Quintessential Ireland

What is Quintessential Ireland?

Are you planning a trip to Ireland but feeling overwhelmed by the conflicting recommendations from various websites and social media? Many tourists go to places they have seen on Instagram or Facebook – what I call name recognition. 

How should you decide where to go? What are your interests? When we travel, we want experiences that are unique to the country we’re visiting. We want to find special places. We want to see places that are the ultimate examples of a country. So what is Quintessential Ireland?  

Author & Photographer: George Mitchell

Our content and advice are derived from our personal experience and knowledge, gained from living in Europe for seven years and studying its art and architecture, culture and cuisine. Our recommendations are not influenced by affiliate links – we do not have any.  Ireland is one of our favourite destinations.

All of our recommendations are top-rated by Google Maps, based on ratings from everyone, not just tourists. Each place recommended in our posts and our custom Ireland’s Best Sights Map is appended with a Google Maps Rating (G0 to G5).

Features of Quintessential Ireland

After much thought, we have identified the key features that make Ireland unique. The cities are not the Essence of Ireland.

By the way, click on the hyperlinked text to see the post from which the photo comes.

Quaint Villages

The best quaint villages are Kinsale, Kenmare, Dingle, Doolin, Ballyvaughn, Roundstone, Clifden, Killybegs, Donegal, and Ramelton.

Green Countryside

Ireland is very green with lots of farmland. Look out for the white sheep with black booties and hoodies! This is found everywhere, but our favourite spot was Achill Island Highway L1405.

Golden Beaches

Ireland is full of gorgeous golden beaches. Some of the best beaches are Gurteen Bay, Keem Beach, Cullenamore Beach, Portacloy Beach, Killahoey Beach, Marble Hill Bay Beach, Ballymastocker Beach, Benone Beach, and White Rocks Beach.

Coastal Hikes

The best hikes and walks are the Cliffs of Kerry, Slea Head Drive, Cliffs of Moher, Downpatrick Head, and Giant’s Causeway Trail.

Cliffs and Coastlines

The best cliffs and coastlines are the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Kerry, Slea Head Drive, Cliffs of Moher, Sky Road, Achill Island Highway L1405, Downpatrick Head, Mullaghmore Head, Slieve League (cliffs), White Rocks, and Giant’s Causeway Trail.

Castles

The best archaeological places to visit were Trim Castle, Kilkenny Castle, Dunluce, Rock of Cashel, and Glendalough.

B&Bs

Beautiful family-run B&Bs with traditional Irish breakfasts are everywhere. Our choices were excellent and lived up to their high Google ratings.

Sunshine

What, did you expect us to have rain as an item? Yes, Ireland is like a perpetual spring. There is usually lots of rain and cool temperatures — if there wasn’t climate change. Ireland is so green that it is still beautiful even when it rains. But when you see the amazing sights in glorious daylight, you really appreciate the sun. Lighting makes photography.

Whatever places you choose to see, you will love Ireland because two positives apply wherever you go:  

• Travelling between A and B is as beautiful as seeing B.
• Meeting friendly Irish people is common in every region.

What is your Quintessential Ireland?

Final Comments

Ireland is an enchanting destination that offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural depth, and warm hospitality. The most important “destination” is meeting the people. The Irish are famously friendly and love to chat.

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Itinerary Map & Resources

Ready-Made Two-Week Itineraries

Do you want a ready-made itinerary? Then select one of the “Best Two Week” trips below.

Ireland Best 2-Week Trip Map — our custom Google Map

Ireland North’s Best Sights Map — our custom Google Map

Custom Ireland Itineraries

Do you want to plan a longer and/or custom itinerary? The Discover Ireland web page is a portal with links to every itinerary by geographic region. Use the Best Sights Map to find the places.

Ireland’s Best Sights Map — create your own itinerary

Google Maps Ratings

Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels and restaurants (but not cities). All of our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. As it is based on feedback from tourists and locals, it is much more reliable than travel booking websites. We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good; 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent.

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