Category: Destinations

The Kennedy Space Center (referred to KSC in the rest of this blog), located on Merritt Island, has been at the forefront of the United States’ space program since the early 1960s. It has served as the launch site for some of NASA’s most historic missions, including the Apollo moon landings and the Space Shuttle program.

KSC stands out as one of Florida’s most compelling attractions. If your itinerary allows, this is a destination I strongly recommend including; it is unquestionably worth the visit.

My personal interest to space exploration topics made this visit even more meaningful. I completed my schooling (from 1st through 12th grade) at VSSC School in Kerala, India, which is closely associated with the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Growing up in that environment, I was constantly exposed to discussions about rockets and space science, so including KSC in my travel plans felt almost inevitable.

This is the 2^nd in my Orlando attractions series. The first one was all about Universal Studios and this blog focuses on my experience at the KSC. It’s difficult to fully capture how much I enjoyed being there.

KSC holds immense historical and operational significance. It has served as:

• The departure point for the first human missions to the Moon
• The base for Space Shuttle launch and landing operations
• A hub for ongoing scientific research and commercial space missions

To make the most of your visit, it’s worth reviewing the official KSC Map  in advance so that you can familiarize yourself with the layout and key zones. The KSC mobile app is also highly useful, providing real-time schedules, show timings, and updates throughout the day. If your interest in space exploration runs deep and if your schedule allows, I would strongly recommend considering a two-day visit to fully experience everything the complex has to offer.

The Visitor Complex is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while the parking area opens slightly earlier at 8:30 AM, allowing visitors to arrive ahead of opening time. Do note that parking is paid, with fees collected at the entrance to the parking plaza before accessing the facility.

How to reach:

There are private bus tours (ex: Gray tours) which will take you from Orlando to KSC. Please note that there are no direct public transport option available to reach KSC from Orlando down town.

There are also options available in aggregators like Get your Guide (with hotel pickup option).

As we were 4 members, we had taken a taxi (Lyft) to reach KSC.

Tickets:

Tickets can be booked directly at KSC entrance.

You can book 1 day admission ticket (77$) directly on the website. There is also an additional option to purchase a KSC Explore Tour (30$) along with that.

https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/tickets

I had booked the KSC tickets with Guided Explore Tour option using an aggregator named ‘headout’ (as they were providing some discounted tickets) (Check in internet for some valid voucher codes aswell).

https://www.headout.com/kennedy-space-center-tickets-tours/kennedy-space-center-explore-tour-e-14667

NOTE: When I had booked this tour using head out, I was only given 2 explore tour options 11 AM and 2PM and I had selected 11AM tour option while booking.

Bus Tours:

There are 2 main bus tours:

• KSC Bus Tour
• KSC Explore Tour 

Both bus tours starts from the same area but different entry points. There are clear boards that you won’t miss.

If you have already made a decision to visit KSC, I would strongly suggest you to book the KSC explore tour.  And needless to say, get the window seat (left or right, both are ok).

The KSC Explore Tour goes beyond the KSC Bus Tour, making several stops to capture once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. Get a photographic view of numerous spaceflight icons like the Vehicle Assembly Building and NASA Press Site and so on.

Arrival at KSC – A Chaotic Beginning for us

As mentioned earlier, we arrived at the KSC by taxi, but unfortunately reached about 10 minutes later than planned. The delay was entirely on our end rather than the driver’s (and not a traffic related issue).

While en route, I contacted the KSC Visitor Complex to check if it would be possible to move our scheduled 11:00 AM Explore Tour to the 2:00 PM slot. I was informed that the 11:00 AM bus had already departed and the 2:00 PM tour was fully booked. At that point, it seemed likely that we would miss the Explore Tour altogether.

Upon arrival, we quickly completed ticket verification and baggage screening and made our way to the bus tour area. We explained our situation to the staff, who were extremely understanding and accommodating. To our relief, they arranged for us to join the 12:00 noon tour instead.

Although the initial uncertainty was stressful, the staff’s responsiveness and willingness to help made a significant difference and quickly put us at ease.

Interestingly, I later realized that the Explore Tour operates more frequently than the fixed time slots (11:00 AM and 2:00 PM) listed on some booking platforms (Like headout), offering more flexibility than expected.

We boarded the bus at 12, and it departed at approximately 12:15 PM. The buses are well-equipped, including accessibility features for visitors with mobility challenges.

The tour itself lasted around two hours, led by an excellent guide who was both knowledgeable and engaging, providing detailed insights into the history and operations of the KSC.

Various destinations / attractions covered :

1. Apollo / Saturn V Center:

Our first stop on the tour was the Apollo/Saturn V Center, one of the most iconic sections of KSC. This facility houses the legendary Saturn V rocket—the same type of rocket that powered NASA’s Apollo missions to the Moon.

Seeing the Saturn V up close is an awe-inspiring experience. Stretching approximately 110 meters (363 feet) in length, it is the largest rocket ever successfully flown. Standing beneath it gives you a real sense of the scale, complexity, and ambition behind the Apollo program—something that is difficult to fully appreciate through photos or videos alone.

The centre also offers an immersive journey into the Apollo era, including exhibits on mission control, astronaut experiences, and the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing. One of the standout attractions here is the opportunity to touch a genuine Moon rock. This rare, hands-on exhibit is available at no additional cost and provides a tangible connection to lunar exploration.

Overall, the Apollo/Saturn V Center is not just a display; it’s an experience that brings one of humanity’s greatest achievements vividly to life.

It is also worth noting that the Saturn V on display at the Apollo/Saturn V Center is composed of genuine Apollo-era hardware. While it is a carefully assembled composite, the components themselves are authentic, space-flown or space-ready pieces. The rocket is permanently decommissioned and preserved purely for historical and educational purposes, but what you see is indeed real.

A practical tip for visitors: During the Explore Tour, only a brief stop is made in this area. However, on the return leg of the tour, there is an opportunity to disembark and explore the exhibits more thoroughly before heading to the final stop. Planning your time accordingly can help ensure you don’t miss out on this significant part of the experience.

2. Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB):

The next stop on the tour brought us near the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), one of the most recognizable structures at the KSC. Standing at approximately 525 feet (160 meters), it is among the tallest single-story buildings in the world, originally constructed for the vertical assembly of the Apollo-Saturn V rockets.

What makes the VAB even more striking is the enormous American flag painted on its exterior—one of the largest in the world—measuring roughly 209 feet in height and 110 feet in width. The sheer scale of the building becomes easier to appreciate once you have already seen the Saturn V rocket up close; only then does it truly make sense why such a massive structure is required.

3. SpaceX Facility:

We also got a chance to see the SpaceX launch facility. Infact, we were also lucky enough to see a SPACEX convoy taking some rocket components (and ofcourse there were many cybertrucks in that convoy).

4. Crawler-Transporter System:

One of the most fascinating parts of the tour was the opportunity to learn about NASA’s crawler-transporter system—the massive tracked vehicles responsible for moving rockets from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the launch pads.

The crawler-transporters are truly engineering marvels. Each weighs approximately 6.6 million pounds and covers an area roughly the size of a baseball field. They were originally built in 1965 to transport the Saturn V rocket and have since carried the Space Shuttle and now the Space Launch System (SLS) for the Artemis program.

The crawlers travel along a specially constructed pathway called the crawlerway, which is about 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) long and 130 feet wide. The road is built with rounded river stones that act like ball bearings, ensuring smooth movement while absorbing vibrations that could damage sensitive flight hardware.

During the tour, you get a glimpse of an actual crawler-transporter as well as a section of the path it travels on. The guide explains how these machines operate, how they maintain the rocket’s vertical alignment during transport, and how they achieve precision docking at the launch pad.

For the best experience, it is worth watching a short video or two on YouTube about the crawler-transporters before your visit. Having that context makes it much easier to connect with the guide’s explanations and fully appreciate the scale and complexity of this system.

5. Complex 39:

The tour also offered a chance to view the historic Launch Complex 39, one of the most iconic launch facilities in the world. Developed in the 1960s to support NASA’s Apollo program, this complex has been the starting point for some of the most significant missions in space exploration history.

Launch Complex 39 comprises two main pads—39A and 39B—along with the crawlerway and support structures that connect them to the Vehicle Assembly Building. It was originally designed to accommodate the Saturn V rocket and later adapted for the Space Shuttle program. Today, it continues to play a vital role in modern spaceflight, supporting missions under NASA’s Artemis program and commercial launches by SpaceX

Some of the most historic moments in human spaceflight originated here, including:

• Apollo 11 (1969) – the first crewed Moon landing, launched from Pad 39A
• Space Shuttle missions (1981–2011) – over 130 shuttle launches, including STS-1, the first orbital flight test
• Artemis I (2022) – the first integrated test flight of NASA’s new deep space exploration system

Pad 39A is currently leased to SpaceX for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches, while Pad 39B has been modified to support the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft.

Seeing the complex from a distance, combined with the guide’s narration, gives you a deeper appreciation of how this facility has evolved over six decades while remaining central to humanity’s journey into space.

NOTE: Routes may be altered at any time with or without any notice due to operational requirements, as KSC is an active rocket launching facility.

Finally, we were dropped back to the place from where we boarded the bus.

We had our lunch at the orbit café which features burgers, chicken strips, salads, sandwiches and so on. You can also bring in food and have it in their restaurant.

6. Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit:

One of the absolute highlights of the KSC is the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. Even if the queue is long, I would strongly recommend staying in line—it is entirely worth the wait.

The experience begins with a short but powerful introductory film that sets the stage for what’s to come. The presentation builds anticipation beautifully, leading to a dramatic “reveal moment” that I will not spoil here. Walking in with no prior knowledge made that moment even more impactful and memorable.

At the heart of the exhibit is the real Space Shuttle Atlantis, displayed in a way that mimics its appearance in orbit. The orbiter is suspended approximately 30 feet above the ground, tilted at a 43.21-degree angle to the port side. This unique positioning allows visitors to view the shuttle from nearly 360 degrees—an angle typically only seen by astronauts.

Atlantis, which flew 33 missions between 1985 and 2011, played a pivotal role in NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. It was instrumental in deploying the Hubble Space Telescope, assembling the International Space Station (ISS), and conducting critical scientific missions. Over its 26-year career, Atlantis travelled more than 126 million miles (203 million kilometres), completed 4,848 orbits around Earth, and carried 207 crew members into space.

The exhibit spans approximately 90,000 square feet and features more than 60 interactive displays, simulators, and immersive experiences. These include:

• Shuttle Launch Experience – a motion-based simulator that recreates the sights, sounds, and forces of a real shuttle launch
• Astronaut Training Simulators – hands-on consoles where visitors can practice docking with the ISS, landing the orbiter, or manipulating the robotic arm
• Hubble Space Telescope Theater – featuring a life-size replica of the telescope and a cinematic presentation on its contributions to astronomy
• ISS Gallery – where guests can step inside a scale replica of an ISS module and experience what it feels like to live and work in microgravity

The $100 million facility, which opened in 2013, is organized around the dramatic reveal of Atlantis, making it not just a museum display but an emotional and educational journey through three decades of human spaceflight.

Whatever else you see at KSC, do not miss this exhibit. It is one of the most compelling and well-executed attractions at the entire complex, blending history, technology, and storytelling in a way that feels both inspiring and deeply human.

7. Journey to Mars Centre:

After Atlantis, we made our way to the ‘Journey to Mars’ exhibit, a forward-looking section of the Visitor Complex that focuses on NASA’s ambitious plans for deep space exploration. The exhibit features a blend of live presentations, interactive displays, and hands-on simulators that allow visitors to test their skills in realistic mission scenarios. Key highlights include:

• Mars Rover Replicas
• Orion Spacecraft Display
• Landing and Docking Simulators
• ‘Deep Space’ Interactive Games
• Live Theater Presentation

8. The Deep Space Launch Complex:

Then we also visited Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex.

It is the centre dedicated to the future of space travel. This is where you’ll find hardware and displays relating to:

• SpaceX Falcon 9
• Blue Origin New Shepard
• Boeing Starliner
• Orion
• Dream Chaser
• Other commercial spaceflight technologies

The building feels modern and forward-looking; almost like stepping into a tech expo curated by NASA.

Inside Gateway, you’ll find four simulator experiences that take you on virtual missions to different destinations (Moon, Mars, Deep space, Trappist- 1). Somehow, we couldn’t do that.

9. Mars Rover:

We also had the opportunity to get up close with a life-sized replica of a Mars rover.

10. Gift Shop:

We also visited the Gift shop to buy some souvenirs. They have a grand collection of items here. This is the World’s Largest Space Shop.

11. Rocket Garden:

We also made time for the Rocket Garden, one of the most visually striking and photogenic areas of the KSC. This open-air exhibit allows visitors to walk among real rockets from the early days of the U.S. space program, offering a sense of scale and engineering evolution that photos simply cannot convey.

As you wander through the garden, you can stand directly beneath rockets that vary widely in size and design. Some appear surprisingly slender and almost delicate, while others tower overhead with an imposing presence. The open, airy layout makes it an ideal spot to pause for photographs or simply take in the progression of rocket technology—from early experimental designs to the more advanced vehicles that paved the way for missions to the Moon and beyond.

While the Rocket Garden can be explored relatively quickly, it remains an essential part of the KSC experience.

A practical tip: Since the Rocket Garden is located near the entrance and exit of the Visitor Complex, it works well as a final stop on your itinerary. This allows you to end your day with a walk-through history before heading out.

What we missed:

We missed few main attractions like Astronaut Training Experience Center – Exploring with Lockheed Martin and U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

We also skipped the  ‘Chat With An Astronaut’ (it comes with an extra 50 USD). You can find more details here.

You can also plan your trip convincing with a launch date so that you can see the launch from a distance. Check here for more details.

The best place to watch the launches from is arguably the Apollo/Saturn V complex in KSC, But to watch the launch from the Apollo building, you have to take a shuttle bus.

For a full list of attractions, please visit : https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/explore-attractions/all-attractions/

KSC have indoor and outdoor attractions. If the weather is cooperating, it’s a nice mix of both.  Be sure to wear some comfy shoes ideal for indoors and outdoors.

KSC has made efforts to make itself an accessible attraction (even in the bus tours).

Overall you might have to dedicate 6-8 hours if you want to surface through KSC. If you plan a detailed visit (with the simulators, reading displays, IMAX films) , 2 days would be ideal. You can also find Hotel packages in the KSC website.

During the time, when we visited, the operation time was 9AM – 5PM.

Return to Orlando:

We exited KSC at 5:00 PM and booked a Lyft ride share for our return journey.

One practical note for future visitors: Ride share availability can sometimes be limited, later in the day when fewer drivers are on standby. It is not uncommon to experience a short wait while your ride is being matched.

To avoid any unnecessary stress, I would recommend setting aside a few extra minutes in your schedule for potential ride share wait times. Alternatively, if you are driving, having your own vehicle can offer more flexibility, particularly if you are visiting during busy periods or planning to stay until closing time.

Beware of allegators in this region, as Florida is known for allegators.

Port Canaveral:

If you are traveling by car, you may also consider adding a stop at Port Canaveral on your way back. While it is located in the opposite direction from Orlando—approximately 17 miles (about 27 kilometers) south of the KSC —it can be a worthwhile addition to your itinerary, especially if you have extra time in the evening.

Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports and a major homeport for Disney Cruise Line. Several Disney ships, including the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and the newer Disney Treasure, operate regular departures from here. The port offers a range of sailings, from short 3- to 4-night Bahamian cruises to week-long Caribbean itineraries, making it a popular starting point for families and Disney enthusiasts.

While the port itself is primarily a functional facility for cruise passengers, the surrounding area offers a blend of maritime activity, natural beauty, and family-friendly attractions. If you are already in the vicinity and have a spare hour or two, a quick drive to Port Canaveral can provide a different perspective on Florida’s Space Coast and a pleasant contrast to the high-tech experiences at KSC.

For those not traveling by car, keep in mind that ride share options may be limited in this area, so planning your visit carefully is advisable.

With this blog, I would like to conlude the Orlando blog series.

If you are considering exploring attractions beyond Universal Studios and Kennedy Space Center (KSC), I’d like to share the list below. It includes several attractions / options that you may wish to add to your itinerary, depending on your interests.

Useful passes / Other options:

Check Klook Pass if you plan to cover many attractions in Orlando.

Check GoCityPass if you are exploring more attractions.

The Visitor Toll Pass is a free program at Orlando International Airport (MCO) that provides rental car customers with the lowest toll rates in Florida and helps avoid expensive daily administrative fees from rental car companies.

Brightline trains connect Orlando with South Florida, including Miami.

Summary:

With endless thrills and unforgettable attractions, Florida’s theme parks offer something for everyone. A truly memorable Orlando family vacation isn’t measured by how much you do, but by the special moments you create while enjoying the experiences that mean the most.

This long-awaited trip to the United States finally became a reality in May–June 2026. It was a carefully planned 11-days journey across the US East Coast, covering a mix of theme parks, natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and city experiences.

Our itinerary was structured as follows:

• Day 1 (May 31): Departure from Dublin to Orlando
• Day 2: Rest and recovery from Jet lag (limited plans)
• Day 3: Universal Studios
• Day 4: Kennedy Space Center
• Day 5: Flight from Orlando to Buffalo (Niagara Falls)
• Day 6: Niagara Falls exploration and onward flight to Washington, D.C.
• Day 7: Washington, D.C. sightseeing and train journey to New Jersey
• Day 8: Visit to BAPS Temple (New Jersey) and train journey to New York
• Day 9–10: New York City exploration
• Day 11 (June 10): Return flight from New York to Dublin

Planning a trip to Orlando can often feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of attractions and logistical considerations. Through this blog series (2 blogs), I aim to share practical insights, experiences, and tips that can help simplify your planning process.

In this series, I will focus on the two major attractions we explored in Orlando—an action-packed city known for its world-class entertainment. This first blog will cover Universal Studios, and the second blog covers Kennedy Space Center.

As outlined in the itinerary, our journey began in Dublin, Ireland. We opted for a direct Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Orlando, with a flight duration of approximately 9.5 hours. The onboard experience was comfortable, with meals and snacks served three to four times during the journey, making it a convenient and efficient travel option.

VISA Process:

As Irish passport holders, our entry process into the United States was straightforward and hassle-free. We were required to complete the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) process prior to travel. ESTA is an approved travel authorization that allows eligible travellers to board a carrier to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It is important to note that ESTA is not a visa and does not replace a U.S. visa where one is legally required. The application process was simple—we followed the required steps, uploaded photographs, and paid the fee of USD 40.27 per person. Approval was received within 2–3 days.

ESTA Link: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

ESTA Tips:

• Ensure that you upload a selfie-style photograph that meets the specified requirements. If the photo does not comply, the application may not be accepted.
• It is advisable to complete the ESTA application once your travel plans are confirmed. While approvals are often quick, in the worst-case scenario you should apply at least 72 hours before departure.
• An approved ESTA is valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
• ESTA applies to both tourism (leisure visits) and business travel purposes.
• If you are traveling as a group, you can opt for a group application. This allows up to 50 applications to be submitted and paid for together. However, individual details and documentation must still be completed for each traveller, and group members are not required to travel together.
• Carrying a printed copy of the ESTA approval is not mandatory. In our experience, it was not requested at any point during the journey.
• There is also an official ESTA mobile app available, which you may use if convenient, though it is not required.

US preclearance at Dublin Airport:

Another significant advantage of departing from Dublin Airport is the availability of U.S. Preclearance. This allows you to complete U.S. immigration and customs formalities before departure, meaning that upon arrival in the United States, you can exit the airport like a domestic passenger without going through additional immigration checks—saving considerable time and effort.

On the day of our travel, approximately 26 flights were operating from Dublin to various U.S. destinations. We flew with Aer Lingus.

Orlando MCO airport:

Orlando, often referred to as “The Sunshine State’s crown jewel,” is widely regarded as the theme park capital of the world.

Located in the heart of Florida, Orlando is a vibrant and welcoming city known for its world-class attractions and consistently pleasant weather. While it is best known for its theme parks, the city offers much more, making it suitable for a wide range of travellers. For many, Orlando is synonymous with theme parks, which often creates the impression that it is primarily a destination for children. However, this perception is far from accurate—Orlando caters equally well to adults, with diverse experiences spanning entertainment, dining, shopping, and nature.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the most well-connected airports in the United States, offering nonstop service to hundreds of destinations, making it a convenient entry point for travellers. The airport consists of three terminals—A, B, and C—across two connected buildings. Aer Lingus operates from Terminal C. Upon arrival, baggage claim took slightly longer than expected, so it is worth factoring in some additional time. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are easily accessible just outside the terminal exits. When booking a ride, you may need to specify the exact pickup location, including the designated exit gate and whether it is on the arrivals (ground) or departures (upper) level.

Based on personal experience, Lyft often offered more competitive pricing compared to Uber within Orlando, making it a preferable option for local travel.

Day 1:

We flew with Aer Lingus, and the overall experience was very pleasant. The staff were courteous and contributed to a comfortable journey. Passengers were provided with blankets, pillows, and headphones at no additional cost. Meals and snacks were served throughout the flight. While the food was fairly average, it was satisfactory compared to typical airline standards. In-flight entertainment was also available, which helped make the 9.5-hour journey more manageable.

Our flight departed Dublin Airport at 13:50 (local time) and arrived at Orlando International Airport (MCO) at approximately 18:00 (local time). After completing arrival formalities and transit, we reached our hotel ‘Aloft by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista’ at around 19:45.

Day 2:

As we anticipated the effects of jet lag, we intentionally kept our first day light with no intensive plans.

To make productive use of the day, we explored the Disney area—specifically viewing parts of the parks from the outside—and visited Disney Springs. Since we had already planned a visit to Universal Studios during this trip, we chose to skip entering the Disney theme parks themselves. Our hotel offered a shuttle service to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is important to note that these shuttles are typically third-party services shared across multiple hotels rather than being operated exclusively by your hotel. As a result, they make several stops along the way, which can significantly increase travel time. It is advisable to factor in additional buffer time if you plan to rely on this option.

As we did not intend to enter any of the Disney parks, we opted to experience the Disney Skyliner (cable car system), which provides complimentary transportation between select Disney resorts and parks. This is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the Disney park without requiring park entry tickets.

After completing the Skyliner experience, we proceeded to Disney Springs. Complimentary bus services operate from various Disney resorts to Disney Springs exits, and we used one of these to reach our destination efficiently.

Visit their official website for more details: https://www.disneysprings.com/

Disney Springs is an expansive outdoor complex at the Walt Disney World Resort, offering a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visitors are required to undergo airport-style security screening before entering the premise. During our visit, we spent some time exploring the area, did a bit of shopping at the Under Armour store, and enjoyed a meal before heading back to the hotel by taxi.

Later, we also visited the Mall at Millenia, one of Orlando’s famous shopping destinations. En route, we made a stop at a Target store in the city center. Our primary objective was to purchase and stock up on bottled water for the duration of our stay. As the hotel did not provide complimentary water bottles, this small step helped us save a noticeable amount on daily expenses.

Day 3 (Universal Studios):

One of the biggest decisions when planning a trip to Orlando is whether to visit Universal, Disney, or attempt to cover both. This choice is highly subjective and depends on individual preferences, so rather than comparing the two, I will focus on sharing my experience with Universal.

After evaluating various factors, we decided to dedicate one full day to Universal and skip the Disney park attractions for this trip. Universal Orlando Resort is one of the most popular theme park destinations in Florida. We booked our tickets a few days in advance directly through the official website:
https://www.universalorlando.com/web-store/en/us/park-tickets?flr=0&days=1

The resort consists of four main parks:

• Epic Universe
• Universal Studios Florida
• Islands of Adventure
• Volcano Bay

For our visit, we chose a one-day, two-park ticket covering Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. This ticket also includes access to the Hogwarts Express, a short train ride (approximately five minutes) that conveniently connects the two parks and enhances the overall experience. There are multiple ticket options available on the official website, allowing visitors to customize their visit based on time, budget, and interests. It is also worth noting that Epic Universe is the newest addition to the resort, having opened in May 2025. Volcano Bay, on the other hand, is Universal’s water park, themed around the South Seas and centered around a large volcano structure featuring a variety of water slides and attractions.

Islands of Adventure (IOA):

We chose to begin our Universal experience with Islands of Adventure (IOA). For those who enjoy high-thrill roller coasters and adventure rides, this park is an excellent choice. We travelled from our hotel to IOA by taxi. One point to note is that there is a considerable walking distance from the rideshare drop-off area to the main ticket entry gates, so it is advisable to plan accordingly.

Before entering the park, tickets are checked and visitors are required to pass through airport-style security screening. Once cleared, entry into the park is granted.

Given the large number of rides and attractions across the Universal parks, it is highly recommended to do some prior research. Exploring YouTube videos and official resources can help you identify the attractions that best match your interests and plan your day more efficiently.

Islands of Adventure is divided into eight themed “islands”:

• Port of Entry
• Marvel Superhero Island
• Toon Lagoon
• Skull Island
• Jurassic Park
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• The Lost Continent
• Seuss Landing

You can refer to the official park map for a detailed overview of attractions and layout:

As we were traveling with a mixed-age group—including a teenager and a three-year-old—we planned our day to balance high-adrenaline rides with lighter entertainment options suitable for all.

We covered the following rides: (Courtesy : The descriptions accompanying each attraction below has been taken directly from the official Universal website)

1. Incredible Hulk Coaster (in Marvel Superhero island)

Feel the gamma-charged rush of The Incredible Hulk Coaster. You’ll race up to 67 miles per hour, as your world turns upside down in zero gravity and this high-speed rollercoaster empowers you with the strength of a superhero. NOTE: This is a must visit.

2. The Cat in the Hat (in Suess Landing)

Ride your couch through the pages of Dr. Seuss’s best-loved children’s book. This delightful ride re-creates the story scene for scene. NOTE: Young kids would love this.

3. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride (in Suess Landing)

Sit back and relax as you wind your way above the imaginative buildings and rides of Seuss Landing on one of two tracks featuring the Sneetches or the ABCs of your other favourite Seuss stories. NOTE: We did not particularly enjoy this experience, as we had to wait for approximately an hour for the train ride, and the overall experience did not meet expectations. This attraction can be skipped if it is not a priority for you.

4. Doctor Dooms Fear Fall

Doctor Doom has strapped you in. Now he’s going to rocket you skyward 185 feet into the air, then hurl you back down faster than the force of gravity itself! NOTE: They only take you up once. Wish they would have done it 2 or 3 times.

5. Skull island:  Reign of Kong

Join a research mission to find evidence of prehistoric creatures on Skull Island. Encounter colossal creatures battling for dominance on the Skull Island: Reign of Kong ride, and prepare yourself for the epic finale where you’ll see King Kong up close and personal. NOTE: This was really a nice once.

We chose to skip the Toon Lagoon attractions, as this area primarily functions as the water ride zone within Islands of Adventure. Since we were not prepared for water-based rides, it did not align with our plan for the day. However, if you enjoy water rides, it is worth including one or two attractions from this area in your itinerary. Ideally, these should be planned for the afternoon. It is also advisable to store valuables and footwear in nearby lockers and carry flip-flops for convenience.

We also had to skip several rides in the Jurassic Park area due to longer wait times, which were averaging around one hour for the popular rides. If you are a fan of the Jurassic Park theme, it would be worthwhile to prioritize one or two rides in this section. This area also features a notable roller coaster (VelociCoaster) that may appeal to thrill-seekers.

We had lunch at Burger Digs, located in the Jurassic Park area, which offered a convenient break before continuing with the rest of the day.

We were unable to cover the Harry Potter attractions due to extended waiting times. For fans of the Wizarding World, it is highly recommended to include at least one or two rides in your plan, as this area is one of the highlights of the park experience.

After lunch, we proceeded to board the Hogwarts Express, which connects Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios Florida. While the train journey itself is short—lasting approximately two to three minutes—the waiting time was significantly longer, at around 45 minutes.

It is important to note that a valid two-park ticket is required to use the Hogwarts Express and move between the two parks, so this should be planned in advance.

Passengers are seated in compartment-style cabins accommodating up to six people, where an animated experience plays through the window panels, adding a themed storytelling element to the journey. You can also carry your stroller (if any) in the train. The train arrived at King’s Cross Station within Universal Studios Florida, marking your transition into the second park.

Time check:

We arrived at the rideshare drop-off point at approximately 09:15 AM. Due to security checks and entry procedures, we were able to complete ticket verification and officially enter Islands of Adventure (IOA) by around 10:15 AM. We explored the key attractions within IOA between 10:15 AM and 2:00 PM, followed by a lunch break from 2:00 to 2:30 PM. Post lunch, we proceeded to the Hogwarts Express. Including waiting time, boarding, and the journey itself, this took us from approximately 2:30 to 3:15 PM. Our next plan was to explore Universal Studios Florida from 3:15 PM onwards. On that particular day, the park was scheduled to close early at 8:00 PM due to a private event, whereas the usual closing time is 9:00 PM.

Universal Studios Florida:

Universal Studios is divided into:

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
• Illumination’s Minion Land
• DreamWorks Land
• Springfield, U.S.A. : Home of The Simpsons
• Hollywood
• San Francisco
• New York
• World Expo

Universal Studios Florida is all about experiencing your favourite movies and TV shows in real life. 

Checkout this map when you plan your trip.

We covered the following rides: (Courtesy : The descriptions accompanying each attraction below has been taken directly from the official Universal website)

1. TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D (New York)

Board your N*E*S*T* vehicle and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee to help save mankind. You’ll fight to keep the AllSpark out of Megatron’s hands in an explosive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. NOTE: This was a great ride.

2. The Simpsons Ride (SPRINGFIELD, U.S.A)

It was a virtual reality roller coaster ride. You’ll smash and blast through Krustyland with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie in an over-the-top adventure. NOTE: This was a great ride.

En route to Harry Potter area, we also took a photo with the conductor of the Knight Bus.

3. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Harry Potter)

Enter Gringotts bank and take a journey deep underground aboard this mind-blowing, multi-dimensional thrill ride. You’ll encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermione as you try to evade the wrath of Voldemort and Bellatrix to make it back to Diagon Alley. NOTE: This was a great ride.

4. Revenge of the Mummy (New York)

You’ll plunge in total darkness, plagued by huge fireballs, swarms of scarab beetles and an army of warrior mummies on this one-of-a-kind roller coaster. NOTE: This was a great ride and is must visit.

5. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (Minnions Land)

Get ready to encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed, Svengeance, and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you attempt to blast your way to supervillain stardom. See if you’re villainous enough in this fully interactive gaming experience. NOTE: This was a great ride , Young kids would love this.

5. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (Minnions Land)

Join Gru, his daughters and the mischievous Minions on an unpredictable ride. In Gru’s latest scheme, you’ll become an actual Minion. It’s heartwarming and humorous family fun for everyone. NOTE: This was a great ride , Young kids would love this.

We also took some time to visit the Universal Studios Store to pick up a few souvenirs.

On that particular day, the park was scheduled to close early at 8:00 PM due to a private event. Before leaving, we made sure to capture photos at two of the most iconic locations within the park. These are must-visit spots and should not be missed.

After exiting the park, we spent some time at Universal CityWalk. Although it is not a theme park, CityWalk is a vibrant dining and entertainment district located adjacent to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

CityWalk offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and retail outlets, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. One of its key advantages is convenience—you pass through CityWalk when entering or exiting the parks, making it very easy to step out for a meal or explore additional entertainment options during your visit.

Quick Tips and Practical Insights:

• Covering two parks in a single day is generally not recommended. While it is possible if you are short on time, it often means missing out on several key attractions and rushing through the experience.
• For “The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride” (Seuss Landing, IOA), consider skipping the ride if the wait time exceeds 15 minutes, as the experience may not justify a longer queue.
• Keep your lunch break short and efficient to maximize time for attractions.
• If the wait time for the Hogwarts Express exceeds 15 minutes, it may be more practical to skip it. Instead, you can walk between the parks via Universal CityWalk, which takes approximately 5–10 minutes.
• Roller coaster enthusiasts should prioritize both major coasters in Islands of Adventure:
  • Incredible Hulk Coaster (Marvel Super Hero Island)
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Jurassic Park), the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the park and the fastest launched coaster in Florida
• If you are not a dedicated Harry Potter fan, consider limiting your visit to one Wizarding World area—either in Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida—to save time.
• If starting your day at Islands of Adventure, aim to arrive at the parking area by around 8:30 AM to enter the park as early as possible.
• For a one-day visit (approximately 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM), a practical split would be around 6 hours at Islands of Adventure, 1 hour for meals or breaks (ideally at CityWalk), 30 minutes for transfer between the parks and 4.5 hours at Universal Studios Florida.
• While we personally had to skip the Jurassic Park rides due to time constraints, it is recommended to include at least one attraction from this area.
• Even if water rides are not a priority, consider trying at least one attraction in Toon Lagoon for a varied experience.
• If you are staying at a Universal Signature Collection hotel, take advantage of the Express Pass benefit, which can significantly reduce waiting times for popular rides.
• Carry reusable water bottles and refill them at designated stations to save costs, as bottled water inside the park can be expensive. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Coca-Cola Freestyle refillable mug (approximately USD 21). It allows refills (over 100 different options to choose from) every 10 minutes from machines across the park (including water), offering good value over the course of the day and for future visits.

We were staying at Aloft Lake Buena Vista, which is located outside the Universal Orlando. After completing our visit, we returned to the designated rideshare pickup area and booked a Lyft ride back to the hotel.

It is important to pay close attention to the assigned pickup zones when selecting your boarding point, as choosing the wrong zone can lead to delays or confusion.

Universal Orlando Resort also offers a wide range of on-site hotels catering to different budgets and preferences. Staying within the resort comes with several added benefits that can significantly enhance your overall experience. One of the most valuable advantages is early park admission, which allows guests to access select attractions before general opening hours—helping you make the most of your day and avoid long queues.

You can find hotels details here:

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/resort-maps?mapFilters=uor.venues;uor.usf,uor.venues;uor.ioa,uor.venues;uor.vb,uor.venues;uor.eu,uor.place_types;ride

Top Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando:

• Always check height restrictions listed at each attraction before planning your rides, especially if traveling with children.
• Decide in advance how many days you want to dedicate to Universal Orlando to avoid overpacking your itinerary.
• Download the official Universal Orlando app. It is extremely useful during your visit for checking wait times, pre-ordering food, booking restaurants, tracking events, and monitoring queue fluctuations. The app might not be very helpful for planning your trips (before visiting the park).
• If your budget allows, consider purchasing an Express Pass to skip queues. This is especially valuable during peak times. Guests staying at select Universal hotels may receive this benefit as part of their stay.
• Be mindful that ride-share pricing may increase after park closing times, so plan your return travel accordingly.
• The Lake Buena Vista area is a convenient location to stay, especially if you plan to visit multiple theme parks.
• Carry a power bank to keep your devices charged throughout the day.
• Be prepared for occasional ride closures due to maintenance. The official app usually provides real-time updates.
• Some attractions are water-based, so plan accordingly if you wish to avoid getting wet.
• Strollers, wheelchairs, and electric convenience vehicles are available for rent at the park entrance. Dedicated parking areas are provided near attractions for convenience.
• Expect long periods of walking and standing, so wear comfortable footwear. We walked 16682 steps in that single day.
• Planning your day in advance is critical. Reviewing park maps, ride lists, and video guides can help you prioritize attractions effectively.
• Try to avoid peak crowd times where possible and make use of early park admission if available (especially when staying at Universal hotels).
• Do not forget essentials such as sunscreen, as Florida weather can be intense.
• Portable fans can be helpful in the heat, although their effectiveness may vary. You have options to buy such fans within the campus.
• Souvenirs inside the park can be expensive. Consider purchasing similar items from nearby stores in city centre (like Walmart or Target) at lower prices.
• Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, including the possibility of hurricanes, so stay informed during your trip.
• Florida residents may be eligible for special ticket discounts, which is useful to know if applicable.
• Epic Universe is located on a separate campus approximately 15 minutes away. Shuttle services are available, or you can drive to the dedicated parking area.
• If traveling with young children, take advantage of the Child Swap system. This allows one adult to wait with the child while others ride and then switch without rejoining the queue.
• Some rides may trigger motion sickness, so plan accordingly if you are sensitive to such experiences.
• To save time on food queues, use the mobile ordering feature in the Universal app where available. You can pre-order meals and collect them from designated counters.
• Parking is centralized at Universal Orlando Resort (6000 Universal Boulevard). Standard parking costs approximately USD 35 per day (or slightly less if pre-booked). Parking is often free after 6:00 PM. It is helpful to take a photo of your parking location to easily find your vehicle later.
• If you plan to visit only one Universal park, Islands of Adventure is a strong choice, as it offers a balanced mix of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions.

Best Time to Visit:

There is no strict peak or off-season at Universal Orlando, as Florida enjoys year-round sunshine and the parks operate 365 days a year. However, if you are traveling with young children and are not restricted by school holiday schedules, it is advisable to plan your visit outside the busiest periods such as July and August, as well as major holiday seasons including Christmas, Easter, and midterm breaks.

Visiting during these off-peak periods can offer multiple advantages, including lower overall costs, shorter wait times for attractions, and more comfortable weather compared to the intense heat of the summer months.

Summary:

This experience at Universal Orlando was both exciting and insightful, and I hope this blog provides you with practical guidance to plan your own itinerary more effectively. From understanding park layouts and managing wait times to making informed choices about rides and logistics, a bit of preparation can significantly enhance your overall experience.

While it may not be possible to cover everything in a single day, prioritizing attractions based on your interests and planning your time wisely can help you make the most of your visit. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, a Harry Potter fan, or traveling with family, Universal Orlando offers something for everyone.

If you have already visited—or are planning your trip—I would be interested to hear about your experience. Which rides did you prioritize, and what would you recommend including or skipping?

Note: If you’re a regular reader of my travel blogs, you’ll know that I love meticulously planned, activity-packed itineraries—and this trip is no exception. While some travellers prefer a slower pace, I enjoy making the most of every single day. The best part? This itinerary is entirely public transport-friendly. The Côte d’Azur region is exceptionally well-connected with frequent, affordable trains and buses, making it easy to explore without renting a car.

• City Profile: Nice is France’s fifth-largest city and the second-largest in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, after Marseille. Often nicknamed “Nice la Belle” (Nice the Beautiful), it truly lives up to its name with its Mediterranean charm and vibrant atmosphere.
• UNESCO Recognition: In 2021, Nice was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrating its unique architecture, cultural heritage, and seaside scenery.
• Historic Charm: Dating back to the 18th century, Nice became a favoured winter retreat for the English aristocracy, attracted by its mild climate and coastal beauty. Even today, it remains one of Europe’s best warm-weather getaways.
• Icon of the Côte d’Azur: As the heart of the French Riviera, Nice offers a perfect blend of urban culture, seaside relaxation, and stunning views of the Mediterranean.
• Walkable City: The city is highly walkable, with many highlights easily reachable on foot. Strolling along the Promenade des Anglais is an experience in itself.
• Beaches: A quick tip—Nice’s beaches are pebble beaches rather than sandy ones, so bring water shoes to protect your feet while wading into the sea.
• Transportation: The public transit network is excellent, making it simple and affordable to explore nearby gems like Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, and Èze without needing a car.
• Language & Currency: The official language is French, though English and Italian are widely understood. The local currency is the Euro (€), and while cards are generally accepted, carrying some cash is helpful for small cafés or market purchases.
• Dining Tips: Nice can be somewhat touristy (& hence costly), but most restaurants display their menus outside, allowing you to choose spots that suit your taste and budget.
• Safety & Essentials: The sea is generally safe for swimming, though it’s wise to check local conditions before diving in. And of course—don’t forget your sunglasses!

The journey took approximately 5 hours and 36 minutes, offering beautiful views of the French countryside along the way. The train itself was modern, comfortable, and well-equipped, featuring spacious seating and an onboard pantry for light snacks and refreshments—making the ride as enjoyable as the destination itself.

The train itself was modern, comfortable, and well-equipped, featuring spacious seating and an onboard pantry for light snacks and refreshments—making the ride as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Day 2 – Exploring the Heart of Nice

On Day 2, we spent the day discovering the many highlights that Nice has to offer. The list of places below isn’t arranged in any particular order—your itinerary may vary depending on where you stay and what interests you most. We based ourselves in the Garibaldi area, conveniently located near Nice’s Old Town (Vieux Nice), which made it easy to explore the city’s main attractions on foot and by public transport.

One of the highlights is the Baroque Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate, located in Place Rossetti Square, the beating heart of Old Town. The square is always bustling, and no visit is complete without indulging in a scoop (or two!) of creamy gelato from one of the nearby ice cream parlors.

Exploring Vieux Nice is truly one of the most memorable things to do in the city. Its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and authentic charm evoke the feel of a small Italian town—making it a must-see for anyone visiting Nice or the French Riviera.

La Promenade des Anglais (The Iconic Seafront of Nice):

No visit to Nice is complete without a walk along the Promenade des Anglais, the city’s most famous seafront boulevard. Originally built in the 1820s, the promenade owes its name to the English aristocrats who spent their winters in Nice and contributed to its development. Today, it remains a timeless symbol of the city’s elegance and Mediterranean spirit.
Stretching for about 7 kilometers along the sparkling Bay of Angels, the Promenade offers breathtaking views of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea on one side and the graceful Belle Époque architecture of Nice on the other. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, cycling ride, or a moment of quiet by the sea. Lined with graceful palm trees and dotted with benches, it invites you to slow down and take in its relaxed coastal charm.

At the eastern end of the promenade, just before the road curves, don’t miss the vibrant **#ILoveNiceign—a must-stop for visitors and a perfect photo opportunity with the sea as your backdrop. You might have to wait your turn, but everyone’s quick, and it’s well worth the snapshot!

Castle Hill can be reached in several ways, depending on your energy level and time:

• On Foot: Staircases lead up from both the Old Town (Vieux Nice) and the Promenade des Anglais. The climb takes about 10–15 minutes and rewards you with scenic glimpses along the way.
• By Elevator (Ascenseur du Château): We took this option—a free public lift near the Bellanda Tower on Quai des États-Unis. It’s convenient, though queues can form during the busy summer months. The elevator typically operates from mid-morning until early evening

• By Tourist Train (Petit Train de Nice): A fun and effortless option, the train departs from the Promenade des Anglais and makes a short stop at the top. It’s ideal if you want a quick overview of the area or prefer to avoid the climb, especially in hot weather.
• By Car: A small parking area is available at the summit, though spaces are limited.

Below are some of the places / activities that we did not try but worth checking if you have more time:

• Matisse Museum (closed on Tuesday, I think)
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice
• Museum of Asian arts
• Marc Chagall National Museum (closed on Tuesday, I think)
• Renoir museum
• Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC – The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art)
• Museum of Photography Charles Nègre
• Private Beaches along the Promenade
• Ferry Ride
• Walking tours with local experts
• Various different beaches (Plage des Marinières, Paloma)
• The Gorges Du Verdon (2 hours from Nice)
• Rothschild Villa
• Dining at Le Plongeoir
• Gardens of the Promenade du Paillon
• Opéra de Nice
• Perfume Making Classes
• Basilique Notre-Dame de I’Assomption
• Av. Jean Médecin (shopping street)
• Mont Boron
• Nice carnival (in February for 2 weeks)
• Food Tour (tonnes of options)
• Allianz Stadium
• Cimiez Hill and Villefranche-sur-Mer
• Pub crawl (night life)

The climb to the top rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views over the harbor, the sea, and the city’s red-tiled rooftops. Whether you choose to walk up the staircases or take the gentler ramps, the journey itself is part of the experience. For those who prefer an easier ascent, there’s even a toy train-style shuttle from the Promenade area, as well as small white and pink transport cars that take visitors to the top.

From Cannes we took a train back to Nice.

For travelers deciding where to stay, both Place Garibaldi and the Promenade des Anglais are excellent options. Garibaldi offers easy access to Vieux Nice and public transport, while the Promenade is perfect if you prefer a seaside atmosphere with direct views of the Mediterranean.

A common question when planning a trip to this region is whether to stay in Nice or Monaco. In our experience, Nice is the better choice—it’s more affordable, centrally located, and well connected. Buses and trains run frequently between the two cities, making Monaco an easy day trip. We took Bus No. 602 to Monte Carlo Casino from the Bavastro bus stop in Nice, and the journey took about an hour at a very reasonable fare of €2.10 per person.

Our Airbnb itself was comfortable and conveniently located, though one thing to note—the building didn’t have a lift, so carrying luggage / pram up the stairs was a bit of a workout. Still, the location and accessibility made it a great stay overall, and we’d happily recommend this area to fellow travellers.

Best Time to Visit the French Riviera:

The French Riviera is a destination that shines year-round, but the best time to visit truly depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
For most travelers, the spring months (April to June) are ideal. The weather is pleasantly warm, the skies are bright, and the crowds are still manageable—perfect for sightseeing, seaside strolls, and outdoor dining without the summer rush.
If you’re looking for that quintessential Riviera vibe—sun-drenched beaches, buzzing beach clubs, and long summer days—then plan your trip between June and August, when the region is at its most vibrant. Keep in mind, though, that this is also peak tourist season, so accommodation and flight prices will be at their highest.
The shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October often offer the best balance of good weather and affordable prices, with warm seas and fewer crowds.

Getting Around Nice:

The best way to get around Nice—especially during the summer months—is by foot, tram, or bus. The city is compact and very walkable, and its public transport network is clean, efficient, and affordable.

Driving, on the other hand, is not that recommended. Parking is scarce and expensive, and navigating the narrow city streets can be stressful. Instead, rely on the tram and bus system, which connects all major neighborhoods, tourist attractions, and even the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

Possible One day trips from Nice:

• Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer (half day each)
• Gorges du Verdon
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence
• Saint-Tropez
• Eze Village
• Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Juan-Les-Pins
• Île Sainte-Marguerite
• Cap d’Ai
• Grasse
• Gorges du Verdon
• Train des Merveilles (get the window seat for the best views)
• Auron (Ski resort, best in winter)
• Cannes and Antibes (we tried this)
• Monaco (we tried this, Afterall you get a country added to your list)

1. Mamiyur Temple
2. Anathavalam (Punnathur Kotta)
3. Marine World Public Aquarium
4. Panchavadi beach
5. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple

2) Anathavalam (Punnathur Kotta)

One of the essential must-visit attractions in Guruvayur is the renowned elephant sanctuary located near the temple, commonly known as Anathavalam or Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Camp). Situated just about 2 kilometres from Mamiyur Temple, this sanctuary houses over 35 elephants, most of whom have been donated by devotees to the Guruvayur Temple over the years. This makes it one of the largest temple-dedicated elephant sanctuaries in India.

The sanctuary, set within the historic Punnathur Kotta palace—once the residence of a local ruler—now serves as a home and training center for these majestic elephants. It is also referred to as the “Palace for Elephants,” where the elephants are trained for temple rituals and participate in multiple festivals throughout the year, including the famous Thrissur Pooram. Visitors can watch the elephants being bathed, fed, and cared for, which is both a humbling and captivating experience that usually takes about an hour.

Punnathur Kotta is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an entry fee of ₹20 per adult. Photography with mobile cameras is allowed without additional charges. There is ample parking available, and tickets do not need to be booked in advance. It’s important for visitors to know that riding the elephants is not permitted; the sanctuary focuses on respectful observation and care.

The sanctuary is known for its lush green surroundings and Ayurvedic treatments provided to the elephants to maintain their health. The site also honors the legendary elephant Guruvayur Kesavan, celebrated for his service at the temple for over five decades. The sanctuary presents a beautiful blend of cultural history, wildlife conservation, and religious traditions, providing travellers a unique and immersive experience near Guruvayur Temple.​​

More details can be found in :  https://guruvayurtemple.org/punnathur-kotta/

3)Marine World Public Aquarium

Started as a venture by Mr. Faisal R O and Mr. Nowsher Mohamed, Marine World is now under the partnership of many. The research for the institute started in 2000. The CISO Institute of Oceanic Studies Pvt Lmt. was started in 2007 by a team of expat businessmen and engineers, dedicated to the popularisation and awareness creation of the knowledge related to oceans, marine & freshwater animals. After much research and preparation, the Marine World Public Aquarium opened up on January 1, 2021 (Courtesy: Wikipedia).

The thoughtfully crafted exhibits with varied backdrops create a vibrant, non-monotonous experience that stands out among Indian aquariums, making it ideal for 2+ hours of exploration.​ They also entertain Exclusive school packages and group packages.

There are different attractions / options available:

• Under Water Tunnel
• Fish Feeding
• Touch Pool
• Artificial Rain Forest
• Artificial Mangrove Forest
• Fish Therapy
• Fish spa (surprisingly, this was free of cost and is covered with the ticket cost)

• Car Aquarium

• Glass Bridge
• Cylinder Aquarium

• Live Fish Catching

• Horror House
• 16D Cinema
• Mirror maze
• Souvenir shop
• Birds’ Park (You can feed birds here)

• Animal’s park

• Horror House
• 16D Cinema
• Mirror maze

• Souvenir shop
• Train
• Children’s park
• Restaurant

More details can be found in: https://marineworld.in/
There is also plenty of parking available here.

NOTE:  Despite the strong word-of-mouth reputation this place enjoys, its presence on social media remains quite limited. For instance, on TripAdvisor, there are barely ten reviews—surprisingly few for a destination of such appeal. The management could benefit from exploring new-age digital and social media marketing strategies to enhance visibility and attract visitors beyond Kerala. With the right online engagement, this hidden gem has the potential to become a must-visit destination for travellers everywhere.

4)Panchavadi beach

Lunch:

Short break at Sterling Hotel:

5) Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple (Kerala’s Dwarka of the South):

Guruvayur Temple, dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan (a form of Lord Krishna as baby Vishnu), draws thousands daily for prayers and wish fulfillment, creating a perpetual festival atmosphere. Revered as one of Kerala’s most sacred sites and the “Dwarka of the South,” it houses a 5,000-year-old idol believed to have been worshipped by Krishna in Dwarka before being relocated by Guru and Vayu, hence its name. The temple’s Kerala-style architecture features sloping tiled roofs, carved wooden panels, and a towering gopuram, enveloping visitors in Vedic chants, incense, and spiritual energy.​

Essential Timings and Darshan Tips:

The temple opens at 3:00 AM and closes at 9:15-9:30 PM, with a break from 1:30-4:30 PM; confirm exact times via the official site as they vary during festivals. Key events include morning Seeveli (elephant procession) at 6:15-7:00 AM and evening at 4:45-5:00 PM, plus Deeparadhana at 6:00 PM—aim for 4:30 PM darshan per your itinerary to avoid peak crowds. Broad shaded walkways protect from rain and sun; expect long queues for free annadanam (prasadam lunch) from the mega kitchen above the temple pond, serving 5,000 daily.​

More details can be found in:    https://guruvayurdevaswom.in/#/login

Practical Advice for Travelers

A. Guruvayur Temple Visitor Essentials

Guruvayur Temple enforces a strict dress code typical of South Indian temples to uphold sanctity. Men must wear plain white or cream dhoti (mundu) without shirts, optionally covering the upper body with an angavastram; trousers, jeans, or T-shirts are prohibited. Women require sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with blouses—leggings, shorts, or modern outfits not allowed; girls under 12 may wear pavada or frocks. Boys under 12 can wear shorts but enter bare-chested; rentals and changing rooms available at entrances.​

B. Queue and Accessibility Tips

C. Practical Facilities and Surroundings

D. Cultural Highlights

Famed for celebrity elephants like Guruvayur Keshavan, the temple feels safe amid family crowds. Malayalam dominates, but Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, English, and Hindi widely understood in Guruvayur-Thrissur. Popular for weddings and rituals, it blends devotion with vibrant traditions.​

E. Best Time to Visit Guruvayurappan Temple

How to reach

Sterling Guruvayur

Summary: While most pilgrims focus solely on Guruvayur Temple’s spiritual serenity, extending your stay transforms a sacred journey into a joyful family adventure blending devotion with discovery. Follow this curated full-day itinerary to explore nearby gems like the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, Marine World Public Aquarium and so on.

Milan, the capital of Lombardy and the second largest city in Italy after Rome, is renowned not only for its vibrant fashion scene but also for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and exquisite cuisine. This dynamic city perfectly blends modernity with authentic Italian charm, making it an ideal destination for enthusiasts of architecture, culture, tourism, fashion, and design.

As a global fashion hub, Milan hosts the headquarters of iconic designer brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada, and Valentino, among others, solidifying its reputation as a paradise for fashion lovers.

We had covered Milan during our trip to Rome, Italy, and St. Moritz, Switzerland. For travellers with an extra day to spare in Milan, I highly recommend a one-day excursion to St. Moritz – it is undoubtedly a journey worth the Euros spent. More details about my St.Moritz trip from Milan can be found here:  https://www.mypassiontotravel.com/destinations/swiss-alps-bernina-express-rail-tour-from-milan-italy-day-trip-from-milan-to-st-moritz/

Our accommodation was at the Novotel Milano Linate Aeroporto, which, while comfortable, is situated a bit farther from Milan’s main attractions. For a more convenient and immersive experience, I strongly suggest staying in the city center, ideally close to the iconic Duomo, where visitors can fully enjoy the heart of Milan.

We travelled from Rome to Milan aboard the ITALO high-speed train (was travelling at a speed of 300+ Kms/hour) , departing at 14:10 and arriving in Milan at 17:15. This superfast service provides a comfortable and efficient way to traverse the Italian landscape.

The train arrival point is Milano Centrale, the city’s primary railway station, which itself is a remarkable attraction. Renowned for its impressive architecture, Milano Centrale offers a captivating glimpse into Milan’s history, reflecting the city’s fascist past through its design and grandeur. Exploring the station is certainly one of the most intriguing experiences Milan has to offer.

Piazza del Duomo (Milan Catedral + Terraces):

Piazza del Duomo is the beating heart of Milan and home to the iconic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), one of Northern Italy’s most renowned landmarks. This breathtaking cathedral, blending Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, took nearly 600 years to complete. Napoleon notably played a key role in accelerating its completion during the 19th century. The Duomo stands as the largest church in Italy and holds the extraordinary distinction of having the most statues on any building worldwide.

As the third largest cathedral globally following St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and the Cathedral of Seville, the Duomo impresses with its stunning marble façades and exquisite stained glass windows. Its interior is equally captivating, featuring five grand naves and 52 columns, each symbolizing a week of the year. Visitors should note that the Duomo remains an active place of worship, so appropriate attire covering shoulders and knees is required for entry.

For a comprehensive experience, we opted for the Duomo ticket, which includes access to the rooftop lift, cathedral, archaeological area, and museum. Tickets can be booked online (https://ticket.duomomilano.it/en/categoria/biglietti/) with a preassigned date and time, allowing visitors to skip long queues. Booking early morning slots is recommended to avoid crowds, particularly during peak season when the cathedral can become quite busy. While the interior is magnificent, the cathedral’s exterior is equally spectacular.

A visit to the Duomo’s terraces is a must. Featuring 135 towers and spires and over 2,000 decorative marble statues, the rooftop offers unparalleled panoramic views of Milan’s skyline. The contrast between the historic cathedral and the city’s modern architecture is truly remarkable. Access to the terraces is available via stairs or lifts, and our ticket included lift access for added convenience.

No trip to Milan is complete without experiencing the Duomo di Milano, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and arguably the city’s chief attraction. Whether or not visitors tour the interior, Piazza del Duomo remains an essential stop.

An exceptional highlight of our visit was descending into the cathedral’s underground archaeological area, where St. Charles Borromeo is buried. Beneath the Duomo’s parvis lies an extraordinary archaeological complex that reveals the remains of worship sites dating from the Roman Empire through the Middle Ages. These ruins were uncovered during the cathedral’s construction and offer a unique window into early Christian Milanese heritage. Access to this subterranean area is through a separate entrance and is well worth exploring.

Museo Del Duomo:

Situated just beside the cathedral, the Duomo Museum offers an in-depth exploration of the Duomo’s history and construction, making it a must-visit for those interested in architectural heritage. For enthusiasts of religious art and artifacts, the museum provides a unique opportunity to closely examine many of the cathedral’s statues and details, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship in exquisite detail.

The museum also houses a significant permanent collection of 20th-century Italian art, serving as an invaluable visual archive of Italy’s social and political history, including the rise and fall of Fascism and the impact of two world wars. This rich context makes the Duomo Museum an essential complement to the cathedral experience.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Italy’s oldest active shopping arcade):

A short walk from the Duomo brings you to the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping center and a true architectural gem. This covered shopping arcade is renowned for its stunning glass roof, creating a bright and elegant atmosphere that many say is open 24/7.

Inside the Galleria, visitors will find a variety of charming cafés and restaurants, some dating back to the gallery’s inception. It is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion boutiques, including flagship stores for brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada, all adhering to the gallery’s signature black and gold signage for a uniform and sophisticated appearance.

Wandering through the Galleria is free, making it an ideal complement to a visit to the Duomo. The space is incredibly photogenic, featuring magnificent arcades and a spectacular glass and iron dome. Notably, the Prada store on the ground floor, established in 1913, is the brand’s very first flagship, and a visit to Marchesi 1824 a charming café located on the second floor above Prada is well worth your time.

A charming tradition here involves the mosaic of a bull on the floor. It is said that placing your heel on the bull’s balls and spinning three times brings good luck, adding a playful element to the elegant surroundings.

Leisurely walk through the streets:

Milan is a meticulously planned and easily navigable city, making it ideal for a relaxed exploration, especially when limited to just one day. The city center is highly walkable, offering visitors the opportunity to take leisurely strolls through its vibrant streets. For those interested, there are several guided walking tours available, providing deeper insights into the city’s rich history and hidden gems.

Most of Milan’s iconic landmarks and renowned buildings are conveniently located near the city center, allowing visitors to cover a great deal on foot within a single day. Even viewing these highlights from the outside provides a rewarding experience.

Milan’s dense urban layout enhances its appeal as a walking city, where every street corner reveals quaint cafés, inviting wine bars, stunning architectural details, and outstanding dining options. This blend of culture, cuisine, and charm makes walking through Milan an exceptionally rewarding way to experience the city’s unique character.

Milan Open Tour (Hop on Hop Off):

Just outside the cathedral, we boarded the Milan open tour double-decker bus, a convenient way to explore the city’s highlights. Additional information about this tour can be found at Milan Open Tour : https://milanopentour.com/en/

The service offers two main routes:

1. Red Line (Fashion, Design & Leisure) – This comprehensive route lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, covering Milan’s top attractions. We chose this line and opted to remain on the bus for the full circuit without disembarking, enjoying the full experience in one continuous trip.
2. Blue Line (Milan Highlights) – A faster, 45-minute route that traverses key streets known for shopping, art, and culture.

It is said that the same ticket may grant access to both lines, but it is advisable to confirm this detail directly with the tour operator. This hop-on hop-off service provides an excellent, flexible way to discover Milan’s diverse charms with the convenience of guided commentary and panoramic views.

Trams in Milan:

Milan is a paradise for tram enthusiasts, boasting a vibrant and extensive tram network that continuously moves throughout the city and its outskirts. The city’s tram system is one of the largest in the world, with a network spanning over 157 kilometers and comprising 17 urban lines operated by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM). Milan’s trams offer a charming mix of historic and modern vehicles, making each ride a unique experience.

Among the most iconic are the vintage-style trams, affectionately known as “Ventotto,” which have become symbols of Milan and are still in operation today, particularly on lines 1, 5, and 10. Riding these historic trams is not only a practical way to get around but also a delightful way to soak in the city’s nostalgic atmosphere, even for those who aren’t heading to a specific destination.

At the same time, Milan is modernizing its fleet, having introduced new low-floor, air-conditioned Tramlink vehicles on several lines, which offer increased accessibility and comfort. Trams run frequently across the city, connecting central areas near landmarks such as Piazza del Duomo with neighborhoods further afield, making tram travel both convenient and scenic.

For visitors, hopping on a tram offers a slower, more immersive way to experience Milan’s architecture, neighborhoods, and local life, while appreciating the blend of tradition and innovation that defines the city’s public transport system. Whether you prefer the classic charm of vintage trams or the sleek efficiency of the newest models, Milan’s tram network is an essential part of the city’s character and a must-try experience for travellers.

Additional Tips:

• If you have only one day to explore Milan and if your intention is see maximum places within Milan, it’s wise to prioritize your time carefully. Rather than spending hours in queues at different museums or shopping at some of the most exclusive boutiques, focus on experiencing the city’s key sights and atmosphere.
• Using public transport is a practical and cost-effective way to maximize your time. A 24-hour ticket, costing just a few euros, allowed us to easily access multiple neighborhoods across Milan in a single day.
• As Milan is one of Italy’s busiest tourist destinations, booking tours and tickets well in advance is highly recommended to avoid long waits and secure your spot at popular attractions.
• For those flying in or out of Milan, Milan Linate Airport offers the most convenient option, located only about 7 km from the city center and primarily serving domestic and European routes. Transportation options between Linate and central Milan include public and airport shuttle buses. Alternatively, Malpensa Airport is Milan’s largest international airport, approximately 50 km from the city center, accessible via the fast Malpensa Express train or cost-effective shuttle buses. Bergamo Airport, also around 50 km away, is a popular choice for budget airlines like Ryanair.
• When visiting churches in Italy, including the Milan Duomo, it’s essential to dress modestly with arms and legs covered, as strict dress codes are enforced for entry.
• We used a 3-zone, one-day public transport card, which conveniently covered our journey from the hotel to the city center. Various ticket options are available to suit different needs.
• Key resources for tickets and passes include the official public transport website ATM, as well as city passes like the Milan City Pass and Milano Card. The Milan City Pass offers an all-inclusive experience with free entry to major attractions, tours, and public transportation, while the Milano Card provides access to public transport plus discounts on various services. Some important web sites:
  https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Pages/default.aspx
  https://milancitypass.com/
  https://www.milanocard.it/

• Getting around Milan is most efficient by metro. The Metro network features four lines and 113 stations, seamlessly connecting visitors to iconic destinations such as the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and the Brera District. This makes it an ideal mode of transport for making the most of your time in the city.
• Milan is internationally renowned as the capital of fashion and design, a reputation perfectly embodied by its famous shopping district known as the Quadrilateral of Fashion, or “Quadrilatero della Moda.” This prestigious area is defined by four main streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea, and Via Manzoni. Each street is lined with boutiques of the greatest Italian designers and global luxury brands, offering a truly exclusive shopping experience. Via Montenapoleone, in particular, is known as one of the most expensive streets in the world and hosts flagship stores for iconic names such as Versace and Gucci. This district is also the epicenter of Milan Fashion Week, attracting the international fashion elite. For those with a more modest budget, The Highline Outlet in the heart of Milan presents an excellent opportunity to shop designer labels at discounted prices, making Milan’s fashion accessible to a wider audience.
• Visitors staying in Milan, even for just one night, should be aware of a mandatory tourist tax, which is collected directly by accommodation providers. The amount varies depending on the type of accommodation and is charged per person per night.
• The Brera district is an excellent choice for accommodation, especially for those who want to stay within walking distance of Milan’s main attractions yet avoid the crowds around Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This charming neighbourhood offers a more relaxed and authentic Milanese atmosphere.
• To navigate the city efficiently, downloading the official ATM Milano app is highly recommended. This app provides real-time route planning and schedules, making public transport easier to use during your visit. The app is available at ATM Milano Official App.(https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/pagamenti_servizi_digitali/Pages/ATMMobile.aspx)

Different one day trip options from Milan:

Even though we had taken the St. Moritz (Switzerland trip), there are many other one-day trip options available in Milan. Few options below:

• Lake Como
• Turin
• Bergamo
• Verona
• Bologna
• Cinque Terre
• Genova & Portofino Full-Day Tour (might take around 12 hours)
• Florence and Pisa Day Trip (might take around 14 hours)

Other places worth visiting:

• The Last Supper by Da Vinci in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Need Prior booking)
• Parco Sempione & Arco della Pace      
• Navigli district (Canals)
• La Scala Theater / Opera House
• The Sforzesco Castle and Parco Sempione
• Brera & Braidense National Library (Brera Botanical Garden)
• Pinacoteca di Brera (Art museum)       
• Basilica Sant’Ambrogio and San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (incredible churches)
• Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
• Bosco Verticale – the most innovative apartment buildings (residential complex)
• Fashion Quadrilateral (home to boutiques & showrooms of the world’s leading fashion houses)
• Fondazione Prada
• Monumental Cemetery of Milan
• San Siro Stadiu
• Branca Tower
• The Royal Palace of Milan
• Milan Chinatown
• Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa (Chapel of bones)

Summary:

One day in Milan offers just enough time to scratch the surface and get a true taste of the city’s vibrant energy. The majority of Milan’s major landmarks are conveniently located within the city center, allowing for easy walking access between them.

In my experience, a single day is sufficient to visit all the key attractions and absorb the bustling atmosphere of this dynamic city. I am confident that the itinerary I’ve suggested will give you a solid introduction to Milan, leaving you inspired to return for a longer stay when time permits.

I hope this guide provides helpful ideas for your visit and that you enjoy Milan as much as I did. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below. Wishing you happy travels!

On our journey from Ireland to India, we had the opportunity to spend three fascinating days in Doha, the vibrant capital of Qatar. Renowned as a major international transit hub, Doha owes much of its popularity to Qatar Airways, the country’s national airline, which offers extensive direct connections across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

Key Facts About Doha and Qatar:

• Qatar’s remarkable wealth primarily stems from its abundant oil and natural gas reserves, making it one of the richest countries globally in terms of GDP per capita. This economic prosperity is reflected in Doha’s impressive skyline and world-class infrastructure.
• One unique demographic characteristic of Qatar is its exceptionally high male-to-female ratio, the highest worldwide, with significantly more males than females.
• Geographically, Qatar is among the lowest-lying countries on earth, with an average elevation of just 28 meters (92 feet) above sea level.
• The country’s arid desert climate means it has no natural forests. Situated on a peninsula in the Arabian Gulf, Qatar’s landscape is dominated by sandy terrain and minimal rainfall. However, the nation has embarked on ambitious afforestation projects, creating man-made forests to enhance green spaces and improve environmental sustainability.
• Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism.
• The Qatari riyal is the official currency of the State of Qatar. It is divided into 100 dirhams.

Cultural and Social Insights:

• Alcohol consumption in Qatar is strictly regulated rather than entirely prohibited. The legal drinking age is 21, and alcohol is only available to non-Muslims in licensed venues such as selected hotels, bars, and restaurants. Expatriates with permits may purchase alcohol for home consumption through the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC). Public intoxication and alcohol consumption outside licensed premises are illegal and subject to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Importing alcohol into Qatar is also forbidden.

Geographical and Political Overview:

• Located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar shares its sole land border with Saudi Arabia to the south, while the rest of its territory is surrounded by the Persian Gulf. Governed as a hereditary monarchy by the House of Thani, the country is currently led by Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
• Qatar’s population is approximately 2.6 million, with expatriates and migrant workers constituting the vast majority. Over 80% of the population resides in Doha and its suburbs, making the city the fastest-growing urban center in the country.

Sporting Highlights and Safety:

• Doha gained global recognition when it hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its state-of-the-art stadiums and hospitality. Looking ahead, Qatar is set to host the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup from August 27 to September 12, further cementing its status as a premier destination for international sporting events.
• Notably, Qatar ranks among the safest countries in the world, offering a secure and welcoming environment for travellers and residents alike.

Visa and Hotel Booking for a Doha Stopover:

For our stopover in Doha, we utilized the convenient transit/stopover package available through the Discover Qatar website (https://www.discoverqatar.qa/stopover/). This official platform is the recommended way to book both your hotel and transit visa for stays between 12 and 96 hours.

Exclusive Hotel Booking:

All stopover hotels must be booked directly via the Discover Qatar website. Bookings made through third-party platforms such as Booking.com are not valid for this offer.

Exceptional Value:

Hotel rates offered through Discover Qatar are significantly lower than standard rates, making it a cost-effective choice for travellers.

Eligibility and Stay Duration:

The stopover package is designed for transit periods ranging from 12 to 96 hours.

Room Occupancy:

The maximum room occupancy is two adults and one child under 11 years, using existing bedding. For families of four (e.g., two adults and two children aged 12 and 6), booking two rooms may be required. However, you may inquire at check-in if the hotel can accommodate your family in a larger single room (with no additional cost).

Flexible Check-in/Check-out:

The package offers a 24-hour check-in and check-out policy. For example, if you check in at 7 PM, your check-out time will also be 7 PM the following day.

Adding a Transit Visa:

Once you have finalized your hotel booking, you can add the “Qatar Transit Visa” as an extra option.

Visa Validity:

The transit visa is valid for a single entry within 14 days from the date of issue. If you apply early, your application may be processed closer to your travel date to fit this window.

Required Documents:

You will need a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport to complete the visa application.

Visa Processing:

The transit visa is typically issued via email within two days. It is advisable to carry a printed copy of your visa when you travel.

Terms and Conditions:

Additional Entry Options for Qatar:

Hayya Platform:

Hotel Requirements for Hayya E-visas and Visa on Arrival:

Arrival and Immigration at Hamad International Airport:

Upon arrival at Hamad International Airport, clear signage will guide you to the appropriate immigration lines to complete your entry formalities. During our visit, we encountered relatively long queues, so it’s advisable to allow some extra time for this process.

Currency Exchange and ATM Options:

The airport offers several currency exchange counters; however, the exchange rates tend to be less favourable. In our experience, converting currency at the airport resulted in a loss of approximately 100 Qatari Riyals (QAR) compared to rates available outside the airport (just for testing, we converted the same amount of Euros both within the airport and from a mall).

A more cost-effective alternative is to withdraw cash directly from an ATM within the airport. Typically, your bank will provide better exchange rates for foreign currency withdrawals, making this a convenient and economical option.

Hotel:

During our stay in Doha, we chose the Velero Hotel Doha Lusail, located approximately 30 minutes by car from Hamad International Airport. For our transfer, an XL size taxi cost us round 70 Qatari Riyals (QAR).

I have written a very detailed blog on Velero Hotel Doha Lusail. https://www.mypassiontotravel.com/accommodation/velero-hotel-doha-lusail-qatar-stylish-stopover-base-in-qatars-modern-city/

Places to see:

Doha, with its compact size and modern infrastructure, is a delight to navigate and explore. Whether you’re visiting for a stopover or a short city break, you can easily tailor your plans to suit your interests. Here’s a detailed account of our four-day itinerary in Doha, packed with highlights, practical tips, and must-see attractions.

Day 1 – Arrival and Relaxation:

We arrived at Hamad International Airport around 5:30 PM and reached our hotel by 7:30 PM. After a long journey, we opted to relax and unwind at the hotel. For dinner, we made use of convenient local food delivery apps such as Talabat and Snoonu, which offer a wide range of cuisines delivered straight to the accommodation.

Day 2 – Culture, Heritage, and City Sights:

We had made this trip in June 2025. It was extremely hot (around 40-45 Degree Celsius). As the weather conditions were not favourable, we had to plan our trip in a way that we don’t get exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. We used ‘UBER’ and other ‘Private Hires’ throughout day 2. We took a UBER from Hotel to the National Museum.

National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ):

Later, we took a uber from National Museum of Qatar to a Indian restaurant named ‘Zaitoon’.

We had some Kerala (a state in India) menu items like ‘Chattichoru’ from ‘Zaitoon’.

We opted for a private taxi hire to visit the remaining attractions. Typical rates we encountered ranged from 50 to 70 QAR per hour. We hired a taxi for approximately five hours, which proved to be an economical and efficient choice. This arrangement allowed us to cover a wide range of sites within that timeframe while minimizing our exposure to the intense midday heat.

We went to following places:

Museum of Islamic Art:

Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque (Qatar Grand Mosque):

The Grand Mosque, inaugurated in 2011, stands as one of the largest and most impressive mosques in Qatar. Its striking architecture is remarkable both inside and out, and the mosque offers stunning views of the Doha city skyline. Visitors are welcome to take photographs and videos of the mosque’s exterior and interior using mobile cameras.

Inside, the mosque features a centrally air-conditioned main hall with beautifully crafted carpets, accommodating up to 11,000 men for prayers. An adjacent, spacious enclosure provides room for 1,200 women. The mosque is easily accessible, with three main entrances and 17 side entrances.

The Pearl-Qatar offers a sophisticated shopping experience, featuring high-end designer boutiques and exclusive showrooms from iconic brands such as Rolls-Royce and Ferrari. The island’s pedestrian-friendly squares, landscaped gardens, and vibrant plazas create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. By day, the area exudes tranquility, while evenings see it come alive with people dining at contemporary restaurants or simply strolling along the waterfront.

The island is divided into ten architecturally unique districts, each drawing inspiration from Mediterranean and European design traditions. Among these, Qanat Quartier stands out with its Venetian-style canals, boutique shopping, and picturesque waterfront lifestyle – making it a favorite spot for sunset views and leisurely walks. Other notable districts include Porto Arabia, with its circular marina lined with luxury yachts, and Medina Centrale, the bustling heart of retail and entertainment.

The Pearl-Qatar is home to a diverse international community, with many expatriates – particularly Western professionals – choosing to reside in its upscale apartments and villas. The island’s design and amenities cater to both families and individuals seeking a cosmopolitan yet relaxed lifestyle.

One of the core ambitions behind The Pearl-Qatar’s creation was to diversify Qatar’s economy, positioning the country as a leader in luxury travel and real estate. The project also made history as the first in Qatar to offer freehold ownership to foreign nationals, further enhancing its appeal to global investors and residents.

We were dropped at Souq Waqif, where we spend an hour.

Souq Waqif is more than just a marketplace; it is a cultural hub. Visitors can explore the Falcon Souq, where the ancient sport of falconry is celebrated with opportunities to see these majestic birds up close. Nearby, the Gold Souq caters to enthusiasts of fine jewelry and precious metals. A notable landmark within the souq is the Golden Thumb sculpture, commemorating Qatar’s football club’s victory in the Asian Cup.

For those interested in local traditions, it is common to see camels near the souq, particularly along the road opposite the Doha Corniche. While camel rides are not offered outside the souq, observing these iconic animals adds to the authentic experience of the area.

Later we took a KARWA taxi to Place Vendome mall.

A highlight of the mall is its enchanting fountain show, which takes place along a canal running through the complex. The five-minute performance combines water choreography, vibrant lighting, and music, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The show runs hourly from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM Sunday through Wednesday, and from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM Thursday through Saturday (please check the timings of the dancing fountains when you visit). Visitors can also enjoy an electric boat ride along the canal, adding a unique perspective to the experience. For optimal viewing, the first floor offers the best vantage points over the fountain display.

We had our dinner in the food court of the mall. After having dinner, we walked back to Velero Hotel Lusail.

Day 3 – Culture, Heritage, and City Sights:

Due to the intense heat outside, we opted to begin our day a little later. Eager to experience the convenience of the Doha Metro, we took an Uber from the Velero Hotel to Legtaifiya Metro Station to start our journey.

Metro Map:

Lusail Tram Map:

For our journey, we travelled from Legtaifiya Metro Station on the Red Line to Al Bidda, where we transferred to the Green Line, which took us directly to Al Riffa/Mall of Qatar. From the station, a covered walkway leads straight into the mall, ensuring a comfortable and convenient arrival regardless of the weather.

We had our lunch at Mall of Qatar.

Education City Mosque :

Mosque was designed by Iraqi architect and calligrapher Taha al-Hiti. The mosque’s minarets feature elegant vertical calligraphy, drawing the eye upward in a powerful visual representation of faith. Supported by five pillars, each symbolizing one of Islam’s five pillars, the mosque accommodates up to 1,800 worshippers in its main hall and an additional 1,000 in its courtyard, serving both the local community and visitors. Entry was smooth, and photography and videography were permitted inside, with footwear left in the designated area. The mosque has received international acclaim, including the 2015 Best Religious Building prize at the World Architecture Festival and several sustainability awards.

We were dropped at National Library entrance.

After exploring the library, we took a short five-minute walk to the nearby National Library Metro Station to continue our journey. From there, we took Green Line Metro to Msheireb metro station.

We had our food from Tea World Lusail and walked back to Velero hotel.

Day 4 – Mall, Museum and Airport:

In the morning, we took an Uber to Villagio Mall.

After exploring Villagio Mall, we headed to Gate Mall to visit the Museum of Illusions.

Our flight to India was scheduled for 7:30 PM, so we chose to arrive at the airport early in order to explore Hamad International Airport.

Large Bear Statue / Lamp Bear:

The “Large Bear Statue” at Hamad International Airport in Doha is officially titled “Untitled (Lamp/Bear)” and was created by Swiss artist Urs Fischer. This monumental sculpture features a 23-foot-tall canary yellow teddy bear sitting beneath a lamp. Crafted from bronze, it has become a well-known landmark and a favourite photo spot for travellers.

Must-Try Food and Drinks in Qatar:

Exploring Qatar isn’t just about its stunning architecture and vibrant culture – it’s also a journey for your taste buds. Here are two local favourites you shouldn’t miss:

If you have extra time, consider exploring additional attractions and options such as:

• Palace Guard Camels at Amiri Diwan
• Doha Mountains by Ugo Rondinone
• Stay at Mondrian Doha if you have budget, have heard a lot about this place
• Torba Farms
• Traditional dhow cruise
• Azure beach club
• Doha Mountains by Ugo Rondinone
• Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
• One Day trip to Al Khor, Al Thakhira, and Al Zubarah (including fort)
• Pearl Monument
• Doha Fort
• Desert Safari and quad biking
• Different beaches
• Public parks and green areas
• Purple island

Best Time to Visit Doha:

During our visit in June, temperatures soared between 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, making it a challenging time to explore the city comfortably. For a more pleasant experience, the ideal period to visit Doha is between November and March. During these months, the weather is milder and more enjoyable, with temperatures typically ranging around the low to mid-20s Celsius. Planning your trip within this window allows you to fully appreciate Doha’s cultural sites, outdoor attractions, and vibrant atmosphere without the extreme heat.

Key Takeaways from Visiting Doha:

• Affordable and Convenient Transportation:
  Taxi services in Doha, including Uber and the local Karwa taxis (recognizable by their turquoise color), are both safe and budget-friendly. You can book a Karwa taxi via phone, their app, or simply hail one on the street. Most rides within the city should cost no more than 30–40 Qatari rials, with many fares typically under 20 rials. Payment by credit card is widely accepted in taxis.
• Payment and Currency Tips:
  Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Doha. However, it’s wise to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you encounter a place that doesn’t accept cards. Note that American Express is not universally accepted, so bring a Visa or Mastercard as backup.
• Itinerary Planning:
  Three days is generally sufficient to experience Doha’s main attractions, as the city is compact and easy to navigate.
• Safety and Dress Code:
  Doha is a very safe destination. When visiting cultural sites, opt for modest clothing, and choose smart casual attire for hotels and upscale venues.
• Friday Closures:
  If your visit falls on a Friday, be aware that most shops and attractions remain closed until 1–2 pm.
• Cityscape and Photography:
  Doha’s skyline is truly spectacular, especially at night. The illuminated skyscrapers offer fantastic opportunities for futuristic cityscape photography.
• Accommodation Location:
  For convenience, consider staying near the downtown Msheireb area or West Bay. While Lusail is a vibrant district, it is slightly farther from the city center.
• Shopping at Souq Waqif:
  Bargaining is often suggested at Souq Waqif, but in practice, many shopkeepers are firm on their prices. Your experience may vary, and successful bargaining might require some skill.
• Modern Architecture:
  Doha is home to an impressive array of modern buildings, blending innovative design with cultural influences1.

These insights will help you make the most of your time in Doha, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and culturally enriching visit.

Doha seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, offering travellers a captivating mix of cultural heritage and modern luxury. From world-class museums and vibrant souqs to architectural marvels and upscale hotels, the city invites exploration at every turn.

Whether you’re passionate about culture, eager for adventure, or seeking luxury, Qatar delivers a remarkable array of experiences. With its deep-rooted heritage, vibrant arts scene, and cutting-edge attractions, this Gulf nation has quickly become a premier destination for travellers worldwide.

Wexford (The Sunny South East) is a county in Ireland. In this blog, I would like to cover a one-day trip that we did to County Wexford, few months ago.

We started our journey from Saggart, Dublin Ireland around 8:30 AM and returned by around 7:30 PM. We took the following route. Its approximately 5.5 hour’s drive and 425 Kms. [NOTE: Apart from the driving time, you would also need time for sightseeing, refreshments and so on. So, you should certainly consider around 10-11 hours for the entire journey].

Now let’s get into more details about the various stop overs:

1) Duncannon Fort:

Duncannon Fort is situated in the village of Duncannon on the Hook Peninsula, County Wexford. This is a historic structure with over 450+ years history. The fort is one of only three bastioned forts built in County Wexford and the only one which is accessible to public.

If you would like to make a tour inside the fort, it is recommended to book the tickets well in advance. Th tour might last for approximately 1 hour and authorities suggest to reach the fort 10 minutes before the actual tour time. Seems the Fort is not open for tours during winter.

More details can be found here: https://duncannonfort.ie/  

Duncannon fort lies near the ‘Norman way’ walking trail. The Norman Way is a heritage trail that runs along the south coast of County Wexford and is approximately 22 Kms long. Along this Wexford Trail, you will discover authentic medieval sites.

There is a pretty village and a nice beach near to the Duncannon fort.

NOTE: We were not aware of this pre booking arrangement and couldn’t manage to get a ticket by the time we reached the fort. It would be always good to plan your itinerary with Duncannon fort as the first destination. That will help you to plan your start time from your home/hotel.

2) Hook Lighthouse:

Hook Lighthouse was built in the early 13th century to help ships safely navigate the treacherous Wexford coastline. It has been guarding the Maritime gate way to Irelands Ancient East for over 800+ years. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world, after the Tower of Hercules in Spain. It is 35m tall with 2 black bands on a white background being its day time marker and 1 flash every 3 second being its night time marker.

When the lighthouse at Hook became fully automated in 1996, there was no longer any need for resident keepers. It was decided then to open it up to the public. The former keeper’s houses now play host to the visitor centre (visitor center has gift shops, exhibits, coffee shop and so on).

You can also climb the balcony (around 110 steps)  from where you might be able to a spectacular view of the sea (comes with a charge, I guess).

The Lighthouse hosts a range of festivals and family events all year round, including the New Year Sunrise Tour, the Imbolc Festival in February, as well as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day event.

More details can be found here: https://hookheritage.ie/

3) Kilmore Quay:

Kilmore Quay is a small fishing village (with limited population) in county Wexford with whitewashed cottages and thatched roofs. There is also a nice marine here. The Saltee Islands lie off the coast near Kilmore Quay (around 5 miles), and boat trips to these islands are available from the village.

The two islands, Great Saltee and Little Saltee, are known for being Ireland’s largest bird sanctuary. Arguably best-known for their puffin colony, the islands are bird sanctuary and more than 220 species of birds have been recorded here. A colony of grey seals also gathers here every year.

NOTE: We dint go to Saltee islands during this trip. Online Booking details HERE.

The ferry from Kilmore Quay takes 20 minutes, tickets are €30 for an adult and €15 for children.

This would be a ideal loaction for your lunch, there are multiple restaurants avaiable here. We went to the ‘Saltee Chipper’, which is famous for its Fish and Chips. In fact, it was awarded the 2019 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and the 2019 Best Fish and Chips – Ireland award. More details can be found HERE.

4) Tacumshane thatched windmill:

Designated a national monument in 1952, Tacumshane Windmill is the only surviving complete windmill of its kind in the Republic of Ireland. Built in 1846, it features a rare revolving straw thatch cap to catch the wind for its sails. There were 13 wind-driven corn mills at work along the south Wexford coast in 1891 but this is the only one that remains.

Entry to the windmill is free. For a peek inside, the key can be obtained from the adjacent Meyler’s Millhouse Bar & Restaurant. There is enough parking space available near the windmill. NOTE: Am not sure if this option is still avaialble as we couldn’t get inside the windmill.

5) Rosslare Harbour:

Rosslare Harbour was first developed in 1906 by the Great western railway to accommodate steamferry traffic between Great Britain and Ireland.

Rosslare town to the north has a long sandy beach and was a holiday resort from the late 19th century: it became known as Rosslare Strand once the harbour was established.

Rosslare Europort has ferries from Fishguard and Pembroke in south Wales, from Cherbourg and Roscoff in France, and from Bilbao in Spain. Few popular ferries operating from here are Stena Line, Irish  Ferries, Brittany Ferries and so on. This is one of the largest and busiest ports in Ireland.

Five trains (a day) run from Dublin Connolly, taking 3 hours via Dún Laoghaire, Bray, Wicklow Town, Rathdrum, Arklow, Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford to Rosslare Strand (for the beach) and Rosslare Europort (for the ferry terminal). More details can be found HERE.

6) Wexford Lavender Farm:

Lavender is one of the best known and loved of all herbs and you will find it here in abundance.  This seems to be Ireland’s only commerical lavender farm. It was opened in 2014. It is a family run business set in the heart of the beautiful Wexford countryside. They are normally closed during the winter season and reopens during Easter time.

Its spread across 4 acres of land with 5000+ plants / multiple varities. There is also a café, gift shop and a children playground here. Enough parking spaces are also available but they charge a parking fee which varies based on season (obviously high duing the peak season / July-September). More details can be found HERE.

Summary:

Within a two-hour drive / scenic train ride from Dublin, Wexford boasts over 100 miles of coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches and stunning locations for nature walks.

Due to it’s numerous coastal towns, rivers and beaches Wexford has, over the years, become a haven for people with an interest in water sports. The summer months see an influx of visitors to the coastal regions taking to the sea for a swim or a spot of fishing.

Wexford has so much to offer, but only with public transport you wont be able the all the best tourist attractions. So a Taxi / Rented Vehicle / Own transportation is a must to get a feel of this beautiful Irish County. I absolutely loved my time exploring the Wexford coast.

Other Places / Options to explore in Wexford (not in any specific order):

Hope you enjoyed reading my blog. Please try out this itinerary and let me know your comments!

We did a one-day trip (packaged tour) from Amsterdam to Marken, Edam, Voldendam and Zaanse Schans (in June 2024). The whole trip was around 8 hours. In this blog, I would like to share my experience with that one-day trip.

We had booked this one-day trip in VIATOR.  You will receive a confirmation mail at time of booking. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Please note that there is a SPANISH tour at 8:30 AM and ENGLISH tour at 9:30 AM. We had opted for the English tour. The Bus and the Guide were ready at the pickup point. There will many buses ready for departure. So please ensure that you are onboarding the correct bus. This tour guide will be dressed in green (jacket) and will have a green umbrella with them.

Please note that bus will start on time and so please ensure that you reach at the right time. Also ensure to have your breakfast before you board the bus as there is no stops in between for the breakfast.

1) Marken:

The first destination was Marken. It’s around 30+ minutes journey from Amsterdam central. After reaching Marken, the guide will take you for walking tour to explore various neighbourhoods. This picturesque fishing village (with less than 2000 residents) is home to beautiful and brightly coloured traditional wooden houses.

The main attractions of this village are its typical colourful houses, gardens, farm animals, small port, canals, wooden bridges, and a church. You might also get a chance to see some residents wearing the traditional costumes. The guide will share all the details and history, while exploring this beautiful village.

You might spend around 1 hour at Marken.

2) Henri Willig Cheese Factory:

After completing the walking tour, you will be onboarding the bus. The next destination in this trip was Henri Willig Cheese Factory. In this factory, staff wearing traditional cheese maker costumes will tell you all about the different types of Dutch cheese as well as demonstrate the cheese making process, and of course, lots of tasting options aswell!

Its an interesting experience, if you are visiting such a factory for the first time. There are also very neat toilet facilities available here. The ticket price for cheese factory visit is already a part of this itinerary.

You might spend around 1 hour at this cheese factory.

3) Edam:

After the cheese factory, you will onboard the bus again and next destination will be Edam.

Here also, you be doing a walking tour. This tour will take you through the centre of the historic city of Edam visiting its most well-known monuments and corners. The guide will share all the details and history during this walking tour. Approximately 7000 people live in Edam. This town is lined by canals, traditional Dutch houses and old-fashioned Dutch bridges.

You will also get a chance to see St. Nicolas Church.  It is one of the largest 3-ridged churches in Europe. Please note that Edam Museum is not part of this itinerary.

Edam is famous as the original source of the cheese with the same name.  The cheese market was the primary resource of the economy of Edam in the 16th century. Even today, Edam cheese has a large fan base across the globe and Edam cheese stands out for its strong and robust flavours.

The old town centre, within the borders of the old city walls, is nowadays protected by the government. A number of notable buildings survive in good condition.

It was once an industrious shipyard and port, a much smaller version than the Rotterdam port.

Seems like Edam’s Wednesday morning market is held year-round, but is best in July and August, when farmers bring their cheese by boat and horse to the center of town.

You might spend around 1.5 hours at Edam.

4) Voldendam:

You will onboard the bus and the next destination in this itinerary was guided walking tour of the old town and port of Volendam. 

Here you will have lot of free time to explore the places, and this is where you will be having your lunch. There are lots of restaurants (lot of Fish restaurants aswell) available in this place. We had our lunch from a ‘Fish and Chips Restaurant’ and it was really nice and worth the money.

Also don’t forget to try some pastries. There are lot of such shops available here.

Volendam, also known as “The Pearl of the Zuiderzee” was a fishing village founded in the fourteenth century, located 20km northeast of Amsterdam. It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Netherlands, and this small town depends on both fishing and tourism.

The best things to do is to walk along its promenade, discover its quaint shops and city centre. For years, Volendam was a small fishing village. However now it is a town that is gaining more and more visitors and eventually become a very important tourist destination. Please note that Volendam Museum is not part of this itinerary. From Volendam it is easy to reach the cosy town of Marken via a beautiful ferry crossing. Ferry trip is also not part of the itinerary.

The town is also famous for its beautiful lighthouse at the easternmost tip of this strip of land on a small sandy beach.

You might spend around 2 hours at this place.

5) Zaanse Schans:

After onboarding the bus, you will continue the trip to the next (and the final) destination ‘Zaanse Schans’.

Zaanse Schans is a neighbourhood of the town of Zaandam. It is a unique part of the Netherlands, full of monumental houses, mills, barns and workshops where people practise traditional crafts.

On arrival you will immediately be greeted with stunning views over the river Zaan. Despite the fact that visitors from all over the world visit this neighbourhood every day, it is good to know that people still live here. The site receives more than a million visitors each year and it’s easy to see why; the neighbourhood is picturesque and gives visitors a taste of traditional Dutch country life away from the hustle and bustle of the major cities.

By the mid-17th century, around 500+ windmills existed in the sides of the river, some of them are still preserved in the Zaanse Schans. The existing windmills here are well preserved and is still working. You have options to enter a windmill and experience its working/functions (comes with an entry ticket). Few of the windmills have interesting names like ‘De Kat (The Cat)’, ‘De Zoeker (The Seeker)’, ‘De Bonte Hen (The Spotted hen)’ and so on.

If you plan to get inside a windmill, I recommend De Kat (the cat) because you can climb up and go outside on the balcony, and it seems to be the highest balcony of all the windmills that have them here. Be warned, the stairs are very very steep (more like a ladder) so you need to be mobile enough to climb up and then climb down again; this is not an easily accessible windmill.

Dutch started building windmills as early as 1,200 A.D for grinding grains. In the 19th century, there were more than 9,000 windmills in the country.

As a part of the itinerary, you will also get a chance to visit a wooden Clog factory / museum. The ticket price for wooden clog factory visit is already a part of this itinerary. In this museum you can learn about the clogs (Dutch traditional footwear). Watch a demonstration of how clogs are made, read about the history of clogs and clogs that are made for special occasions and even buy yourself some clogs in the gift shop if you want.

The clog artisan community at Zaanse Schans has been around since many centuries. The clog is a Dutch icon popular worldwide. Although, not commonly worn by the locals, it is still possible to spot the odd person sporting the clogs, particularly in rural districts.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the great photo opportunities outside as well!

Please note that Zaans Museum and Bakery Museum are not part of this itinerary. There is also a water cruise option available in Zaan River and it is also not a part of this itinerary.

You might spend around 1.5 hours at this place.

You will now be returning back to Amsterdam central which is around 30 minutes from here.

Overall this day tour will take around 8 hours. You will be back in City Center by around 5:30 PM. Please keep in mind that you will be doing a lot of walking in this trip. Be prepared for the same.

As per operator, this tour is not recommended for:

• Travellers with back problems
• Pregnant women
• People with walking disabilities
• People with heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Even though we had booked the trip through VIATOR, it is operated by a company named ‘CAMALEON TOURS’. The tour guide (Angela) and driver were exceptional and friendly. This is a highly recommended tour if you are looking for a one-day trip option from Amsterdam.

Sligo is the perfect destination for an Irish road trip. Nestled between Donegal and Galway, it’s the second largest city in western Ireland. With that been said, this place is not overcrowded by tourists. Surrounded by mountains and picturesque countryside, the drive to Sligo guarantees some stunning scenery.

If you’re looking for an exciting itinerary to spend 2 days in Sligo, you are at the right place. In this blog, I have tried to share my experience from a 2 days trip that we did to Sligo recently.

Please note that we had done this day trip from Dublin. If you are planning a trip from Dublin, I would strongly suggest keeping minimum 2 days in your plan.

Places covered on Day 1 (You can decide the route based on your place of stay):

Places covered on Day 2 (You can decide the route based on your place of stay):

Places covered on Day 1 (in detail):

1) Mullaghmore (Harbour/Beach):

Mullaghmore is a picturesque destination on Ireland’s northwest coast. It has both incredible coastal views and interesting history. It is a pretty fishing village that is well worth a visit.

On your first stop on Mullaghmore Head, don’t miss the stops to view Classiebawn Castle. It was built by Lord Palmerston in the 18th century and is famous for being the holiday home of Louis Mountbatten (who was killed by a bomb blast on his boat planted by the IRA in 1979 off the coast of Mullaghmore). Unfortunately, it’s not possible to visit Classiebawn Castle, but it can be seen from several areas on the Peninsula, with the coastal road being the most popular because you can see and photograph the castle with Benbulbin’s dramatic aspect in the background.

The waves at Mullaghmore Head can be highly unpredictable. The waves here normally always get a position in the Top 10 list of places with largest waves in the world.

2) Streedagh Beach:

You’ll find Streedagh Beach in a 15-minute drive from Mullaghmore. This beach is absolutely stunning; one of the best beaches in Sligo. It is 2-3kms long. With the Atlantic on one side and the lush green mountains on the other, this is a beautiful beach to relax, take a long walk or have a fun with the kids.

There’s a decent car park with plenty of space near the beach and as an added bonus, you’ll get views of Benbulben Mountain. Streedagh Strand is more popular with surfers because it is an exposed beach with reef breaks. Swimming at Streedagh is recommended for experienced swimmers, due to strong tides and undercurrents.

3) Benbulbin Mountain:

Sligo’s table mountain, Benbulben, towers over the town. It is part of the Dartry Mountain range and stands at 526 meters (about 1,700 feet) above sea level. Its unusual shape was most likely formed after the last Ice Age. It is no exaggeration to say that it was Benbulbin who made Sligo famous.

Benbulbin Mountain (Benbulben Mountain) is mentioned as Sligo’s Table Mountain because of its flat-top shape. It’s only one of a handful of table top mountains in the world and the only one in Ireland – so it really is a must-do on your list of things to do in Sligo, Ireland. It’s important to say you can also climb Benbulbin and it’s one of the more popular activities in Sligo, but with moderate difficulty rating and standing over 500m tall, it will take around 4-5 hours depending on conditions.

The Benbulben Loop Trail, on the forest road, takes you to a striking waterfall where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sligo Bay and on a clear day, Donegal in the distance.

4) Benwisken Mountain:

The beautiful and dramatic mountain of Benwisken is a part of the Dartry Mountain range. The peak of Benwisken is 514 meters above sea level. The tip of the mountain looks like the edge of a knife. The cliffs to the north side of Benwisken are amazingly steep and jagged.

5) Gleniff Horseshoe:

The Gleniff horseshoe is a nice 10kms loop along quiet roads with spectacular views and dramatic and wild Dartry Mountains. The walk also provides dramatic views of the Donegal Bay and the Ulster County beyond. Arguably this is one of the best things to do in Sligo, you can explore it in a couple of ways:

• The walk: 9.1km/3-hour trail
• The drive: It takes 30 – 45 minutes (try to drive in the clockwise direction)

Gleniff Horseshoe is a pretty remote area of Sligo, but it can be easily accessed from the main N15 Sligo to Bundoran Road.

Driving tips:

• The valley is very rural therefore be cautious of sheep that are often wandering on roads. If the animals don’t move, beep your horn lightly.
• The road is small and windy, so make sure you act accordingly – pay attention, drive slowly, especially before curves and watch for other cars and walkers coming your way.

You can also see 2 caves (Diarmaid and Grinnes caves) on the top and please note that its not an easy climb to reach those caves.

Photos don’t do it justice, and words can’t capture how we felt being there. It’s truly magnificent, very much worth the drive on the narrow roads leading there. If it’s raining heavily, you might miss some spectacular views.

6) Devil’s Chimney:

The Devil’s Chimney is Ireland’s highest waterfall with a height of 150 meters. It sits on the border of County Sligo and County Leitrim, situated in the Dartry Mountains in the west of Ireland. It takes about 50 minutes to walk there from the parking lot. Devil’s Chimney isn’t too far from the Glencar Waterfall, so it’s easy to see both in the same day. NOTE: We did not go near the Devil’s Chimney

Devil’s Chimney Waterfall – in Irish, ‘Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird’ – lies on the Sligo/Leitrim border in the Glencar valley, close to its more famous neighbour Glencar waterfall which we will also visit. Its name in Irish means stream against the height and reflects the observed phenomena that during certain weather conditions (when the wind blows from the South) the waterfall is blown upward and back over the cliff from which it falls. Due to this it has become known as the devil’s chimney.

The waterfall does not flow during periods of dry weather; but it is particularly spectacular during or after periods of heavy rainfall. So a perfect off-season location to visit.

7) Glencar Waterfall:

It is a beautiful 50 foot tall waterfall with a great viewing platform. Take a short walk through the forest on a nature trail to reach the falls. It’s one of the best free things to do in County Sligo. You can also embark on the 7km Glencar Hill Walk from the same car park. This waterfall is over the county border and is located in County Leitrim, but it’s really nearby and easily accessible waterfall and a great one to keep in your list of things to cover in Sligo.

There is enough markings from the car parking area. After parking you car, you might have to cross the road from  and follow the short path and you will reach the waterfall within 5 minutes. Glencar Waterfall is situated near Glencar Lake. It is particularly impressive after rain and can be viewed from a lovely, wooded walk. It is famous for being an inspiration to Ireland’s greatest poet William Butler Yeats and features in his poem ‘The Stolen Child’. The facilities on site include a car park, picnic area, public toilets, playground, tearoom and Tourist Information Point.

Places covered on Day 2 (in detail):

1) Sligo Town (Including Sligo Abbey):

Sligo Town is on the banks of the Garavogue River. It is a typical Irish market town bustling with life, boasting a collection of traditional old pubs, a number of Neolithic sites nearby and is famed for its connections with the poet W.B. Yeats

Take a leisurely stroll (walking tours are also available) through the local streets where you can observe historic buildings like the Sligo Cathedral, shop at boutique stores, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that defines Sligo. You can also walk along the river that winds through the town and wander around the streets. You’ll see adorable houses, several decorated bridges, and colorful buildings.

Perhaps the most well-known of Sligo town attractions is The Abbey, the only medieval structure still standing in the town. It is a burial place of kings and princes, including the King of Briefne, who died in 1418, and successive chiefs of the ruling O’Conor clan. There is a small admission fee (around 5 Euros, I guess). NOTE: We were slightly running out of time and hence had to skip the Abbey visit but still managed to take some snaps from the road.

2) Rossess Point (Harbour/Village/Beach):

Rosses Point is a peninsula in County Sligo, Ireland, located at the entrance to Sligo Harbour. It is a delightful little town to head to just 10-minutes away from Sligo Town. Drop by the harbour and admire the picturesque backdrop of Sligo Bay and the Dartry Mountains.

It’s the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway, with two kilometres of Blue Flag beaches to enjoy. There are plenty of good restaurants and accommodation in town, which give the place a lively vibe, especially in summer. Oyster Island lies off the coast from town, while Coney Island is just a bit further out.

3) Coney Island:

Coney Island (In Gaelic the name means “the island of rabbits”) is the largest and the most famous of the three islands off the northern coast of the Coolera peninsula.

The island lies in Sligo Bay between Rosses Point and Benbulben in the north, and Strandhill and Knocknarea to the south. The island which is 1½ miles long by ¾ mile across (around 400 acres)  is accessible by boat from the pier at Rosses Point, but the most popular route is by way of Cummeen Strand when the tide is out. This strand is exposed at low tide and is marked by 14 stone pillars for a distance of 5km leading to the island. We took a boat from Rosses Point to Coney island.

It’s actually a fun way of getting to Coney Island, known for its many rabbits! Unfortunately, we did not see atleast a single rabbit. So pity, isn’t it?

In 1862 the island had a population of 124 people, with 45 children attending the local school. The island now has only one family of permanent inhabitants, who can trace their history on the island back to the 1750s. The island is a haven of beauty and solitude. It’s a must if you’re in the area. You can explore old dwellings and imagine the island when it was more heavily populated.

4) Strandhill Beach:

Strandhill Beach in County Sligo is a popular surf beach featuring several schools catering for both beginners and experienced surfers. This place is renowned as one of Europe’s best and most consistent surfing breaks. Located 8km west of Sligo town, Strandhill Beach offers panoramic views of Knocknarea and Benbulben.

Strandhill Beach is one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. It is forbidden to swim here, due to the strong currents. Parking is free on the seafront; however, it can be difficult to find a spot (especially at the weekends or on fine sunny days).

5) Knocknarea:

Knocknarea is a large prominent hill west of Sligo town in County Sligo, Ireland, with a height of 327 metres. There is 6-8 kms loop trail reaching a height of 327m at Knocknarea’s summit. The walk to the summit of the mountain takes an average of 1 hour and is considered as a moderately challenging route.

The route is now known as Queen Maeve’s Trail; named after the legend that the huge cairn and tomb on the summit of the hill is her resting place. We did not take that walking trail.

6) Listoghil Cairn (Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery):

County Sligo is home to the largest and oldest collection of neolithic stone circles and dolmens found in Ireland. The Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is in a captivating part of Sligo, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Benbulben. It is situated at the centre of the Cuil Irra peninsula in County Sligo, is the second largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Europe and is among Ireland’s oldest Carrowmore is managed by the Office of Public Works, a government body responsible for the care of national monuments.

A small visitor centre, which is subject to an entry fee, carpark and public toilets give access to about fourteen of the remaining monuments. Unfortunately, this place was closed for some renovation work when we visited.

7) Dunmoran Strand Beach:

Dunmoran Strand is surrounded by dunes and lies in a quite, rural region. A hiking trail leads along the beach and all the way to Aughris Head, 2,5 kilometres away. It was less crowded, compared to other beaches that we had visited in this trip.

Throughout the year the beach is frequented by walkers and surfers. Despite its obvious natural charms Dunmoran never gets busy and always retains its wild side. This unspoilt character extends to a complete lack of facilities – so bring everything you need with you, and take it home afterwards.

8) Aughris Head / Beach / Trail:

Aughris Head is located in a rural area in southern Silgo Bay. The ideal starting point for an exploration is the parking space at the Beach Bar, a traditional Irish pub. It is accessible via a narrow road not suitable for coaches. The newly redeveloped and extended Aughris Coastal Walk is one of the best coastal walks on the west coast of Ireland.

Place of Stay:

Property Details:

• It is a spacious 2 bedroomed apartment in the picturesque village of Grange along the Wild Atlantic Way.
• It’s just 5 minutes walk from Grange village. There is a regular bus service to Sligo and Ballyshannon (the bus stop is in walkable distance from the apartment)
• Langs Bar and Restaurant, Morans Bar and takeaway and Supervalu are all within walking distance from the apartment.
• The apartment is located behind the House owner’s house which has parking directly outside the door. It has an outdoor dining area with picnic bench and garden for use.
• It comes fully equipped with all essential items.

Our reviews:

• Rebecca was a great host, now wonder she is ranked as a Superhost in AirBNB.
• Rebecca was so communicative and had great recommendations for us.
• The house was so welcoming, spotlessly clean, had everything we needed, and we all loved it.
• Its nicely furbished and decorated.
• There were lot of toys and books made available in the house for children.
• A dedicated parking slot (with roof) was available.
• This is a perfect family-friendly place to stay. This house and hosts house were in the same compound.
• Major attractions like Streedagh Beach, Belbulbin mountain and Gleniff horseshoe are quite nearby.
• Supervalu nearby is relatively a bigger store.
• Host had kept a bottle of milk and a pack of butter in the kitchen for us.
• Even though public transport options are available nearby, it will be good to have a car if you are planning to stay here.
• Sligo city center is around 20minutes in car.
• Would definitely recommend this AirBNB property.

Updates (March 2025)

Airbnb property ‘Wild Deer Cottage’ (EIR Code: F91VF84)

Pros:

• Hilary is a great host, very friendly and welcoming.
• Fully equipped open kitchen with dining area and living area with TV.
• Beautiful decor throughout.
• This property is very clean and newly refurbished / built (July 2024) and the entire home is finished to a really high standard.
• The internet (free wifi) had decent speed.
• Few toys were kept in the property for children to play with.
• There is a washing machine / Free dryer.
• Hilary was kind enough to offer us a extended check-out.

Cons:

• Not much shops nearby.

Concise on ‘Wild Deer Cottage’

It was a great stay at ‘Wild Deer Cottage’. Would definitely recommend. Hilary was extremely helpful and responsive and she went above & beyond to make sure our stay was perfect.

If you are planning to visit various attractions mentioned in the blog, I would suggest checking the distance / time from this property and plan accordingly.

Classic India Restaurant, Sligo (F91WNH7)

Summary:

Sligo is a charming county located on the northwest coast of Ireland. It is an underrated Irish county which is often missed by tourists when they plan their trip to Ireland. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and rich history.
The vast majority of Sligo Ireland’s sights are far from town and you will need to use public transport or have a car.

This itinerary is filled with beaches, hikes and scenic drives and I believe this blog post will give you an inspiration to visit this beautiful Irish county.

The Ring of Kerry (175 kms circular route) is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry.

Whether you choose to cycle it or drive or travel in coach, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Ireland. Fortunately or unfortunately, it rains almost most of the days here in Ireland. So, in case if you reach here on a rainy day, you might not be able to enjoy this place to the full extend.

With this itinerary, you will drive through miles of green, rolling hills, explore colourful and beautiful Irish towns, and see a fantastic stretch of Ireland’s rugged coastline. It is a beautiful scenic drive and it’s no wonder that it makes it into bucket list of many travellers.

There is a always a debate on which direction you should cover this circular route. Some people go in a clockwise direction and some others in the anti-clockwise direction. Most of the guidebooks suggests to go clockwise so that you are going the opposite direction of the tour buses (which go counterclockwise).

The route when done clockwise starts from Killarney following the N71 to Kenmare, then on to the N70 around the Iveragh Peninsula to Killorglin, passing through Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and finally returning to Killarney via the N72. Without any stops, it would take 2.5 – 3 hours to cover the main route. Please note that this itinerary would still take more hours as we had deviated to another road / location from the main route, in between.

This itinerary will be more suitable for those with their own vehicle or rental vehicle. I strongly believe that the best way to see the Ring of Kerry is to drive your own vehicle / rental vehicle, as you have the flexibility to stop and enjoy the stunning scenery whenever you want.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, there are still plenty of options like the ‘Ring of Kerry coach tours’, to see most of the important sights. Even though you will be confined to the viewpoints or stoppages planned by the tour companies, coach tour is also a good, safe and convenient option. If you get a good tour guide, your coach trip is going to be a great fun.

I know that there are many tour operators (mini and big buses) conducting one / two days tour in this route. I won’t be able to share pros / cons of any operator, as I have not tried any such coach trips in this route.

Keep in mind that daylight hours are much shorter in autumn and winter. We did this trip in July 2024, so the days were long. If you visit in autumn or winter, you could have 8 hours of daylight or less so that will need to be factored into your trip.

This is my second trip to Ring of Kerry. First was a One-day trip from Cork in 2019. This time since we were travelling from Dublin, we had to plan a two days itinerary.

The Ring of Kerry road is much like all the other rural roads in Ireland.  I appreciate that some of the narrow roads can be very challenging, especially for those coming from countries where you are used to much wider roads or where you follow a right hand side driving. Take it slow and take bends cautiously.

There is always another debate within the traveller’s community, if one should choose Dingle Peninsula or Ring of Kerry if you are forced to select one of the two options. In most of the cases, I have seen that Dingle Peninsula wins that debate. There’s definitely no reason not to visit the Ring of Kerry and I would suggest you to visit both these wonderful places, if you get a chance.

If you are a regular reader of my blogs, you would have noticed something special about my travel style/pattern. I tend to cover as much as possible on each day. I know that’s it’s not everyone’s travel style but unfortunately, I somehow cannot change that pattern. This trip is no different.

Enough of intros, now let me get into the details.

We started our journey from Saggart in Dublin.

Day 1:

We visited the following places on day 1.

Saggart, Dublin (started from here)

Torc Waterfall, Torc, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Ladies view, Derrycunihy, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Molls Gap, Eirk, Co. Kerry

Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Sneem, Drimna Beg, Co. Kerry

Caherdaniel, Ballycarnahan, Co. Kerry

Viewpoint of Scarriff Island

Charlie Chaplin Statue, Waterville, Co. Kerry

Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry

Skellig Ring, Co. Kerry

Coomanaspig, Co. Kerry

Portmagee, Doory, Co. Kerry

Bunnys Pod (EIR Code: V23FD37), Cahersiveen (Stayed here)

1) Torc Waterfall, Torc, Killarney, Co. Kerry:

The waterfall is 20 metres (66 ft) high and 110 metres (360 ft) long and was formed by the nearby Owengarriff River. This is one of the most popular things to do in Killarney.

The parking space is slightly limited in this place. Consider yourself lucky if you manage to get parking in the car park near to the waterfall (just a 5 minutes’ walk). I was told that there is another parking space but it is far away from the waterfalls.

Even though Torc Waterfall isn’t the biggest set of falls we’ve seen, it’s quite impressive in its own way. I think the natural surroundings around the falls make it so pretty. The moss-covered tree branches everywhere makes it look like it is part of some fairytale kingdom.

There are no much shops available but yes there is a Public toilet facility near to the car parking area. You don’t have to pay for the car park or to visit the falls. Nice one, isn’t it?

2) Ladies view, Derrycunihy, Killarney, Co. Kerry:

You will see this viewpoint in the right side of the road. There is also a cafe-restaurant (on left side) here, with panoramic views of the valley. I think there is also a small gift shop here. From this viewpoint, you’ll be able to see the Lakes of Killarney and the surrounding mountains. Unfortunately, it was slightly raining when we reached here. So, we couldn’t get the best views.

A short trail will take you to an even better viewpoint, if you prefer to do so.

3) Molls Gap, Eirk, Co. Kerry:

If you further continue from Ladies’ View, you will reach Moll’s Gap.

Moll’s Gap viewpoint got its name from a woman (named Moll Kissane) who set up an unlicensed pub in the area when the N71 road was newly constructed. While the illegal pub is long gone, Molls gap has a shop (named Avoca), which can be  good place to grab a coffee or food & you could use the toilet facility aswell.

This can also be a good stop for breakfast in case you haven’t been able to before the start of your Ring of Kerry drive.

4) Kenmare, Co. Kerry:

Kenmare is one of the beautiful towns in Ireland known for its colourful houses.

Kenmare offers a great selection of hotels and pubs, and as a result, it gets really lively during the peak season. So this can be another place for a short break or to grab some food or coffee.

5) Sneem, Drimna Beg, Co. Kerry:

Follow the road and enjoy the beautiful scenery until you reach the colourful town of Sneem. This can also be a good stop for food or coffee, if you wanted to.

Surrounded by mountains, the vibrant and colorful town of Sneem is a popular stop on the Ring of Kerry. The traditional Irish pubs get lively during the summer months and often provide live music and not surprisingly, a good selection of refreshing beverages.

6) Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry (Glenbeg Caravan and Camping Park):

Parking space is relatively smaller here, but it is worth stopping here. From the parking area, you can see ‘Glenbeg caravan and camping park’ and a small beach (on the right side). This is a small beach but it’s really magical, especially on a sunny day.

7) Viewpoint of Scarriff Island (Never miss this view point):

Continuing from Caherdaniel, there’s a fantastic viewpoint named ‘Scarriff Island Viewpoint’. One of my personal favourites, this viewing point should never be missed.

From here, you’ll get an epic view of Scarriff Island (and the neighboring Deenish Island). Both of these islands were inhabited in the 1800s, but today they’re deserted and very difficult to reach. On a sunny day, you can capture some breathtaking views from this viewpoint. There is enough parking space available here.

8) Charlie Chaplin Statue, Waterville, Co. Kerry:

Waterville is one of the Ring of Kerry’s more unique towns, which is very near to the coast.

You’re probably wondering why there is a statue of Charlie Chaplin in the Ring of Kerry (I did). Well, basically it’s because he and his family used to love visiting the town of Waterville and the statue was built for his remembrance. They even have the right to hold a Charlie Chaplin themed comedy film festival every year!

There are plenty of great accommodations in Waterville to choose from, and if you decide to stay here overnight, make sure to pay a visit to the beach during the sunset.

9) Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry (This will be the toughest stretch in this whole trip):

At this point, we took a detour off the main Ring of Kerry route and ventured onto what’s known as the Skellig Ring. If you are in short of time, you could skip this detour, but it’s worth including if you have a option. If you plan to take this route, venture off into R567/R566/R565, else you can stay on N70.

Without any doubt, Skellig Ring is one of the best extensions of the Ring of Kerry, and it was one of the highlights of our road trip. Please note that the roads are quite narrow here in this stretch. You won’t see tour buses as the roads in this area are simply too narrow for them.

10) Skellig Ring, Co. Kerry:

This drive was one of the most spectacular parts of the Ring of Kerry drive for me. The winding roads are much less driven than the main Ring and on a clear day you can see out to the Skellig Islands, which look so dramatic even from a distance.

Ideally the next stop should have been ‘Kerry Cliffs’, but we had to skip this part as we were running short of time. Kerry Sea Cliffs are over 1000ft above the Atlantic Ocean, which are actually taller than the Cliffs of Moher.

11) Coomanaspig, Co. Kerry:

You will pass through Coomanaspig – one of the highest points in Ireland that’s accessible by car.

On a clear day the view as you spin down towards Portmagee is mind-boggling. There’s plenty of parking up at the top but beware – it’s fierce windy up there!

12) Portmagee, Doory, Co. Kerry:

Portmagee is a small colourful town located around 80 km from Killarney.

You have good parking space here. Next to the parking area is the bathroom that was awarded Ireland’s Top Toilet Award in 2002.

Few of the Skellig Island boat tour operators depart from Portmagee.

There are two types of Skellig boat trips. One is a landing trip where you land on Skellig Michael and climb the carved steps to the monastery – although good fitness is required! You’ll also circle the island (if weather allows), to see the famous Gannet colony – one of the largest in the world! Landing tours generally cost around €100 per person.

Alternatively, eco-tours do not land on the islands but instead sail around them with a highly qualified guide providing information about the history of the islands, the monks that lived there from the 6th century and the ecology of the island too. You’ll also see the Gannet colony. Eco boat tours generally cost around €40 per person.

By the time we reached here, the boat service were all finished. Anyway, we never had the intention to visit Skellig Island in this trip.

We had planned our stay at Cahersiveen. So this was a good place to pack some food for our dinner.

We managed to buy some burgers from ‘K’s golden grill’ (an evening mobile food shop). Food was quite tasty and economical.

If interested, you can also plan to visit Valentia Island from here.  Valentia Island is one of Ireland’s most westerly points. It lies off the Iveragh Peninsula in the southwest of County Kerry. It is linked to the mainland by the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge at Portmagee. We did not visit Valentia island in this trip.

13) Bunnys Pod, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry (Stayed here):

We stayed at Bunny Pod (EIR Code: V23FD37), Cahersiveen. This is a good glamping pod for a family (2 adults + 1 child).

The glamping site is at a great location with excellent views.

Day 2:

We covered the following places on day 2:

Bunnys Pod (EIR Code: V23FD37), Cahersiveen (Stayed here)

Cahersiveen Town, W Main St, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry

Kellsbeach Pods, Bay, Kells, Co. Kerry

Rossbeigh Beach, Unnamed Road, Faha, Co. Kerry

St. Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh, 5 Cathedral Pl, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork

Saggart, Dublin (Final destination)

1) Cahersiveen Town, W Main St, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry:

As you begin your loop back towards Killarney along the north-facing edge of the Iveragh Peninsula, you’ll pass through the market town of Cahersiveen, whose tall, colourful houses, many with traditional shopfronts is a great view.

2) Kellsbeach Pods, Bay, Kells, Co. Kerry:

Kells Beach (with Blue flag award)  is a lovely sandy beach with a small harbour. It is an idyllic spot for a day out on the northern coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. There is a caravan park and a small glamping site near to this beach.

3) Rossbeigh Beach, Unnamed Road, Faha, Co. Kerry:

Rossbeigh Beach Car Park is free and there are plenty of spaces plus a cafe and toilet facilities. Overlooked by Rossbeigh mountains, this beach is very long. This is also a blue flag beach. Rossbeigh Beach is perfect for a day by the sea during the warm weather months. You can also drive up to the mountains, to get some panoramic views.

4) Cobh, Co. Cork (St. Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh, 5 Cathedral Pl, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork):

We decided to visit Cobh aswell, in these 2 days trip.

Cobh is a gorgeous coastal town situated half an hour from Cork. Cobh in fact is a destination by itself and would need a full day. Due to some time restrictions, we could spend only an hour here.

Cobh was ranked as one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler. One of the major transatlantic Irish ports, the town was the departure point for 2.5 million of the six million Irish people who emigrated to North America.

On the 11th April 1912 the newly built Titanic called to the port of Queenstown (now known as Cobh) on her maiden voyage.  From Southampton, she went to Cherbourg, France where 281 passengers boarded. On April 11, Titanic arrived in Cobh Harbor, its final port of call. Eight passengers disembarked and 123 boarded. There is also a visitor centre named ‘Titanic Experience Cobh’.

St. Colman’s Cathedral is a must see in Cobh. The interior of the cathedral is architecturally and visually very beautiful.

If you have more time in Cobh, You could also try a 45 minutes guided boat tour to ‘Spike Island’.

More details here : https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/

After Cobh, we returned back to Saggart in Dublin.

Summary:

There’s no doubt that the Ring of Kerry is worth its status as one of the best places to visit in Ireland.

Many roads on the Ring of Kerry are narrow, two lane roads. If you do not like the idea of driving these narrow, curvy roads it might be better to visit the Ring of Kerry on a tour. The Ring of Kerry is famed for its outstanding natural beauty, historical sites, unique winding roads and charming towns and villages.

A lot of visitors do tend to drive the Ring of Kerry in one day. If you elect to do so and want to do it any sort of justice, plan for a long day of exploring. I’d say anywhere from 7-10 hours would be a fair assessment.

If you will be relying on WiFi and plan on using Google Maps, make sure to download an offline version of the Ring of Kerry area before you set out for the day.

Ireland is popular for rains. A fine day could easily turn to a rainy one so make sure you are prepared for all sorts of weather on your drive. Most importantly, I’d say make sure to have a wind and waterproof jacket.

The nearest airport to Killarney is Kerry Airport, (often called Farranfore airport) which is 17km and a 15-minute drive away from Killarney. Its flight schedule is quite limited – namely to Dublin, London, Manchester, Luton, Faro, Alicante, Normandy, Brittany and Frankfurt-Hahn.

There is a train station in Killarney town that links up with a couple of routes within Ireland. Via Mallow, you can reach both Cork and Limerick Junction stations. From Limerick Junction, you’ll be able to join lines that take you to Limerick city, Galway, Dublin and Waterford.

One of the main appeals of traveling the Ring of Kerry is that the more time you spend there, the more you discover and the more you will enjoy this area.

The Ring of Kerry is technically just a national road, and there is no fee to drive along it.

There are so many great viewpoints that you will just stumble across, lots of which don’t even have names. You have to be okay with the idea that though you want to have a plan, there will be times when you’ll want to stop off and look through a quaint town or see a breathtaking view for a while.

The Ring of Kerry is open all year long, although it is the busiest during the summer months of July and August. In case if you want to avoid busy period, my personal suggestion to you will be to plan your visit on the shoulder seasons or even the off season. In the spring and fall (March to May or September to November), there are fewer crowds and it won’t be too cold.

I hope this itinerary will help you to plan your trip in a better and meaningful way.

In case if you have more days with you, there are still many more interesting places in and around Ring of Kerry. Please find list of some of such places (not in any specific order):

• Valentia Island – Knight’s Town and Skellig Boat tours
• Kerry Cliffs (After Skellig Ring)
• Ross Castle
• Muckross House / Abbey
• Staigue Stone Fort
• Cove Beach
• Derrynane Beach
• Coomakista viewpoint
• Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs
• Killarney National Park
• Staigue Stone Fort
• Skellings Chocolate Factory
• Rossmore Island
• Eightercua Stone Row 
• Ballaghabeama Gap
• Staigue Fort
• Loher Stone Fort
• Eightercua Stones
• Cahergall & Leacanabuaile Stone Forts
• Ballycarbery Castle
• Gap of Dunloe
• Beara Peninsula
• Garnish Island