With St. Patrick’s Day just a night away, it seems only appropriate that today’s (and tomorrow’s) posts be dedicated to the land of green.

I’ve never put together a photo story of sorts and I figured I’d give it a shot with some of my best pictures of Ireland. I only had 9 or 10 days in this beautiful country, but I managed to walk away with a handful of memories.

Heeeeeeere we go!

Ireland By Train

I snapped this photo on the train from Belfast to Dublin. In one day I was able to travel from Edinburgh, Scotland to Cork, Ireland in the south of the country.  Looking at the journey from Belfast to Dublin alone seems so far but we managed to cover a good chunk of Ireland in just a few hours. You can’t do that in Canada!

Blarney Castle

Just outside of Cork I found Blarney – home to Blarney Castle and The Blarney Stone. If you kiss it (which I did), you get the gift of the gab. I already have that gift so, I didn’t notice much change. The castle, as seen above looks so bare and empty. It’s strange that a family actually lived here.

An Irish Bridge

This quaint little bridge over top of a stream, surrounded by tress full of green leaves was old but sturdy.

Gate of Mystery

I happened upon this mysterious gate near Blarney Castle. I wasn’t quite sure where it led to but I wasn’t keen to find out. A dungeon? A cellar? The spare bedroom? That bird dog thing on top isn’t too convincing either.

Irish Trail Walk

After Cork, I visited Killarney where I went on a beautiful walk through a forest. This trail, surrounded by trees, was so quiet and calming. I walked for a couple hours with my Irish friend and guide Bryan and simply soaked in the nature and fresh air.

An Irish Brook

No, not a ‘Brock’, a brook. As I walked along the forest trail in Killarney I came across this little brook winding it’s way through the foliage. Everything, even the bridge, was covered in green. I can only imagine how long this little setting, and that bridge has been there.

An Irish Meadow

On the way out of the Killarney forest, I spotted this lovely meadow where to cows lazily sat – probably full from eating all day. Even with clouds rolling in, the green, green grass made the scene stunning.

An Irish Church Turned Bar

From Killarney it was to Dublin, the last stop on my Ireland adventure. Being the capital city, there was tons to do and see, one site bite this church turned bar. Only in Ireland would they transform a ‘holy place’ into a drinking hole. Oddly enough, Arthur Guinness himself was married in this very church. The things you learn when you travel.

Irish Friendships

Not only did I see a lot of history and nature in Ireland, but I made some pretty good friends as well. From Iceland, Belgium England and Ireland, I spent the last night enjoying a couple Guinness with my new pals and dancing to a few Irish jigs in Temple Bar.

As a lover of St. Patty’s Day, and having a fair share of Irish blood myself, is was a treat to visit the land of green and leprechauns.

Thank you too all that made this visit so delightful, and I’ll look forward to the next time I return!

Have you been to any of the Irish places in the above photos?