Introduction
I recently spent a week exploring Ireland with Dave and my mom. We visited Dublin, Galway, and Belfast while passing through iconic sights like Giant’s Causeway, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, and the Cliffs of Moher. Though we jam-packed the itinerary, we still just nearly scratched the surface of this tiny island.
From the food to the people, everything I experienced made me fall in love with the country. The warm, hearty meals and the warm, kind locals left a lasting impression. Though the country is small, it’s packed with vibrant cities and stunning natural wonders.
As such, Ireland quickly made its way onto my “I Must Return” list, and I’m already dreaming of exploring the Connemara Nature Preserve, visiting the Isle of Man and, of course, revisiting the bustling pubs of Dublin. In honor of my first (and certainly not last) visit, I’ve dedicated this blog as a love letter to the country. Read on as I outline 10 things I love about Ireland.
1. That Disarming Sense of Humor.
A sight spotted inside an Irish pub.
Anyone who’s been to Ireland will attest to this: The people are incredible. Their kindness was immediate and constant. Plus, the Irish are some of the funniest and most sarcastic people I’ve met.
They are sharp-witted and subversive, and will be playful even if they’ve just met you. Irish people will welcome you in by cracking jokes, and their humor knows no bounds. They will make fun of you, of themselves, of the “establishment”, all without ever making you feel uncomfortable.
2. Stunning Natural Wonders.
The coastal views from inside Dunluce Castle ruins in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
The Cliffs of Moher in County Galway.
We spent a portion of our trip in County Clare, which is home to the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin Cave, and many more destinations. However, the stunning scenery isn’t limited to County Clare. All across Ireland, you will lose your breath over seacoast views, rolling green hills, and sprawling forests.
Ireland truly is one of the most beautiful nations I’ve visited. I want to go back and dedicate some time to exploring all of Ireland’s natural wonders like Connemara National Preserve, which covers close to 7,000 acres of grasslands, bogs, and more.
3. Communal Pub Culture.
A scene from inside one of the many bustling pubs in Dublin.
Speaking of beauty, I have to mention the pubs. I appreciate how casual yet communal Irish pubs are. These establishments are gathering places where old friends and strangers alike connect. Sounds simple, right? But it’s the simplicity that makes these places so beautiful.
Irish pubs are unpretentious, but intentional in a way that immediately puts you at ease. You sit down, order a pint and, oftentimes before you even finish your first drink, someone sitting nearby strikes up a conversation. Then, before you know it, you’ve been talking for an hour. Irish pubs also have a storied history. The sense of camaraderie is palpable. It’s no wonder why social movements sprouted from inside those walls, and why pubs are still intertwined with Irish culture to this day.
4. Castles Are Everywhere.
Dunguaire Castle is a 16th-century tower house on the southeastern shore of Galway Bay in County Galway. This site was once a meeting place of literary revivalists like W.B. Yeats.
Ireland has an estimated 30,000 castles and castle ruins, which is even more impressive when you realize the country is the size of Indiana. During my trip, we saw the Dunluce, Doolin, Dunguaire, and Doonagore Castles. Not all Irish castles start with the letter D, though. In fact, we also saw Bunratty Castle.
As an American, five castles in one week was an insane experience. And I didn’t even have to go too out of my way to see them. For context, this map shows the locations of more than 1,300 clan castles throughout Ireland, and that’s not even all of them. No wonder Game of Thrones was primarily filmed here!
The Old Library building was constructed in the 18th century and now houses the Book of Kells, which is an original gospel manuscript containing the four Gospels of the New Testament of the Bible.
5. A Goldmine of History, Often With Free Admission!
During our time in Dublin, we were wandering around the city and stumbled upon the National Museums of History and Archeology. We were able to walk into each museum on a whim because there was no admission fee. In addition to the museums with free admission, Dublin is home to multiple museums that are worth the cost of their admission. Notably, we paid around $30 each to see Trinity College’s exhibit on the Book of Kells. This iconic manuscript was produced by hand some time between 600 and 800 CE and contains the four Gospels of the New Testament, written in Latin.
If you're looking to explore Ireland’s rich history without spending a cent, a wealth of free museums cater to various interests, from art to Viking history and more. Notably, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Ireland, both located in Dublin, are free. For literary enthusiasts, the Model Arts Centre in Sligo is also free and features a collection dedicated to W.B. Yeats.
6. Literature That Transcends Time.
The Oscar Wilde statue in Dublin’s Merrion Square. This monument is on the same corner as the poet and playwright’s restored childhood home, which is known for its Georgian architecture & period furnishings.
Speaking of Yeats, you could spend a lifetime exploring the works of Irish literary legends like W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, and more. For me, two Irish writers in particular, one past and one present, have made profound impacts on me and my writing. Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin and wrote “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” which was published in the late 1800s, as well as a myriad of plays and poems. He also coined the phrase “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
On a more recent note, author and screenwriter Sally Rooney was born on the Eastern side of Ireland and writes books that I regularly devour in one sitting. Her work portrays real-life people, with all their imperfections, in a way I find comforting. Her writing is honest and captures the totality of messy, nuanced experiences like first love and lifelong friendship. In her works, I see myself as I currently am and as I used to be.
7. The Irish Don’t Shy Away From Their Past.
My signature on one of the Belfast Peace Walls, which were constructed in a bid to reduce tensions in the city between Loyalist and Nationalist communities. The Peace Walls are now a historic monument where people from all over leave murals & messages of hope.
Our trip also included a political tour that took us around Northern Ireland, including Belfast. This tour, though somber at many times, gave me a valuable perspective on the Troubles and their impact, which is still rippling through Ireland today. If you’re unfamiliar, the Troubles of Northern Ireland was a violent conflict that spanned from the late 1960s to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. This was a complex and painful chapter in Irish history, rooted in centuries of divisions, political and religious strife, and the desire for a national identity separate from the United Kingdom.
Despite the wounds that this period inflicted, the Irish people show remarkable resilience and, to my surprise, an openness in confronting their history head on. The locals I met did not shy away from acknowledging the Troubles and the blatant divisions of this era. Rather, they confront their history with transparency, dignity, and (at times) unflinching humor. This approach is a testament to an Irish spirit that honors the past while forging a path toward a more united future. I was struck by how many Irish people hold current events like the Israel/Palestine conflict in the same light as their own experiences. Their level of empathy was inspiring.
8. Safety Is A Priority.
The square at Trinity College in Dublin, which is considered the Harvard of Ireland.
In 2022, the Global Peace Index ranked Ireland as the 3rd most peaceful nation in the world. I can attest that I felt incredibly safe during my travels. No matter the city or time of day, I felt confident and comfortable walking around. That’s in huge part to the people and the sense of community that they’ve created.
Plus, I was happy to learn that, according to The Irish Times, Ireland is leading Europe as the most tolerant nation in terms of attitudes toward immigrants and foreigners. I’m confident that solo female travelers, large groups, or young families, could all have a safe and rewarding trip.
9. The Value of Craftsmanship.
Guinness reflects Irish craftsmanship with its centuries-old tradition, which blends carefully chosen barley, hops, water, and a unique yeast strain to produce its globally-known stout.
It was clear to me that the Irish place an emphasis on craftsmanship. This respect is engrained in the Irish way of life. Rowdy pubs immediately hush to silence when traditional Celtic musicians start to play. Wool is knitted into intricate patterns by hand, and those same knits are repaired over multiple generations.
The people of this nation understand the value of an artist’s touch and celebrate the passion required to master one’s craft. That’s likely why we have Ireland to thank for some of history’s best writers and musicians. The Irish value of craftsmanship is also why Guinness comes to mind when we say “stout” and Jameson comes to mind when we say “whiskey”.
10. Food That Will Turn Anyone Into a Glutton.
Here is a platter of boxty, which is a traditional Irish potato pancake made from a mix of grated raw and mashed potatoes, flour, and buttermilk. It is often served fried and enjoyed as a hearty side dish. This platter also includes boxty pancakes and toast.
Throughout our entire trip, we marveled at the beauty of Irish butter and seafood. From comforting clam chowder to fresh lobster and multiple plates fried fish and chips, everyone remained well-fed. And to top it off, a cold pint of Guinness or, in my case, Bulmers or Rockshore Cider, was the perfect pairing for these hearty foods.
On our last day in Dublin, we let our stomachs guide us through the city one last time. We wanted to try as many iconic Irish foods as possible, and it was a gloating (or should I say bloating?) success. After soda bread (which was more like cake than bread) with fresh butter, boxty (potato pancakes/bread), Guinness beef stew, coddle (boiled sausage stew), and colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale), we submitted to the biggest food coma of our lives.
Conclusion
We clearly enjoyed our hike to Giant’s Causeway, which is Northern Ireland's iconic World Heritage Site. According to legend, the Irish giant Finn McCool built a causeway across the Irish Sea to confront his Scottish rival, Benandonner.
Ireland truly has it all—breathtaking landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and, above all, warm-hearted people who make you feel at home from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Whether you’re seeking adventure along the rugged coastlines, diving into centuries of history at the various museums, or simply enjoying a pint in a cozy pub, Ireland offers something for everyone. Plus, the live music scene is amazing.
My week in Ireland was nothing short of magical, and I’ve already decided I need to return to explore more of its attractions. Hopefully, I’ll see some hidden gems, too. If Ireland isn’t on your travel bucket list yet, it absolutely should be! I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it just as I did.