A Vacation or a Journey?

A sip, a swirl, a skip across the pond—Sips Along My Wine Journey, FishersVinoVibes-style. As much as this wine lover usually travels with a glass of red in hand, this four-night itinerary leaned more into travel than tannins, trading cellar time for Ireland’s great beers and whiskies. Anything less than a full week in Ireland is usually just an amuse-bouche to me, and my ideal escape would be at least ten days to truly savor that Irish magic. So, by those high standards, our four-night dash to the Emerald Isle was an espresso shot of a trip, not a slow-poured glass.

But let’s talk purpose. This was a direct flight experiment—Indy to Dublin, no circuitous East Coast layover, just a civilized 7 PM departure and a breezy afternoon homecoming landing in time for dinner back in Fishers. Could this clever travel hack finally conquer that evil travel dragon—jet lag?

Friends, I’m here to report: FishersVinoVibes celebrates a new hero. My watch tried to convince me I only slept seventy-seven minutes, yet I hit Irish soil feeling oddly recharged—ready for that lush landscape and, let’s be real, a cold pint. Even the Dublin-to-Killarney train couldn’t take me down; eyes wide open, heart full, already plotting the first toast.

Big Plans

First leg, big win. Adventure: already pouring another round.

Were four days in Ireland enough, or did we risk fast-forwarding through it all like some rushed tasting flight? Sitting here at the airport, I can confirm: our glasses—and our days—were full to the brim. Despite Ireland’s endless menu of sights and experiences, we managed to savor new adventures and sprinkle in some nostalgia from past trips, all without feeling hurried. We were totally present, soaking up each moment and raising a toast to both fresh discoveries and old favorites.

Ireland revisited

Rewinding to 1994, our very first Irish adventure began—flying into Shannon, hugging the wild west coast from just south of Lahinch all the way up to north of Sligo, with plenty of memorable stops along the way. On later journeys, we explored the Cobh area, Dublin, and even took a spontaneous day trip to Northern Ireland. This most recent whirlwind was meant to be all about the Ring of Kerry: three nights scheduled in Killarney and a final night in Dublin. But—as anyone who’s traveled with us knows—plans love to go a bit sideways. Cue the classic pivot: even before takeoff, we learned the only Sunday train from Killarney to Dublin was already packed, so our Killarney stint shrank from three nights to two. Flexibility remains our secret ingredient, even if it means our itinerary sometimes waltzes off in its own direction.

Call it a dash of classic Irish luck: our switch to Dublin on Saturday afternoon turned out to be an accidental masterstroke. We had no idea our quick trip would land right in the middle of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship(SFC)—the Irish equivalent of the Super Bowl and the crown jewel of Gaelic football. With 33 county teams (plus international squads like London and New York) all in the running, the energy was everywhere. Who knew this legendary event would seamlessly link our Kerry adventures with the electric pulse of Dublin?

Day One: Exploring Killarney

Day one, Thursday: We rolled into Killarney and were instantly greeted by a refreshing blast of cool, humidity-free air—the perfect antidote to Fishers’ steamy 90s. Temperatures hovered in the low 70s, making it ideal for some post-check-in exploring. Killarney, the bustling heart of County Kerry, buzzed with life, and everywhere we turned locals—young and old—proudly sported their Kerry green and gold. Little did we know, those jerseys weren’t just for show: Kerry, already the SFC’s most decorated team with 39 titles, was gearing up for another shot at glory at Dublin’s storied Croke Park.

Taking the day at our own pace, we wandered in and out of Killarney’s shops and pubs, following our instinct to duck down every inviting alley—because FishersVinoVibes knows that’s where the real treasures are hidden. That’s exactly how we stumbled upon The Stonechat, and let me tell you, this place was an absolute gem.

Feeling a bit cheeky as we checked out Stonechat, we ordered two half-pints of Guinness—only to be met with a friendly jab from the bartender, asking if we were embarrassed. Honestly, I was already asking myself the same thing! That classic Irish candor set the tone, so of course, we left with dinner reservations and a promise to return. Little did we expect that owner Roger O’Donoghue had been perfecting his craft for 25 years, running a pub that’s as inviting as it is delicious. Katy dove into the scallops, I savored slow-cooked lamb shanks, and we both agreed: hands-down, the best food of our trip. An epic finish to day one—cheers to alleyway adventures and hidden pearls!

Day Two: The Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula?

Day two poured a little extra adrenaline into my glass—car rental day, with the original plan to conquer the Ring of Kerry. But in true FishersVinoVibes fashion, a last-minute swirl had us trading Kerry’s loops for the raw, windswept beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. At the height of tourist season, I braced myself for bumper-to-bumper chaos, visions of rental cars crawling past one another to catch a glimpse of that classic Irish coastline.

Instead? We had the roads practically to ourselves—smooth driving, and even the famously narrow stretches felt laid-back. Every car we did meet handled the pull-offs like seasoned pros. Sure, driving on the right can still spark a flutter, but after thousands of miles, I just remind myself: the driver stays in the middle, no matter the continent.

No Rush

We could technically have zipped through Dingle in under three hours, but why rush when you have all day to savor it? Seven hours later—after countless photo stops and moments of awestruck silence—the day was less about hitting every landmark, more about breathing in one unforgettable view after another. I’m certain we missed a few hidden gems, but what we did see? Worth every gentle curve of the road.

We were lucky enough to have just soaked in Santorini’s wonders the previous month, and while you can’t compare the two—each is its own masterpiece—the Slea Head Drive south of Dingle is pure Irish red velvet cake for the eyes. Absolutely stunning.

And, naturally, things went a bit sideways after our lunch pit stop at FBI—Foleys Bar in Inch (highly recommend!). Our GPS’s “quickest route” soon morphed into a meandering country adventure north of Killarney, complete with a classic Irish traffic jam: three massive tractors and one determined semi. Chalk it up to chance—because sometimes, the best stories are the ones you don’t plan at all.

Day Three: A Day of Reflection

Day three was the classic FishersVinoVibes “transitional blend”—start with a dash of ambition, mix in a little unexpected adventure! My morning run in Killarney National Park was meant to be a quick, scenic loop back to the hotel. Instead, I got absolutely swept up in the park’s wild beauty and turned a simple jog into a surprise extra mile (or two)—which, let’s be honest, is the perfect way to get lost in Ireland.

After the unplanned workout extension, it was all about quick showers, strong coffee, and a taxi ride out to Muckross House and Gardens. This Victorian stunner—11,000 acres of rolling lawns and history—is a local legend. We wandered through the grand old mansion, then walked a kilometer to the centuries-old abbey, once a Franciscan friary, now steeped in mystery and guarded by an ancient yew tree that has withstood wars, wild weather, and the slow passage of time with stubborn Irish charm.

By noon, we’d already logged another three miles on foot and found ourselves joining half of County Kerry on a packed train bound for Dublin, thanks to the All-Ireland Championship weekend. Pro tip: always book those rail seats in advance—without that, we wouldn’t have stood a chance.

Dublin – the return

Landing in Dublin at the College Green AC hotel, we stepped into pure city spectacle. Across the street, crowds overflowed onto the sidewalks—think O’Hare passport control on St. Patrick’s Day, but everyone’s got a Guinness! The famous Palace Bar draws such a big crowd that there’s never enough room inside, and the celebration spills out onto the street. Squeezing in is all part of the fun, and every elbow-bump in that cozy bar lands you a new Irish friend. No music, no screens, just stories, laughter, a killer pint, and one of the best Irish whiskey lineups in town—pure “conversation pub” perfection.

Dinner took us to Davy Byrnes, a Grafton Street legend with a literary pedigree—thank you, James Joyce. Delicious eats, even better company, and a vibe as warm as the amber glow behind the bar. Bellies and spirits full, we chased live music over at the Old Storehouse, watching talented musicians and an Irish dancer light up the room while locals and travelers alike sang along.

Eventually, we wound our way back past the Palace—now bursting even more at the seams—swapping stories with new friends from Kerry whose generosity extended all the way to helping us find Championship tickets. As midnight approached, we left the revelry behind with tired feet and happy hearts, living proof: the true magic of Ireland is in the people and the moments you never expect.

Day Four: Game Day in Dublin

Day four—a FishersVinoVibes style finale if there ever was one! On paper, it looked like a chill day: just one golden ticket, a 5:15 pm special tasting at the Jameson Distillery. But oh, Dublin had other plans, with the city absolutely buzzing for the unplanned All-Ireland Championship match, which was set to kick off at 3:30 pm. So much for logistics—this day was all about soaking in the serendipity.

We started with a sun-kissed morning—upper 60s, nothing but blue above. Our first pour was at the Palace Bar, doors barely creaked open at 10 am, and we finally got to explore its storied interior: a long, inviting bar, towering ceilings, a snug room in the back, and pint after pint of Guinness fueling team colors and friendly footie banter. The tailgate energy was palpable; by the time we headed out, the sidewalks were already packed with revelers ready for the big game.

Walking is the best transportation

We walked off our “liquid bread” with a scenic stroll over the River Liffey, down a buzzing O’Connell Street, and east along the river, skipping the game crowds for peaceful views and that iconic Samuel Beckett (Harp) Bridge. Trinity College popped up on our route—too nice a day for the Long Room, but I couldn’t help revisiting its colorful history, from “Protestants only” beginnings to welcoming Catholics in 1793 and finally women in 1904. Shout out to our son, who, ten years prior, walked into the Long Hall and shouted (quietly), “Jedi library”—still makes us laugh.

After a pit stop at the hotel, our ramble continued: we swung by Dublin Castle and then onto Brazen Head, the city’s oldest pub, for a lunchtime Guinness and more stories to layer on Ireland’s ancient stones. As the pre-game hum kicked up, we made our way to the Woolshed, our go-to Irish sports pub—site of many a raucous Colts memory—and snuck in dinner reservations at the Church Pub, just steps away (always thinking ahead!).

At halftime, with Kerry cruising to what looked like its 40th title, we pivoted to Jameson for a tour and a most memorable Table Tasting: four standout whiskeys, each perfectly paired with an artisan chocolate. Unexpected? Totally. Unforgettable? Absolutely—that’s the FishersVinoVibes way.

For our curtain call, we wandered to the Church Pub for live music, high spirits, and Irish dancers lighting up the stage—capping off a day that had turned into a 7+ mile, 12-hour adventure. Walking back to the hotel under Dublin’s luminous sky, we barely noticed the hours, only the afterglow of pure Irish joy.

Time flies, but that’s just proof you lived it well. Sláinte!

The Return

Managed to squeeze in one last run—this time, no wrong turns, just smooth miles. The trek home was blissfully uneventful, and I have to say that direct flight is an absolute game-changer. We touched down, scooped up the car, and headed straight for home—no connecting flights, no drawn-out airport waits, just pure relief. The quick trip left us refueled, not wrecked, with zero jet lag in sight. Chalk up another unforgettable chapter to the FishersVinoVibes travel log. Or, borrowing from Joyce himself: “The brief voyage sufficed, for no wearying lag of body or mind beset us; another vivid odyssey tucked away in the heaving trove of remembrance.”