Stone and Heather

Adventures in Ireland

Flying into Dublin, you'll notice the intense green hue of the Emerald Isle from the air, inviting you to explore and to lose yourself in the past and present. Fishing boats trawl offshore, England is a dark line on the horizon, and the morning mist dissipates in the sunlight. This is Ireland. After picking up your cozy rental car, you'll take an easy drive around the city outskirts and head in towards Ballsbridge, a tree-lined, affluent suburb of the city with excellent shops and dining.

There, you'll stay at the impeccable Four Seasons, an excellent introduction to the hospitality and warmth of the country. Take tea, then a nap before heading out into the city for an evening of traditional music and pub hopping.

After a few days of exploring Dublin...

you'll drive south through the Wicklow Mountains, stopping at the monastic site of Glendalough to stretch and explore the beautiful lakes, hills, and famous round tower. Your driving day will end in a paved cul-de-sac across a moat from Waterford Castle, where you will enjoy several nights of wonderful food and local entertainment, and days touring Ireland's Viking Coast - they settled this city and the others nearby - and the famous glass and pottery factories of the area.

Heading west through the Cork Highlands...

stopping at Blarney Castle only if your relatives demand it - you'll arrive at Kenmare, a highland town south of Killarney and just off the tourist circuit. There, you'll stay at the Park Hotel Kenmare, one of the finest hotels in the British Isles. Horseback riding, golf, and high tea will be your regimen, as you take daytrips out to the Ring of Kerry, Bantry Bay, or even onto sleepy Dingle peninsula, where the locals still speak Gaelic and the fish is sublime.

Driving north through the thatched medieval town of...

Adare and the urban sprawl of Limerick, you'll cross the River Shannon and head along the Cliffs of Moher to Moy House, on Lahinch Bay. This jewel of a bed and breakfast is an 18th century country house, with peat fireplaces and stunning sea views. Moy House is the perfect place from which to explore the Burren with its wildflowers and Celtic ruins, and the city of Galway.

It is from Galway that you'll depart for...

one day of exploring the Aran Islands, beautiful spires of green land inhabited by a fiercely proud people cloaked in tradition. Join the dance in an Aran pub, and drive around the cliffside pastures and castles before returning to Moy House for your final night in Ireland. In the morning, you'll fly out of Shannon wiser and richer in every way that counts.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those who love Irish heritage and culture. Those looking for an off-the-beaten-track Emerald Isle experience. Travelers who love beautiful drives and overlooks.

Who should avoid this trip:

Travelers who need consistent weather and sunshine, or those who dislike driving on narrow roads.