round TRIP
ireland
In search of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, we set off on our journey through Ireland, only to realise in the end that something quite different had enriched us in a lasting way.
To wrest the leprechaun’s treasure from him, so the story goes, you must catch the little goblin, hold him tight and, with a steely gaze, coax the secret of where he has buried his pot of gold out of him. It may well be just a myth. But who can say for sure, when no one has ever reported on such an endeavour – let alone a successful one. So we, too, travel across the ‘Emerald Isle’ with firm resolve and eyes wide open.
It certainly lives up to its name. Green as far as the eye can see. Interrupted here and there by splashes of purple – in the form of poisonous foxgloves, spreading rhododendrons and wild orchids – Ireland presents itself as a thoroughly green country. Gentle hills, endless pastures, steep coastlines, lush gardens and vast beaches adorn our route. Changeable but very pleasant weather accompanies us, transforming those coastal, grassy and lakeside landscapes into picturesque scenes.
Starting from Dublin, we explore the island’s west coast along the Wild Atlantic Way. Passing Kilkenny, we head first to Dungarvan, then via Ardmore and Kinsale to Killarney. Here, small-town charm meets modern Irish cuisine and plenty of hospitality. Once we reach the Ring of Kerry, narrow paths lead us through valleys – some of which are difficult to reach – all the way to the Dingle Peninsula and its eponymous town. Oh, how wonderfully invigorating the fresh sea air feels here. Then: a brief shower followed by sunshine… but still no rainbow in sight. So no leprechaun and no gold either. Well then, on we go.
In County Galway – or, to be more precise, in Connemara – the landscape changes. Mist-shrouded mountains, still, dark lakes and peaty plains welcome us amidst drizzling rain and strong winds. And what had seemed gloomy and dreary the day before reveals its summery, sunny side the very next day. A perfect day to top up our newly acquired Atlantic tan on the surrounding beaches and watch the sheep jumping around as they graze and bleat. Long walks characterise our stay, and we realise just how good nature, its silence and the simple act of being do us.
We continue northwards and the coastal landscapes become more rugged. From Sligo, we head to Mullaghmore, a charming spot that seems made for swimming in the sparkling sea under glorious sunshine, strolling along the white sandy beach, or sitting on a bench with an ice cream and letting the day draw to a close.
After spending a few days in the far north experiencing the natural beauty of Northern Ireland, our final stop in Ireland is Dublin once again. An incredibly lively, youthful city where we get to enjoy Irish hospitality one last time. And although we were denied a glimpse of the leprechaun and his treasure until our departure, we leave Ireland with the blissful certainty that we are taking home wonderful memories that are worth far more than all the gold in the world.
Ireland, June 2026. | All words and photos by The Sturgheons.
