, rugged cliffs, and sheep dotting the hillsides like a watercolor painting. Rain showers came and went swiftly, and the ever-changing sky felt close enough to touch. It truly felt like a touch of magic.

Our 13-year-old has already requested a return trip, and honestly, we’d love to go back too! If you’re considering your own journey to Ireland, here are some tips from our experience.

Planning Your Trip

Late winter and early spring are ideal times to plan summer travel. Here’s what worked for us:

Flights: We flew non-stop from New Jersey to Dublin on United Airlines—simple, direct, and hassle-free. Dublin is a great entry point, but you can also consider Shannon Airport or Belfast International. If you have airline miles take advantage of those travel perks! And definitely get travel insurance—you never know when it might come in handy.

Renting a Car & Driving Tips

If you plan to explore the countryside, renting a car is essential. Choose a vehicle that balances comfort with maneuverability on Ireland's famously narrow roads. We opted for a hybrid Volvo XC60—not too big, not too small—which was perfect for our two-week adventure and even helped save on fuel. Interestingly, the car already had a few scratches when we picked it up in Dublin, but that turned out to be a relief. Navigating the tight, hedge-lined roads means you're likely to brush against some foliage—it's almost inevitable!

A few tips for the road:

Driving on the left can feel intimidating at first, but take it slow, and you'll adjust.
Document the car’s condition with photos and videos before driving off to avoid any issues later.
Invest in full car insurance—it’s worth the peace of mind.
Use a reliable navigation system, whether through your phone or a GPS like Garmin.

Our Travel Route

We focused on Ireland's western and southern regions. Here’s a quick rundown of our stops:

Dublin: We stayed two nights, explored the charming streets, visited the Guinness Storehouse, and strolled through Trinity College.
Galway: A lively, bustling city where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and strolled the streets.
Clifden: Our base for exploring Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and the breathtaking Sky Road.
Doolin: An overnight stop to see the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher.
Ballyseede Castle (near Tralee): A fairytale experience at a family-friendly castle hotel.
Dingle: We loved exploring the town, visiting the aquarium on a rainy day, and taking the stunning Slea Head Drive.
Killarney: Our first Airbnb was a bust, but our stay at the Killarney Park Hotel was a highlight—easily the best hotel experience of our trip. Take a day to drive the Ring of Kerry. Awesome views. Visited Ross Castle and Muckross House—both beautiful and rich in history. Take a walk to the Old Weir Bridge — a picturesque and historic spot.
Cork & Kinsale: In hindsight, we wished we had stayed in charming Kinsale instead of busy Cork. We spent a whole day in Kinsale and turned out to be such a nice day. Explore James Fort across the bay. Great views.
Kilkenny: A quick stop for Thai food and a wander around the Kilkenny castle grounds.
On your way back to Dublin, stop at the Rock of Cashel. An impressive old castle with guided tours.

What Surprised Us

Long daylight hours: Summer evenings stay bright until around 9:30–10:00 p.m., perfect for evening strolls.
Small businesses everywhere: Unlike the U.S., most shops and cafes were family-owned, adding a personal, local touch to every experience.
Warm, friendly people: The Irish hospitality was genuine and heartwarming. People were always ready to help and share a story.

Delicious Food Finds

Ireland’s cuisine surprised us with its freshness and flavor. A standout was the monkfish in Galway—perfectly tender and bursting with taste. A tip: make dinner reservations ahead, especially in smaller towns, as many restaurants fill up quickly. And by the end of our trip, I had definitely reached my limit on fries (“chips”) and Irish soda bread—craving a fresh salad never felt so real!

Must-See Attractions

Guinness Storehouse in Dublin — Engaging and interactive, with a stunning view from the Gravity Bar.
Connemara National Park — Hike for breathtaking views and visit Kylemore Abbey.
Cliffs of Moher — A must for any traveler. The views are unforgettable.
Ballyseede Castle Hotel stay. Fun for the whole family. Wait until you see the Irish Wolfhound. Such a sweet dog.
Sky Road Drive, Slea Head Drive, & Ring of Kerry — Rugged, dramatic, and utterly captivating.
Rock of Cashel — A historic and awe-inspiring stop on our way back to Dublin.

Final Thoughts

Ireland is truly a remarkable destination—so different in nature and landscape from where we live. We definitely plan to return someday to explore the northern part of the country!

One thing that made our trip so special was the level of planning we put into it. We highly recommend doing your research ahead of time to know what you want to see and experience. While flexibility is important, having a clear itinerary helps ensure you make the most of your time. That said, unexpected things can happen. For instance, we had a pretty awful experience with an Airbnb that didn't live up to its listing. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't hesitate to change your accommodations and communicate your concerns to the host. Most hosts are willing to reimburse you for the nights you don't stay, even if it takes a bit of effort to sort it out. Trust us, staying somewhere you dislike can put a damper on the experience.

We also had a minor car issue—a tire with a bubble that we discovered shortly after starting our trip. Thankfully, we had taken a quick video of the car when we picked it up from the rental agency, which clearly showed the tire damage. That video saved us from being charged for something that wasn’t our fault, so we highly recommend documenting the car’s condition before you hit the road.

Overall, planning, being prepared for the unexpected, and advocating for yourself when needed can make all the difference for a memorable trip!

If you have visited Ireland before, share your favorite moments and places below. We are curious what made your trip unforgettable in Ireland!

Ireland. So worth the visit!