Ireland Recommendations
After having a baby, most people think international travel will be a thing of the past. I'll admit, I was nervous this was true. So, my husband and I decided to rip the band aid off and 'ease' in with car trip around Ireland. Turns out, you can travel to Europe with a baby and still have a grand 'ol time...
County Clare/the Burren - we basically decided to stay here because of a beautiful hotel I found. The Gregans Castle Hotel is a picturesque luxury Irish inn located about 30 min from the Cliffs of Moher and an hour from Galway. The bar is cozy and stocked with Hendicks & Fentiman's tonics and the restaurant has lovely gourmet meals
Galway - definitely not the countryside and definitely not Dublin. Identity crisis? Maybe so. I had a ton of recommendations to see this city (seems to be the current 'it' spot in Ireland) and while I'm glad I did, I'm also glad I only did a day trip. Quay street is very cute and the Quay Street Kitchen fish 'n chips were some of the best of the trip
Cliffs of Moher - you can't go the the west coast of Ireland and not check these off your list. There's a huge parking lot there and you walk from your car over to them. The view is breathtaking. And cold. And windy. Oh, so windy. Put your hood up, check these out for about a half hour, and keep it moving!
Killarney - cute Irish town that was big enough to keep us interested, but sleepy enough that we didn't feel like we were missing out with a babe in tow. Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder has a nice selection of whiskey flights and accompaniments (we added the premium cheese board - delish). The Laurels Pub is authentic and the Shepard's Pie was as good as it gets. Muckross House is basically a tour of a mansion with tidbits of how the uber wealthy Irish lived in the past - very interesting. Don't forget to pick up an Aran Islands sweater
Wicklow Mountains - the main reason for stopping 30 minutes outside of Dublin is the Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection. Incredible grounds, great onsite dining, and impressive spa. Splurge on their one-bedroom suite that comes with a separate living room, wrap around balcony, a dressing room, and a powder room for guests. We'll definitely be back
Bubblin' in Dublin -
The Shelbourne, A Renaissance Hotel - classic, stately, and see and be seen Dublin hotel; centrally located by Grafton Street and St. Stephen's Green, this is worth the splurge. Make sure to check out the Saddle Room for a nice steak or Irish breakfast, as well as the No. 27 Bar and Lounge (packed, festive, and G&Ts all around)
Afternoon Tea at the Westbury Hotel - make it a champagne tea and enjoy lounging in their beautiful lobby area
It's a given, but the Guinness Storehouse is always a must. Have your free pint overlooking the Dublin cityscape on the 7th floor Gravity Bar
We didn't do it this time, but if it's your first time to Dublin, there's a couple other musts:
A traditional Dublin Pub Crawl - one of the worst hangovers I've had, but one of the greatest nights of memories. I feel like it's a right of passage in Dublin. Slainte.
Been to Ireland lately? What are your thoughts?
