May 2019 – Bri Right Back

Galway & Cliffs of Moher

May 25, 2019June 24, 2025 Brirightback

I hopped on a bus from Belfast to Galway, transferring in Dublin. In my typical fashion, I did not do a lot of planning before the bus so I arrived at Galway City Hostel starving. I found some awesome Mexican food and slipped into a comfortable food coma until morning. I had just wasted a day traveling, eating, and sleeping (honestly three of my favorite activities anyway) so I booked in a tour to ensure my next day would be more productive. The tour went to the Cliffs of Moher and was one of my favorite experiences in Ireland! I could have spent all day there exploring and taking pictures. The views were breathtaking from all angles.

Me genuinely smiling because someone saw me struggling to take a selfie and offered to take my photo

Moher Cliffs (sorry not sorry about the puns)

After the tour, I went out for dinner and drinks with a friend I made on the tour. We went to the Crane Bar, which she had heard had traditional live Irish music on that night. We tried some Guinness and listened to the performances to finish off an awesome day.

The next day, I was finally able to explore Galway on foot and spend some time people-watching and enjoying the nice (i.e. dry) weather in Eyre Square just outside my hostel. There were musicians playing all throughout the town center and lots of stores to check out. The highlight for me was that I got to meet a very fat dog outside one of the shops. I also took the Long Walk near the Spanish Arch. The arch itself was pretty underwhelming (I actually missed it a few times wandering around) but the walk was nice. If I ever go back to Galway, I would definitely go see the Aran Islands. I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to blow my budget on another tour while in Ireland, which would be all too easy to do- so much beautiful scenery!

Thanks for reading! My next country will be Scotland so watch out for a post soon!

3 Days in Belfast, Ireland

May 17, 2019May 18, 2019 Brirightback

I decided on about a day’s notice that my second stop on my trip would be Belfast in Northern Ireland in hopes of it being a bit quieter and less overtly touristy than Dublin. My experience there was just that. I was able to relax a little- a big change from the urge to go-go-go in Dublin and try and see everything. I caught a bus to Belfast and checked into Vagabonds Hostel. This place was so cool and had the most social and friendly vibe and it will definitely be my benchmark for all future hostels. The staff and other people staying there were always making everyone feel included. It was just such a nice atmosphere overall. I even stayed an extra night! I would highly recommend it for solo or group travel- just a really awesome place.

For my first day, I had (shockingly) not done much research and set off on foot to see some sights. I was aiming for St. Anne’s Cathedral but despite the help of offline maps and very sweet and patient locals, I never actually made it there. So, after putting in some serious mileage, I returned to the hostel (which I miraculously found) and decided to admit defeat and get dinner instead. I’m going to do a whole separate post for my favorite foods I had while in Ireland soon!

The next day, I woke up for an early tour to see some scenery that has been used in the filming of Game of Thrones. Needless to say, I was geeking out and psyched to see what I was in store for. On the tour, we saw the Cushendun Caves, the Dark Hedges, the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. They were all really cool to see whether or not you’re a fan of the show. The rope bridge was pretty daunting if you are afraid of heights but I’d say the views more than make up for facing your fears. One thing I would’ve liked, had I rented a car, would be to go to the Dark Hedges earlier in the morning or later at night because having so many people around did not make for the best photo opportunities. The Giant’s Causeway was really interesting to see up close. I don’t think pictures fully do it justice. The tour lasted for almost twelve hours. It was a long day with a ton of walking but so worth it in my opinion.

For my final full day in Belfast, I headed to the Peace Wall to see the murals that illustrate ‘The Troubles’ between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The parts of the wall that I saw were by the Falls and Shankhill Roads. If you’re interested at all in the history of this conflict I’d definitely recommend making this a part of your visit to Northern Ireland.

Galway’s the next stop on my trip so stay tuned for that post in a bit!

The Journey Begins- Dublin, Ireland

May 9, 2019May 9, 2019 Brirightback

Hey all! I landed in Dublin early April 26th so I’ve been away from the States for about two weeks now. I spent most of my time in Dublin getting very lost- something about old European streets get me all turned around. On the plus side, I walked about 18 miles my first two days in Dublin. It still counts if it’s mostly in circles, right? Upon landing, I purchased a 3-day Dublin Pass which I wasn’t sure I’d need but it ended up coming in handy quite a few times. This pass costs €35 and covers unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tours, free entry to some attractions, and can be used on buses. I’d recommend the hop-on hop-off bus for the first day of your trip because you get to preview what you would like to see and sort of get a feel for how the city is laid out. I used them as a regular bus a few times as well when I walked too far and my feet were screaming (shout out to my plantar fasciitis!)

I stayed at the Times Hostel Camden Place and I was super nervous as it was my first time staying at a hostel. All my worries disappeared when I saw how clean and nice it was there. I would definitely recommend staying there, especially if you’re traveling with a group. As a solo traveler, it was not as friendly or inclusive in my opinion. I was so busy running around that I didn’t really mind the lack of company though.

I didn’t do any tours out of Dublin. I mostly just wandered and tried to see as much of the city as I could. Some of the highlights were Dublin Castle, the Temple Bar area, Trinity College, and Saint Stephen’s Green Park.

St. Stephen’s Green

I didn’t end up going to the Guinness Factory Tour but if I went back, I definitely would. Guinness really does taste so much better in Ireland and the view from the top floor is supposed to be awesome! Next stop: Belfast!