Last year, Emily and her darling mom, Anna, took a trip to Ireland in search of adventure and beauty only the great Green Isle can reveal. In honor of St. Patty’s day, we asked Emily to share with you her favorite Top 9 things to do in Ireland!

1. Dare to explore the countryside! Ireland is about the size of Indiana and very traversable by car.  Some of the best scenery is found in the most unexpected places. You may be driving down a two track in the middle of a hillside and come upon the sweetest coastal village, perfect for strolling around.
2. Talk with the locals. It is true that Ireland holds some of the friendliest people on earth. You’ll feel as though you’ve made a lifelong friend over the time it takes to enjoy a pint in a corner pub. Each little town offers the most amazing people and an evening’s full of stories.
3. Walk through the Library Trinity College. You may find yourself wishing for an extra tall roller ladder to zip down the aisles and aisles of books. The beauty is in the details at Trinity College. If the stunning architecture doesn’t move you, the rich wood banisters and soft-bound books are sure keep you perusing for hours.
4. Go to the Guinness Factory! Although the factory is well over 100 years old, you would never know it upon entering. Magnificently branded and modern in design, the factory is easily an afternoon’s worth of exploring! You can even learn to pour the perfect pint on one of the building’s many floors – that is if you’re willing to leave the roof top bar with 360 degree views of Dublin…
5. Eat a true, Irish meal. A delicious stew paired with a baked potato the size of your head and Ireland’s Brown Bread may be the best thing you’ve ever had. If you have to opportunity to enjoy some Fish and Chips as well, it is a delicious must – and don’t turn your nose at the mashed peas that are always served alongside!
6. Count the sheep! Along your travels you will find that it seems just about everyone farms sheep. These snuggly little things are all over the countryside and you may find yourself asking “how do the farmers know which ones are their own?”. Sheep Farming in Ireland is a massive industry and to keep all of the sheep accounted for, each farm tags their sheep with their own, intricate branding.
7. Never pass up the opportunity to explore a castle. Castles pepper the countryside and most all of them are open to the public. One of Ireland’s most popular castles, Blarney Castle, offers a stone to be kissed for good luck, but only if you’re willing to climb the 127 spiral staircase, wide enough for one person to climb at a time. If you do brave the climb, watch your step, as the stairs are intentionally created with varying rise heights and thread depths as ‘stumble steps’ so that invaders wouldn’t be able to rapidly climb the stairs in an attack. Crafty!
8. Visit the Cliffs of Moher. There so many stunning and wild places to see in Ireland, but nothing compares to the majesty of the Cliffs. Morning brings silent, slow rolling fog filled with the sound of Puffins calling to one another. Once the fog dissipates, the immense size and beauty of the Cliffs are revealed and you find yourself wishing you never had to leave.
9. Go with someone you love. Ireland is a country richly laced with a passion for family and friendship. ADIM’s own Emily had the chance to go with her mom in Spring of 2015 and such an experience is one she will never forget.

And lastly…remember, everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day! Sláinte!