This photo gallery documents my last four years traveling around the magical Éire. I arrived in Ireland in the fall of 2010 to study at Coláiste na Tríonóide (Trinity College Dublin). As a MacConsaidín, I quickly learned that my second home is northwest Contae an Chláir (County Clare), especially the village of Lios Dúin Bhearna (Lisdoonvarna), the birthplace of my great-grandfather. Northwest Clare has the best music and the most jaw-dropping views of the Irish coast, especially while looking over the Aillte an Mhothair (Cliffs of Moher) and driving through Boireann (the Burren).

Imaging sleeping inside of a mountain on the shores of Contae Dhún na nGall (County Donegal). That’s what I did in Gleann Cholm Cille, (Glencolmcille), a tiny coastal village and one of my favorite places on the Emerald Isle. Maghera Beach in nearby Ard an Rátha (Ardara) is a stunningly beautiful place. Port, an abandoned Irish famine village, is arguably the most secluded location in Ireland.

Closer to Dublin is Glendaloch (Glendalough), an early medieval village with monastic ruins. Glendaloch has a transcendental vibe to it, especially in its forests and on its mountains. On the outskirts of Dublin are several villages which make for great day trips, among them County Bré (Bray) and Na Clocha Liatha (Greystones), both of which are in Contae Chill Mhantáin (County Wicklow). Bray mountain is a great hike which offers tremendous views of rolling hills, mountains, and the Irish Sea. A trip to Cill Iníon Léinín (Killiney) offers stunning views and makes one feel as if he or she is on the coast of Italy.

Ireland will always have a special place in my heart and mind. I hope you enjoy my pictures and feel a sense of what I have felt in this beautiful country.