Ireland marked my third solo‑ish journey, and it felt like the most epic chapter yet. Each step along the Wild Atlantic Way was a mix of independence and discovery, curiosity and chaos. From Northern Ireland’s layered history to the Republic’s rugged coastlines, I chased cliffs, castles, waterfalls, and whiskey, gathering stories that reminded me why I keep choosing the road less traveled.
This post is the full recap of my journey – the individual posts are linked in the headers below. If you’re planning your own trip or just want to wander vicariously, here’s the complete story in one place.
Belfast Beginnings & The Giant’s Causeway
My trip began in Belfast, a city layered with history and resilience. Walking through its streets, I saw murals that told stories of conflict and peace, reminders of the Troubles and the city’s ongoing journey toward healing. The Titanic Quarter offered a different narrative – industrial pride and tragedy, where the world’s most famous ship was built.
From Belfast, I made my way to the Giant’s Causeway, one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing among 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, I was struck by how myth and geology collide here. Legend says the giant Finn McCool built the causeway to Scotland, while science explains volcanic eruptions and cooling lava. Either way, the view was unforgettable – waves crashing against stone, tourists climbing like ants, and me, marveling at how small we are compared to nature’s architecture.
Derry Girls & Donegal Surprises
Next stop: Derry, a city famous for its walls and its humor. Walking the historic ramparts, I felt the weight of centuries of conflict, but also the vibrancy of modern life. The city’s connection to pop culture (hello, Derry Girls) added a playful twist to the history lesson.
Crossing into Donegal, I found myself surrounded by castles, rugged coastlines, and unexpected delights. Donegal quickly became one of my favorite regions: wild, untamed, and full of surprises. It was here that I realized Ireland’s magic isn’t just in its postcard views – it’s in the way history, myth, and daily life intertwine.
Slieve League: Wind, Words, and Woven Crosses
If the Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s celebrity cliffs, then Slieve League is its hidden gem. Rising nearly 600 meters above the Atlantic, these cliffs are among the highest in Europe – and they nearly knocked me off my feet with their winds.
Here, I learned the value of practical gear (ear warmers, rain pants, and sturdy shoes). I watched waterfalls blow upward, defying gravity, and received a handmade St. Brigid’s Cross from a local guide – a woven souvenir that felt like a blessing. Slieve League wasn’t just a view; it was an experience that demanded respect and rewarded resilience.
Waterfalls, Whiskey, and Wet Jeans in County Mayo
Traveling south, I stopped at Glencar Waterfall, immortalized by W.B. Yeats in his poetry. The cascade was delicate yet powerful, framed by mossy rocks and autumn leaves.
In Sligo, I discovered that not every pub serves Irish Coffee – a lesson learned the hard way when I ordered one and was met with confusion. The solution? Whiskey at noon. Sometimes, travel teaches flexibility in the most unexpected ways.
At Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, I trudged through rain‑soaked fields among tombs dating back 5,000 years. My jeans were soaked, my hair plastered to my face, but the sense of walking through ancient history made every soggy step worth it.
Achill Island: Coffee, Legends, and Pub Music Nights
Achill Island was a revelation. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it felt both remote and welcoming. Here, I finally found my Irish Coffee, ahead of a day of exploring windswept landscapes and listening to local legends.
The night ended in a pub filled with music – fiddles, guitars, and voices rising together. It was one of those quintessential Irish moments: strangers becoming friends, stories flowing as freely as the drinks, and me, remembering that solo travel doesn’t mean being alone.
Killary Harbor to Galway: Castles, Chocolate, and Coastal Charm
From Killary Harbor, Ireland’s only fjord, I made my way to Galway, a city that blends history with modern vibrancy.
The road to Galway brought me to Kylemore Abbey, a place that looked plucked straight from a fairy tale. Its stone towers rose against the green hillsides, ivy clung to weathered walls, and the abbey itself seemed to stand as a timeless guardian of the valley.
Galway itself was everything I hoped for: colorful streets, lively pubs, and coastal charm. It was a city that invited wandering, with every corner offering something new – music, art, food, or simply the joy of being there.
Cliffs, Crows, and Corkscrew Roads: Final Days in Ireland
No trip to Ireland is complete without the Cliffs of Moher. They were breathtaking, though after Slieve League and the Giant’s Causeway, they ranked third in my personal list. Still, standing at the edge, watching waves crash below, I understood why they’re iconic.
Lunch here came with crows as companions, bold birds that seemed to think they owned the place. Driving afterward along corkscrew roads, I felt both exhilarated and exhausted – final days filled with beauty, chaos, and reflection.
Lessons Learned & Final Reflections
Ireland gave me cliffs, crows, corkscrew roads, waterfalls, whiskey, woven crosses, and countless moments of laughter. It wasn’t always glamorous – sometimes it was wet jeans, missed Irish Coffees, or winds that nearly knocked me over – but that’s the beauty of solo‑ish travel.
Freedom to wander, companionship when needed, and stories that stick long after the trip ends. Ireland wasn’t just a destination; it was a teacher, a storyteller, and a reminder that the best journeys are the ones that surprise you.
FAQ: Planning Your Own Ireland Adventure
Q: What is the Wild Atlantic Way? A: A 1,500‑mile coastal route stretching from Donegal to Cork, showcasing Ireland’s most dramatic scenery.
Q: Which cliffs are better – Moher or Slieve League? A: Slieve League is taller, wilder, and less crowded. Moher is iconic and accessible. Both are worth seeing.
Q: Do all pubs serve Irish Coffee? A: Surprisingly, no. Ask before you sit down – or be ready to pivot to whiskey.
Q: What should I pack for Ireland? A: Rain gear (including rain pants), layers, sturdy shoes, and a sense of humor.
Q: Is Ireland good for solo travel? A: Absolutely. It’s safe, welcoming, and offers the perfect balance of independence and group camaraderie.
Solo-ish Journeys 
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