Travel Like A Local in Ireland

& Other Stories OVERSIZED SHIRT, EARRINGS & SUNGLASSES (c/o) // BDG JEANS // Veja SNEAKERS // Annabel Ingall TOTE (similar)

Maybe it’s because I’m hyperaware right now, but it seems like everyone is traveling to Ireland right now. I know a few people going this summer alone, not to mention overheard someone talking about an impending trip there on the day after my return. Ireland seems to be the perfect, easy getaway and not to mention, a relief from this heat wave we’ve been having on the East Coast.

I traveled to Ireland when I was twenty, so it was quite a different experience than this trip with my family this time. Back then, I did a tour around the south from Dublin, to Cork, to Killarney, to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher…and a lot of pub hopping (ah, to be twenty!).

This trip was more about exploring like a local. I’m fortunate that my sister married a lovely Irish man who grew up in a small village called Timoleague, which happens to be charmingly untouched by tourists (though I saw a crew of Asian men in suits entering the local pub!).

They bought and completely renovated the former doctor’s house of the town as their second home and rental when they’re not staying there. It’s the perfect location to feel like you’re really getting away, but in the center of it all to take day trips to all the landmarks and tourist towns. We’re all secretly hoping it doesn’t become discovered, so please keep this quaint village between us.

Here’s what we did on our trip and I highly recommend to travel like a local in Ireland:

Fly into Dublin (Aer Lingus was amazing!) on a red eye and rent a car. Be warned, it’s tough to drive there being it’s on the other side of the road, on windy and narrow roads, and most cars are stick shift, so insurance is through the roof. You may want to consider getting an international credit card just for the trip that insures the rental so it’s cheaper.
Book a hotel in Dublin for the night before (to catch up on sleep when you arrive) and one night (a day or so is all your need there in my opinion). We stayed at Bono’s hotel The Clarence, which was perfect with a baby because it had an alcove for the pack-n-play with a black out curtain and a balcony for us to hang out on once the baby went to bed. The hotel itself was mediocre, as it clearly hasn’t been updated since the 90’s, but you can’t beat the location in the center of Temple Bar.
Explore Dublin: Walk around Temple Bar neighborhood, go to Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, have a pint of Guinness, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, shopping on Grafton Street, breakfast and shopping at Avoca, grab provisions at Dollard & Co (and check out the American section of the market…eek!).
Drive to Timoleague or anywhere in beautiful West Cork and make that your home base. This is where we stayed and didn’t want to leave.
Take day trips. Stroll through Timoleague and tour the historic Abbey and maybe catch some local cattle along the way. Walk to Corkmacsherry and enjoy the views and cafe at Travara Lodge. Drive to the adorable village of Clonakilty and walk around. Hike through Point of The Wood and enjoy the scenery (best hike I’ve ever done). Drive to Mizen Head and see the last point where anyone leaving Europe would see before America. Enjoy the beaches and shopping at Schull on the same trip as Mizen. Spend a day at the magical fishing village of Kinsale. Take a longer day trip to see the spectacular views through the Ring of Kerry (their Pacific Coast Highway). Enjoy seeing all the cows, bulls, donkeys, sheep, etc. …and often in pastures with ocean views (lucky animals!).
Eat and drink like a local. Some of the best baked goods can be found at gas stations because they’re delivered by locals daily. Enjoy a pint of Guinness or if it’s too much, you can ask for a glass (half pint). Eat at our favorite local pub, Monk’s Lane and maybe you’ll catch some live music in the evenings. Also you can’t leave without getting chips and curry somewhere.
Bring back local foods as souvenirs. Our favorites are Cadbury Dairy Milk, Cadbury Roses, and Hobnobs/McVities Digestives

The village of Timoleague (most villages in West Cork seem to have the same colorful charm as well).

The hallway to the outside patio at our favorite pub, Monk’s Lane

Everywhere you’ll see gorgeous landscaping and flowers that will blow your mind.

{SHOP MY TRAVEL LOOK}

See more of my finds from & Other Stories here.

The church in Timoleague

The road leading to Abbeyview House

The view of all of Timoleague from our walk to Corkmacsherry. We stayed in the last house on the left on the hill.

The view of Timoleague Abbey built in 1240 AD, with remarkable history

Don’t try calling here. The pay phone is no longer functioning but it’s pretty cute!

Everyone seems to use their old Wellies as flower pot decor, which is my kind of repurposing!

Spotted in Corkmacsherry, which by the way, has the best toddler friendly playground! If you’re traveling with a child, it seems every town as a clean and well kept playground so definitely ask a local where it is!