Erris Beolma - Travel Blogger & Amateur Photographer

Hi there, I’m Erris Beolma.

I am a 28-year-old travel blogger and amateur photographer living in Istanbul. I was born in Fethiye, where my grandparents and other extended family still live. It is a port city on Turkey's southwestern Turquoise Coast and is best known for its natural harbor, blue waters and numerous rock tombs including the fourth century Tomb of Amyntas, carved into a bluff overlooking the city. (More about me.)

I have always traveled a lot. My parents used to whisk me off to places to soak up the history and different cultures. This gave me my “itchy feet” to go exploring on my own when I was about 20 years old and curious to see more of the world. I wanted to live in foreign lands and have exciting stories to tell my children.

I have visited quite a few different places, but it is not the number of countries that is important, but rather the extraordinary experiences I have had while there. To create my own story, be bold, and live life to the full.

Most recently, I have fallen in love with Ireland’s West Coast, full of history from across the centuries and the promise of a good time in the present. It is also a beautiful part of Ireland, with the landscape changing dramatically as you stop off and visit a variety of places. These are my highlights:

Kenmare, County Kerry

Often called the 'Crown Jewel' of the Ring of Kerry, Kenmare is home to stone cottages with gardens overflowing with flowers. A relaxing walk to the pier, an exploration of the shoreline when the tide is out or simply watching the heron search for fish off the rocks, this is a tranquil spot that offers fine dining and great places to stay.

Cliffs of Moher

Any trip to the West Coast of Ireland should include the iconic and famous Cliffs of Moher, the most visited of Ireland’s natural attractions. This area of coastline is simply stunning, and whilst it is possible to take a coach trip to the area in the morning. If you hire a car it is best to visit after 16:00, depending on the time of year and when it gets dark, so you can avoid the crowds. The tours that leave Galway for the Cliffs of Moher will include visits to Doolin village and The Burren and are a stress-free way to see a lot in a short space of time.

The Burren

The Burren is famous for its limestone landscape, which is unlike anything you are likely to have seen before, being quite otherworldly. The best time to visit what appears to be a barren landscape of limestone is Spring. At this time The Burren blooms into a rock garden of wildflowers and where several species of orchids grow.

Galway

After Dublin on the east coast, Galway is the most famous city in the country. Being much smaller than the capital city, Galway is a lot easier to navigate and get a good feel for in a small amount of time. There are colorful buildings, plenty of local Irish Pubs to drop into for a pint of Guinness. There are street performers to enjoy both day and night that provide a taste of traditional Irish music and guarantee a good craic.

Kylemore Abbey

A short drive from the Connemara National Park’s visitor center, it is worth making time to visit Kylemore Abbey, a 1,000-acre estate which offers a fascinating insight into Irish history and also has a beautiful Victorian walled garden that covers six acres. The abbey has been home to the Benedictine nuns since 1920. The history of the Abbey is tragic, romantic, education, innovative and spiritual. There is also a beautiful Gothic Church a short walk from the Abbey, and you can make a wish at the Giants Ironing stone.

Aran Islands

The Aran islands are three rocky isles just offshore from Galway Bay famous for their ancient sites, beaches, and Irish speaking locals. The largest island, Inishmore, is home to the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa. Nearby is the natural pool known as the Worm Hole, with the medieval ruins of the Seven Churches in the northwest.