After a relaxing ferry crossing from the UK we arrive in Ireland. This country is known for its green hills, centuries-old castles, Wild Atlantic Way (2,500 km!) and live music in the pubs. A new adventure!
Wicklow Gap
Our first stop is at Wicklow Gap at 475 meters altitude. It is dry but there is a cold wind brrr. We walk part of St. Kevins Way but it is incredibly boggy after all the rain. We turn around and continue walking on this landscaped path.
Glendalough monastery
Glendalough is a valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. From Laragh we walk through the park to the ancient Glendalough monastery, beautiful! We view the small church and high tower (33 meters), Lower lake, Upper Lake and walk part of the Wicklow Way, a lot of kilometers today!
In Laragh you can also enjoy a great walk in the woods near St. Kevins Church.
Ring of Hook coastal road
At Tintern Abbey we walk in the monastery garden and there I meet the two Irish cycling friends Gary and Peter. Nice men who I will meet several times! The medieval lighthouse from the 13th century is in a wonderful location and is still completely intact.
Football European Championship, Netherlands is playing today. I have to hurry to find a good place to sleep and a pub where I can watch the match. Found in Arthurstown perfect! The Irish are sociable, they like Leo and I also get good walking tips.
Copper Coast
Like the cliff walk in Arthurstown. Along the sea and through the forest, a wonderful walk to start the day. Today I continue along the Copper Coast, which owes its name to the copper mines from the 19th century.
We stop at several places along the coast where we enjoy the views, amazing beaches and the remains of the copper mine. In Ireland, a height barrier is often placed at parking spaces with a maximum height of 2.1 meters. Unfortunately, most campers cannot park there.
Cobh
Cobh is a town and seaport in County Cork. This town used to be known as Queenstown and was the last stop of the Titanic before the disaster happened. There is a Titanic Museum and a Titanic Memorial in the city.
We visit the cathedral, the town center and of course I take pictures of the colored houses.
Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way begins in Kinsale. A 2,500 kilometer long coastal route along the west coast of Ireland.
I was looking forward to this road trip, it was in my top 5 of camper routes!
The sun is shining in Kinsale. We enjoy the city, harbour, castle and another cliff walk, great place!
Kinsale old head is a green peninsula that unfortunately I am not allowed on… a golf course has been created and is only accessible to members, which is a shame, but the view in front of the gate is also cool. Take a look at this video!
Irish music in Ballydehob
In Ballydehob, we park next to a old bridge. Then watch football in Barry’s pub and enjoy live music. I meet Richie and Martin and it is a super fun evening. Richie is a walking encyclopedia, he knows all kinds of facts and also the background of the songs. All customers in the pub ‘must’ sing along to one song live, including me 🙂
It’s sunny weather again, Leo and I walk to the dilapidated watchtower of Brow Head with a wide view!
Mizen Head
The next stop is Mizen head, this is a headland with spectacular views. Stairs and walking paths have been constructed so that you can enjoy the phenomenal view. There is also a bridge over the gorge at a high altitude. The old fog station is now a small museum. A top attraction with this nice weather!
Ring of Beara
Viewpoint Seefin is very nice! Sea view on both sides, but today it is also foggy with rain and a lot of wind. So a short walk and quickly back into the campervan.
Winding along the Ring of Beara. I stop in the middle of nowhere at a pub in Kilmakilloge. I can spend the night here in the parking lot together with a few other campers. Freshly caught fish (& chips) and another pleasant evening with live music in the pub.
Ring of Kerry
We continue on the Ring of Kerry. White beaches, azure blue sea, rolling green hills and vast beaches, breathtaking! Leo especially loves the beach and plays with another dog while I take pictures.
It’s cold and sunny, but the Irish just go swimming. The water is very cold and “it actually hurts that cold,” they tell me, but it seems to feel great afterwards. Brrr I’m not in for this…
Dingle Peninsula
A nice route to the town of Dingle over the Dingle Peninsula. Terraces are full because the weather is nice by Irish standards. Of course I visit the Most Westlerly pub: The Kruger in Dunquin! One more fish & chips with a pint of lager. A bit touristy, but certainly fun.
After all the hustle and bustle of this tourist town we camp in the very quiet village Camp, how appropriate. We take a lovely walk on the beach, through the green nature and view the typical Irish church.
Fenit Harbour
In Fenit harbour is a statue on the hill of the Irish Brandon. He points to America, because he is said to have discovered America before Columbus. The lighthouse is located on an island off the coast.
Cliffs of Moher
Off to the Cliffs of Moher! Wow, there are suddenly a lot of tourists here! You are no longer allowed on the edge of the cliff, a walking path has been constructed because tourists sometimes fell down while taking selfies… The cliffs are approximately 120 meters high!
A quick look at the O’Brien’s Tower and then on to the very quiet Burren National Park. I found a perfect spot for the night and on our evening walk we see a little fox 🦊
We travel on to the Donegal region in the north of Ireland. Are you traveling with us?
