Chasing Emeralds: An Irish Road Trip

To celebrate a decade of marriage, and the first chapter of our new life as a family, we sought a journey filled with gentle beauty and quiet moments. We found it on a road trip through Ireland. This was a journey into the island's pastoral heart, where the idyllic countryside feels like a living poem.

With our little one in tow, we slowed our pace to match the rhythm of the land. We found joy in the simple things: the endless rolling hills dotted with sheep, the ancient castles whispering stories of the past, and the seamless blend of nature and human history that greets you at every turn. This gallery is a collection of moments from that special time - a celebration of ten years, now as a family of three, told through the serene pastures and living history of the Emerald Isle.

Trip Highlights

1️⃣ Living out a fairytale with our first-ever stay in a real castle at Huntington Castle, and waking up to the serene rhythms of country life at Dairy Lodge farm.

2️⃣ Stepping back in time as we wandered through the ancient stones of Ireland's iconic castles, from the majestic Rock of Cashel to hidden ruins discovered along our way.

3️⃣ Savoring the incredible food scene, where we found that restaurants consistently offered better quality and value than in the US. The genuine, friendly service—graciously provided without any expectation of a tip or extra fee - was a refreshing delight.

4️⃣ Indulging in the elegant tradition of afternoon tea for the very first time - a cozy, delightful, and perfectly civilized pause in our family road trip.

5️⃣ Feeling the incredible warmth of Irish hospitality at every turn, where every smile was genuine and our little one was welcomed with open arms, making our journey truly stress-free.

6️⃣ Navigating the narrow country lanes while driving on the left for the first time - a thrilling and unforgettable part of our Irish adventure.

Our Favorite Spots

Where we visited:

1️⃣ The Rock of Cashel 👍

2️⃣ Kilkenny Castle 👍

3️⃣ Powerscourt Estate, House & Gardens 👍

4️⃣ Killarney National Park & Surroundings 👍

5️⃣ Cobh & "Deck of Cards" houses 👍

6️⃣ Dublin City Walk

7️⃣ Kilmallock Dominican Priory

Where we stayed:

1️⃣ The Europe Hotel & Resort 👍