Snapshots of Ireland

“Guinness tastes so much better in Ireland.”

This statement was the catalyst for my spontaneous weekend in Dublin in November. Well technically Guinness wasn’t the only reason; the lure of Ireland’s scenic landscapes, dramatic coastline, and raucous pubs had long been in the back of mind, and when I noticed cheap flights from Edinburgh in November, I took it as a sign to finally visit the Emerald Isle. And to drink Guinness straight from the source.

My visit was quick to say the least: two nights in Dublin with a hasty trip to the Cliffs of Moher; the weekend was a blur of Dublin streetscapes, pints of stout, and the volatile winds of the West Coast.

The following photos depict a few highlights from my weekend in Ireland, namely the food, the scenery, and a few of the obligatory tourist stops.

A beautiful look-out point somewhere along the West Coast

Empty streets in Dublin’s Temple Bar district on a Sunday in the early morning hours

One of the best things I ate in Dublin: pizza topped with new potatoes, lavistown and mascarpone cheese, rocket, and chili powder from Skinflint

Pretty Dublin pubs

A perfectly poured pint from the Guinness Storehouse

The Cliffs of Moher – still a stunning sight, despite the misty, windy and all-round horrendous weather

Normally I prefer not to rush through a destination so quickly, but I had a feeling this visit would be only one of many, and I was right – I recently booked flights to visit Ireland again in March. Bring on the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!

Have you been to Dublin or the Cliffs of Moher? Do you have any recommendations for Galway, or any other destinations on the West Coast?