Twelve plans to experience Ireland this summer
1. SKIRTING THE SEA THANKS TO THE ATLANTIC COASTAL ROUTE
With its 2,500 kilometers and zillions of waves, this route is considered to be the largest coastal (boundary) route in the world . A challenge that is accepted with pleasure because it is nothing more than an excuse to discover the bites that the sea has given to this island. The road trip that unites Malin Head and Kinsale deserves half a life or, at least, five well-divided stages: County Donegal, from County Donegal to County Mayo, from County Mayo to Clare via Galway, from County Clare to County Kerry, and from County Kerry to that of Cork. And all this with a musical suggestion : the playlist that the group Solomon Gray has prepared for this pilgrimage. More natural impossible.
The Wild Atlantic Way
two. LOOKING OVER THE CLIFFS OF MOHER
There are places on Earth where sea and mountains come together without protocols or presentations. One of the most impressive are ** these cliffs located in County Clare **. From its edge you can see a wild, blue and metaphysical Atlantic. The show is completed with precipices that measure around 120 meters but that reach the 214 of height right in the tower of O'Brien. They are enjoyed walking through the different trails and viewpoints while the wind rocks your hair and soul. They have no loss but, just in case, the visitor center has several routes mapped out to enjoy this natural show without getting disoriented.
Cliffs of Moher
3. CLIMBING THE STEPS OF SKELLING MICHAEL
Both Skellig Islands make up one of the most curious and surprising attractions of the Irish coast, what has earned them to be protected by UNESCO and declared a World Heritage Site. The small one is not open to the public since it is a nature reserve where the second largest population of gannets on the planet lives. But the big one, known as Skellig Michael, is a mandatory stop . The excursion consists of a boat ride to cross the 12 kilometers that separate it from the coast and a brutal clash with the past. Because in this remote place one of the most captivating Paleo-Christian monasteries is built.
Built in the 6th century, this religious stronghold is accessed through a stairway with 270 steps carved by the monks leading to a set of conical stone huts or clochans where anchorites lived. Some perfectly raised constructions that have survived the passage of time or thanks to its constructive perfection and to the isolation of the place since the Atlantic has not always made the crossing easy.
Skelling Islands
Four. FEEL LIKE A FOLK-HIPSTER IN GALWAY
This picturesque town is taken over by a young and student atmosphere that makes it a magnet for urban adventurers. Because, to his undeniable medieval and coastal charm , Galway adds folkloric curiosities such as the Celtic jewels of Thomas Dillon's , the fries at McDonaghs's, the local revelry at Monroe's Tavern or the house of Nora Barnacle, James Joyce's wife and muse. And, of course, the undoubted charm of the little colorful shops on Shop Street.
Galway, the folk-hipster city
5. PETARLO IN CORK
The capital of the southern Irish is extremely fun and the clearest demonstration that a bon-vivant has a mecca in this place. First, strolling through the food shops of the stimulating English Market. Then, stimulating the senses in the Crawford gallery where the famous casts of the sculptor Canova are found. Later, wandering around the colorful farren pier to end up ringing the bells of Shandon (literally) or listening to traditional Irish music in places like Sin É, Corner House or An Spailpín Fánach.
6. DREAM IN THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY
This freak of nature enjoy in two steps . The first is to arrive, be surprised, feel that it is real and spend a few megabytes on photos, panoramas and audiovisual whims . The second is to assimilate the place and look for a legendary explanation that gives a touch of fiction to the geological explanations and the basalt columns that form this great hive. Verify and dream, does anyone give more?
Giant's Causeway
7. DRIVE THE CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE
Getting to this key point in County Antrim is just an excuse to enjoy the northeast of the island driving along one of the most beautiful roads in the world. From Belfast to Derry-Londonderry there are 310 kilometers of cliffs, cold beaches and verdant rural valleys. Along the way there are castles such as Carrickfergus, Glenarm or Dunluce; charming little towns like Ballintoy, Ballymena, Cushendun, Limavady or Coleraine or almost philosophical places like the Musseden temple.
8. WALK ON THE SEA ACROSS THE CARRICK-A-REDE ROPE BRIDGE
This suspension bridge long ago ceased to be a communicative solution to become an attraction. And it is that walking more than 25 meters above the ocean is an adrenaline experience , affordable, safe and a lot of fun. The reward is not only personal satisfaction, but also impressive views of this perfect communion between greenery and tides.
Carrick-a-Rede
9. RECOVER THE TITANIC IN BELFAST
Belfast is becoming one of those must-sees of the new century, a modern, competitive and authentic city. Its great transformation comes from the hand of the Titanic thanks to the overwhelming interactive center that reigns in the old shipyards of the city. A beautiful metaphor in the form of a contemporary building that has drunk from the maritime tradition of the city to embrace the future with determination . The result is a unique, special visit, with the best display techniques that make the history of this great ship more interesting and impressive, if possible, than that of the famous film of the same name.
Titanic Interactive Center in Belfast
10. TRAVEL TO THE SEVEN KINGDOMS
To the colorful soundtrack that inspires a trip to Ireland, we must add a new great song. This is the one from the intro of Game of Thrones, the most epic, raw and savage series on current television. Come on, just like these lands. And it is that Ireland has served as a film set for many of the exteriors of this production, so the Seven Kingdoms could be said to have a real home among these slopes and cliffs. Places like Inch Abbey, Castle Ward (aka Winterfell), Cushendun Caves, Ballintoy Harbor or The Dark Hedges and its famous avenue of trees. All in a three day itinerary departing from Belfast.
The Dark Hedges
eleven. GET TO KNOW LIMERICK WITH CULTURE AS AN EXCUSE
This summer all the blue eyes of Ireland look at Limerick . This city on the banks of the Shanon has the honor of being the first cultural capital of Ireland, which has turned it upside down with a schedule full of all kinds of activities. For this reason, now that this place is smiling like never before, it is the best time to visit it, to see King John's castle, his different churches, the 'Milk Market' or the route of Angela's ashes , a tour that allows you to walk around the city with this Pulitzer Prize winner as the common thread.
Limerick, the center of culture
12. SALUTE THE GIANT IN LIMERICK
The great event of this cultural capital will take place the first weekend of september . From the 5th to the 7th of this month the city will be taken over by a giant in the Giant's Saga show, the umpteenth genius of the Royal de Luxe theater company (responsible for a mechanical elephant walking through the streets of Nantes). An unavoidable appointment for those who still think that it is not worth growing up.
Limerick's 'Giant's Saga' show