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 Flying
into Dublin, you'll notice the intense green
hue of the Emerald Isle from the air, inviting
you to explore and to lose yourself in the past
and present. Fishing boats trawl offshore, England
is a dark line on the horizon, and the morning
mist dissipates in the sunlight. This is Ireland.
After picking up your cozy rental car, you'll
take an easy drive around the city outskirts
and head in towards Ballsbridge, a tree-lined,
affluent suburb of the city with excellent shops
and dining. There, you'll stay at the impeccable
Four Seasons, an excellent introduction to the
hospitality and warmth of the country. Take
tea, then a nap before heading out into the
city for an evening of traditional music and
pub hopping.
 After
a few days of exploring Dublin, you'll drive
south through the Wicklow Mountains, stopping
at the monastic site of Glendalough to stretch
and explore the beautiful lakes, hills, and
famous round tower. Your driving day will end
in a paved cul-de-sac across a moat from Waterford
Castle, where you will enjoy several nights
of wonderful food and local entertainment, and
days touring Ireland's Viking Coast - they settled
this city and the others nearby - and the famous
glass and pottery factories of the area.
 Heading
west through the Cork Highlands - stopping at
Blarney Castle only if your relatives demand
it - you'll arrive at Kenmare, a highland town
south of Killarney and just off the tourist
circuit. There, you'll stay at the Park Hotel
Kenmare, one of the finest hotels in the British
Isles. Horseback riding, golf, and high tea
will be your regimen, as you take daytrips out
to the Ring of Kerry, Bantry Bay, or even onto
sleepy Dingle peninsula, where the locals still
speak Gaelic and the fish is sublime.
 Driving
north through the thatched medieval town of
Adare and the urban sprawl of Limerick, you'll
cross the River Shannon and head along the Cliffs
of Moher to Moy House, on Lahinch Bay. This
jewel of a bed and breakfast is an 18th century
country house, with peat fireplaces and stunning
sea views. Moy House is the perfect place from
which to explore the Burren with its wildflowers
and Celtic ruins, and the city of Galway. It
is from Galway that you'll depart for one day
of exploring the Aran Islands, beautiful spires
of green land inhabited by a fiercely proud
people cloaked in tradition. Join the dance
in an Aran pub, and drive around the cliffside
pastures and castles before returning to Moy
House for your final night in Ireland. In the
morning, you'll fly out of Shannon wiser and
richer in every way that counts.
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Those who love Irish heritage and culture. Those
looking for an off-the-beaten-track Emerald
Isle experience. Travelers who love beautiful
drives and overlooks.
Who
should avoid this trip:
Travelers who need consistent weather and sunshine,
or those who dislike driving on narrow roads.
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