You might have visited Dublin but have you heard of Trim and Carrick-on-Shannon?
Here are some interesting, fun, historic, and beautiful places to visit on a five-day itinerary in Southern Ireland (Republic of Ireland).
Five-Day Itinerary In Southern Ireland (Republic of Ireland)
Traveling From Edinburgh to Dublin - Day 1
I travelled with my wee group of 28 from around central Scotland to southern Ireland on a private executive luxury coach to the Stena Ferry Terminal at Cairnryan. The 2.5-hour ferry journey went by in a flash. We had soon arrived in Belfast from here, it's another couple of hours drive beyond Dublin, where we were staying - Johnstone Bridge at the Hamlet Court Hotel.
Did you know you can book and travel with Scottish Citylink to Ireland? There is also the option of flying but where is the adventure in that? As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "it's all about the journey".
Getting around Ireland is really easy, it's a very well connected country. You can buy a travel pass/Leap Card for all the local transport either before arriving online or once you arrive (Leap Card can be bought at the Post Office).
Trim & Carrick on Shannon - Day 2
Trim is well known for its 12th-century castle but did you know 80% of the movie Braveheart (1995) was filmed in Trim? It was also home for some time to Jonathan Swift author of Gulliver's Travels, while a Vicar in the area. Trim is a beautiful town to visit with many medieval buildings. It is said that Trim contains more medieval buildings than any other town in Ireland!
You can reach Trim with the public bus from Dublin (route 111 bus Eireann) and there is a selection of hotels and guest houses to choose from locally too.
We then travelled on to Carrick-on-Shannon for a leisurely 1-hour boat trip down the River Shannon onboard the Moon River pleasure cruiser with its luxury saloon. Did you know it's the largest vessel ever launched on the Shannon?
Dublin - Day 3
There is so much to see and do in Dublin! I would recommend planning before your arrival as you might like to book tickets for attractions and events in advance, including The Book of Kells. Here are my recommendations for a day in Dublin with hidden gems and must-see's!
Irish National Stud & Japanese Garden and Newbridge Silverware - Day 4
If you haven't visited The Irish National Stud, I highly recommend a visit. The Japanese Gardens are beautiful, the walking tour of the stallion-breeding stud farm is really informative and you might get to see a foal, as well as, an Irish racehorse or two. There is also a wide range of gifts and clothing ranges in the gift shop, as well as, a cafe with delicious hot and cold snacks, main dishes, and sweet treats. Please allow 2- 3 hours for a visit.
Then it was off to Newbridge Silverware. Celebrating 90 years of designing and crafting jewellery, homeware, and gifts. The Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre houses the complete range of products and some exclusive collections of Newbridge Silverware. Don't miss the free Museum of Style Icons on the upper floor, with items including Princess Diana's Wedding Dress, the Little Black Givenchy Dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, and other artefacts from Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, the Beatles and many more!
It was a fun and interesting week, sad to return home on day 5. Though we brought back some good weather, and enjoyed the scenic route with views of Ailsa Craig as we travelled back via the Scottish town of Girvan. I am already planning my return visit!
Have you visited the 'Emerald Isle' - Ireland? What were your highlights? Any recommendations for future visits? As always, I love to hear from you with any comments and questions. You can reach me in the usual ways; email, Facebook, X (formally Twitter), and Instagram.
Until next time..safe travels, Michelle