Memorable landscapes, ancient castles and the enchanting charm of Ireland – these are just some of the sights that are forever etched in my memory from the Globus Irish Escape tour.
From the bustling streets of Dublin to the bohemian hub of Galway, our journey through Ireland with Globus was an exploration of history, culture and natural beauty.
The added magic of being in Dublin for St Patrick’s Day was an experience that I’ll never forget and something I’d recommend to everyone!
For seven days we explored Ireland with our tour director at the helm and local guides to show us the best of the country in the off season – from Guinness at all stops, local music and bars, to the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher – we did it all!
Dublin greeted us with its vibrant energy as we strolled through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar. We were surrounded by an eclectic mix of traditional Irish pubs, lively music and all kinds of street performers.
The atmosphere was just so infectious – smiles and laughs all round as we enjoyed an obligatory pint of Guinness and attempted to do as the Irish do.
The countryside
As we made our way through the Irish countryside, we passed adorable cottages and countless castles and gardens that looked like something out of a film.
Kilkenny Castle was seriously something else; seeing a castle in real-life felt so surreal, with its impressive architecture right next to the River Nore.
Wandering through the extravagant corridors, lavish rooms and meticulously maintained gardens felt like I went back in time.
But the Cliffs of Moher were the real star – talk about a sensory (and windy) overload!
Standing on the edge (at a safe distance of course) with the Atlantic Ocean stretching far into the horizon, I couldn’t help but think just how tiny we really are in the grand scheme of things.
As luck would have it…
While we had the warmest of welcomes in Galway – think authentic Irish hospitality, with colourful shops, pubs and eateries – further down south, a few of us took on the challenge of kissing the Blarney Stone – where we leant far back and upside down to plant a kiss on the legendary stone.
I’m confident that this feat will bring us the luck of the Irish for many years to come!
Darcie Comben (far right)
Pubs, pubs and more pubs
One of the absolute highlights of the trip was visiting John Meade’s Pub in Waterford. This place has been around since 1705 and we were informed it’s been a favourite hang out for locals ever since.
With a few more pints of Guinness in hand, we were treated to live music and traditional Irish folk tales.
Saving the best till last
Our last night was spent visiting the Guinness Storehouse, where I had hands down the best tasting Guinness ever – perfectly pulled, expertly chilled and absolutely delicious. I mean, it’s the home of Guinness after all!
This multi-level, interactive venue is packed with bars, fun activities, restaurants and history, delving into how this famous beer is brewed.
But the crème de la crème was the Gravity Bar where we sipped our pints of Guinness while taking in panoramic views of Dublin’s skyline.
My Irish Escape tour was so much more than just ticking off the sights; it was about diving into the true spirit (and yes, the pubs!) of Ireland, sans the crowds.
Travelling outside of peak season will gift you with quieter surroundings and most importantly, sweet savings of up to half the price off too….
Every stop showed us a different side of this incredible country, from cliffs to castles, and a good time was well and truly had.
It was an experience that captured the heart and soul of the country in the most unforgettable way, leaving us with a little bit of Irish magic to carry with us wherever we go next.
