September 8, 2022

📍Lahinch, The Burren, Doolin, & Aran Islands, Ireland 🇮🇪

Get your reading glasses ready, because the 4 days we spent exploring the West Coast of Ireland was jam-packed and we have so much to share. Shout out to Kim for putting together a perfect itinerary. 🤌🏼

Day 1: After a late night at the wedding, we went to pick up the rental car (friendly reminder that in Ireland they drive on the opposite side of the road from the United States so this was interesting to say the least.) Although us girls were worried, J was our driver and if he didn’t have that American accent I would’ve believed he was Irish for how cool and collected he stayed while driving.

J and his backseat drivers #fullcoverage

We arrived in Lahinch (a small beach town) and had an amazing lunch at Vaughan’s right on the water.

Fish ‘n chips…yes…again. Not pictured, J’s 28 other containers of the cocktail sauce he asked for (and used).

Our hotel, Lahinch Coastal Hotel, was a 2 minute walk from the beach, local shops, and restaurants, and a 10 minute drive to the Cliffs of Moher. We hopped in the car and head over to the Cliffs for a *casual* 6 mile, sunset hike. Honestly, the pictures do not do it justice, but I’ll just leave a few here.

We finished the hike around 8:45 pm and, to no one’s surprise, we were starving. Not so fun fact for the always hungry Americans, kitchens close around 8:30 pm so the Irish can focus on the real reason they are out: Guinness 🍻.

As just about everyone knows, my friends and I are not ones to skip a meal. After many failed attempts, we finally found a late night pizza shop still open (thank gosh). While waiting for the pizza, two drunk kids (like actual kids) maybe 14 years old started asking us questions about the United States. They then proceeded to recommend different beers and ciders. We met Kim in the bar and I ordered one of the suggestions made by the 14 year old. Turns out they know their stuff. Good recommendation. Thanks kid!

Day 2: When your day starts with breakfast on the beach, it’s gonna be a good day.

Phone did NOT eat first, but this was a breakfast bap (which has been confirmed to be another word for sandwich). Breakfast from **Dodi**.

We drove to The Burren and embarked on yet another 6 mile hike (Ballyvaughan Wood Loop). We had the most perfect weather and made some friends along the way.

The chance that this sweet donkey is somehow back in America with Amanda is alarmingly high.

After our hike, we had a great seafood lunch at Monks and then drove along the coast. It was unlike any other coastline we’ve seen. It was full of limestone rock and we were so busy admiring it I forgot to take a picture. Take my word, it was really cool and worth a visit if you are in the area!

Notice how we didn’t forget to take pictures of the food.

We arrived back in Lahinch and sat by the rocks on the beach with a bottle of wine.

*Picture from earlier in the day but this was our spot to sit and eat.

Day 3: We took the ferry from Doolin to the Aran Islands (Inis Oirr). The island was tiny but beautiful! We rented bikes and stumbled upon a shipwreck, a light house, a castle, some cow friends (huge fan of the cows here), and spent some time on the beach.

Please excuse my sneakers on the beach and look at Kim’s shadow.

After spending a few hours exploring the island, we took the ferry back to Doolin for a boat ride view of the Cliffs.

*Harry Potter fans* This cliff/cave was used in the Half Blood Price movie!

How I went through a whole day without mentioning what we ate is beyond me, but now is the time. We had dinner at Anthony’s inside the Doolin Inn while listening to live music, watching the sunset, and having a *few* drinks. It was👌🏽

After many fish ‘n chips, it seemed like the appropriate time for a salad. Chicken salad with peanuts did NOT disappoint.

We were on the hunt for more live music and went to Gus O’Connors for a *few* more drinks. When I tell you we found music, I mean we found real, authentic, Irish music. It was AMAZING! Mission accomplished! 🎶

Not pictured: Ted. The town local that came up and sang 🫶🏽

Day 4: Amanda, J, & I packed up and went to Galway for the day.

We stopped at the Dungaire Castle 🏰 along the way, thanks to my mom’s suggestion.

We roamed the streets of Galway, ate a burrito (ya know, the standard Irish meal) and went to explore the beach.

The store where the original Claddagh ring is made.

Pesto gnocchi with ricotta cheese 🤤 Similar to the Cliffs, pictures just don’t do it justice.

We had the best time exploring Ireland with our friends, but no trip is complete without some outtakes. Enjoy!

Everyone else brushes their teeth in the hotel lobby, right?

Get a friend that cleans the plate after taking a bite to let you take that food picture.

Yet another hill we had to bike up. At this moment she quoted “Ugh. I could be in my bed watching housewives. I don’t appreciate my car enough.”

During our last day in Ireland, we decided our next stop was Albania and cannot wait to explore! If you got this far, thanks for reading along. Until next time!

Love,
AK & J