Dublin’s location is the perfect gateway to other areas of Ireland. It’s easy to set up a quickie bus tour or hop a train to visit some of the most beautiful sights just outside of Dublin on the “Emerald Isle.”
Let’s start with Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Oh, so much more time was needed here. 50,000 acres of stunning scenery and nine marked walking trails ranging from 30 minutes to four hours. The fascinating monastic history makes it a popular destination. The name Glendalough means “valley of two lakes” and is known for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Of course packing the Polaroid SX-70 was a must to capture the enchantment and eeriness of the dense forest…
impossible px-70 film
one of the two lakes – glendalough, ireland
Malahide Castle and Gardens – a short train ride from Dublin with a stop at the castle (easy walk from Malahide train station) before heading on to Howth. Malahide Castle is set on 250 acres of park land in the pretty seaside town of Malahide and was once both a fortress and a private home for nearly 800 years. Great place for a lunch break with fresh salads, quality sandwiches, wine and coffee. Oh, did I mention the desserts?
malahide castle & gardens, ireland
Howth…and then there was Howth. Perhaps my favorite of all the excursions outside of Dublin. A picturesque seaside village. A must…take the cliff path loop from the train station especially around sunrise/sunset. This is the peninsula that I captured from the plane, upon arrival, into Dublin. More time was needed here as well, not only to take in the cliffs but to just explore the small shops and pubs of this adorable little village.
howth, ireland
cliff walk – howth, ireland
Bray to Greystones Cliff walk – take the train to Bray and it’s about a two hour walk to Greystones. (From Greystones you can take the train back to Dublin.) Take in the beauty of the wildflowers, the cliffs, the sea…and work off that beer you had the night before!
bray to greystones cliff walk, ireland
bray to greystones cliff walk, ireland
bray to greystones cliff walk, ireland
I’m sure there’s other short, easy excursions…but just sharing from my week. Easy peasy from Dublin! Just needed more time to explore!
Tales of the city…only this time the city is Dublin…Just like sharing my love for New York City…there’s the love of sharing images and thoughts about other cities and countries as well. Perhaps my travel experience and images will inspire you to visit too, but if that isn’t possible at the moment…sit back and let me bring Dublin, Ireland to you…
O Robin I was just dying to know how you got on in Glendalough and on the Dart trip, so I am thrilled to see your wonderful photos, you have captured something special about Ireland, the thing I love most, the land and the sea. X
So so fabulous! Miss you!!
Just Beautiful. Thanks!
I KNOW that I need to visit this magic land. Your images are beyond beautiful … I believe that is the most perfect castle ever!
Knowing about all your side trips and seeing these images, Robin, has got me talking with Astrid about what we can do when we fly over together for a good week or more. Even a week and 2 weekends would be a good start. I can hardly wait, so thanks for the inspiration. Definitely a must for us. Ireland really is in my blood.
What a wonderful place!The view over the sea and the cliffs – I just love it! And Howth seems to be a magicl place. Can you imagine being there in winter? Wind is howling and the sea is grey and wild. Of course I would be inside my hut close to the fire ,wrapped in a blanket with a hot “toddy” ( or is that from Scotland?)
Looks absolutely amazing. And Howth might be my favourite, too, judging from your beautiful pictures!
If I ever get to go to Ireland, I will refer back to this post. You’ve certainly made me put a visit on my wish list!
I’m not jealous. I’m not jealous. Except I really am jealous. These pics are gorgeous. Thanks for letting us tag along vicariously 🙂
I want to go!!! And especially see Howth!
It is amazing what you saw in such a short time. The pictures show beautiful part of Ireland, but then I think, Ireland has only beautiful parts 🙂
Your images are just exquisite! Howth! A must-see!