Tag: Ireland

• Irish Culture Will Charm Your Socks off

  Posted at 8:00 AM by Brittany, on September 20, 2019

  As some of you know, I took a life changing trip to Ireland a few years ago, which happened to be the catalyst for my current nomadic lifestyle. I haven’t been back to Ireland since, but I would like to visit again soon. In the mean time, I day dream about the charming lifestyle that I found on the Emerald Isle.

  What Makes Ireland So Charming

  Ireland is a gorgeous country full of greenery, friendly people, and is breathtaking all year round. Spring and summer on the Emerald Isle bring lush green grass and Wild Cherry trees in full bloom. In autumn you can take a stroll through the picturesque countryside to admire the changing leaves, and during the winter you can cozy up in some wool outerwear, sip on a steaming cup of tea, and watch the rain come down.

  Let’s take a moment to appreciate that last mental image.

  Many, including myself, love the small country, alas there is more than just landscape that makes Ireland a must see destination. Here are six specific reasons why Ireland is so charming.

  1. Traditional Irish Music

  A trip to Ireland isn’t complete without seeing a live music session, known as a trad sesh, at a pub. As you enjoy a pint or two of Guinness (which isn’t touristy – it really is a local favorite. I even tried a sip when I visited and I don’t drink), you’ll be serenaded by immensely talented and fun musicians playing native instruments, including a bodhrán, Uilleann Pipes, and the fiddle.

  Expect to hear the popular songs “Danny Boy,” “The Rose of Tralee,” and “The Wild Rover” if you stick around long enough. Irish music makes my heart swoon.

  

  2. Pubs

  Speaking of pubs, there are few things cozier than sitting by the fire with a beverage in hand at a local establishment that’s probably been there since before you were born. With their lively music, friendly faces, and often historical vibes, pubs are a quintessential part of Irish culture.

  Before stopping in for a fresh pint (or tea), keep these rules in mind: Tip at least 10%, and buy a round to make new friends if you can afford it.

  3. Local Sports

  The Irish are passionate when it comes to sports, and while I’m not typically a sports fan, it’s hard to deny the Irish culture. If you can handle the crowds and cheering fans, seeing a local football team like the Shamrock Rovers makes for a fun adventure. Although Ireland loves its football and rugby, the country also has other sports that are completely unique, and taken just as seriously.

  Sports like hurling pack stadiums and inspire betting activity on Irish sites just as readily as football and rugby. So even if you don’t know all the rules (me) or have interest in placing a bet yourself, you’re sure to get an interesting cultural experience out of it!

  

  4. Literary Icons

  Ireland has been a home to numerous literary greats. Famous writers native to the country include Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, and Samuel Beckett, to say nothing of some locally famous writers of a more political persuasion. Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, even has his own gothic-inspired, four-day festival during the last week of October. Events there include seances, face-paintings, and Victorian funfair rides.

  You had me at rides and face painting. 

  5. Castles

  More than 1,000 castles can be found throughout the Irish countryside, and most of them are gorgeous – or at least visually fascinating in ruin. Some of the castles, including The Rock of Cashel in Tipperary and Ashford Castle in Mayo, date all the way back to the 13th century (and some sites that are more clusters of ruin than full castles are even older than that). Walking through these stunning, historic properties is like being transported to a different time, and can be an unforgettable experience that very few other countries or destinations can match.

  

  6. Accents

  It may sound strange to locals, but most of us can face the fact: Irish accents are undeniably captivating. In fact, according to a recent poll, which surveyed 5,000 women, the irresistible accent has been deemed the most attractive in the world! A representative of the polling site singled out actor Colin Farrell as the reason so many find the accent to be alluring. “High-profile stars such as Colin Farrell have helped bring the accent more to the fore,” he explained.

  It’s a fun explanation, but truth be told anyone with an Irish accent – not just a Golden Globe winner – sounds extremely charming, and makes for one more reason to visit. I have said many times, an Irish man becomes instantly more attractive the moment he opens his mouth to speak. 

  

  Colin Farrell is alright, but I’m partial to Gerry.

  Ireland is a place that will forever hold a piece of my soul, and I can’t wait to return someday to explore more of the rolling hills and local culture. Until then, I’ll continue to daydream about Irish musicians in ancient pubs. 

  Q: Which of the above six categories resonates most with you? Accents, and castles, and music OHMY!

  

  | 14 Comments Tagged Europe, Ireland

• The Rock of Cashel

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on July 3, 2017

  The final big ticket item of my trip to Ireland was to spend a few hours exploring The Rock of Cashel, located in County Tipperary. The Rock of Cashel, more formally St. Patrick’s Rock, is also known as Cashel of the Kings.

  

  

  Who can see the frowny face?

  County Tipperary is adorable, as are all Irish towns. There is parking near the castle for a price, so we parked about a 12 minute walk away. For free. Walking through the town was more fun anyway. If I had extra room in my bag I’d have stocked up on Irish strawberries and potatoes – the two items I couldn’t imagine tasting as good as they did.

  

  The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most visited sites. “A collection of medieval ecclesiastical buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. The 12th-century round tower is of the oldest surviving building on the Rock.

  The 13th-century Gothic cathedral is a large cruciform Gothic church without aisles built between 1230 and 1270. Also a 15th-century castle and the Hall of the Vicars is the entry point to the ecclesiastical enclosure. The Hall houses the museum where the original Cross of St. Patrick can be found.”

  

  

  I spent all of 15 minutes listening to a guided tour before wandering off on my own to relish in the beauty and detail of all the medieval gravestones. The weather was perfectly sunny with a few puffy clouds, giving the gravestones extra dimension with their shadows.

  

  

  Ireland is a very religious country, and their dedication to preserving these spots of historic significance is inspirational. They see a 5 ft stone wall, remnant of a castle from long ago and they leave it in the middle of an open field.

  In America that “rubble” would be torn down quicker than you can say “supersize me” in order to build another mini mall. Insert eye roll here.

  

  

  The view from the site was gorgeous. Endless green rolling hills. In fact, the hills were so enticing that I failed to notice when, where, and how I ended up with a glob of bird poop on the side of my shirt. And I mean globbb. The cool, wet sensation took some elbow work to scrub off.

  I then wore the same shirt all day. And the next day. Without a proper wash. 

  

  Which one of you flying trolls shat on me…

  From the castle we took a slight detour south to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, for a tour of House of Waterford Crystal. I was neutral to this tour initially, but it turned out to be quite entertaining. There are only 15 guys in this factory that make hundreds of crystal pieces.

  

  This guy has worked in the factory for over 30 years. I got to meet him outside. He was a grand fella.

  

  And just like that, the final two items on our list were complete. We managed to hit every single place we planned, with enough wiggle room for places we didn’t plan. This trip was perfection, and I’m in awe of how much we covered.

  Until next time Ireland, you’ll be in my heart forever. 

  

  Travel Tip: Go to Ireland. The end.

  

  | 36 Comments Tagged Ireland, Rock of Cashel

• Blarney Castle and Gardens

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on June 30, 2017

  Wayyyy back in December, when I started planning my trip to Ireland, one of the first destinations that came to mind was the infamous Blarney Castle. While planning my trip I made sure to pick the brains of a few people that had traveled to Ireland before. As we discussed places to see, the unanimous vote was that Blarney would be OK to skip.

  

  

  Well – I’m glad we didn’t skip. I will say that waiting in line to kiss the Blarney Stone, the rock wall meant to bring the gift of eloquence, was a bit intense. Of all the places we visited, this was the busiest and the line was a bit overwhelming. Alas, you cannot come to Blarney and not kiss the stone.

  Or at least attempt to. 

  

  

  I’ll be honest. My money makers did not quite touch the wall. The process was very assembly line like, and I tried to reach the very bottom (it was much harder than it looked) and then the man helping me pulled me back up. I was flustered and over it, so…I accepted getting “close.”

  Besides, the gardens of “Blarney Castle & Gardens” was waaayyy better. 

  

  

  It felt like there were endless acres of green. The views from the castle were spectacular. Whenever I was asked, “why Ireland” I didn’t have a good answer. My answer was something along the lines of, “the green!” Seeing the hills near Blarney answers this question.

  Now if I’m asked “why Ireland” I’ll just show my photos. 

  

  

  I loved walking the lay of the land, from the poison garden, to the jungle, to the bog garden there were endless places to explore. We also happened to be there on the first day of summer tours for the Blarney House – a mansion built in 1874.

  The mansion is still occupied to this day, and for three months of the year the tenants allow the public to view the interior. 

  

  View of the mansion from the castle.

  

  This was the only day of the trip with “unfortunate weather” and it was raining pretty hard. The rain added to the ambiance of the area, and it actually made the entire experience more magical.

  Only a Seattlite would say such a thing…

  After a full day at Blarney, it was time to head towards Clonmel, our launch pad before heading back to Dublin. It just so happened to be Sam’s birthday, and we were lucky enough to find a delicious place to eat right next to our hotel.

  You’ll never guess what I ordered….

  

  Where to stay: Clonmel Park Hotel, just a little over an hours drive from Blarney. This hotel had a beautiful view, and an amazing breakfast. This hotel gave me my final Irish feast before coming back to reality. It also made me feel pretty fancy.

  Where to eat: Red Herring had amazing service, and even better mushy peas. I think Sam would say they also had a great birthday dessert.

  

  Travel Tip: If you’re renting a car to get around, be aware which nozzle is diesel and if your car requires it. Also, you pump BEFORE you pay. Honor system on point.

  

  | 35 Comments Tagged Blarney Castle, Ireland

• The English Market, Cork

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on June 28, 2017

  After earning our Jedi certifications on Skellig Michael, we set forth to our next destination of Cork. Our time in Cork was very short, just a pit stop to rest our souls. Below you will see the out lined map of our journey thus far.

  It’s a rough sketch.

  

  We stayed in Hotels (instead of B&B’s) the remainder of our trip, and Cork was the first hotel of the trip. It was hard not waking up to someone making me breakfast, but Cork was a good place to have my heart broken by lack of food because The English Market was just around the river bend.

  

  We stayed at the Ambassador Hotel, which was OK. The staff was amazingly friendly though, and they had water at the front desk with the most amazing strawberries floating in it. I’ll never look at water the same.

  

  From the hotel to the market was about a 20 minute walk. The goal for the morning in Cork was to find some local coffee, and a scone (at the market.) I stopped into Cork Coffee Roasters, because I suppose with a name like that you can expect local coffee. I’m glad the coffee was good, because the service was not.

  Womp. 

  

  

  The English Market is Ireland’s most famous covered food market, and it reminded me so much of the West Side Market in Cleveland, Ohio. You can’t get any more fresh and local than a market like this, and although the endless rows of raw meat and fish heads were calling to me (joke) I had my heart set on doughy, carby goodness.

  

  

  I made myself sick off one of those hockey pucks in the bottom right corner. Or maybe it was because I ate mine, and half of my friends. Whoops. Either way, it was amazing and I paid like 90 cent for this. WHAT EVEN!?

  In America that scone would have been $3…easy.

  We spent less than 24 hours in Cork, but it was more than enough. The city is like a much smaller, pocket sized version of Dublin. A quick pass through is all you need (in my opinion.) Cork was the perfect launching pad for us because our next “big ticket” destination was Blarney Castle.

  Stay tuned for the next post to see if I received the gift of eloquence.  

  

  Thanks for the cheap scones, Cork. ❤

  Travel Tip: Find the destinations you want to visit, and then plan your accommodations in areas before the actual destination. This allows you to see other places you wouldn’t have normally seen, and helps to break up the travel times. 

  

  | 34 Comments Tagged Ireland, Market, Scones

• The Ring of Kerry

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on June 26, 2017

  “To holiday in Kerry and not explore the Ring of Kerry is like visiting Ireland and not trying a pint of Guinness: there’s just something missing.” – I would have to agree with this, and would even take it a bit further by saying to visit Ireland in general and not visit the Ring of Kerry is wrong, so very wrong.

  

  Never in my life have I driven a more beautiful road. “It’s a road that takes you through 10,000 years of dramatic history. It’s a road that takes you from deep forest to the crashing waters of the wild Atlantic. It’s a road through rugged, majestic landscapes: where wild stag roam and where tumbling waterfalls crash into crystal streams teeming with wild salmon.”

  

  

  We drove the first half of this route as we headed towards our B&B (where we would stay before visiting Skellig Michael), and upon leaving to head towards Cork we drove the other half. This route can be driven all at once of course, but we stopped for a night in between.

  

  

  The road is a 179km circular route around the South Western peninsula of County Kerry with castles, parks, and other attractions along the way. We were able to visit Portmagee, the Skellig Islands, Ross Castle, and drove through Killarney National Park.

  

  

  

  Ross Castle

  

  To describe this route in words or photos is nearly impossible, this is something you must experience in real life. Around each corner is a view more beautiful than the last. If that wasn’t enough, there are sheep.

  Everywhere. 

  

  

  

  The route took us from the heart of Kerry to our next destination of Cork. As the driver, I found it was difficult at times to focus on the road. I had to pull over a few times to snap these photos, and to soak it all in. There are plenty of pull out spots for drivers to stop and savor.

  

  We went counter clockwise on the route, because that’s what coincided with our destinations, but also because we wanted to avoid coming head on with any tour buses. Fortunately we didn’t see a single bus, and overall the road was mostly desolate.

  We gave ourselves a few hours to travel at leisure, and this turned into my favorite drive of the trip. If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is a spot you cannot miss. There are plenty of shops along the way for a snack or a souvenir. We stopped at a few, my favorite being Avoca.

  The view from the parking lot of this shop was enough to get me to stop.

  

  

  I can still see the green rolling hills and smell the sheep. I was driving in my home state a few days ago and was driving behind a truck with multiple bales of hay. The smell immediately took me back to this day, it is a forever memory I will associate with the smell of farm land.

  I’ve never loved the smell of animals more. 

  

  Travel Tip: Visit Ireland at the end of May/ early June to avoid the masses. This is still early enough in the travel season to not be overwhelmed by tourists, but late enough you can still experience decent weather. 

  

  | 27 Comments Tagged Ireland, Ring of Kerry

• Skellig Micheal

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on June 23, 2017

  Just under two years ago I accompanied the masses and spent my afternoon at the movies to watch The Force Awakens. Twice. I confess, before 2015 I hadn’t watched all the Star Wars movies back to back, and could hardly remember the older ones.

  I decided it was time to become one with the force. 

  

  

  Along with finally jumping on board the Millennium Falcon with the rest of the world, I added another location to my list of “must see’s.” Similar to when I first saw the Cliffs of Moher in an online photograph, I saw an island in the final scene of The Force Awakens that stole a part of my soul.

  Also similar to the Cliffs of Moher I had no idea where this island was.

  

  

  It just so happened, that this island was located off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry, you know…in Ireland. The place I was planning to go. The islands were identified, and became a “must see” for our trip. This adventure didn’t come easy though, it took months for us to secure a spot. Thanks to Star Wars this island has become very popular.

  Plus, the place is covered in puffins. PUFFINS.

  

  

  

  

  Stepping foot onto Skellig Michael was like stepping into a time machine. I went with the hopes of walking where Luke Skywalker walked, but left with so much more. Before Star Wars was even a flicker in George Lucas’s eye, this island was occupied by monks dating back between the sixth and eighth century.

  Their monastery still stands. 

  

  

  I was blown away by the history. The monks began a life on this island and built their huts by chipping away at the rocks on the cliffs. They received a few big ticket items from the mainlands, but lived almost completely off the gardens they built on the island.

  The huts are still completely in tact.

  

  

  

  

  Getting to the monastery requires a trek up over 600 steps, but with the surrounding views it almost feels like a walk in the park. Almost. The climb went quick, shout out to the Washington mountains I frequent that made these steps feel like just another hike.

  

  

  

  The boat ride to the island left at 9am and took about 50 minutes. There are no bathrooms on the island, so plan accordingly. Our captain advised us when to be back to the boat for our departure back to the mainland, and then we were on our own for about three hours.

  I loaded up with Irish pancakes to keep me full. They fueled me for over six hours. 

  

  

  

  

  It’s places like this that put perspective to just how large this world is. Here I was, thousands of miles from home, stepping foot onto a large part of Irish history. It was monumental, and I’ll never forget it.

  

  Who see’s the dinosaur?

  

  

  

  After hours of exploration, we made our way back to the boat for our trek to the mainland, but not before one last stop. Our captain took us to “Little Skellig,” just around the corner from Skellig Michael. We didn’t get off the boat, as this island is home to the largest bird colony in Ireland.

  

  The bird colonies includes the illusive Gannet. You couldn’t pay me to go on that island.  

  

  

  Little Skellig on the left, Skellig Michael in the background.

  Where to stay: About 15 minutes away from the Portmagee Marina, sits an adorable B&B called The Klondyke House. The breakfast was great, and the room was adorable. Very easy drive from here to the marina.

  Where to eat: There are plenty of options in the town just down the road from Klondyke House. We chose The Lobster Bar and Grill. The service was phenomenal.

  Portmagee is an adorable town, even if you don’t make the trek to Skellig, it’s a must see.

  

  Travel Tip: Specifically in regards to Skellig Michael, if you’re unable to book a spot, still show up. It’s said that if you get there early enough and there is a no show you can snag their spot.

  

  | 42 Comments Tagged Ireland, Skellig Michael

• Cliffs of Moher

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on June 21, 2017

  A handful of years ago I was minding my own business online, probably checking my Myspace or sending an IM through AIM, when I stumbled across a photo of these green winding cliffs. The image was immediately burned into my mind.

  

  

  Having no idea where the cliffs were located, I tucked the image into the back of my mind to be revisited at a later date. For years I would revisit this memory every so often telling myself, “one day I will go there.” I eventually discovered where the cliffs were located, but it would be another few years before I finally got to visit.

  

  Dream became a reality as I stepped foot onto the Cliffs of Moher, and the memories of the internet image have forever been replaced by the images of seeing these cliffs in real time.

  

  There are some places that no matter how touristy they are, you must visit. This is one of them – another beautiful example of mother nature at her best. A natural wonder for all to see. If you want to play it safe you can view the cliffs from a safe zone, but for brave souls you can venture past this zone and walk to the edge of the cliffs.

  Disclaimer: I do not advise you walk right to the edge.

  

  RIP Kenny. Be careful everyone. 

  The path goes two separate ways, and I recommend going both ways. Even if just for a bit. The central hub is marked by a castle, because why not? You can pay a tiny price to walk up the stairs to get a view from the top of the castle, but I don’t think it was worth it. The views you encounter from the walk is more than enough.

  

  

  The further away from the castle you get when going to the left, the better the view of the cliffs become. My copilot got to see me in my element, taking photos of the same spot from slightly different angles. She was a trooper. ❤

  

  

  

  

  I just couldn’t help it. I was enamored. I was here. I had made it to the location I dreamed of for years. Plus, there were cows. Everywhere. Grazing on grass – go figure. A fellow American walked by a handful of people snapping photos of the cows (myself included) and made a snarky remark.

  Him: “What, you guys have never seen a cow before?”

  Me: “Not one that eats grass instead of being pumped with bullsh(%#* hormones.”

  I was a little sassy.

  

  

  

  We were blessed with amazing weather, but it was quite windy. Bring a jacket, or a scarf.

  

  The drive from Galway to the cliffs was around 50 miles. From the cliffs we were to head another 150 miles to our evening destination. This was the longest day of driving (just under 6 hours) we had done yet, but the break in the middle spent at the cliffs was perfect.

  I drove the final 150 miles to Waterville (our destination for the evening) with a head full of new memories, and a soul full of life. This is what life is all about, living, exploring, and replacing thoughts of what you think something will be like with the real deal.

  

  Travel Tip: Find an image of something that speaks to your soul. Print it, make it your desktop background, and don’t stop looking at it until you see it in person.  

  

  | 49 Comments Tagged Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

• The Latin Quarter, Galway

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on June 19, 2017

  Galway. Oh Galway. Multiple songs have been written referencing this quaint Irish town, and when you visit the cobblestone streets you understand why. The city is on the coast, with long stretches of beach. I’m not a beach fan usually, but even the beaches in Ireland are unique.

  The real attraction in this town is known as The Latin Quarter, where Galway comes alive. With shops and restaurants around every corner you’ll want to spend an entire day here. And that’s just what we did.

  

  

  Where to stay: Abbeylee B&B. The hosts of this B&B were wonderful. The bedrooms were clean and felt like home. And the breakfast. Yup. The location was perfect, just a 35 minute walk to The Latin Quarter.

  We stayed here two nights, and I met the most adorable American couple that was on their honeymoon. We became instant friends. Have I mentioned how much I love traveling? Those that travel have unique spirits, and it’s easy to make new friends this way.

  

  

  With a belly full of a traditional Irish breakfast, we took the beach path to the heart of the city. Walking into the entrance of The Latin Quarter is something I cannot put into words. Any thoughts, worries, or unpleasant emotions are quickly erased and replaced by feelings of joy, excitement, and enthrallment.

  Not that I was worried or upset at all on this trip, but you get the idea. 

  

  

  I can still hear the sounds reverberating off the stone walls. Musicians played everywhere you turned. Galway made you feel like nothing was impossible, that as long as you believed it, you could be whoever you wanted.

  Spoiler alert: this is actually how life works, we just get so caught up in thinking we “can’t” and where our minds go, we follow. 

  

  

  It was here in Galway we had planned to spend an evening at a local pub to be serenaded by the sounds of the locals. It was here I decided I wasn’t living my life the way I wanted. It was here I fell so deeply in love with a culture that was not my own, but that I longed to be a part of.

  It was here that I gave myself a permanent reminder of my first trip abroad, a trip that broke my soul and rebuilt it into something new.

  

  

  Our tattoo artists name was Charlie, and he was equal parts rigid as he was sweet. His lady friend worked alongside him and she had a strong resemblance to Anne Heche in Six Days, Seven Nights.

  They were adorable, and not in the sickly kind of way. 

  The original plan was to get a four leaf clover. Because we’re basic. Alas, Anne Heche schooled us on Irish culture and advised the clover was not native to Ireland, but the shamrock was. So shamrock it was. I didn’t even need a Guinness before being inked.

  

  

  Thanks Charlie, I hope you and Anne Heche live happily ever after. 

  Where to eat: The Kings Head is the oldest pub in the area, racking up over 800 years of existence. We ate lunch here and also spent the final stretch of our day here listening to local Irish men sing American songs. Go figure. I’ll never hear Ring of Fire the same again.

  Nothing like grown men referencing explosive diarrhea through a Johnny Cash song.

  

  

  I was on a mission to find the best mushy peas in Ireland.

  Fat Freddy’s Restaurant -I didn’t come to Ireland planning to find good pizza, but I assure you I found it. As always, potatoes as a topping is a must.

  

  

  

  Murphy’s Ice Cream – I can’t remember the last time I had “real” ice cream, but #wheninGalway. In all honesty this was a bit much for me, and I realized I might have been going a wee far with eating all the things I typically avoid, but for the sake of transparency I’ll share it.

  What sold me was the fact that they hand make the ice cream nearby, and one of the flavors showcases sea salt from the Dingle peninsula. When you can see the cows roaming free and grazing on grass it makes the decision of taking a lick much easier. Alas I’m becoming an expert at the whole, “listen to your body” concept.

  Body said no mas ice cream.

  

  Sitting in this city, surrounded by people from all over the world I felt at peace. These are the moments and memories that stick with you forever. Besides, even if I tried to forget I’m reminded every time I put on socks and see my tattoo.

  I smile every time.

  

  Travel Tip: When wandering a larger city (think Dublin, Galway, Cork) go into a pub if you need to use the toilet. Otherwise you will likely be charged around 20 cent. 

  

  | 48 Comments Tagged Galway, Ireland, The Latin Quarter, Vacation

• Ashford Castle

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on June 16, 2017

  Have you ever wondered if the castles from Disney movies were real? I’m here to tell you they are, and I know where you can find one. BUT FIRST – the drive from Northern Ireland to Galway. We departed our farm house B&B and headed south east.

  

  

  The final destination would be Galway, but before checking in for the night we were to have tea at Ashford Castle. Oh yeah, put your pinky’s out. The drive was around 220 miles total, and would be the first of a few “longer treks.”

  It was on this drive I was introduced to Bewley’s and when I decided Ireland was going to steal a large part of my soul.

  If the gas station coffee is better than most “real” coffee shops, you’re home. 

  

  The drive was long because of distance, and long because we stopped a few times along the way, but in the grand scheme the distance between most anything in Ireland is similar to a day trip to the mountains for me.

  You know, minus the whole random castle on the way there thing.

  

  

  Ashford was not at the top of my list to visit, when looking at the website it was much too bougie looking for my “I rarely wash my hair and don’t wear deodorant” lifestyle. Plus the castle is rented out as a hotel for up to $4000 a night – HARD PASS.

  Alas, I was open to visiting because compatible travel partners compromise for each other, like when I wanted to walk to the end of the Cliffs of Moher. More on that later. With all that said, this was one of the highlights of the entire trip for me.

  Just goes to show you can NEVER judge a book by its cover. Or by its size. 

  

  The outer grounds of the castle are never ending. Miles and miles of exploration. I still can’t justify that nightly price tag, but I can spend 40 euro for some kick ass tea and tiny sandwiches on fine china. Are your pinky’s up yet?

  

  

  

  

  Our waiter was French, and so unbelievably sweet. He even tried to be modest with his shock when he saw how quickly we consumed our food. I think he thought we were joking when we initially asked if there was another tray of food coming.

  #Americans. 

  

  

  

  

  

  The top two and bottom left photo were split between the two of us, the scones were all mine. The plates came out on a three tiered display, and the scones came a short while later. Initially the amount of food didn’t look like much, but I left Ashford in euphoric pain.

  It’s a good thing they have so many acres, because I needed a walk before driving the rest of the way to Galway. 

  

  

  The castle was once home to the famous Guinness family, and according to one of the castles many employees, it was later used as a “party house” for the royal families. Must be nice to have a castle of this size as your getaway home.

  

  If you want to experience royalty, but would rather spend your euros on gas station coffee and deep fried Irish grown potatoes, skip sleeping here and just go for the afternoon tea. It was worth every euro cent.

  

  Americans – we might eat a lot, but we also tip well.

  Travel Tip: Budget extra time in your schedule for unplanned stops. Some of the best sights are unplanned.

  

  | 36 Comments Tagged Ashford Castle, Castle, Ireland, Tea

• Causeway Coastal Route, N. Ireland

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on June 14, 2017

  We said our goodbyes to Dublin, and headed to HERTZ to pick up our rental car. This was the moment of truth, just how bizarre was it going to feel flipping my driving muscle memory? Renting a car allows for freedom you cannot get when on someone else’s schedule.

  

  I’d say it only took me the entire first day to become comfortable with the driving situation. My copilot might tell you otherwise, but I successfully drove the entire trip and dare I say miss driving opposite?

  From Dublin we were to head north for a few days, starting in Belfast and settling down for two nights at Glendona House – the B&B that would forever change my views on quality food, and allowing someone else to make my breakfast.
  

  I was sold on staying in bed and breakfasts because I wanted to meet locals. The hosts of this house were so kind, and the food was delicious. The house was in the heart of the country, you can’t get much more Ireland than this.  There were horses, and pigs, and cows, OH MY.

  The real selling point though? The swings. 

  

  

  

  Our plans for Northern Ireland were to visit a few of the destinations on the Causeway Coastal Route. In writing this post I’ve discovered there are so many stops, which just means I need to go back. I will highlight the Six that we visited.

  Belfast

  I recommend starting the route in Belfast. There are a few ticket items you can do here, but the big kahuna, and the reason we went was to visit the Titanic Exhibit. I am a history novice, and had no idea that the Titanic was built in Belfast. Learning more about the process of this historical ship was surreal.

  Not to mention looking at the exact spot that it was built and sent off? Yes. 

  

  The building was meant to replicate the actual size of the ship. Woof.

  

  The exact location the Titanic was built, and sent off. Surreal.

  Dunluce Castle

  Because a historical castle the size of a small town on the edge of the coast? Done. Plus the drive there was full of green rolling hills. With cows.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Giants Causeway

  Unique rock formations, 100% nature made. With large green cliffs. Must I continue?

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge

  Built to assist fisherman in catching Atlantic salmon many moons ago, this rickety rope bridge is open to the public for brave souls to walk across. It’s only a 100ft drop. No big deal. Oh, and the walk to the bridge? Breathtaking.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  The Dark Hedges

  Any Game of Thrones fans out there? These trees were so legit. Plus per usual – the drive there was full of sheep and greeeeeen.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Caves of Cushendun

  Another GOT filming location, I’m glad my copilot Sam is a fan of the show. Regardless of if you watch the show (I do not), the caves were cool and the town was cute. Cushendun even has a town goat. Like a pet. Because, why not?

  

  

  

  

  When nature calls….top two coolest places I’ve ever…yea.

  Aside from the Titanic Exhibit which we visited on the drive into N. Ireland, we were able to hit the other five locations in one fell swoop. We planned a driving loop in the order listed above – it was perfect. Needless to say we were pretty hungry by the end of this day.

  It was here, in Northern Ireland, that I had the best fish and chips of my life. And of the trip. I warned you all, I ate EVERYTHING. I went plant based for ethical reasons, but in Europe the standards are much different. I’m also rewiring my brain after a two year journey of disordered eating.

  If you’re interested in hearing more about my views on ethical agriculture in Europe and why I chose to partake in foods I wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot pole in the states, I’ll be sharing more in future posts. No this is not my new norm, but in Europe I made a conscious decision to eat it all. 🙂

  

  Mushy peas both sound and look like something you’d find in an infants diaper, but I assure you the taste is astronomical. Who’da thunk it. This plate of finesse was found at Harry’s Licensed Restaurant. Worth the wait, I can still taste the quality.

  Travel Tip: When given the option of GPS or WiFi for your rental car, choose GPS. WiFi doesn’t work in all county’s. We chose WiFi, were not told it didn’t work up north, and momentarily panicked when we had no idea where we were (yes we had a real life map, but we’re also millennials.) HERTZ to the rescue with a complimentary GPS. So we had both. Still, get the GPS.

  

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• BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalist "granola" striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long hikes, strong relationships, exploration, lots of broccoli, and laughing like it's my J.O.B. Currently living and working in Germany, join me on my adventures abroad!
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