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Ireland… What Have You Done To Me?

By Julie Miche 24 Comments

Ireland… What have you done to me? And, why did you call me back so soon?

My first trip to Ireland was in February. I spent 12 days in Dublin, and 2 in Galway… It was not enough. I was officially addicted, and wanted more.

Accepting my new addiction, I decided to skip summer in Santa Barbara, California and head to Ireland. I felt pretty good about my decision! All addictions aren’t bad are they? I thought of it kind of like really good chocolate, or a fine wine. I’m quite ok with both of those, so what’s one more?

After landing in Dublin, I jumped on a bus to Galway for my first few days.  I felt like I hadn’t spent enough time there on the first trip, plus I also wanted to explore other areas of Ireland. Dublin would have to wait for later in the trip.

So off I went to explore Ireland…

I was in Galway for the International Arts Festival, Galway Fringe, & Race Week.

In the Claddaugh looking at Galway
The River Corrib in Galway, Ireland

I surfed in Bundoran.

Tullan Strand in Bundoran, Ireland for surfing, traveling in Ireland
Heading to Tullan Strand with the surf crew

I went in search of Fungi the Dolphin in Dingle.

I toured the Wicklow Mountains and visited an Medieval monastic settlement in Glendalough.

Glendalough, Ireland Monastic Settlement, traveling in Ireland
Touring the early Christian monastic settlement of Glendalough.

I had some of the best Irish Stew in Kilkenny.

Kyteler's Inn in Kilkenny Ireland, Best Irish Stew, traveling in Ireland
Best Irish Stew at Kyteler’s Inn

I took a black taxi tour in Belfast and signed the peace wall.

Northern Ireland, Peace Wall, traveling in Ireland
I signed the Peace Wall!

I walked across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Ballintoy, County Antrim , Northern Ireland.

County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, traveling in Ireland
I did it!

I checked out the Giant’s Causeway, and wondered if the legend was true.

The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland, County Antrim, traveling in Ireland
Checking out The Giant’s Causeway!

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I saw an improptu Irish Broom Dance at a very traditional pub in Ennistymon.

I hiked and soaked in the pure beauty of the Cliffs of Moher.

Hanging out at the Cliffs of Moher in Liscannor, County Clare, Ireland, traveling in Ireland
The reward after the hike!

I partied like a rock star in Lahinch.

Lahinch Ireland pub for a stag party, traveling in Ireland
How did we end up part of a stag party?

I traveled the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal to Dingle.

I learned how to pour a perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse.

Learn how to pour the perfect pint at the Guinness Connoisseur Bar, traveling in Ireland
Pouring the perfect pint at the Guinness Connoisseur Bar

I achieved the status of Irish Whiskey Taster at the Jameson Distillery.

Old Jameson Whiskey Tasting tour, Dublin Ireland, traveling in Ireland
Got my official Whiskey Taster Certificate here!

I traveled through 12 counties in Ireland, including: Dublin, Kildare, Westmeath, Roscommon, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, and Kerry.

Traveling in Ireland, all the places of been, traveling in Ireland
All the places I’ve traveled to in Ireland!

It was quite the adventure. I had seen a lot of Ireland, and wanted to continue to the south. None of my airbnb accommodations. however, were working out. The south would have to wait for another trip. Ahhh… A reason to come back! Did I really need one?

As I tried to figure out where to go next, one place kept tugging at me to come back. It was Galway.

It had quickly become my favorite. I had to ask myself… Why Galway?

Somethings can’t be explained. Sometimes it’s the things you just feel… Sometimes you’re not even really sure why.

Perhaps it was…

The avante-garde vibe that just is…  Artists, dreamers, and free spirits will feel right at home there. I felt more at home in Galway than where I’ve lived in Santa Barbara for the past 6 years… How is that even possible?

Live music is everywhere… My favorites were the daily Trad Sessions at multiple pubs around town. The best part is that most have sessions starting at around 5:00 pm & 9:00 pm. You could make it an early night and see the 5:00 session, but most likely you’ll still be out and about for the 2nd round. And while bouncing between pubs, there are plenty of buskers on the street that are very talented, and worth a listen.

The singing in the pubs… Everyone sings! And, they know all the words… Even the American songs. I don’t know all the words, and I grew up hearing them! The funny thing is, it made me think of my Grandma. She was part of a huge German family that settled in Chicago, and back in the day sang in the neighborhood pubs with her brothers and sisters. She would have loved this place! Nobody sings in American bars… I refuse to count karaoke! It’s not the same.

The many Irishmen that gave me Irish dancing lessons in the pubs. I should be better at it by now, but I think I spent more time laughing than learning any steps… Good fun!

It’s a festival town. Who doesn’t like a good party? Galway does it right.

Watching the world go by, laying on the grass along the River Corrib on a sunny day… Yes, they do exist! Everyone comes and hangs out by the Spanish Arch alongside the river on sunny days!

Walking through the Claddagh  in the morning, heading for coffee and crepes at my favorite place in the Latin Quarter… The simple everyday things that make you feel like you’re at home.

The people… I traveled solo this time, and no matter where I went, I never felt alone. The people are amazingly friendly.

The Craic… Oh, the craic! I love it! Don’t know what it is? Guess you need to go to Ireland!

So Ireland, what have you done to me?

I have decided not to question it anymore. Sometimes you really don’t need an answer.

Somethings I do know, others I’m not so sure of.

For whatever reason, you have weaved yourself into my heart, and that’s a good thing!

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Filed Under: Bundoran, Dublin, Galway, Ireland Tagged With: Ballintoy, Best Irish Stew, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge walk, Cliffs of Moher, County Antrim, Dingle Ireland, Donegal to Dingle, Ennistymon Ireland pub, Galway Ireland a festival town, Glendalough Monastic site in Ireland, Irish Stag parties, Irish Whiskey Taster at the Jameson Distillery, Kilkenny Ireland, Northern Ireland, perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse, Searching for Fungi the Dolphin in Dingle Ireland, Signing the Peace Wall in Belfast, Solo travel in Ireland, Surfing in Bundoran Ireland, the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way, Traditional Irish Broom Dance, Visiting the Giant's Causeway, Wicklow Mountain tours in Ireland

Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

I was there to surf, and would be in town for a few days.

I was looking for other things to do in Bundoran, Ireland while I was there. It’s a pretty chill seaside town, and is well known for it’s surfing.

Things to do in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Take a walk at Tullan Strand

I surfed at Tullan Strand, but also took a day just to walk the beach and zen out… It’s incredibly gorgeous and peaceful.

Walk the beaches… Experience nature.

Surf, swim, play in the water, Bundoran Ireland by Julie Miche
Surf, swim, play in the water!

Whether you are traveling by yourself or with family and friends, make time to just go play! The beaches are lovely!

Tullan Strand is great for surfing or a stroll on the beach. Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Take a stroll on the beach.

Go horseback riding. It’s so amazing to see these beautiful creatures galloping along the Atlantic. Check out the local Equestrian Center, and take a ride.

Things to do in Bundoran, Ireland Go horseback riding by Julie Miche
Go horseback riding at Tullan Stand

Check out the coastline along the main part of town. You’ll find lots of families out for a day at the beach. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a great place to hang out, plus the Bundoran Adventure Park is really close by.

Walk the beach right at the edge of town in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Where the ocean meets the town

Be adventurous! Jump off a cliff! I was hanging out, chatting with a family from Northern Ireland. They were in Bundoran for a weekend holiday. A couple of adventure seekers started climbing up onto the cliff near where we were sitting. We all watched and wondered if they would actually jump… They did! I don’t think I could do it, but it was fun to watch!

Cliff jumpers, adventure seekers  Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Just jump!


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Go fishing! Growing up, I did a lot of fresh water fishing with my family in Wisconsin, so when I came across a couple guys fishing on the shore of the Atlantic I was curious. What were they trying to catch, and what were they using for bait?

Shoreline fishing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Fishing the Bundoran Coastline

The bait looked like an earthworm and a centipede mated! They were using ragworms. I’ve never even heard of them.

Using ragworms to catch fish in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Creepy crawler… aka Ragworm

Apparently you can catch quite a variety of fish… Pollock, Cod, Wrasse, Conger, and Fluke can be caught from the shore.

Catching fish in Bundoran, Ireland from the shore by Julie Miche
He caught one!

Check out the pubs… Yes, they exist! It’s not just surfing and nature.

I stopped by Brennan’s Criterion Bar late afternoon for a pint. The pub is run by 2 sisters, Nan & Patricia. They look like they could be my Grandma! The sisters were born above the pub, opened by their grandparents, and are the 3rd generation running Brennan’s. The ladies are there 7 days a week serving up drinks, and taking care of business. There are no tv’s or music in the pub, so you have to talk to each other! Stop by if you are ever in Bundoran. The Brennan Sisters are a hoot!

Brennan's Criterion Bar, Nan & Patricia by Julie Miche
Nan & Patricia Brennan

One of my other favorites in Bundoran was Maddens Bridge Bar. It’s great for checking out Trad Sessions, grabbing some really good food, or a pint.

The Chasing Bull is a good place to check out live music later at night. It’s a bigger pub, and draws a pretty lively crowd.

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Filed Under: Bundoran, Ireland Tagged With: Brennan's Criterion Bar in Bundoran Ireland, Bundoran Adventure Park, Bundoran Ireland, Chasing Bull Pub, Cliff jumping, Fishing in Bundoran Ireland, Horseback riding on the beach in Bundoran Ireland, Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Maddens Bridge Bar, Surfing in Ireland, Things to do in Bundoran, Tullan Strand, Wild Atlantic Way

Surfing In Bundoran, Ireland

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Surfing In Bundoran

More than a few people thought I had lost my mind when I told them I was going surfing in Bundoran, Ireland. Since I live in California, they didn’t understand why I just wouldn’t surf at home… I live in Santa Barbara, and I’m only 10 minutes from Rincon.

Well first off, my attempts at surfing haven’t been too successful… That, however wasn’t the reason. I had better luck at Stand Up Paddling. It was going well, so I focused on that.

Just as I was getting confident, signs about a shark attack started appearing on the local beaches. A sea lion in the marina had become a meal for a shark!

Stay out of water shark attack by Julie Miche
California Beach…. Would you go in?

Uggghhh… That immediately put a halt on all my water activities. All I could think about was sharks! I was more than freaked out.

It’s one thing to be out there paddling among dolphins, quite another to be with something that thinks you are food. Since I had halted SUP, surfing wasn’t really topping my list of things to do in California!

Apparently, sharks like warmer water, and we’ve had a lot of it in California lately.

Ireland’s water is much colder, so when I came across a groupon special offered by Bundoran Surf Co. I jumped on it! This was my chance to surf!

Surfing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Bundoran Surf Company

The Groupon Deal included lodging, breakfast, a surfboard, and a wetsuit. What a deal! I chose to upgrade to a private room for a small additional fee. It was quite large, and well worth it. I could have brought friends!

I arrived early evening in Bundoran. The Éireann Bus had taken the scenic route from Dublin, and I actually crossed into Northern Ireland. For awhile I thought I had taken the wrong bus!

After settling in, I headed to Maddens Bridge Bar for food. The fish and chips were really good, and the chocolate fudge cake is to die for! Get the chocolate cake if you go!

I grabbed a pint, and listened to a Trad Session before heading back to the surf lodge. I decided to call it an early night, so I could actually get up to surf in the morning. The 8 hour time difference was tough, and I had been starting my days in Ireland around 2:00 in the afternoon.

Morning was rough to say the least. I ate breakfast, drank lots of coffee, and then suited up in a damp wetsuit. Are they supposed to start out wet? Brrrrr…. I was cold, tired, and kind of grouchy. I am not a morning person.

After my cranky morning whining, I boarded the The Bundoran Surf Co. van heading to Tullan Strand, and with any luck would soon be surfing the Atlantic.

Getting reading to surf in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Heading down to the beach

Once on the beach, we stretched, and learned how to paddle while still on land. I was ready for the water! Next we did some swimming, and were taught how to get out of a riptide… Things you generally don’t think about, but really need to know. Thanks guys!

Time to grab the boards… The waves seemed to be coming from several different directions. It was a little overwhelming at first, but in a good way. It’s that moment when you realize the sheer power of the ocean, and how small you are in it. There is no time for fear, only respect for the environment that you are in.

Tullan Strand surfing by Julie Miche
Tullan Strand

I got on the board, up onto my knees, and promptly fell off. On my way down, I swallowed a mouthful of salt water. Holy good God! I was not expecting that. I regrouped, tried again, and kept my mouth shut. This time when I fell in, the water shot straight through my nose! And, I thought standing would be the hard part.

With the help of a really great instructor, and a lot of determination I stood up! Finally… Success! I don’t even know how it happened, but it was truly exhilarating, and I wanted more!
I managed to stand several more times before we headed back to lodge.

Bundoran, Ireland surfing
Paddling, Standing, My Instructor

Riding back in the van, everyone was sharing stories of their own challenges as well as the excitement of the moment they actually surfed! Once back at the lodge, we were treated to some much needed hot cocoa and cookies.

I’m not sure how much surfing I will do in the future, since it most likely would be in California… That is yet to be determined. I am, however, extremely grateful that I was able to surf in Bundoran, Ireland. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime.

Thank you Bundoran Surf Co. for an amazing experience. You guys are awesome! I just might have to come back!

surfing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Thanks Bundoran Surf Co.!

Check out Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland

Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too! Read more here.

Subscribe to receive travel & photography tips, and special offers from our sponsors.

Connect me on social media.

  • Follow Julie Miche on Instagram.
  • Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Filed Under: Bundoran, Ireland Tagged With: Bundoran Surf Co, CA, Donegal, Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Maddens Bridge Bar, Rincon, Santa Barbara, Surf Lessons, Surf Lodge, Surfer, Surfing, Surfing in Bundoran, Things to do in Bundoran, Tullan Strand, Wanderlust, What to do in Bundoran, Wild Atlantic Way

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