THE STUNNING LANDSCAPE OF IRELAND

Welcome back. Today’s post I dedicate to the nature of Ireland. Before our journey even started Jana and I had one place we absolutely were looking forward to visit, Glendalough. After a week and some recommendations from our host family, we added more and more places to our list. With pride I can claim, that we have used the time efficiently, so we have seen a lot. Not only attractions from the city itself, but also the fantastic nature. As mentioned before, I will focus now on the landscape. The following places are, in my opinion, definitely worth visiting and belong to my own favourites. To list all of the seen, would go beyond the scope.

Glendalough

Glendalough, the name has an Irish origin and means “The valley of two lakes”. It is a deep, glacial valley nestled in the Wicklow Mountains, just south of Dublin. Renowned for its natural, scenic beauty, the area is known amongst the Irish as “The Garden of Ireland”.

Glendalough is also home to a 6th century monastic settlement founded by St Kevin, a legendary monk, who was very naturebounded. This monastery was our destination, with its impressive medieval cemetery and the two lakes. From the cemetery to the lakes one has to walk through fields full of sheep, the forest and cross an old bridge, quiet enchanting. The walk takes around 1 or 1½ hours, depending which lake you choose. Apart from the valley, the Wicklow mountains offer a huge diversity, regarding numerous hiking trails. A scenic place, that I absolutely recommend. 

Cliffs of Moher

The next incredible locations are the Cliffs of Moher, including the Atlantic seaside and the endless green meadows. On our third weekend we decided to make a tour, which led us through the mentioned spots. Personally, that was the most impressive trip of our journey.

The moment you gaze in astonishment at the cliffs, gives you the feeling of freedom and peace. I know, when you hear the word cliffs, it might not sound that interesting, but I experienced them as a stunning art piece originated from the vast nature over thousands of years. 

Also the ride to the cliffs was amazing, which led us through green meadows full of sheep and endless expanses. Sometimes you saw a little cottage, but mostly there weren’t any people.

Fun Fact: The phrase “It’s raining cats and dogs” has its origin from Ireland. In the old days, when people had cottages where the roofs were made out of hay, during the winter cats and dogs climbed up the roof to warm themselves and when the rain started, together with the water also cats and dogs came down. 😊

Northern Ireland – Game of Thrones Tour

Due to a Bank holiday in Ireland, Jana and I had a day off on Monday, we seized the opportunity and made the Game of Thrones Tour and explored the fantastic shooting locations of the series and also the well-known Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

The places were breath-taking and our tour guide was a real GoT-Geek and so funny. In Ireland you would say, it was 90 craic, what means you had a lot of fun.

I think this post is way too long and I’m not sure if anyone made it to the end, but if you did, thank you for reading, I hope you are all fine and enjoyed reading.

Keep a stiff upper lip and see you!

Katie