Wrapping up my 2023 with a final travel diary from my February Ireland trip! I've always wanted to see the Cliffs of Moher and Aer Lingus had some amazing flight deals. On my trip, I visited Dublin, Galway and Cork. 

I arrived in Dublin Airport and immediately went into one of the shops to purchase the leap card for the bus (you can top up the card whenever you need to!). From the airport, the bus was super easy and straightforward to take into Leeson Street Lower. I arrived into town later in the afternoon and after settling in, I explored Dublin with my friends later that night.




My first Irish coffee at Vice Coffee. It was delicious :)

The next morning, we woke up early to catch our tour bus to the Cliffs of Moher. The tour was day trip to Cliffs of Moher and Galway combined, but we requested the driver to leave us behind in Galway. The ride to the Cliffs was about 3 hours. The roads got smaller as we reached the cliffs and frankly I developed motion sickness by the end lol

When we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher, we got really lucky and had about 10 minutes of good weather before the fog and rain took over. It was a stunning sight and was everything I imagined it to be!

After visiting the cliffs, the tour bus dropped us off in Galway infront of Kinlay Hostel - where we stayed. Galway is a university seaside town, known for its vibrant culture and many festivals! I also noticed the architecture of the town was unique and colorful.

Near our hostel, we found a walking tour sign and checked it out the next day. Our guide was a college student, who was extremely knowledgable and funny. I recommend checking out the Tribes walking tour right outside of Skeff Bar. While I didn't get good pictures from the tour, below are some of my favorites photos from Galway. :)


By this point of the trip, one thing that stood out to me about was all the amazing food! We had delicious meals wherever we went. There was seriously no bad meal!

Tried an amazing risotto at Hooked

Got coffee at coffeewerk + press

The following day, my friend and I took a bus from Galway to Cork - our next destination. At the city centre we checked out the Cork English Market. I was able to find some blackcurrant jams there, which are my favorite!

Inside the market



We also visited Cork City Goal, a former prison, now a museum. We did the guided tour and learnt alot about this 19th century prison. The guide told us how the prisoners there were ones that had committed petty crimes, and were often repeat offenders. In the picture below, they had figures of prisoners inside various cells and told us stories of why they were there. 



We also visited Shandon Tower at St Anne's Church and climbed up to see a view of Cork from the tower!

View from Shandon Tower


Walking around Cork :)


Did not know he was from Cork 😮

We continued to have more delicious food in Cork! We frequented Gallagher's Cork during our stay.

Their Signature Pie :)

Our server at Gallagher's recommended we try the Irish Breakfast at Tara's Tea Room. And we were not disappointed :)


A trip to Cork is not complete without a visit to Blarney Castle! Blarney Castle is a medieval fortress dating back to 1446. When you visit the grounds, you can also see Blarney House, and extensive gardens & paths. Personally, I enjoyed the Poison Garden that had many interesting poisonous plants.

Blarney Castle

Blarney House


I wrapped up my trip by taking the train back to Dublin. Ireland really stole my heart with the incredibly funny and friendly locals, the beautiful scenery and amazing food! I'd come back here in a heart beat. 

In Dublin

This also wraps up my 2023 - this was an interesting year for me. I'm learning to prioritize my health and be grateful for all my opportunities, no matter how big or small. I hope to post more entries on this blog in 2024, even if its just for myself. I hope everyone also has the time to reflect on their year and have an amazing year ahead!