An Irish Road trip Adventure

Travel Tips for an Authentic Irish Experience

When my friend mentioned her family’s upcoming trip to Ireland, it got me reminiscing about our own Irish road trip and honeymoon—a highlight at the start of married life, with all its unexpected turns and charm. For Bryce, my Texas cowboy of a husband, Ireland was an adventure he’d barely started to understand. His first real culture shock happened right before our wedding ceremony. As he was getting ready, he came across Ros na Rún, the Irish-language (Gaelic) soap opera, only to discover it was immediately followed by Dallas—yes, that Dallas. I swear, Bryce took this as a sign Ireland was charmed, and thus, our honeymoon tradition was born: every morning, he’d get his daily Dallas fix, giggling like a kid, while I plotted out our route with our good old-fashioned paper map.

Celtic cross in Killea Forest

Setting Off on an Irish Road Trip: Winding Roads & Timeless Landscapes

We began in Donegal, intending to “see the sights” all the way to Dingle with a few scenic stops. But if you know Ireland, you’ll know that distance is a funny thing here. Telling our friends we’d drive from Donegal to Dingle had them wide-eyed, asking if we’d need overnight stops (or three) along the way. But Bryce’s jaw dropped when I explained that in six to eight hours, you can go from one end of Ireland to the other, give or take a cow or sheep-crossing delay.

The husband isn't one to share the driving when in the U.S., but if you can beleve it, I was the driver, and Bryce, the navigator in Ireland. A man hilariously earnest with his paper map in hand. His eyes widened every time a tour bus hurtled toward us on those tiny one-lane roads that cling to the cliffs. More than once, I had to gently remind him to keep breathing as he gripped the door handle, muttering. Perhaps it was the Lords prayer, or perhaps his wonder at my driving skills but I'll never share the truth. Meanwhile, I was busy dodging sheep, pot-holes, and the occasional rainstorm, feeling quite at home. Bryce, on the other hand, was practically hiding behind the map.

Galway's Unexpected Charms

Galway was our first planned stop, and we intended to stay a night or two, but the city has a way of charming you into staying longer. We spent the days wandering lively streets and finding pub after pub where music floated out the doors. The locals treated us like family, weaving tales with each pint, and when the bartenders spoke Gaelic infront of Bryce, it opened up his fascination of the language. As he wondered what they were talking about, it was fun to tell him, "they're talking about you honey! You don't want to know what they're saying..." Galway is fun, but Dingle was waiting, and so we pressed on.

Dingle Delights

Now, Dingle—that was four days of pure Irish magic. There’s a special rhythm to life there, with its winding roads, fishing boats, and the smell of the ocean that seemed to follow us everywhere. By day, we explored the coastline, and by night, we cozied up in pubs where Bryce tried (badly) to mimic the locals’ accents and enjoyed seafood directly off those boats. And then we met *The Yanks'. You know the type: the ones who ask for Bud Light with chips and salsa in an Irish pub. Bryce was mortified, insisting he wasn’t with them, as if I might suddenly disown him for being an American. There's a beauty in a quick-witted barman setting stupidity straight with a “fast tongue and some fine Irish stout,” and I made a mental note to ban Bud Light from our marriage ahead.

In Dingle, we met locals who spoke only Irish, and it was like stepping back in time. For Bryce, it was the perfect balance to his fast-paced, high-energy kitchen life. We strolled the town, tasted the seafood, and let the slow pace of life work its magic.

Being with Bryce on these little adventures gave me a whole new appreciation for my own homeland. Watching him marvel at the Dingle cliffs and try to navigate the Gaelic language was like seeing Ireland for the first time. With every stop, I felt a love for this land that I don't think I ever had before and all its quirks came flooding back but with a much different perspective.

Ceremony in Killyclogher Chapel

Our Page Boy & Nephew Rory

Rory the Cowboy & Sarah

Dingle Bay when the ships came in

Slea Road in Dingle

McDaids in Dublin

Terrifically Tyrone & Feeding the Clan: A Lesson in Hospitality

As our time in Dingle came to an end, Bryce, ever the chef, declared he’d love the opportunity to feed my entire family as a heartfelt thank-you for the incredible time we’d enjoyed in Ireland. I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and respond, “Have you any idea what you’re letting yourself in for?” After all, I had experienced more than a few Irish get-togethers in my time, and they’re a whirlwind of noise, laughter, and joy—loud, boisterous affairs where conversations overlap like a chaotic symphony.

You see, in a gathering like this, it’s an art form. You learn to navigate through the five different conversations buzzing around you, hopping in and out like you’re two-stepping on the dance floor. It’s a delightful chaos that can feel overwhelming for those unaccustomed to it.

In true Irish fashion, our farewell dinner turned into a two-day event. Bryce stepped up to the challenge with enthusiasm, determined to impress the family. We found ourselves in Tyrone, where the warmth of home engulfed us.

There’s something about hospitality back home that’s simply unparalleled. It’s not about the elegance of the meal; it’s about the unspoken rule that you’ll never leave hungry. EVER! As Bryce stirred up a delicious storm in the kitchen, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing he was about to learn just how lively and loving our family gatherings could be. As I think about it now, perhaps the lesson was for me through eyes and ears years later.

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In Ireland, it’s not about how fast you get there—it’s about the stories (tea & pub breaks) along the way! So here we are folks at thr crux of the story...

Travel Tips for an Authentic Irish Experience

1. Get Off the Beaten Path. Ireland’s beauty is in its small towns and the people you meet along the way. Let the locals guide you; a friendly face and a warm accent are often the best tour guides.

2. Forget Timetables. Plan for extra time, even if your Google Maps says “3 hours.” You’ll want to stop for views, talk with people, and yes, wait for the occasional herd of cows or sheep to cross the road. We doubled our travel time in almost every place we went.

3. Learn to Laugh at Yourself. Whether it’s failing to pronounce **Níl aon áit cosúil le do bhaile féin or mistaking a bush for a sheep, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be good-naturedly humbled by Ireland’s quirks.

4. Don’t Be That Tourist. Order local, drink local, and for heaven’s sake, don’t ask for Bud Light and salsa. If you do, know that the Irish can dish out sarcasm as readily as they can pour a pint.

   
   

   For those planning a trip to Ireland, my best advice is to take your time. Wander off the main roads, chat with people, and embrace the rain. Each county has its own scent, its own flavor, and a little touch of magic.

   
   

   As you explore, take a moment to just be still and breathe. The earthy smell of peat, the fresh sea air of the coast or inland—it’s all part of a memory you’ll carry long after you’ve left. Just as I do, whether I’m here in Texas or back home in Ireland. Sláinte.

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As someone who works in hospitality, I’m privileged to hear incredible stories from folks who’ve journeyed to Ireland—the family connections made, the chance encounters, the simple yet unforgettable adventures. These stories remind me of how Ireland touches each of us in unique ways. So please, share your memories with me—I’d love to hear how Ireland found a place in your heart and what it means to you.

DISCLAIMER: *Please know every American is a Yank and no offense is ever intended...until you make it so and it is!

**There's no place like home

Rosemary Sage

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