#Howth Peninsula

[dopescissorscashwagon]

Sunrise this morning over the Baily Lighthouse on the Howth Peninsula, Ireland.

Click on photo

📸 by @Ann.Bruen

[itspeacelin]

Howth, Ireland, 2024.

[wfxue]

20230725_F0001: Just above Howth Peninsula by Wei-Feng Xue Via Flickr: - My flight taking off from Dublin airport. This is when it was passing Howth Peninsula just minutes after leaving DUB.

[irishgolfadventure]

Sunny Surprising County Louth

Today was another beautiful day in Ireland. All the native Irish have been commenting on how nice the weather has been for the month of May. This kind of weather will really spoil us for when we make a return trip! Today might have been the nicest it’s been since we’ve been here!

We arrived finally arrived at County Louth Golf Club this morning after a few misinterpretations of our GPS guidance. Nothing that a couple of U turns couldn’t take care of though. We arrived early enough to get a little practice in on their range. And then we met Sheldon and Marc our playing partners for the day. Sheldon was from Yellow Knives, Canada and Marc was from the Silicon Valley in California. Marc was a low handicap golfer and Sheldon was a 16 hdcp. 

The course was great!! Beautifully manicured, well designed and long. I had a choice between 6500, 6700 or 7100 yards. I didn’t want to intimidate the other two by playing from the tips so I chose to play the course from 6500. Whew, the back nine started with 5 straight par 4s - 398,464,410,408 & 322! Needless to say no pars on the first five on the back (in case you’re counting I went 6,6,5,5,5) but parred three out of the last four to shoot 43 for the nine ( back was par 35) and 90 for the round. I felt like I played really well for the distance and difficulty of the course.

The course itself had trouble everywhere. Lots of pot bunkers, small mounds of heather in the fairways and the greens were by far the most undulating that we have played and they were lightening fast. The caddie’s said the course was getting ready to host the Irish Amateur next week. Some of the green complex’s were crazy challenging. My caddie was great at reading the greens and forced me to make good course management decisions. I’m sure I would have scored at least 10-15 strokes higher if it weren’t for him. Probably the best caddie I had on the trip.

At Kim’s request, I haven’t been commenting on her game or scores but she played really well today. In fact, this was her best outing of the trip! Senior Ladies Tour is now a possibility:-)

We’re going out to eat tonight at O’Connell’s in Howth. It’s a small resort town located out on a very small and rocky peninsula that is almost an island. Jutting out into the Irish Sea, Howth’s buildings are bright colored and perched on the rocky cliffs. Cool little village and a very popular place to hang out. We’ll be there with all the beautiful people tonight!!

Tomorrow is a check out some of Dublin and Malahide. Malahide is a cool seaside town with lots of shops and a beautiful marina located on another of Ireland’s thousands of scenic bays. Blessings to all! 

[imaginefinneganswake]

riverrun, past Eve and Adam’s, from swerve of shore to bend of bay, brings us by a commodius vicus of recirculation back to Howth Castle and Environs

Finnegan's Wake - James Joyce

ChatGPT4o explanation :

The passage you've provided is the famous opening line of James Joyce's Finnegans Wake, a novel that is often regarded as one of the most difficult works of literature due to its dense wordplay, multiple languages, and complex structure. To break this down for a group of university students, we'll look at the key themes, stylistic elements, and some important background concepts that can help make sense of it.

1. Cyclical Structure

One of the most important things to understand about Finnegans Wake is that it is written in a circular structure. The book’s final sentence flows directly into the first sentence, making the novel an endless loop. This reflects Joyce’s interest in the idea of history repeating itself in cycles, a concept drawn from Giambattista Vico’s philosophy of historical cycles.

"riverrun" begins the sentence mid-thought, suggesting that we are entering the flow of a continuous narrative. The novel itself is like a river, constantly moving and looping back on itself. This mirrors the cyclical nature of history and human experience that Joyce explores throughout the novel.

2. Geographical and Historical References

Joyce often embeds his own native Dublin into Finnegans Wake, using the geography of the city to ground his otherwise fluid and dream-like narrative.

"past Eve and Adam's" refers to Adam and Eve’s Church in Dublin, which is located near the River Liffey. The Liffey runs through Dublin, and for Joyce, rivers often symbolize the flow of time and memory, as well as the cycle of life and death.

"from swerve of shore to bend of bay" describes the winding course of the river (again, likely the Liffey), emphasizing its movement. This movement can be seen as both literal (the course of the river) and symbolic (the winding, recurring course of history).

"brings us by a commodius vicus of recirculation" is a dense phrase. First, "commodius vicus" is likely a reference to Giambattista Vico, the philosopher who proposed that history is cyclical. "Recirculation" emphasizes this idea of cycles—things constantly returning or repeating.

3. Blending of Myth and History

Throughout Finnegans Wake, Joyce mixes mythology, history, and geography into a dreamlike narrative that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

"Howth Castle and Environs" refers to Howth, a peninsula north of Dublin, and Howth Castle, a historical site in that area. By mentioning Howth Castle, Joyce invokes both the physical geography of Dublin and the historical significance of the castle, which becomes intertwined with various myths and legends throughout the novel. This combination of myth and real location reflects the novel's overall blending of historical facts with myths and dreams.

4. Language and Wordplay

One of the major challenges of Finnegans Wake is Joyce's use of language. He frequently combines words, creates portmanteaus, and pulls from multiple languages, making every sentence rich with multiple meanings. In this opening line, we can already see several examples of this:

"riverrun" combines "river" and "run," suggesting the flow of water and time. It also hints at the structure of the book—like a river, the narrative runs continuously.

"commodius vicus" blends Latin (commodius means "convenient" or "spacious") with a reference to Vico. Joyce does this kind of blending to pack in as many layers of meaning as possible.

The word "recirculation" reinforces the cyclical nature of the text—things are constantly flowing and returning, like the narrative itself.

5. Themes Introduced

This opening line introduces several of the novel’s key themes:

Cyclical Time: Time is not linear in Finnegans Wake. The story (and human history) is seen as recurring, endlessly looping back on itself, just as the river winds through Dublin or history repeats in Vico’s cycles.

Blending of the Personal and Universal: Joyce frequently blurs the boundaries between personal experience (life in Dublin, Irish history) and universal concepts (the cycle of time, mythology).

Dream-Like Narrative: The opening line introduces us to the fluid, often nonsensical, and dream-like world of Finnegans Wake. The text works like a dream—filled with fragments of language, myth, and history that constantly shift and change.

Takeaway for Students

At first glance, this passage may seem impenetrable, but Joyce is actually laying out the key themes of the entire novel right here. The cyclical nature of time and history, the blend of the personal and mythological, and the playfulness of language are all central to Finnegans Wake. Understanding this can help students appreciate the deeper purpose behind Joyce’s experimental style.

When approaching Finnegans Wake, it’s useful to remember that Joyce was not just interested in telling a linear story. He was exploring how language, history, and myth shape our consciousness and the world around us, and he used the novel’s structure and style to reflect these complex ideas.

[beautyofscience]

Friday mystery object #481 answer

A Friday mystery object fished out of the Irish Sea. Any idea what it might be? Bonus points for cryptic clues!

Happy Friday everyone! This week I have a mystery object for you that came in as an enquiry from a regular donor to the Dead Zoo’s collections. It was found by a fisherman in the Irish Sea, just off Howth, which is a lovely seaside village on a peninsula that marks the northern tip of Dublin Bay : Any thoughts on what it might be? I suspect some of you will have a pretty good idea, so keep your…

[streetsofdublin]

BOATS AND PEOPLE ON A SUNNY DAY IT THE FISHING VILLAGE OF HOWTH

Howth is located on the peninsula of Howth Head, which begins around 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) east-north-east of Dublin's GPO, on the north side of Dublin Bay.

SATURDAY 19 AUGUST 2023 Howth is located on the peninsula of Howth Head, which begins around 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) east-north-east of Dublin’s GPO, on the north side of Dublin Bay. The village itself is located just over 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) by road from Dublin city centre (the ninth of a series of eighteenth-century milestones from the Dublin General Post Office (GPO) is in the village…

[dmctoursireland]

Exploring Dublin's Hidden Gems: A Memorable Private Tour Experience

Introduction

 Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city teeming with history, culture, and unforgettable sights. While there are countless ways to discover Dublin's charms, embarking on a private tour offers a unique and personalised experience. In this blog, we will delve into the captivating world of Dublin Private Guided Tours, highlighting the benefits of such an excursion and the hidden gems that await you along the way. Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting tales, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic local experiences that make Dublin a destination unlike any other.

Unveiling Dublin's Private Tours 

Dublin's private tours are tailored to suit your preferences, ensuring an intimate and customized journey through the city. Unlike traditional group tours, private tours allow you to set the pace, explore lesser-known attractions, and delve deeper into the stories that bring Dublin's history to life. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you can expect personalized attention, insider knowledge, and the freedom to discover Dublin's treasures at your own leisure.

Dublin's Rich History and Cultural Delights

 A private tour of Dublin offers a captivating exploration of its rich history and cultural heritage. Begin your journey at the heart of the city, where you can marvel at iconic landmarks such as Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College. Delve into the stories of Irish revolutionaries at Kilmainham Gaol, witness the fascinating exhibits at the National Museum of Ireland, or stroll through the charming cobbled streets of Temple Bar, the city's cultural quarter.

Venturing Beyond the Beaten Path 

One of the greatest advantages of a private tour is the opportunity to venture beyond the beaten path and discover Dublin's hidden gems. Escape the crowds and explore the secret corners of the city, such as the tranquil Iveagh Gardens or the charming Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam. Uncover the fascinating history of the Little Museum of Dublin, tucked away in a quaint Georgian townhouse, or wander through the vibrant stalls of the Temple Bar Food Market, savoring the flavors of local produce.

Immersing in Local Experiences 

A private tour also offers a chance to immerse yourself in authentic local experiences. Stop by traditional Irish pubs, where you can enjoy live music sessions and raise a pint of Guinness with the friendly locals. Explore the bustling food scene and indulge in a culinary adventure, sampling traditional dishes such as Irish stew or freshly-caught seafood. Your knowledgeable guide will provide valuable insights, recommend hidden culinary gems, and help you connect with the true essence of Dublin's vibrant and welcoming community.

Nature's Beauty Surrounding Dublin 

 Dublin is not only a city of history and culture but also a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty. A private tour allows you to venture outside the city limits and explore the stunning landscapes that surround Dublin. Visit the dramatic cliffs of Howth Peninsula, where you can enjoy invigorating coastal walks and panoramic views of the Irish Sea. Discover the enchanting Powerscourt Gardens, a verdant oasis nestled in the Wicklow Mountains, or take a leisurely cruise along the serene waters of the River Liffey, admiring the cityscape from a different perspective.

Conclusion 

Embarking on a private tour of Dublin guarantees an unforgettable experience filled with personalized discoveries, hidden gems, and local encounters. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or a nature lover, Dublin's private tours offer an immersive journey that will leave you with cherished memories of this captivating city. Get ready to create your own Dublin adventure and unlock the secrets of this remarkable destination.

[cruisinandsnapin]

Howth, Republic of Ireland

[anotheralbatross]

Howth Head, Ireland

[teosolar]

[thelinthing]

Ireland vacation 2022 recap

On Friday, September 2, 2022, the alarm goes off in the middle of the night – half past three in the morning. A dream we've had for as long as I can remember is coming true; we are going to Ireland.

However, preparing for a holiday is not without stress. Weeks of planning, endless hours on Google Maps, checking every bus connection thirty times and finally having a complete nervous breakdown about the forecast weather, which predicted rain rain and more rain all week. So we just packed our bags with extra rain gear and hope for the best.

At five o'clock AM grandma and her boyfriend are at the door to take us to Amsterdam. Months of news reports of horror scenarios at Schiphol Airport, endless lines at security and lost luggage are all in the back of our minds, but you can’t do more than arrive on time and provide your luggage with stickers and a GPS tag. So we did exactly that, but once arrived at Schiphol the stress turned out to be for nothing. First we had about an hour of waiting at an almost deserted check-in desk, then we took an almost leisurly stroll through a security line of 20 minutes, and then another quiet hour of waiting with far too expensive coffee in the departure hall. The flight was somewhat delayed, but around half past ten we left the runway behind us and climbed up towards the North Sea.

The flight went well, except for the landing, where our ears very painfully indicated that they did not agree with the cabin pressure difference. But then we saw the Howth peninsula, and how the Irish sea pounded upon the cliffs, and it started to sink in; we are really there.

After a somewhat chaotic lunch at Dublin Airport, we had to look for a bus to Bray, where we had booked our Airbnb. After a few more minutes of trudging fruitlessly from one terminal to the other, we were suddenly sent by a couple of helpful ladies to a bus headed in that direction, and we had three minutes to catch it. So we threw the luggage in the belly of the bus and we got on board.

We soon found out that the local Irish are absolutely friendly people, except for bus drivers. This good man was the first we met of many who addressed us curtly and surly. Apparently being a bus driver in these parts is a hard profession.

We arrived at Bray and it took us about a twenty minute walk to get to our Airbnb. Tired, broken, worn out but satisfied we arrived and were warmly greeted by Helen, our hostess, who shares the house with her platonic friend Gerry.

We dragged the luggage to our room upstairs and thankfully plopped down on the comfortable beds, then spent the rest of the afternoon out cold. At dinnertime we made our way to the Aldi further on for the necessary provisions, filled the stomachs with an instant curry and hit the sack after an episode of Stranger Things.

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On Saturday we put on the rain gear and Gerry gave us a lift to the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk – a walking route that winds between the coast of the Irish Sea and the hillside of Bray Head. The pants of my rain suit turned out to have a big tear at the seam and by the time we got back it had torn from waist to crotch. So that could go to the trash. I'm still happy with my foresight and the extra rain poncho I packed anyway and that kept my butt dry for the rest of that afternoon.

Despite the rain we still walked a beautiful route. Aided by our walking sticks, we dodged huge of puddles of rain on the muddy trail, and marveled at the ease with which the locals walked these trails.

The local birds were extensively photographed by Mom, but the camera soon became too wet to use and disappeared back into the bag.

We followed the trail for about two miles before returning to Bray, pining for a hot lunch, which we eventually found at a joint called Wilde on the boardwalk, where we had an invigorating bowl of mushroom soup and watched football on TV

The bus back to the Airbnb was quickly found. Another nap, spaghetti bolognese for dinner, another episode of Stranger Things, and the first real day of vacation was done.

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come the next morning the sky was, to our relief, blue and the hills outside our bedroom window bathed in sunlight.

About a half hour walk from our address we found Killruddery House. A large mansion with impressive gardens in which we could get lost. Apparently there was some kind of sappy romance movie being shot there with Lindsey Lohan in the lead role. All kinds of film equipment could be seen in and around the house and the picturesque tearoom in the conservatory had been transformed into a kitschy film set of a wedding location with lots of pink.

A lady in a pink jacket peered through the conservatory window and made a face. 'Not my taste.' she said. We agreed.

Further into the park we found a path leading to a rocky hill overlooking the house and gardens. There we found the lady with the pink jacket again, sitting on a rock, enjoying the view. We sat down next to her and had a nice chat.

She asked us about our motivation to visit Ireland, and we told her that our love for the country started with the music of Riverdance and the like.  The lady then told us that Riverdance happened to be showing this week at the Gaiety theater in Dublin. She went there herself this week with her daughter.

The idea of ​ going to Riverdance sounded like the icing on the cake for our vacation to us.

The lady was determined to get us in the mood. She grabbed her cell phone, looked up the Riverdance theme, grabbed Moms hands and started a spontaneous dance. So the three of us – Mom, me and a total stranger lady – were dancing and hopping like crazy on a rock at Killruddery Gardens. We then gave her a big hug, and the lady walked back to the gardens. We stood on that rock for a good five minutes, absolutely stunned, and joked that we had met a real Irish fairy.

One thing was certain; we had to go to Riverdance this week. As soon as we were back at our accommodation, we immediately booked the tickets for the next Tuesday.

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Monday started with gray skies and heavy rain. Since we had covered almost ten kilometers the day before, the legs were getting really sore and we decided to take a rest day. We did some laundry and in the afternoon decided to take a short walk in the neighborhood. We had seen on Google Maps that a block or two away there were ruins of an old castle tower, and we decided to check it out.

We did take our walking sticks with us, given the sore legs.  Google maps took us on a strange route and all paths came to a dead end. We wandered through the suburbs for a while, where we got some weird glances because of our walking sticks. When we finally got our sights on the tower, we found that it was surrounded by impenetrable fences and all the paths that ever led to it were bricked up with gray stone walls. A bit disappointed, we continued in the drizzling rain to Lidl to get some groceries and returned to the Airbnb. There we were told that the tower had recently been closed to prevent loitering. Lacking further plans, we got out our deck of cards and spent the afternoon playing Crazy Eights.

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Since we were going to Riverdance on Tuesday evening, we decided to add an afternoon in Dublin. We took the train into town with a vague plan to at least meander through the lanes of St Stephen's Green park, admire Trinity College and check out the adjacent famous Grafton Street shopping area.

Unfortunately, the rain threw a spanner in the works. Our visit to Trinity College went no further than the courtyard, where we quickly moved on because it was crowded and eventually took shelter at a Burger King for lunch. A few minutes of Googling later we found an address to spend the rest of the afternoon out of the elements and walked on to the Dublin Archaeological Museum. The entrance was free, but the necessary euros were spent at the souvenir shop there.

The museum was a great filler for the afternoon, but my legs in particular suffered from fatigue again. Fortunately, when we left the museum it was dry again and we went looking for a phamracy to get something for the muscle pain. A painkiller and a well-deserved break on a bench at St Stephen's Green later got me back on track. In the park quite some seagulls, pigeons and a heron have been photographed. We then headed out to find a cheap restauraunt to have dinner.  We found one on the corner of the Gaiaty theater, which was run by Americans and where we ate a plate of pasta with pesto and chicken for little money.

We quickly visited a beautiful indoor shopping center opposite the theater where we bought more souvenirs and a little later we found ourselves in the beautiful Victorian Gaiety theatre. We had arranged pretty decent seats on the side of the front box.

The show itself was phenomenal. We've watched the 1996 New York show thousands of times on videotape, but despite the fact that this version had a smaller dance troupe and the live orchestra consisted of just three ladies, the real thing can't be matched. The first half of the show followed the set list we knew well, but in the second half we were surprised with quite a bit of new songs. By the end our hands were sore with applause and the company received a well-deserved standing ovation.

We found a bus back to Bray and got back into bed by midnight.

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The next day, a visit to the enchanting Powerscourt House was on the agenda. The plan was to take the bus to the nearby village of Enniskerry but that turned out to be quite a challenge. The bus we had planned to catch simply didn't arrive and we were told by a local bus driver that the next one was coming in an hour. To kill the time we walked to the beach and the promenade behind the station and admired the waves of the Irish Sea in the sun.

We returned to the station but unfortunately disaster had to strike. Mom's ankle buckled when stepping off a curb and she was suddenly laying on the street with a scraped knee and a sore ankle. 

Because to the chaos surrounding the fall, we managed to get to the wrong bus stop and the bus to Enniskerry drove off without us. We were fed up with the local public transport by now, so we opted to take a taxi.

A friendly Lyft taxi driver took us to the gates of Powerscourt Estate. In hindsight it was a good thing we hadn't taken the walk from Enniskerry to Powerscourt as the road went steeply uphill and with Mom’s busted ankle we would never have made it.

Powerscourt was beautiful and we kept it fairly dry until we got to the Japanese Garden where it started to rain. The umbrellas came out and we limped on to the adorable little Peperpot tower. But everything was getting wet and clammy and Mom’s ankle wasn't getting any better. We made our way to the cafe and got orselves two huge cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and  I tried to book a taxi back using the Lyft app. The app neatly stated that a taxi would be there in about twenty minutes, but somehow I got two confirmation emails. We went to wait at the front gate… and waited and waited… and not a taxi in sight. Over an hour and two more annoyed phone calls to Lyft later, it turned out that they had mistakenly booked two taxis first, (hence the double confirmation in the mail), then were both canceled, and then we were rather rudely told they had no more taxis available. As things were looking now, we were stranded.

We went back inside where we just cought the receptionist before she left, and she managed to arrange an alternative taxi driver for us. A few minutes later an old fellow from Enniskerry with not a single tooth left in his mouth came to our rescue  and dropped us off at the Airbnb.

In the evening when we had just gone to bed, the owners of the Airbnb came home again. I informed them that Mom was down with a sore ankle and immediately a cold compress and a support sock was provided and we could even borrow a pair of crutches for the next day that they happened to have lying around. We will not soon forget our hosts’ wonderfull care.

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We had booked a bus tour for Thursday from Dublin to the town of Glendalough, deep in the Wicklow Mountains. Fortunately Mom’s ankle was much better and it turned out to be no worse than slightly sprained. Still, Gerry insisted that we take the crutches with us.

The alarm went off at five in the morning, as the Dublin bus left around eight. Once again we took the train into town and found the Paddywaggon Tours bus at The Spire – a 121-metre-long pole that the locals also dubbed the Stiletto in the Ghetto and the Stiffy by the Liffey – among other things.

The bus was full of tourists and mostly Americans. Our driver entertained us with stories and tidbits about the area with his fantastic storytelling voice during the drive. In the mountains it was wet and foggy but the narrow roads, lined by low stone walls made the ride quite exciting. We stopped at Loch Tay, also known as the Guinness lake. Apparently this was where Kattegat's set from the Vikings series was built. However, there was no longer a Viking to be seen. There was little be seen anyway because of the fog, unfortunately. But just as the bus driver called us back to continue the ride, the fog suddenly lifted enough from the valley to still treat us to a spectacular view of the lake.

Once in Glendalough we were told we had only an hour and a half to walk around there, and the weather unfortunately remained on the wet side. We walked around the ancient ruins and the cemetery, on to the lake and past a waterfall, and far too quickly we had to turn around again to get to the bus in time.

Back in Dublin, Mom was eager for a cup of coffee, but although Talbot Street indicated on Google Maps that there were plenty of pubs, in reality it turned out to be a fairly dodgy street where inviting pubs turned out to be thinly spread. At the end towards Connoly Station we found a pub that looked okay, but were fresh out of coffee, so we settled for a cup of tea. In any case, it warmed our chilled bodies before catching the train again to Bray, where we prepared our suitcases for the return journey.

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And just like that, a week has passed and one spends the whole Friday trying to get home. Unfortunately Helen had already left for work, but we were still able to give Gerry a bouquet of flowers and luxurious bars of chocolate we purchased the day before and thanked them profusely for their hospitality.

We once again took the train to the city.  In Dublin we found a bus to the airport, but we found out that our flight was delayed at least an hour. After a long wait we finally left Ireland around 4.30pm and flew back to Amsterdam without any further problems, where my uncle picked us up and we arrived back at the safety and familiarity of our homes at around 9:30 PM. 

[luke-ire-blog]

Howth Peninsula, Dublin 🇮🇪

[martinpiclr-blog]

#Howth #Ireland #peninsula #island https://www.instagram.com/p/0a2vo1yEJz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=st91egtwqk7b

[middletonlove]

Prince William and Kate enjoyed a romantic clifftop walk in the Howth peninsula, east of central Dublin, spending some quality time together on the second day of their three-day official royal tour of the Republic of Ireland

[fitllivinglifestyle]

Best Hiking in Ireland and Other Unique Irish Adventures

If you want to fully experience one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world then you must go Hiking in Ireland. The rolling green fields, stone fences, savage cliff coastlines and  medieval castles make it one of the most awe inspiring locations for a great hike or country walk. It is one of the greenest place I have hiked in the world, right up there with my home area of the Pacific Northwest and Hiking the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines. Then you have the Irish themselves who are some of the friendliest people you will ever come across. Everywhere you go, whether a city or small village, you will find a pub filled with welcoming  locals, music, dancing and stories of myths and legends. A perfect place to rest your feet and quench your thirst after a day of hiking the Irish hills and valleys. So where do you hike in Ireland? Well the list is almost endless but to get you started I have created a guide to some of the most scenic hiking spots in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Here you will see some of the best this island has to offer while hitting up a few iconic photographic spots as well.  

Best Hiking in Ireland and Other Unique Irish Adventures

1. The Cliffs of Moher

At over 700 feet tall these cliffs are magnificent to view. They are one of the most visited attractions in Ireland and can get busy during peak season. I suggest going early in the morning when they first open. There is a great walk along the cliffs. They do have a small wall barrier but this can be easily hopped over for a full cliff hike experience. Be careful as winds can be very strong when walking too close to the edge. You can literally fill up a whole card of images here. Look below and see the power of mother nature slamming into the walls. Scenes from great movies like The Princess Bride (Cliffs of Insanity) and Harry Potter and the half blood prince have been filmed here. Here is a 360 experience for the Cliffs of Moher Galway is one of the best places to stay as a home base for seeing the Cliffs of Moher. A bustling center with so many pubs to explore when you are not exploring nature. Galway Hotels

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2. Ballybunion Cliff Walk

South of Galway is a little town called Ballybunion. Along the coast is a great walk along some beautiful beaches and picturesque cliffs. This walk has been used by visitors for the last 100 years. You can also explore a pretty castle and some lovely sand dunes. Most people can easily spend a couple hours here exploring.

3. Clogher Strand Beach

A must see stop when driving around the Dingle peninsula is Clogher Strand. There is a car park here and even on the calmest day, this little cove is spectacular to view. The rocky shore and cliffs are battered by wind and waves up to 26 feet high. There is a wonderful hike from this cove along the countryside and cliffs to the Pier at Wine Strand. This is some of the best hiking in Ireland. This route takes about 3 hours, but you can make your way back via a road if you do not want as long of a walk. Many movie fans may recognize this area as the Irish countryside that Tom Cruise's character was from in "Far and Away."

Dingle is an iconic Irish village worth a stop itself. It has one of the biggest food festivals and also is home to one of the most famous Dolphin's by the name of Fungie. Locals say this same dolphin has made this it's home for the last 32 years. Dingle Hotels

4. Slea Head and Dunmore Head

Easily accessible from Dingle, this is the most western point in Ireland. You can park at Coumeenoole Beach and head up to see Coumeenoole Ogham Stone. This particular Ogham stone is believed to be a place of worship for someone named Erc to the goddess Duibhne(Dovinnias). It is a bit of a hike up to the stone through fields of sheep and over a small fence, but the views from there are one of a kind. You have a heavenly view of the Blasket Islands to the west and nothing else until North America behind them. To the east you can view Slea Head beach and endless miles of green countryside. Put this one on your hiking in Ireland list.

5. Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is a scenic narrow mountain pass just outside of the popular town of Killarney, Ireland. A popular way to ride through the pass is with a jaunting car or pony guided by locals who live around the gap. You can also find some of the best hiking trails in Ireland here. Many also choose to bike through the area. There are even rock climbing routes in the area for those looking for a more extreme adventure. The Dunloe gap is about 7 miles long and consists of 11 lakes connected by the river Loe and an old arch bridge called the "Wishing Bridge." The gap was also a filming area for the movie "The Crying Game." Killarney is your best bet for a place to stay in this area and is a wonderful town full of pubs, delicious food, live music and amenities.  There is also the Killarney National Park to explore and definitely worth a visit when in Killarney. One of the largest parks in Ireland. Killarney Hotels

6. Bog of Frogs Loop

Dublin is an epicenter in Ireland. Many people just stay in Dublin for pubs, music and food but there is adventure just outside the city along with some great Ireland hiking. Within the town of Howth is a fairytale hike through enchanted forests and up to an amazing lookout. This whole area known as Howth Head was immortalized in James Joyce's book Ulysses. One of my favorite Howth hikes is Bog of Frogs that winds through an enchanted forest of gnarly trees which locals say is full of fairies.  Check out Shane's Howth Hikes for guided Ireland hiking tours of this area. Need a spot for lunch? Don't miss the delicious seafood at Octopussy's Seafood Tapas Restaurant on the Howth waterfront. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, I know seafood and this is good seafood. Need place to say in Dublin? Dublin Hotels

7. Dalkey Island

In the town of Dalkey just outside of Dublin you can kayak over to Dalkey Island with Kayaking Dublin. This drops you right into Lord of the Rings-like terrain. The kayak trip over is full of encounters with seals and beautiful coastline. Then you touch down on the island which is covered with rock and a spongy Irish moss. I chose to go barefoot and literally felt like a hobbit exploring the island.  If overnight stays were allowed I may not have left. The island was used by the Vikings as a holding area for slaves they had captured and a base for attacks and defense. This uninhabited island has been used for various purposes for 6000 years. It is now home to goats, seals, rabbits and legends.  Want lunch in Dalkey? Look no further than The Dalkey Duck Looking for more adventure? Zip It Forest Adventures may be what you need. Packed with fun and challenging routes for beginners to advanced. The Red Circuit is an upper body killer!

8. Hellfire Club (Mount Pelier Hill)

One of the most haunted buildings in Ireland wrapped up in witchcraft and satanic rituals. The Hellfire Club had multiple meeting locations around Ireland and some of the most influential and richest men in the country would partake in these gatherings. This old hunting lodge built by William Connolly is on top of Mount Pelier Hill. Locals share stories of debauchery, sacrifices and even the devil himself at this lodge. The hike up to the lodge is gorgeous with views of Dublin to the North and the Wicklow mountains to the South. The lodge itself sits on an old burial site in which adds to the haunted tales and stories of satanic rituals. You can explore the building and feel the eerie presence of those who may have died at this site. Watch your step as the building can be damp and dark. There is a great company Hilltop Treks that does Ireland Hiking tours and can take you up to this spot and other hiking in Ireland Watch a story told by Terry from Hilltop Treks about Hellfire Club here. Looking for something extra to do in this area. How about horseback riding in Dublin overlooking the Wicklow Hills with Killegar Stables? They are a great outfit for beginners to experts and one of Ireland's longest established riding schools. Take in the fresh Irish air as you trot through the countryside. Prefer golfing to hiking? Check out this resort just outside of Dublin with golfing at your fingertips? Check out Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links

9. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Situated in Northern Ireland along the coast is a rope bridge not for the feint of heart. The bridge is 65 feet long and 100 feet above the rocks below. It connects Carrickarede island with the mainland. It is a nice scenic walk down to the bridge, there is a fee to cross it. On the other side you can explore the old fishing dock and take the stairs to the top of the island. Upon returning across the bridge to your left you can follow the trail to a nice lookout spot for a great photographic view of the bridge and island. This will loop you back to the parking area. Not some of the best hiking in Ireland, but definitely a unique and beautiful area. Plan to stay in Belfast? Belfast is a prime city to situate yourself when exploring Northern Ireland. You can visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle and The Dark Hedges all from Belfast. Belfast Hotels

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10. Giant's Causeway

One of Northern Ireland's most visited natural wonders. An area consisting of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. This is the by-product of an ancient volcanic eruption and is now a UNESCO site. Legend denotes the columns are the remains of a route built by giants. To get to the columns you must park above near the Visitors Center. Remember entrance to the Giant's Causeway is free but use of any of the facilities like the car park requires payment. In slow season you may be able to stop for a drink or snack at the pub and use their parking area or find parking along the road or a wall near the visitors center. It is a bit of a hike down along the coast to get to the columns, but a fairly level road to walk on. Once there, you can spends hours climbing and exploring the area. One the weirdest landscapes next to Cappadocia, Turkey.

Are you a Game of Thrones fan? When you are on your way to the Giant's Causeway or any other of the Northern Ireland Coastal locations, you can stop by the Dark Hedges. Used in the popular TV series Game of Thrones. The massive and unique trees curve over the road and give an eerie and medieval feel to them. Here is another article about Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik.

11. Dunluce Castle and Cliffs

The medieval Dunluce Castle sits right on the edge of the coastline of Northern Ireland. Something right out of Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. On all sides of the castle are steep drops which made it an ideal fortification for early Christians and Vikings. There is a cool little bridge connecting to the castle plus a waterway escape to the ocean from under the castle. You can spend a good hour exploring the area and walking through the castle. Plus the area is beautiful for a cycle or a good ole Irish walk along the coast. Read about another Historic Trail here.

12. Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park is an adventurers paradise. In the county of Donegal in Northwest Ireland lies an oasis of trails, cycling, fishing, vast landscapes and a picturesque castle. In reality this area provides some of the most remote and best hiking in Ireland. Entry to the area is free, but services will be extra. At almost 40,000 acres, this park provides countless hours of exploring. It consists of most of Derryveagh Mountians, the Poisoned Glen and part of Errigal Mountain. You can rent a bike with www.grassroutes.ie to discover more of the area. Fishing can be done on Lough Veagh from July 15th - September 30th. Contact www.donegalanglingholidays.com to arrange. Derry, also know as Londonderry is just over the border in Northern Ireland, but provides a good home base for exploring County Donegal. It is a sight to explore by itself as well. It is a walled city with various 17th century architecture to see. LondonDerry Hotels

  Another option for accommodations is Ireland 's Blue Book. They provide access to Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses and Castles for a more unique experience.  

13. Slieve League Cliffs

Just over 2 hours from Derry, these Irish cliffs are said to be one of the best cliffs is Ireland. Larger and just as spectacular as the Cliffs of Moher. I am talking almost 3 times higher. You get wonderful views of Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay from the top of the cliffs where the ocean devours the rock below. If you are feeling like a little extra adventure, head onto One Man's Pass which connects around to Pilgrim's Path. This is one of Ireland's best hiking trails in Ireland and goes along one of Ireland's most impressive coastlines. The best part is this area is less explored than many other parts of Ireland, at least for now. Thanks for reading. Another detailed article about an Ultimate Road Trip from Belfast to Derry, Northern Ireland is here. Let me know if you think any new hiking in Ireland adventures should be added. Always looking for a new adventure to try. Here is some of the Best Hikes Near Seattle, my hometown. On Pinterest? Use this Pin below to share!

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