Trip to Ireland

Ireland became my 67th country, and we packed a lot into just four days. A road trip with friends through the Irish countryside in early December - dramatic weather, empty roads, and some of the most stunning coastal scenery I've seen anywhere.

Ireland is a country of contrasts: 5 million people on an island roughly the size of South Carolina, split between the Republic and Northern Ireland. It has transformed from one of Europe's poorest countries in the 1980s to one of its wealthiest, thanks largely to becoming a tech hub. Dublin alone hosts European headquarters for Google, Meta, Apple, and countless startups.

What I Experienced

We rented a car and drove west from Dublin, chasing the Wild Atlantic Way. The Cliffs of Moher in December are something else entirely - practically empty of tourists, wind so strong you can barely stand, waves crashing 200 meters below. The raw power of the Atlantic on display.

The Burren region was unexpected - this lunar landscape of grey limestone, somehow supporting an incredible variety of wildflowers and ancient ruins. We explored abandoned castles, walked along cliff edges, and stopped in tiny pubs where the Guinness was poured perfectly (it really does taste different in Ireland).

Dublin itself was festive with Christmas markets and decorations. Trinity College, Temple Bar, the Georgian architecture - the city has a literary, slightly melancholic charm that I found appealing. The tech wealth is visible but hasn't completely transformed the character.

Practical Notes

• Driving is on the left side - takes some adjustment
• December weather is unpredictable - pack layers and waterproofs
• Book rental cars early, especially for automatic transmission
• Pubs close earlier than you'd expect outside Dublin
• The countryside requires a car - public transport is limited

Ireland in winter isn't for everyone, but if you don't mind rain and wind, the landscapes are spectacular and the crowds are gone. Plus, there's always a warm pub nearby.

High-resolution photography from Ireland is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Atlantic coast travel marketing, dramatic landscape content, or coastal cliff wall art.