We have planned a 14 day loop of Ireland stopping for a few nights in Dublin, Curracloe Beach, Cork, Lahinch, Sligo and Belfast and branching out from each stop to see that area’s beauty.

We start with a few days wandering Dublin, taking in the sights and enjoying the Irish sense of humour. Even our Taxi Driver to our accommodation talked about the Irish vibe for a good time known as the “Craic” and how it spreads to the many Irish pubs across the world. It is evident they enjoy a good drink and a hearty laugh.

Dublin itself is centred around the River Liffey as its heart and there is plenty to see, do and experience within the city. We are on foot for our two days in Dublin so we concentrate on several loops to take in the main areas. There is a spread of art works, historical buildings, churches, monuments, castles and bridges to keep us entertained and the weather is very kind to us.

Of course there was the obligatory tasting of Guinness which we all agreed is far better in Ireland than when it’s transported to Australia. We can’t get into the Storehouse as they have sold out the 6000 tickets for the day so a local pub was our next best option, and a good option it was.

From Dublin we pick up our car from the airport and head towards Curracloe Beach making the best of the fine weather and the coastal roads. There are a few miss steps along the way including our visit to the two lighthouses at Wicklow Head which was via a very narrow lane way that had no turn around point at the end so required the reversing of the car back several hundred metres to use a gateway to a paddock as a six point turn. (Well done Caitlin!)

Then there was the was the Lavender Farm that was underwhelming to say the least. We have obviously been spoilt by the examples we have seen in Australia as this was not a patch on our home grown ones.

We reach our accommodation which is a lovely little cottage style home only a few hundred metres from the beach. We unpack the car and walk down to take a look. It is quite beautiful but the afternoon wind is strong, so a short walk on the sand is all that we can take due to the sand blasting effect. A pity as the sun is out and enticing us to stay.

We notice a ferry making its way across the horizon and realise that a few weeks ago we were in Fishguard, Wales and the ferry is heading to that port. The headwind will be making it tough but they are far more accustomed to these conditions than we are.

Next up is a few days of roaming around this area and seeing what it has to offer.