Travel Thursdays: Ireland by Shannon Morse Photography

"Last October my sister and I went on a long awaited trip to Ireland.  Two years prior we had started putting a little side every month, and the planning started not long after that.  It was well worth the wait and everything we hoped it would be, and more! We rented a car and did a big counter-clockwise drive around South-Western Ireland.  Driving on the opposite side of the road was different, but not as hard as you would think!  It's just the narrow roads that took some getting used to...  We opted to stay in Bed and Breakfasts the whole trip and we couldn't have been happier.  Not only were they charming, we would be so full from breakfast we wouldn't need to eat another meal until dinner.  The Irish certainly know how to have a proper breakfast!  The entire trip we were constantly admiring the gorgeous scenery, beautiful historic manors, castles, and churches.  In the evenings we found ourselves at cozy pubs that played live music and we enjoyed a Guinness and a few Bulmers.  The whole trip was magical.

Some highlights of the trip for me were Kylemore Abbey, Muckross House, Dingle & the western coast.  There is so much to see in Ireland, the 9 days we had there were not enough and I hope to go back some day soon!  I would definitely recommend using the Trip Advisor Forums for anyone wanting to plan a similar trip.  There is so much good information out there, planning the trip became half the fun!  (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g186591-i88-Ireland.html)

We stayed at the following B&B's and enjoyed each and every one of them."

Tinode House - Dublin  www.tinodehouse.com

Coolin House - Galway www.coolinhousesalthill.com

Newpark House - Ennis  www.newparkhouse.com

Lighthouse B&B - Dingle  www.lighthousedingle.com

Butler House - Kilkenny  www.butler.ie