Traveling Around Ireland. The Beautiful South.

Hi everyone. I hope I find you all well this week as we continue our traveling around Ireland tours. This week we head southward where you’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful places to visit. Time to buckle up and get on the virtual road to sample a few of the many delights on offer in Ireland’s beautiful south.

Traveling Around Ireland. The Beautiful South.

1. Beara Peninsula, County Cork

First stop, the Beara Peninsula in West Cork. I just love this part of Ireland. I have friends who live in the beautiful village of Eyeries with it’s multicolored houses- a charming feature of many villages in this part of Ireland. The walking trails are endless and just stunning, taking in the magnificent coastline and the Caha and Slieve Mickish mountain ranges. Spot the magical Skelligs rising out of the Atlantic Ocean or take Ireland’s only cable car across to Dursey Island. A very special part of the world.

2. Inchydoney Beach, County Cork

If we’re traveling around Ireland then we must stop of at one of the many beautiful beaches on offer. Inchydoney Beach is located about 5 km southeast of the gorgeous village of Clonakilty in West Cork. This beautiful strand is often in the top picks of the best beaches in County Cork. The golden strand is backed by dunes and is the perfect place for a paddle, a sea swim or an invigorating stroll.

3. Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary

We head to County Tipperary now for a trip to one of Ireland’s most iconic attractions. The Rock of Cashel rises out of the rolling landscape like something out of a fairy tale. Also known as St. Patrick’s Rock (Carraig Phádraig), legend has it that the rock landed here when St.Patrick banished Satan from a cave at Devil’s Bit mountain. The story goes that the devil took a bite out of the mountain and spat the rock to its current location. This may be a tall tale but it certainly adds to the mystique of this beautiful place. So awe-inspiring.

4. Reginald’s Tower, County Waterford

Time to head into County Waterford for a visit to the city of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city and the site of Ireland’s oldest civic building. Reginald’s Tower has been in use for over 800 years. It was built in the early 13th century and apart from it’s strategic use as a watch tower, it has also served as a prison and a military store. Today it is a fascinating museum and boasts a host of Viking artifacts and Waterford treasures.

5. Saltee Islands, County Wexford

And so we end our journey on the Saltee Islands in County Werxford. Take a forty minute boat trip from Kilmore Quay and you’re in a truly unspoiled piece of Ireland. The humans left in the early 20th century but the birds have taken over! The Saltee Islands are regarded as one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world. The sight of flocks of puffins, gulls and gannets on the sea cliffs is truly awe-inspiring and there’s even a population of grey seals.

Thanks so much for your company. See you next week for a trip to Ireland’s Ancient East!

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.