Ireland: Where History Meets Endless Charm
IRELAND DUBLIN, CORK AND KINSALE
Growing up as an American in a country with a young history, I find it almost unfathomable to stand in buildings, read literature, and admire art that predates my country’s founding. When the opportunity arises to see such incredible, ancient things with fascinating histories, it’s never something to overlook. Experiencing in person what you’ve learned about in school—walking the streets and standing in those buildings—is truly something to marvel at.
Ireland was the second stage of a three-part trip. As an American, traveling to Europe is more than just a short journey—it requires careful planning. Traveling from the States to Europe requires careful planning and timing. Delays can be costly, and trust me, there’s no worse feeling than being stuck in an airport—tired, hungry, and impatient. So it was quite a surprise to learn that the trip from Edinburgh to Dublin was what most Scotts call a commuter flight it is so easy to do it acts as basically a bus from one place to another which I could not have been happier to hear. So with a quick 1-hour or so flight, we were there getting our passports stamped and on our way.
Trinity College, officially named The College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth, was established in 1592 and is home to one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. We were fortunate to visit just before it underwent major renovations and closed to the public. It felt special to be among the last groups to walk through its historic halls. The library houses the world-famous Book of Kells, a 1,200-year-old manuscript celebrated for its vivid, original colors. As I know I have mentioned taking a tour is one of the best ways to go through the experience not just because tour groups in a lot of cases are prioritized and act as a fast pass but to have someone tell you the history and listen to them is far more engaging than reading which they also allowed time for. While touring Dublin, I must mention Chester Beatty’s stunning museum. It houses an incredible collection of religious manuscripts and artwork he gathered during his travels. Before his death, Beatty ensured this collection would be accessible to the public, allowing visitors to marvel at his treasures.
If you're ever in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse is an absolute must-see. Located at St. James's Gate, this iconic factory isn’t just a brewery—it’s a celebration of Ireland’s rich beer-making tradition. The tour takes you through seven floors of history, craftsmanship, and culture, all centered around Ireland’s most famous stout. You’ll learn about the four simple ingredients—water, barley, hops, and yeast—that create the "Black Stuff" and see the passion that has gone into every pint since Arthur Guinness signed his now-famous 9,000-year lease. The Gravity Bar, perched on the top floor, is the perfect finale: enjoy a complimentary pint while taking in panoramic views of Dublin’s skyline. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just curious about Ireland's heritage, the Guinness Storehouse offers an experience that’s both educational and unforgettable.
Anyone who has been to Cork knows about Blarney Castle and its famous Blarney Stone. According to Irish folklore, those who kiss the stone are granted the gift of eloquence and the ability to resolve any issue. The true origins of the stone remain a mystery. Some say it was the stone Jacob slept on while dreaming of angels, later brought to Ireland. Others believe it was a good luck charm gifted to the MacCarthy clan to ward off Queen Elizabeth I or a token of gratitude from one chieftain to another for aid during wartime. Regardless of its origins, the stone and castle grounds have drawn visitors for decades. Many come to admire the pristine scenery and steal a kiss from the legendary rock atop the tower.
If looking for a day trip outside of Cork I would have to recommend the small town of Kinsale just to the south. With a modest population of about 6,000 and can claim to be one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in Ireland. Home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Ireland. In case that wasn’t enough for fans of forts, Fort Charles. Built in the 1670’s it is truly an amazing thing to take in with its famous roles in battles like the Williamite Wars, for example, it withstood a 13-day siege before it fell or the Civil War of 1920 where it was burned out. Designed by the same man who designed the Royal Hospital William Robinson with 16-meter-high walls looking out over the harbor, its star shape is well worth the trip and admission.
If you are looking to be immersed in history that dates back centuries, walk through castles, and old cobblestone streets stay at an inn, and grab a pint of beer go to Ireland. Trust me its raw natural beauty and stunning landscape meshed with its old forts, castles, and colleges will leave you speechless and stunned. So go ahead, book that trip, grab a hand-knit beanie or flat cap for the journey, and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Ireland
To experience life, don’t be uncomfortable going outside your bubble. I can promise you that traveling to new places and meeting new people is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. In those shared stories and human interactions, we learn to coexist and relate to each other.
Growing up as an American in a country with a relatively young history, seeing buildings, literature, and art that predate the founding of my country is almost unfathomable. So when the opportunity arises to witness something so ancient and fascinating, it should never be overlooked. Walking the streets, exploring the landmarks, and standing in buildings you've only read about in history books is truly something to marvel at.
