Over the summer, I had the absolute pleasure of being able to visit Ireland, and spent a whole month in Carraroe, as I traveled along Ireland's West Coast.There is so very much that I love about this beautiful country in which the craic is mighty, and it's a place that so few think to travel to.

Ireland's West Coast is a great place to explore if you want to experience a bit of Europe on a budget. Most of what you will see and do is either inexpensive, or it doesn't cost a thing, unless you are like me and spend a few too many nights at the pub. Now that can break the bank.

It's just one simple flight into Shannon Airport, and off you go!

There is nothing quite like the natural elegance of this country, and that's what makes it so great; the way in which it is so timeless.

Sorry to disappoint, but no, I did not see any leprechauns during my stay. Nor did I pick a four-leaf clover. But what I experienced was even better than that.

Let's start off with the simplest form of perfection, shall we?

The sunset. It is beyond stunning. No, it’s not photo-shopped. There is no filter. This is literally what the sunset looks like on this magical Emerald Isle.

Speaking of magical, going to Kylemore Abbey is an absolute must. This was on my to-do list long before my trip, and it was one of my favorite spots. Learning the history of the Abbey, walking through those lavish rooms, and strolling through the six acre garden made my Victorian-loving heart very happy.

At first glance, this may just look like a sandy beach. BUT IT'S NOT!

This is the Coral Beach, and that's not just a pretty name for it, the entire beach is actually made up of fragments of coral. It does hurt to walk on barefoot, but look how cute it is. So worth it. One of the many hidden treasures in Carraroe.

Take a quick little ferry ride over to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands, and feel like you are on the edge of the world. This view was one of the most breathtaking scenes that I witnessed in Ireland.

Also at Inis Mor. It feels like you are in the middle of a medieval history documentary. Pretty grand, if you ask me.

Ireland may be known for it's Guinness, but let me tell you, Orchard Thieves is the best alcoholic beverage ever created by man. It's basically apple juice with benefits.

Galway, my absolute favorite city in all of Ireland (yes, I love it more than Dublin). This city is the perfect place to go on a pub crawl, do some shopping, or experience authentic Irish culture.

This was one of my favorite little peculiarities on the streets of Galway. Not only was this man's music amazing, but this certainly was not a sight I had seen before.

And while you're there, take a walk through the campus of NUI Galway. It's pretty majestic.

Once you're done with the city, go explore the countryside. This was taken in Carraroe, where I stayed, but all of Ireland's nature walks are truly this mystical.

Another hidden treasure in Carraroe. Just stumbled upon this little gem one day. Have you ever seen anything so wonderful? Probably not.

There are literally just cows everywhere. And it’s casual.

At first glance one might think this is a unicorn. But no. It's just a horse.

There are real life castles. Enough said.

And to top it all off, one of the most fascinating places, the Cliffs of Moher. I was sick on the day I went here, so I did not capture nearly as many photos as I should've, but this was beyond stunning.

So if you're willing to make your next vacation a little less about soaking up the sun, and want to do some actual full-on adventuring, go to the West Coast of Ireland, and fall in love with the magnificence just as I did. You won't regret it.