Ireland: A Destination That Captured My Heart

Julia Benedict
May 24
3 min read

There are some places you visit that stay with you long after you return home, and for me, Ireland is absolutely one of them.

My first trip to Ireland in March 2025 was a coach tour with Brendan Vacations, and from the moment I arrived, I completely fell in love with the country, the people, and the incredible experiences around every corner.

The journey began in Dublin before heading north toward Belfast and beyond. Along the way, I explored the breathtaking Giant's Causeway, visited the emotional and fascinating Titanic Belfast exhibit, and even baked traditional Irish soda bread with Tracey at her charming farmhouse. One of the highlights was visiting the Derry Girls Mural and exhibit in Londonderry, which was such a fun experience as a fan of the show.

We spent a magical night at Ballygally Castle, explored beautiful countryside and coastal scenery, and of course, no trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to Blarney Castle to blow a kiss to the famous Blarney Stone. Every stop felt like stepping into a postcard, filled with history, music, storytelling, and warm Irish hospitality.

I knew before I even left that I wanted to come back.

And I did.

In May 2026, I returned to Ireland for another unforgettable adventure, this time spending more time exploring Dublin and Belfast in greater depth.

I stayed at The Green Hotel, a charming boutique hotel in an amazing location right in the heart of Dublin. From there, I immersed myself in so many iconic Irish experiences. I visited the world-famous Guinness Storehouse and took part in the Guinness Connoisseur Experience, where I learned the proper way to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. I crafted my own silver ring at Silver Works, visited Trinity College Dublin to see the stunning Book of Kells, and wandered through the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar.

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting Ballyknocken Cookery School, where celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio taught us how to make traditional Irish scones. It was such a warm and authentic experience and a wonderful taste of Irish culture.

From Dublin, I made my way north to Belfast, taking in Ireland’s beautiful green countryside along the journey. In Belfast, I experienced a fascinating Black Taxi Tour where I learned about the city’s complex history and even added my name to the famous peace wall. I also attended an incredible gala evening at Titanic Belfast after touring the moving exhibits that tell the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s shipbuilding history.

Another highlight was a day exploring the stunning countryside around Fermanagh, including a visit to Castle Coole, a scenic boat cruise on the River Erne with Erne Tours, and a stop at The Boatyard Distillery to learn how their award-winning gin is made (with a little tasting, of course!). The day ended with an incredible dinner at Lough Erne Resort, which was absolutely spectacular.

Ireland has a way of making you feel connected — to its history, its landscapes, its traditions, and especially its people. Whether you love charming villages, dramatic coastlines, castles, food experiences, music, history, or simply cozy pubs and friendly conversations, Ireland truly offers something special.

It’s a destination I know I’ll return to again and again, and one I absolutely love helping my clients experience for themselves.