Exploring Ireland has been on my bucket list for a while now. Irish coffee, shamrocks, and breathtaking landscapes... what else could I ask for!? I decided to grab a friend and explore this beautiful country entirely on 4 wheels. The trip was filled with amazing memories and beautiful pit stops. While the whole country is incredibly stunning, there were definitely three locations that truly stood out and made our trip even more memorable.
#1 Giants Causeway
My favorite stop on our epic Ireland road trip was the Giants Causeway. We woke up at the crack of dawn to ensure we beat the crowds and arrived just as the sun was rising. Nestled at the base of the Basalt Cliffs, we were greeted by the iconic columns that rose up from the sea. It was so peaceful and we had the place to ourselves, allowing us to really soak it all in before the crowds arrived later in the day. The visitor center doesn't open until about 10, so we had plenty of time to take some epic shots and explore the area.
The Causeway has a lot of history and legends associated with it, including the tale of an Irish giant named Finn McCool who created this causeway to get across the Irish Sea to face his rival, the Scottish giant Benandonner. It's definitely an interesting tale and I think it added just the right touch to this visit and made a perfect start to our road trip!
#2 Dark Hedges
The next stop was one that had been on my bucket list for a while... the Dark Hedges! As we drove through the charming farmlands, my heart was racing with excitement. I couldn't wait to see the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that everyone had been talking about. When we arrived, I was awestruck by the countless Beech trees lining both sides of the road. The thick fog only added to the magical scene, and I felt like I was in a fairytale. We took our time to appreciate the stunning beauty of the trees, and it was a truly unforgettable experience.
As a huge "Game of Thrones" fan, it was even more exciting to know that these iconic hedges had been featured in the show, and for a second I could pretend to be a character from the series. I felt like I was transported to another world, and I couldn't help but take countless photos. I definitely get why this place is one of the most popular spots in Ireland!
#3 Dunquin
Dunquin was another breathtaking stop on this trip! The towering cliffs and turquoise water took my breath away. And, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to see some super cute sheep hanging around in the early morning. When we first got there, I was blown away by the view of Blasket Island from Dunquin Pier. The winding road from the pier took me down to the water where I could see a gorgeous view of the small islands dotting the coast. The waves were crashing against the rocks and cliffs and it just felt like one of those surreal moments or like I was in a movie.
There were also pockets of calm water where I could just sit and soak in the beauty of it all. That’s when I noticed that the cliffs near the pier had this amazing mix of teals and purples and took my gear out to capture this amazing place. I really did feel like Dunquin was the place that really captured the true essence of Ireland.
Overall, my trip to Ireland was a truly unforgettable experience, and these three locations made it even more magical. The locals were incredibly friendly, and the whole country had such a charming vibe. If you're thinking of planning a trip here, I highly recommend checking out these locations! I'm definitely already thinking about when I can come back.