It's a beautiful spot. We were lucky enough to camp there a few years ago. Idillic and popular for a reason - thanks for the reminder! I'll have to get Ciaran to add it to the list :)
Around Ireland with the My Irish Jeweler team
Written by Ciaran Vipond on Feb 18, 2024 | 6 Comments
We hear from many of our friends around the globe that the Irish landscape is something they just can't get enough of and we are frequently asked for recommendations for spots to visit. So in anticipation of tourism season really kicking into high gear here with the start of March and the St. Patrick's Festival, here a few choice spots chosen by the My Irish Jeweler team. Join us on our virtual road trip.
My Pick - Dollymount, Bull Island, Dublin
We kick things off on My Irish Jeweler's doorstep with one of my favourites. I picked Bull island as it is somewhere I am very fortunate to have on my own doorstep too. I head there with my family in all weather, we jump on rocks, fall down the sand dunes, keep our eyes open for seals and get our paddle in the Irish Sea. Bliss!
With the most designations of any site in Ireland, Bull island is a short bus or bike ride from the city centre but feels a world away. Bring your binoculars if you plan to follow in my sandy footsteps as it is a Unesco biosphere reserve and home to rare birds and several sleepy seals.
Sunrise on Bull island looking out at the Irish sea.
Photo Credit: Giuseppe Milo (CC BY 2.0)
Gemma's Pick - The caves of Kesh, Co. Sligo
Gemma, our Head jeweler and absolute "legend" in Customer Service, picked the Kesh Caves in County Sligo as her favourite place in Ireland.
"I've always been a lover of Irish Mythology. The Kesh Caves featured prominently in medieval myths and stories. One story is the story of Diarmuid and Gráinne who are said to have taken refuge in these caves from a vengeful Fionn mac Cumhaill."
Photo Credit: N. Chadwick (CC BY-SA 2.0)
It is easy to see why these limestone caves on the west side of Keshcorran Hill inspired stories and tall tales! With 16 chambers to explore, some interconnecting, there is something quite magical about this spot.
Margaret's Pick - Torc Waterfall, Co. Kerry
Our Shipping Superstar Margaret chose the Torc Waterfall in Killarney, Co. Kerry as her favourite spot in Ireland. If you're a romantic you'll love Margaret's reason we suspect.
"Every September my family and I travel to Killarney for an Autumn break. We love the County of Kerry, there is so much to see. I have a soft spot especially for Dingle, as I met my husband there in 1980!"
Ruth's Pick - The Garden of Ireland, Co. Wicklow
The discerning eye of My Irish Jeweler Photographer Ruth picked Co. Wicklow as her favourite spot. "I love that you can be in Dublin city - hop on a bus and less than an hour later you're in Wicklow, the garden of Ireland! So named for its lovely walks, scenery and beauty spots like Glendalough.
Glendalough in Co. Wicklow, Ireland
"One very blustery day a few years ago, I was lucky enough to take in the stunning countryside while on a walk with an Alpaca in Newtown Mount Kennedy. The Alpaca was only on loan - sadly not my pet!"
Photo Credit: R. Chadwick
Jane's Pick - The Causeway Coast, Co. Antrim
My wife Jane, our own reformed geologist, unsurprisingly picked a suitably rocky spot as her favourite - the spectacular Causeway Coast in Co. Antrim.
Photo Credit: C. Vipond
A spot that inspired some of our jewellery designs, Jane says, "I visited the Causeway Coast in many times in my days as a geologist and always loved the dramatic volcanic features on display there.
Photo Credit: J. Chadwick
I was lucky enough to return with my family a few years ago. Wrapped up warm for the chilly October weather, we went to Dunluce Castle and the Causeway. I spared them most of my enthusing about geology, and we all enjoyed thawing out in cosy pub by the fire with chips and a pint. A spectacular part of Ireland and somewhere I'm sure we'll visit again."
Photo Credit: C. Zhang (CC BY 3.0)
Danny's Pick - The National Botanic Gardens, Dublin
Danny our Web Developer chose the beautiful Botanic Gardens in Dublin as his favourite spot in Ireland. "The Botanic Gardens have fast become one my favourite getaway spots, especially over the last year. What I love most is how the city just fades away. The gardens are absolutely beautiful, especially during the summer when the flowers are in full bloom."
More Adventuring with My Irish Jeweler
If you would like to explore our lovely island home a little further, we have several stops you should take next including our travel tips for your trip to Ireland, or our tree planting spots in 2020-2021, 2022, and 2023, and some fairytale castles to explore.
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And of course we would love to hear your favourite spots or any tales of travels on our lovely island. Just get in touch.
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Ciaran Vipond
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
Comments
It's been a long time. In 1992 we spent our wonderful honeymoon in Ireland. In the 3 weeks that we were there, we put over 3000 miles on our rental car. We had a great time in Dublin and Galway. Our favorites were Dingle and Doolin. Looking forward to getting back. John & Joanne Boyle
Wow that sounds like some honeymoon John. You two have it figured out! Those are all great spots. The sessions in pubs in Doolin are legendary (as is the surfing) and our family enjoyed a trip to Dingle last summer. Thanks for your input. I'll ask Ciaran to expand the list! Maybe Ireland for sufers or music lovers?
so hard to choose...Inishbofin?Wicklow Mountains?Gougane Barra? icould go on and on!!!
Hi Geri, What a great taster of spots in Ireland! Sounds like you certainly have enjoyed the Irish countryside.
Ask Gemma
An appealing list of destinations to which I would add the Glen of Aherlow in Co. Tipperary, albeit not a very original suggestion.