The Perfect Maine Getaway To Take If You Have Been Dreaming Of Ireland
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published February 27, 2024
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
My partner and I were lucky enough to visit Ireland last summer to attend a family member’s wedding, and boy, oh boy, has the beauty of the Irish coastline stayed with both of us. Unfortunately, flights these days are expensive, so we’ve had to get creative with how we get our fix of Ireland’s endless charm. That’s why I recommend visiting Camden for a weekend getaway in Maine. Particularly off-season, this breathtaking community is an excellent dupe for the Irish coast.
Though the inland landscape is decidedly different, looking far more pastoral than rugged, you can't deny that communities like Lahinch, Ireland (pictured below) share something in common with Mainer fishing towns.
This influence could be thanks to the surfeit of Irish immigrants who traveled to Maine in the 1800s, bringing with them an aesthetic sensibility that would become imprinted on our state's coastline.
With its narrow streets and antique charm, Camden has a lot in common with the seaside Irish towns I visited.
Like those villages across the pond, Camden's identity has been entirely wrapped up in the ocean since its founding in the 1700s.
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Even Camden's popularity as a summertime destination mirrors Ireland's fishing towns, which often strain to accommodate the annual influx of seasonal tourists.
Worried about not getting the optimal weather? In truth, Ireland isn't exactly known for its sunny days. A little rain and mist will only make your Irish vacation dupe more authentic.
In it's snug downtown, you can spend hours popping in and out of quaint local shops. Save room to try several of Camden's restaurants, many of which occupy the town's historic buildings.
There's no denying that most of Ireland's seaside towns are far older than Camden, Maine, imbuing them with a sense of atmosphere that can't be replicated except through the passage of time. However, Camden is still a community that's rich in history. Local spots like The Harbor Park and Amphitheatre evoke the character found in European city parks.
Are you longing for the coasts of Ireland? Take a weekend getaway in Maine to Camden. Particularly during the off-season, this picturesque town oozes the same charm as Irish seaside villages.
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