Over the next several weeks, I will be featuring a series of Getaway Ideas submitted by my readers. Heather Knudson shares our first location in a remote area of Ireland. The pictures look amazing! Super peaceful and out of the way. Just the kind of vacation I like!
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Blacksod is my favorite place in Ireland for a vacation. It is super remote, in a small town called An Fod Dubh or Blacksod. It is technically in the Gaeltacht, which means there are people who speak Irish (Gaeilge) as their first language, however, everyone also speaks English, so it is easy to get around.
There are beautiful sandy white beaches all along the peninsula, and it is not a very touristy area, so when I was there, I had the beaches and cliffs and green fields to myself.
I would recommend the Bed & Breakfast I stayed at which is Leim Siar. It is within eye-sight of the historical lighthouse and pier. I spent many evenings watching the local fishermen bring in their catch at the pier. Also, the B&B has bicycles available for rent so you can use them to explore.
While we were there in August, Dolphins were swimming in the bay next to the pier as well. The people who run the B&B, Gerry and Hannah Quigley, can hook you up with a local that you can hire to bring you by boat to the small islands of Inishkea. They are beautiful abandoned Islands that have a lot of history, seals, and sheep. They are similar to the ones featured in the movie Roan Inish. They are so beautiful.
There are also some nice pubs nearby. I don’t drink, but it was still fun to go and talk with people. Pubs are not just for partying. They are restaurants, and in my experience, they are usually pretty relaxing and nice.
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Have you ever been to Ireland? If so, leave a comment with your recommendations for that trip.
Heather and her husband Damien live in Tampa, FL. Damien is a first-year medical student at USF and Heather is a stay at home mom and a certified personal trainer. They have a toddler and a second child on the way. They enjoy gardening and cooking together.
