Collection by Scott Sporleder

The Ultimate Road Trip: Ireland

For many, the real Ireland is on the back roads. That’s the green isle envisioned when one closes their eyes, winding around its rocky coastline on tiny lanes lined with centuries-old stone fences. And that’s exactly what fellow MatadorU faculty member Candice Walsh and Co. did this spring on a quest to uncover her Irish heritage.

For nearly two weeks, the team made their way across the southern coast, bobbing and weaving through tiny hillside towns all the way to County Sligo. What follows is a photo album-worth of images from the trip.

This story originally appeared on Matador Network, a Dwell partner site.

Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland

The President welcomes foreign journalists to Ireland a few days before St. Patrick's Day.
Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland The President welcomes foreign journalists to Ireland a few days before St. Patrick's Day.
Moody Dublin

Dublin's Temple Bar area on an atmospheric evening.
Moody Dublin Dublin's Temple Bar area on an atmospheric evening.
Copper Coast

Candice strolls along a deserted beach on the Copper Coast, south of Waterford.
Copper Coast Candice strolls along a deserted beach on the Copper Coast, south of Waterford.
Archives 

While searching for Candice's family records, we had the opportunity to look at some seriously old-school documents—such care and precision went into creating these artifacts.
Archives While searching for Candice's family records, we had the opportunity to look at some seriously old-school documents—such care and precision went into creating these artifacts.
Lismore Castle

We actually got to spend one night in this castle. Fairly spooky, but beautiful nonetheless.
Lismore Castle We actually got to spend one night in this castle. Fairly spooky, but beautiful nonetheless.
The almost tropical-looking beach of lower Ballydonegan.
The almost tropical-looking beach of lower Ballydonegan.
Allihies.
Allihies.
Dingle Peninsula

The land is green, the water is green…just about the only thing not green in Ireland is the beer.
Dingle Peninsula The land is green, the water is green…just about the only thing not green in Ireland is the beer.
There's no lack of craic in Galway.
There's no lack of craic in Galway.
Cliffs of Moher.
Cliffs of Moher.