Recently I ventured abroad to the beautiful country of Ireland. While I was expecting each pub to advertise the perfect pint of Guinness and to see field after field of sheep, I hadn't expected the variety of food or the many parks in the middle of Dublin. There is so much more to Ireland, I found during my time there, than I ever imagined. Ireland is a country of rich history, of patriotic pride, and of incredible natural beauty. I have also never seen a place that was so green before wherever I looked. If you're looking to go abroad, Ireland should be on your short list.

1. The Perfect Pint of Guinness

You aren't truly Irish until you can pour the perfect pint. One can learn on a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

2. The Parks (St. Stephan's Green, Phoenix Park, Merrion Square)

When you're in the parks the surrounding city fades away. When the skies clear the grounds are scattered with people enjoying lunch, the beautiful landscaping, and the swans.

3. The Castles (Dublin Castle, Dunluce Castle, Bunratty Castle)

Often original, these castles are truly magnificent. From ones perched precariously on cliffs to those whose leftover towers line the highway, they are all breathtaking. Even if you don't have time to leave Dublin to explore some, the Dublin Castle lies at the heart of the city.

4. The Food

Due to Ireland's rocky history riddled with famine and English rule, many left and emigrated to and from the country over the years. Because of this, Ireland but especially Dublin has become quite the melting pot of varying nationalities depicted in the food offerings. From Greek to Lebanese, Ireland offers more than the traditional fish and chips or shepherd's pie.

5. The Pubs

You can't walk a block without passing a pub and they all have a welcoming feel to them that calls you in off the street for a pint.

6. Giant's Causeway

One of two places in the world where this phenomenon happened. Rocks formed up from the water in circular shapes all along the coast in this one area and it makes for some spectacular pictures.

7. Cliffs of Moher

One of the most popular sites in Ireland, these awe-inspiring cliffs are huge and drop off into the ocean. One could spend the better part of a day there just taking in their beauty.

8. The Live Music

Whether in a pub or on the street its difficult to go very far without music reaching your ears.

9. Jameson Distillery

You don't have to be a whiskey fan to enjoy the Jameson tour. It is truly a unique experience.

10. Trinity College & The Book of Kells

The Trinity campus is breathtaking from the moment you walk through the main gate. Stunning stone buildings surround you and demand respect. The Book of Kells is located on campus and the detail is just incredible in the hand painted designs on its pages. Truly a must see.

11. The Museums

From the museum of archeology to the many art museums throughout the city, there is so much to see and learn. They are all worth making time for.

12. The Architecture

There is so much detail that goes into each building. Each one is different and more magnificent than the last. Such contrast to the houses and office buildings in the States.

13. The History

Just like someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, Ireland wears her history on hers. There are statues around Dublin and the surrounding countryside that memorialize the lives lost in the famine. There are also commemorations to those that fought in the 1916 Easter Rising for the independence of Ireland from England. Their history is still very much alive today and it is cool to see how much the Irish deeply care about and remember their roots.

14. Galway

As the second largest city in Ireland, Galway is similar in its offerings for shopping and food but the coastal town has a more relaxed and slow-paced vibe to it that makes for a wonderful weekend getaway.

15. Temple Bar

15. Temple Bar

Few locals really venture into this neighborhood that, over time, has become the tourist place to be. The atmosphere is vibrant and loud and fun. There are always people spilling into the streets from pubs and restaurants in this area.

16. Grafton St.

A pedestrian street lined with shops and often street musicians with multiple side streets full of restaurants and pubs. It leads from Trinity to St. Stephan's Green and offers a really authentic feeling of Dublin.

17. The Brownstones & Colored Doors

One thing about Dublin that is really unique and interesting is that it is home to the longest row of brownstones in the country and not only on that street but throughout the city, the doors are painted different colors. Originally this is so the husbands who went out drinking would know which home was theirs and not end up in the "wrong bed" but the tradition has since continued.

18. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Truly magnificent views and on a clear day if you look hard enough you can see Scotland in the distance. The rope bridge was originally built by fisherman to get out to a small island where wild salmon would come in. It is no longer used by fishermen but is a totally unique experience to cross it and look out over the turquoise water.