Happy St. Patty’s Day To All Our Lean, Mean, Green Freedom Hackers Out There!
We thought we’d celebrate today by honoring one of my motherlands, Ireland. Yes, that’s right. I’m 1/2 Irish, pucker up. I have yet to be to Ireland but it’s at the top of my list… and when I go, you can bet your leprechauny behind that I’ll be doing all 14 of these things. Check em’ out.
1. Visit Malin Head, Ireland’s Most Northern Point
So apparently this is a thing… and, after seeing the photos, I understand why. On the mainland of Ireland, the most northerly point is a headland 2 km northeast of Malin Head, Inishowen Peninsula, in Donegal County. It doesn’t look like there’s much to do there but take in the breathtaking vista, and snap a good Instagram shot (of course). I’m fairly certain this is where the rainbow ends. You know what that means. (Image: The Irish Image Collection)
2. Explore The Craggy Cliffs of The Dingle Peninsula
After Donegal, you wanna check out Dingle (does anyone else giggle when you say that?). The Dingle Peninsula, on Ireland’s southwest Atlantic coast, is ringed by sandy beaches and craggy cliffs. Inland are rolling hills and mountains, that I can only imagine are alive with sound of cackling leprechauns. This region is a pretty big deal in the Irish culture. Dunmore Head, mainland Ireland’s westernmost point, is famous for Irish-language memoirs documenting rural life there in the 1800s and early 1900s. (Image: Dingle Slea Head Tours)
3. Look Out For O’Donoghue Mór As He Rises From Lough Leane On His White Horse
Killarney is a town on Lough Leane, a lake in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry, and the gateway to Killarney National Park. Ireland’s first National Park, Killarney is more than 100 square kms of rolling countryside, lakes, mountains, and stately castles, including the famous Ross Castle. Ross Castle sits on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake and was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century. Legend has it that O’Donoghue rests in a deep slumber under the waters of Lough Leane. On the morning of May 1st, every seven years, he rises from the clear waters on his magnificent white horse and circles the lake. If you’re able to catch a glimpse of him, expect a lifetime of good fortune. He’s far luckier than a 4-leaf clover.
4. Witness The Strange Rock Formations At Giant’s Causeway
Would you just look at this? Amazing. The Giant’s Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. For centuries, countless visitors have marvelled at the majesty of these rugged and symmetrical rock formations which, for millions of years, have acted as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The Giant’s Causeway is surrounded by myth and mystery of a bygone volcanic age.
5. Expereince Winter Solstice At Newgrange
The Winter Solstice marks the southernmost point of the Sun’s annual motion across the sky and the astronomical beginning of winter in the north. If you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time (8:30 UTC / 3:30 EST, Sunday, December 21st), you can witness the solstice sunrise from the megalithic tomb of Newgrange, Ireland. In this image from within the burial mound’s inner chamber, the first rays of the solstice sunrise are passing through a box constructed above the entrance and shine down an 18 meter long tunnel to illuminate the floor at the foot of a decorated stone. The actual stone itself would have been directly illuminated by the solstice Sun 5,000 years ago (pre-dating Stonehenge). The diagram shows how the winter solstice light enters Newgrange. Very, very cool. (Image: Cyril Byrne, courtesy of The Irish Times. Diagram: Irisharchaeology.ie).
6. Perfect The Pour At The Guiness Storehouse
Located at St. James Gate in Dublin, the original Guiness Storehouse is a must-see when you visit Ireland. Discover the history of Ireland’s most famous beer, perfect the perfect pour, and enjoy tastings on the a rooftop bar. Nuff said. Bonus points if you kiss an Irish wo(man). Jackpot! (Image: Rubistyle).
7. Take In The Breathtaking Cliffs of Moher
I know, more magical rolling hills and craggy coastlines… but the Cliffs of Moher can’t be left off the list. Standing 214 meters (702 feet) at their highest point they stretch for 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. The best way to see the Cliffs is by foot. Ireland’s Burren Way Trail links the villages of Liscannor and Doolin, with the Visitor Center smack dab in the middle. It’s recommended to start the walk in one of these 2 towns, then arrange for a taxi to pick you up at the Vistor Center to take you back to your car or accommodation. This way, you’ll avoid the crowds and get the BEST views. (Image: Stefano Viola).
8. Sip A Pint At Europe’s Oldest Watering Hole
More booze! If you can’t keep up with the Irish, don’t visit. Be sure to make plans to down a pint at Sean’s Bar, a low-ceilinged, 1000-year-old watering hole with a riverside garden, live music and historical goodies. This unassuming little gem of a bar is something to see. “Where the pints are always flowing and clientele is always diverse”, Sean’s Bar guarantees a good time. (Image: Melanie Lukesh Reed).
9. Visit The Bloody Chapel At The Haunted Leap Castle
Anyone else LOVE ghost stories? Leap Castle, a creepy old estate in County Offaly, Ireland, is rumoured to be one of the most haunted castles in the world. Back in the 16h Century, the area was under the control of the O’Carroll Clan. It was said that one dark night, Mulrooney O’Carroll, the clan chief, hosted a sumptuous banquet at the castle, inviting a rural branch of his own clan to dinner. Before they even had time to settle down at the table, he slaughtered each and everyone of them. In 1532, Mulrooney died, without appointing a successor. He had two sons, one a priest. One day, as he was leading mass on the top floor of the tower, his brother burst in and stabbed him in the back. Mortally wounded, he died at the altar. It is said that the priest still roams the halls of the Bloody Chapel, along with plenty of other ghosts of dinner guests and clansmen past. Creeeeeeeepy. (Images: Ciaran McHugh Photography).
10. Bask In The Beautiful Glenoe Waterfall
After royally scaring the crap out of yourself, go wash away the ghostly memories in Glenoe Waterfall, a beautiful 30-foot cascade nestling in the glens of Antrim. And that’s pretty much all there is to say about that.
11. Go To A Riverdance Performance
Because duh. You’re in Ireland.
12. Kiss The Blarney Stone
After you kiss me, kiss the Blarney Stone. Just make sure you bring some disinfectant because apparently over 300,000 people kiss this thing a year. The Blarney Stone is a block of carboniferous limestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of the gab. Well, I got that gift already. NEXT! (Image: Love Irish Tours).
13. Sing Drinking Tunes At The Famous Temple Bar
Quite possibly one of the most iconic bars in all of Dublin, the Temple Bar attracts tourists from all over the world. The bar dates back to the early 1300s and is still a bompin’ watering hole thanks to it’s eye-catching red exterior and great location in the heart of the city. So if you’re looking to have a glass (or two, or three) of strong Irish whiskey and enjoy a hell of a night, this is your place. (Image: Flickr user Toni Vilar).
14. Stroll Down Dublin’s Grafton Street
Last but not least, your Irish trip would just not be complete without a stroll down Dublin’s Grafton Street. Lined with beautiful historic buildings, iconic Irish businesses, quaint cafes, and a variety of retail shops, bars and hotels, this high-end street is a must-see.
So there you have it kids. 14 things you must do in Ireland before you kick the proverbial bucket ol’ gold.
Happy St. Patty’s Day. Don’t forget to kiss an Irish (wo)man!
The Freedom Team
