Hidden Gems of Ireland

Ireland may not be the most popular country among tourists visiting Europe, yet its diversity, similar to the small country of Slovenia, situated among the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, offers adventures for all those who are not simply interested in going shopping in the biggest cities in the world, but rather want to enjoy nature at its best. If that is what you are looking for, then visiting Ireland is a must! And once you visit this small green country, I bet you will like to return for more adventures, since this sublime island will have you craving for more nature beauties!

Ireland has everything you need if you are a nature adventurer. The best way to discover all the small and hidden gems of Ireland is to rent a car, get 2 weeks off from work, and simply go on an adventure. The green forests, the greenest meadows you cannot see anywhere else in the world, and the gusting, yet romantic winds that seem to move tree branches elegantly will enchant you. You will find yourself lost in the neverending magical fairytale that is Ireland.

Most tourists start their Ireland adventure by flying to its capital - Dublin, the home of one of the most famous beers in the world - Guiness. Unlike some European capitals, Dublin is rather small, yet romantic. Differently as with Paris, London, Berlin, or some other major European cities, three or four days are enough if you want to experience Dublin to the fullest extent. If you came to experience the real Ireland, then you did not come to spend all the time in its by far biggest city. Thus, take three days to discover Dublin, and then move on to discover and uncover the real marvels of green Ireland.

Be sure to visit the old Guiness Brewery, have a nice walk along the river and do not miss out on all the narrow strees and hidden churches spread across the entire city. If you are into famous musicians, you can even go on a tour of the city where the guide provides you with interesting information on some famous Irish musicians from Dublin - where they lived, where they had their first performances, etc. If you are already craving some nature while still in Dublin, maybe take a 35-minute-long train trip to one of Dublin's suburbs, Howth, and have a nice walk in the park and along the beach.

Well, you've come to Ireland to see some astonishing nature scenes, haven't you? Connemara - one of Ireland's nature parks has some of the most magnificent forests and parks you are ever going to see. The small streams that accompany the amazing green colour of meadows and trees are just that extra bonus that will make you fall in love with Ireland's nature. It is so beautiful that it is almost cheesy.

Once you have walked the trodden paths of Connemara National Park, be sure to drive a couple of minutes towards the small, almost secluded island of Inishbofin, where you'll find yourself parking a car and walking across the sand to the island. Returning from the island could be tricky since if the tide is high, you'd need to wait for the sea to lower for you to come back to your car. A once in a lifetime experience you will surely never forget!

Oh, before I forget - if you are looking for a place to stay in Connemara, be sure to check out the old monastery in Letterfrack. Awesome!

The Arran Islands are located along the Galway county to the west of Ireland. Galway in itself is a beautiful and modern county where many young people and families found their home. If you take a ride from Galway towards the sea, you can take a 30-minute ferry ride to the beautiful Arran Islands. If you want to catch the ferry back to the "continental" Ireland, be sure to check when the last ferry leaves the Arran Islands.

The Arran Islands are approximately 10 km long and if you decide to go on foot, you will have plenty to see. You will be surely persuaded by numerous meadows, covered with thousands of sheep, or maybe small bays along the road to the "end" of the island, where you will be enchanted by some of the most majestic cliffs. Laying down on your belly and watching how the sea hits against the cliffs is such a soothing and romantic moment that you will never want to leave.But be careful - due to strong winds, it is recommended to sit or even lay on the ground when observing these beautiful cliffs.

Let's move to the south of Ireland. If you check some official tour guides for Ireland, you'll see that the country offers a lot of ring tours, one of such is the Ring of Dingle.

The Ring of Dingle tour will take you on a round tour starting along the beach, where you will once again be able to admire the high and dark grey cliffs of Ireland, while the Atlantic Ocean hits their walls. The gusting winds and the dripping, yet calming droplets of rain will soothe your soul and energize you for days to come. There is just something special about this tour that you will surely never forget, especially if you experience it with your family and/or friends.

If you are in for an adventure and you want to see dolphins, be sure to go find "Fungy" in Dingle. On the way, have a stop and appreciate the generosity and kindness of the local people who are willing to help you at every step you take. Of course, have a pint or two in one of the local bars and experience the real Irish culture and tradition - Irish dancing and beautiful voices accompanied by guitars and violins in local bars. You can't help but fall in love with the Irish!

Which country were you completely smittened with and which country would you suggest to your friends and family to visit? Why exactly that country or city - what did you enjoy about it the most? Please leave a comment, so that we know which country is next on our adventure agenda ... maybe, just maybe you'll persuade someone to change their plans and visit a country or city you've recommended.

I have visited Ireland on quite a few occasions, yet the most memorable one must be when my parents, my brother, and I took our van and crisscrossed this amazing green country. We covered almost the entire island, experiencing almost everything from the Sleave League cliffs to the north, Cork County, the Ring of Dingle, the Arran Islands. Of course, what stuck most in my mind was the magnificent green colour of nature and the friendliness of the Irish who are always interested in chatting and having some fun.

I'm craving to go back as soon as possible, yet I know that there is so much more to see around the world, countries, and cities I haven't visited but there is just something so magical about Ireland that I simply have to return every couple of years!