Back in 2024, I was still working at my previous job. There was a sudden change in the workflow and within weeks things became really terrible and unbearable for my team. We ended up working more than before for, actually, less money than before! 🤨
There was a lot of resentment, but nothing we could have done to prevent the changes. Inevitably, stress and tension started building up and we were all overworked. Burned out and in desperate need of a mental break, I went on a travel spree, covering three destinations that summer – Ireland in July, Malta in August, and London in early September! 🌍
Ireland has always been a dreamed-of destination! To my misfortune, though, I couldn’t get a longer vacation then, so my trip was very brief, but still packed with exciting experiences! If you’d like to learn more, take a walk with me down memory lane! ✨
🍀 DAY 1 – 21.07.2024 🍀
Actually, it all started late in the evening on 20th of July. The flight from Dublin was delayed and by the time we took off from Sofia Airport, it was already past midnight. The flight itself wasn’t the most delightful – a few hours delay, uncomfortable seats, and arrival in Dublin in the wee small hours.
Super early on the 21st, I boarded a bus to Galway, which was the destination of my visit. At least the seats there were comfortable, so I caught up on some sleep during the trip.
When I arrived in Galway, I left my luggage at the hostel and went for a walk. I was eager to explore the beautiful city, despite my rather dreadful flight.
I decided to also go for a walk along the seashore, but still unexperienced I was suitably welcomed by a sudden wind, followed by a rather refreshing morning Irish rain. 😂
I quickly turned around and headed back inwards the city where the situation was much better. I found a nice place to have lunch and make plans for the afternoon. My visit was during the Galway International Arts Festival 2024, so there were many options.
Firstly, I visited a bizzare exhibition, which I didn’t quite get. I don’t have any photos. Either such were forbidden or I didn’t feel like photographing the exhibits. I don’t quite remember the reason, to be honest. I only remember that I didn’t really like it. 🤷♀️
Anyway, after that strange experience, I headed towards the town square, where there was going to be a small circus show. It was titled West Wind and was performed by the French ensemble Les P’Tits Bras. They had prepared a funny act, filled with many impressive stunts! That was definitely better than the exhibition. 😂
[Watch the performance on Instagram]
In the evening, I had booked a ticket for a play. It was a new production, which debuted during the festival. It was called Reunion and it featured Irish actor Robert Sheehan, who you might know as Klaus from The Umbrella Academy and Nathan from Misfits. It was an opporunity I couldn’t miss!
The entire ensemble of actors was amazing and I was really impressed by the plot and their acting. It was a great finale of my first day in Ireland!
I even got the chance to meet Robert Sheehan after the play and exchange a few words… and funny faces. 😜
🍀 DAY 2 – 22.07.2024 🍀
For the second day, I had booked a guided tour to the famous Cliffs of Moher! It was definitely a sight I’ve always wanted to visit + they’re located rather close to Galway, so it’s easy to go for a 1-day tour.
The trip started in Galway and moved alongside the West coast of Ireland.
Firstly, our guide took us to Dunguaire Castle, built in 1520 on the shores of Galway Bay. Unfortunately, access was restricted at that moment, so we couldn’t explore it inside. But we got to take lots of beautiful photos!
To compensate the inaccessibility of the castle, we had a delicious stop at a small local craft chocolate company. 🤤
We had a tour on the inside and were given a small sample to taste. Need I even say it was absolutely delicious? And that I don’t regret not being able to visit the castle on the inside? 😂
After some chocolate shopping, we continued to the so-called Baby Cliffs.
It’s a less famous sight on the West coast of Ireland and I, for one, didn’t know about them before this trip! They’re located within The Burren region and are a less crowded alternative to the Cliffs of Moher.
The views are absolutely spectacular and majestic! You can walk freely wherever you want and as close to the edge as you want! (But be extra careful, it can be very slippery!!!)
Quite exciting and scary!
(I’ll be posting more photos and videos on my Instagram account in the next days)
After the Baby Cliffs, the guide took us to the small village of Doolin, where we had a nice lunch. It was so calm and peaceful that I didn’t want to leave it. But we were still yet to visit the highlight of our tour. So, shortly after our lunch break, we got to the famous Cliffs of Moher!
With two hours of free time, I was very excited! I had wanted to see them in forever and I finally got to see… something. 😂
You see, July is probably the only summer month in Ireland with temperatures as high as 20°C. But just like any other month in Ireland there is a lot of precipitation, so…
…we got hit by an afternoon Atlantic rain. 😂
I mean, it’s not like I didn’t see anything at all. No, no, I saw quite a lot of spectacular and unforgettable views! But big part of the time we were in a rain fog. 😂
(I’ll be posting more photos and videos on my Instagram account in the next days)
At the end of the trip, I was completely drenched. But pleased nonetheless! The first thing I did when I got back to the hostel in Galway was to take a hot shower. The second one was to check my gallery. 😍
Safety advice! If you are planning a trip to Ireland and, most specifficaly, the Cliffs of Moher, please be extra careful, stay on the designated paths and away from the edge! In the very same year, 2024, unfortunately, there were two fatal accidents, one of which had happened shortly before our visit. It is a spectacular and definitely worth to visit sight! But safety is the most important thing!
🍀 DAY 3 – 23.07.2024 🍀
For my third and, unfortunately, last day, I had booked two activities – a city tour and a boat trip.
The Discover Galway City Walking Tour included some interesting historical sights around the city. It’s funny how we usually pass some buildings by without knowing their historical past and fate. Like Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street.
Currently, it houses the AIB bank and it seems like any other building on the street. But once you look up, you notice a set of gargoyles upon the facade.
Actually, Lynch’s Castle is a medieval fortified house built by the Lynch family. They were one of the 14 powerful tribes who ruled Galway in the past and were in constant feud with each other. You can learn more about the building’s history inside the bank.
The tour continued with other interesting historical sights and a funny story of how the guide couldn’t reach his own home after a trip, because it was on the street where, at the time, Ed Sheeran was recording the video for Galway Girl. 😂
At the end, we went to Galway City Museum for a final story and a farewell. I, then, explored the museum itself, which is free to enter. It’s not very big, but it offers interesting exhibits and artifacts. Definitely worth your time to visit.
In the afternoon, I enjoyed the Lough Corrib Scenery Cruise. It was an hour and a half of beautiful landscape and relaxation. 😌
The tour started in Galway and continued along the river Corrib towards the lake. We had a tour guide, as well, who told some interesting stories about the region and life in the past. It was a very lovely end to the day and my trip to Ireland!
(I’ll be posting more photos and videos on my Instagram account in the next days)
Early next morning, on 24th of July, I checked out of the hostel, took a bus back to Dublin and boarded the flight home. It wasn’t easy to leave Ireland after seeing so little of it, but I’m grateful for every minute I got to spend there! 💚
Till the next time!
Lina Dimitrova
25/01/26
Part 1: Visiting Ireland |
Rings of Saturn Blog 