Our Ireland trip involved four date changes & push backs, but we ended up going late July- early August. Its perfect timing in getting out of the Texas heat, but it is peak season so its a busy spot. If you chose May, June or September, you should get the same weather with some lower prices and less crowds.
We covered a lot of ground in our 12 days. With help from an Ireland onsite specialist, Celebrated Experiences, we created an itinerary that fit our family size, travel style, and budget. In my previous post, I mentioned this trip was 10 years in the making. Taking four young kids on an international trip is not easy or cheap, but Celebrated helped me manage the budget to include city transfers, tour guides, and family friendly hotels that would allow us to maximize our time and avoid some headaches. They know the country, I know my people. It was helpful to have their insight on planning routes that would allow plenty of site seeing, hiking, meals, but allow for some down time. We had many "first experiences" some a little extravagant like afternoon tea, but many were simple fun such as playing with other kids in the St. Stephen's park playground.
To best describe Ireland, I would say its a "Magical" and "Mystical" countryside that is just as beautiful as its captured in pictures. One moment we were hiking along cliffs with a 700 foot drop to the sky blue ocean, and next we were petting cows in a yellow flower covered dairy farm. We explored trails outside our hotel where we encountered abandoned stone towers dating back to Viking settlements and 11th century church structures filled with old graves. In each city, there were jaw dropping cathedrals and castles surrounded by dainty cafes, festive pubs, and darling local shops. We journeyed through Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny, Cobh, Waterford, Ardmore, County Clare, Killarney, Dingle, Doonbeg, and few more villages in between. We (mostly me) thoroughly enjoyed long, English breakfasts with amazing coffee and local farm produced meat & dairy products. We got to interact with the local people (& animals), learn what drives their economy, listen to their historical storytelling, watch Ireland sporting events, and explore the countryside.
It's hard to briefly sum up our trip. I could probably write a book's worth of information and recommendations. Its the destination for history lovers, artists, photographers, nature fanatics, foodies, families, couples, Game of Throne's fans, and those tracing back to their Irish roots.
But what I think makes Ireland a gem is the people. These are my people, probably your people, and some of the nicest humans I've ever encountered. I felt at home like I was still in the South with the warm hospitality, but less fried food. Their spirit, heart & fight is an authentic affection for their country and I'm thankful beyond words my family got to experience firsthand.
