Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is famous for its lush green landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. It has been on our bucket list for a long time. Irish hospitality is legendary, and it is said that you’ll find a warm welcome in traditional pubs, where live music and storytelling are still a cherished part of daily life. From the rugged cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way to the pubs and historic landmarks, we plan to take in all that Ireland has to offer.

The country’s heritage is shaped by Celtic traditions, Viking invasions, and centuries of literary and artistic achievements. We are looking forward to experiencing what we heard is a vibrant food scene that pairs local ingredients with creative twists, while also offering hearty traditional fare (we can’t wait to have some shepherd’s pie!). We will be traveling by train, bus or boat and will be doing some guided tours, but most of the itinerary has been self-curated. We decided to focus on the southern part of Ireland for this trip with visits over three weeks to Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Cork and Killarney.

Photos can be found here XX.

Portugal came onto our radar after watching the Lisbon episode of “Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix. We decided to add on Porto and Madeira to our 3-week visit. Porto to see the Douro River, world-famous port wine cellars, and ornate azulejo-tiled architecture. My research told me the city blends old-world charm with a vibrant food scene, making it perfect for leisurely strolls through historic districts and scenic boat rides on the Douro. In Lisbon, we will take in the hilly neighborhoods, historic trams, stunning views and most of all…the food. Day trips to nearby Sintra and Cascais are also on the itinerary.

The island of Madeira was a late add to the trip and will be an entirely different experience—a subtropical island paradise not so different from Hawaii known for its dramatic cliffs, lush mountains, and year-round mild climate. Funchal, where we are staying, is filled with botanical gardens, bustling markets, and plenty of seaside boardwalks. We plan to relax and take in the views after 5 weeks of travel before heading home.

Photos can be found here (link to be added soon).