Majestic Cliffs, Mystical Landscapes, and Northern Wonders!

Welcome back, fellow travel addicts! If you thought the first half of our NCL Dawn Irish cruise was spectacular, just wait until you hear about all of the wonders we uncovered in the latter half of our journey. From towering cliffs to mythical basalt columns, this part of the trip was truly breathtaking!

Day 7: Galway, Ireland – The Wild Atlantic Way and the Magnificent Cliffs of Moher!

Our seventh day brought us to Galway, a vibrant, artistic city known as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland.” Being a tender port, we disembarked eager for one of the most anticipated excursions of the entire trip: a private small group adventure to the absolutely awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. Those of you who are fans, like me, of the movie “The Princess Bride”, know them better as the “Cliffs of Insanity”

Standing majestically along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare, these cliffs rise to a staggering height of over 200 meters (about 700 feet) at their highest point, stretching for 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the coast. As we approached, the sheer scale was humbling. The dark, ancient rock faces plunge dramatically into the churning Atlantic Ocean below, creating a truly spectacular, natural masterpiece. We spent ample time walking along the well-maintained paths, taking in the panoramic views, feeling the strong coastal winds, and marveling at the seabirds circling gracefully beneath us. They also provide a golf cart shuttle service from the visitors center to the viewing areas for those that cannot or are not comfortable walking the distance to the cliff’s view.

Definitely a bucket list worthy destination, it is one of those places that remind you of how incredibly beautiful mother nature can be and makes you feel truly blessed to be able to take it all in.

On the way to and from the Cliffs of Moher, we had the chance to stop and explore several ancient Tower houses, Church and Castle ruins as well as watch a sheep dog demonstration. It is amazing how well trained the dogs were and how all of them moved and controlled the sheep’s movement simply from whistles. It takes 4+ years to fully train the dogs. It was a day filled with breath taking views and incredible sites.

Day 8: Killybegs, Ireland – Discovering Donegal’s Charms!

From Galway, our NCL Dawn sailed north to Killybegs, a bustling fishing port in County Donegal. Here, we decided to embark on our own exploration of the wider Donegal region, and it proved to be a fantastic day of authentic Irish discovery.

Donegal is a county renowned for its rugged beauty, Gaelic culture, and warm hospitality. We made our way to the town of Donegal itself, which immediately takes you in with its quaint charm and welcoming feel. Our self-guided tour included diving into the local pub scene – because what’s an Irish trip without experiencing the local “craic” in a cozy pub? We enjoyed hearty pints and some excellent conversation with friendly locals and other visitors, soaking in the genuine atmosphere. A highlight was definitely our visit to Donegal Castle. This beautiful partially restored 15th-century castle, once home to the O’Donnell clan, the ruling family of Donegal, offered a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s past. Exploring its grand halls and banqueting room, complete with impressive fireplaces and tapestries, felt like stepping back in time to the days of chieftains and clan gatherings. The castle’s setting, right on the River Eske, is also incredibly picturesque.

Day 9: Belfast, Northern Ireland – Giant Tales and Epic Landscapes!

Our journey continued into Northern Ireland, docking in the vibrant city of Belfast. From here, we joined a ship’s excursion to one of the most iconic and geologically astounding sites in the world: the Giant’s Causeway.

Located on the Antrim Coast, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site and truly a marvel of nature. Picture this: thousands upon thousands of interlocking basalt columns, mostly hexagonal, rising out of the sea like giant stepping stones. It looks like something out of a fantasy novel! Formed by ancient volcanic activity some 50 to 60 million years ago, the columns vary in height, creating an otherworldly landscape that begged to be explored. We spent a good amount of time walking across these unique formations, imagining the legend of the giant Finn MacCool, who supposedly built the causeway to fight a Scottish rival. The visitor center provides fascinating insights into the geology and folklore, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand, feeling the cool stone underfoot and gazing out at the wild coastline. It’s truly a bucket-list destination that photos can barely do justice!

If you don’t want to walk from the visitor center to the Causeway, there’s a shuttle bus that runs at 15-minute intervals. It costs £1 per person.

After our incredible trip to the Causeway, we had some time to experience Belfast itself. The city has a rich history and a renewed vibrancy, with impressive architecture and a lively atmosphere.

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That’s it for Part 2! We’ve journeyed through breathtaking cliffs and legendary landscapes. In Part 3, we’ll conclude our Irish odyssey in Dublin, enjoy a relaxing sea day, and even squeeze in some London exploration before heading home.

Travel often and Travel well my friends!