There’s something about Ireland that grabs hold of you the moment you arrive—the vivid palette of greens that blanket the landscape, the way every bend in the road reveals another postcard-worthy view, and the warmth of locals who make you feel more like a long-lost cousin than a traveler passing through. This August, we spent two weeks exploring the Emerald Isle, and I have to say it lived up to—and exceeded—our expectations.
Our journey began and ended with a short stay in Dublin, but our real interest was in exploring lesser-known parts of Ireland. So we rented a car (thankfully my travel companion was up to the challenge of driving a standard on the opposite side of the road!) and headed west, ready to discover Ireland’s legendary countryside.
One of our first stops was at Tullamore DEW Distillery in County Offaly for a whiskey tasting that blended history, craftsmanship, and a whiskey so smooth that we bought a bottle and enjoyed a nightly sip for the next two weeks. From there, we made our way to County Mayo, where rugged landscapes and quiet towns offered a peaceful two-night stay. A drive out to Achill Island rewarded us with a beach so breathtaking it almost felt misplaced—soft sand, turquoise water, and dramatic mountains tumbling down to the sea. Ireland isn’t often associated with beaches, and Keem (pronounced “Kim”) beach was one of the trip’s most delightful surprises.
Next came two nights in Athenry, a medieval town whose stone walls and winding streets were a reminder of Ireland’s deep-rooted history. From there, we ventured to the Cliffs of Moher, and though no photos can ever do them justice, standing at the edge of those towering cliffs was unforgettable.
Our ferry ride to Innisheer, one of the Aran Islands, felt like stepping back in time. Tiny lanes bordered by stone walls crisscrossed the island, sheep and horses grazed in green pastures, and the climb up to the ruins of Dún Aengus left us standing on the edge of sheer cliffs with the Atlantic roaring below. (The surprisingly strenuous hike helped counteract the full Irish breakfasts we indulged in daily). We capped the day with a visit to a beach populated by seals—another reminder that Ireland’s coastline is far more diverse than many realize.
But if one place stole our hearts, it was Dingle. With its dramatic cliffs, wild seas, and a village alive with pubs and music, Dingle felt like Ireland distilled into one perfect stop. From there, we traced the Wild Atlantic Way, navigating roads that were often no wider than our rental car, twisting and turning through landscapes that seemed to change with every mile—lush valleys, jagged coastlines, and charming villages where fresh seafood was always on the menu (and not just the classic fish and chips, though we ate our fill of that too!).
We rounded out the trip with a stop in Galway City, buzzing with energy, music spilling from every pub, and streets full of character. Along the way we visited Cork, an underrated city with serious culinary chops, and Killarney and Kenmare, picturesque towns whose colorful streets, old-world charm, and excellent restaurants (oysters, anyone?) were another highlight of the trip, before returning to Dublin for a pint to toast our final night in Ireland.
What stood out most wasn’t just the scenery—though the lush landscape and beaches are stunning—it was the people. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with a warmth and humor that made the country feel less like a vacation destination and more like a home. Compared to the rest of mainland Europe, Ireland feels refreshingly unpolished and intimate, a place where conversations with strangers and detours off the main road reveal the best treasures.
We’re excited to share that One Street Over is adding a brand-new 10-day small group tour to Ireland in August 2026. Join us as we retrace some of these incredible stops—castles, cliffs, pubs, and all—with a few off-the-beaten-path surprises along the way!
Get in touch to learn more!
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