Where to Play, Eat, and Stay on a Weeklong Trip to Ireland, From Dublin to County Kerry

10.12.2024 - 21:45 / matadornetwork.com

Ireland has many claims to fame, but put them all together, and you’re still nowhere near a complete picture of what makes the country what it is. The best way to get to know Ireland is to go there. Dublin is a good place to start, but remember, it’s just the start. If you only have a week, pair a few days in the capital city with an extended excursion to southwestern Ireland, notably County Kerry. Between the two, you’ll get to see a bit of both coasts, experiencing everything from museum visits and historic hotel stays to nature escapes and evenings in the pub — all the while sampling as many local specialties as you can find (and trust me, there’s a lot).

Photo: meunierd/Shutterstock

Housed beneath the historic Custom House Quay building overlooking the River Liffey in Dublin is EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an eras-spanning digital museum that documents the history of the Irish diaspora. The Great Famine remains a prominent cultural and historical moment in Ireland’s collective memory, and although the tragedy occurred in the mid-1800s, the country hasn’t recovered its pre-famine population to this day, a surprising realization and a stark testament to the consequences of the catastrophic event.

EPIC’s extensive, interactive digital archive brings to life the stories of the Irish people, documenting the experiences of those who remained in Ireland and those who migrated elsewhere. The museum explores the cultural contributions of the Irish as they ventured across the world, highlighting the prolific musicians, admired athletes, influential writers, notorious criminals, and political activists who impacted the course of history within and outside of Ireland.

Utilizing the museum’s technology, visitors can curate personalized experiences focused on their interests. The content available throughout the museum is multi-layered and dense, and it requires multiple visits to fully digest. Luckily, tickets include one free return visit within 10 days of your original visit, and guided tours are available. The museum also provides genealogy services to shake out family trees and track down any long-lost Irish ancestors.

EPIC: The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, Ireland

Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock

Inhabited from prehistoric times until it was established as a fishing village and trading port in the 14th century, Howth is home to well-heeled Dubliners escaping the city’s congestion and a popular destination for day-tripping tourists. The village’s narrow streets amble up the hillside lined with colorful shops, cafes, and restaurants. On the edge of town is Howth Castle, where a rhododendron garden blooms brightly from late April to June. In the marina, yachts bob patiently awaiting their