Munster
Munster is the southwestern province, comprising the counties of Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford (it’s also the location of our wedding!) Munster has a number of attractions that are amongst the top sights of Ireland. A holiday in Munster alone could encompass outdoor activities as well as cultural food-for-thought - the sheer size of the province and the presence of many Munster attractions making this possible.
Things to do…
The Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s favorite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged west Clare coast. When you head here, you're coming for one of two things: the staggering height of the rock face, and the stunning views from the top. Soaring to 214m, the striated stone reaches its long fingers southward to counties Cork and Kerry beyond, and from O'Brien's Tower those with a keen eye may even be able to spot the Aran Islands to the north. To make the most of the magic, nothing quite beats a wind-whipped trek across the clifftop, the edges peaking slightly upwards like the crests of the waves that roll endlessly below.
The Burren
The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. The vast, moon-like Burren in County Clare is one of Ireland's most compelling landscapes. Here, cool grey rock etched with crevices and cracks tumbles down to the wild blue Atlantic Ocean. The result is one of nature's most extraordinary phenomena: a huge rocky pavement dotted with rock formations, caves and fossils, as well as an incredible array of flowers, from native species to Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants. The highest point in the park is Knockanes (207 metres) which continues as a curving terraced ridge to Mullaghmór to the south.
Killarney
Forget fashionable footwear, only your most comfortable shoes will cut it in Killarney. It's a walking town, and every trail is a history lesson. Journey on foot through Ireland's first national park, 26,000 acres of woodlands, sandstone mountains and low-lying lakes. Walk, cycle, run, on horseback, take a Boat Tour or Jaunting Car (Pony and Trap) through this vast, majestic park. See if you a spot a deer from the last remaining indigenous herd of Wild Red Deer in Ireland that roam the park freely! And because there are more hotel beds in Killarney than in any other Irish town or city (besides Dublin), you'll always have a place to rest your head (and feet).
The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. Its 179km-long, circular route takes in rugged and verdant coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages including the famous Dingle. Skellig Michael, a rocky island with an abandoned 7th-century Christian monastery, is a major destination point. Rolling green hills and sparkling lakes. Sheep bleating and cows grazing in patchwork fields. Pristine golden strands giving way to jaw-dropping cliffs. This scene-stealing route takes in all the big hitters – Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and the Gap of Dunloe are winners – but really, the route itself is so much more than the sum of its parts.