BLARNEY CASTLE & GARDENS | IE | Ireland Series Finale

Blarney Castle is home to the famous Blarney Stone that is said to hold magical powers to give traveller a gift: The Gift of the Gab. Legend has it that those who kiss this magical stone will be able to talk anyone's ear off.

Now, you don't have to kiss that stone if you don't want to - and note, you're upside down if you do choose to kiss the stone - but getting in line to kiss the stone is the fastest route through the castle. If stairs are not your thing, don't stress, the Castle's internal courtyard is still a great view point of the magnitude of the castle.

Outside has not one, not two, but twelve different types of gardens that surround the castle. All unique in their own way, the gardens offer both historical information as well as excellent natural scenery. Although I am not a green thumb, I do enjoy a great garden. We saw many castles throughout the tour, Blarney stands out due to it's legendary stone and its beautiful gardens. 

Go see it!

sL xxx

CLIFFS OF MOHER | IE | Ireland Series

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is a west-coast trail that stretches from Ireland's north to south. Ireland's best costal views and mountain ranges dazzle along this tourism trail. We started from Donegal's beautiful peninsula and costal town to the iconic Cliffs of Moher then towards Skellig Michael, best known as a Star Wars location.

But I want to focus on the famous cliffs.

The Cliffs of Moher are breath taking and their view of the Atlantic Ocean is just as stunning. I know my photo does not do the site any favours, but it's clear that even on a day that's slightly overcast, these cliffs are still majestic and enigmatic. Standing close to the edge gets your heart racing and the wind reminds you to stay within the fenced areas. Nevertheless, the cliff's edge is one you need to have a selfie on and "with," hahaha! (Disclaimer: If you visit and it's a very windy day, do not be brave, your life is more valuable than your IG story or post.)

The Wild Atlantic Way is another wonder on its own, but you must stop at the Cliffs of Moher. They are a must on any Irish Tours.

Until next time,

sL xxx

INIS MÓR | IE | Ireland Series

Inis Mór, aka. Inishmore, is the largest of the Aran Islands. To get to the Aran Islands you need to catch a ferry from a port just outside of Galway. Inis Mór features beautiful farmlands that retain their ancient stonewalls and house many grazing farm animals. Some locals speak Gaeilic (Irish), but most people closer to the port are friendly and will help if you have any inquiries.

Everyone who visits needs to either hire some bicycles and cycle through the island to see the incredible sites where acres of green meet skies of blue. If physical exercise in not your thing, then there are bus tours that will take you through the entire island. There's also a local Tesco and pub just a few minutes from the port if you want some snacks or a feed before or after your tour.

I highly recommend cycling through the island; let the wind blow through your hair and immerse yourself in the calendar-like scenery. I also recommend having a great picnic with a charcuterie platter! Either way, it's a great break from city walls.

If you're ever in Galway, and if the whether permits it, take a ferry to Inis Mór and spend the day there, a day is really all you need.

Until next time,

sL xxx

GALWAY | IE | Ireland Series

Galway is another city that I enjoyed walking through during my visit to Ireland.

My experience is pretty much summed up with on video:

Minus the dart-throwing escapade and tattoo-getting spontaneity, the pub crawl and street browsing was pretty accurate. It's a lovely city that feels more homey than most other cities. There's a strong sense of community that oozes through the city centre.

It's very easy to walk through and Grafton Street is a must. It's not just a shopaholic's dream, it's also a foodie's haven its smorgasbord of dishes from all over the world. (Note: there is a lot in a small amount of space, so be prepared for heaps of fellow tourists.)

Pub-crawls are a must here. Don't fret, all the pubs are close to each other, so it's a safe trip from one pub to the next. Like all good pub-crawls, you have a guide who will buy your shots for you and get you from one pub to the next. If drinking is not your thing then just go for the music. Each pub offers a variety of live performances from local artists and you will always have a unique experience.

I'm definitely going to visit Galway again.

sL xxx

DUBLIN | IE | Ireland Series Pilot

Now for those of you who follow me on Instagram you would have joined me across my 5-day tour of Ireland. I wish I had done the 7-day tour, but alas life got in the way...as per usual.

Enjoying my trip around Ireland is an understatement. I LOVED IT. The scenery was something out of a book and the history is so rich you're practically walking in and amongst it. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start at the heart of Ireland: Dublin.

Dublin is the Capital City of Ireland. Much like many cities, it is filled with commercial buildings, some skyscrapers and shopping districts. In true European fashion, its authentic architectures wrap around museums, pubs and - of course - churches. Writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce have been immortalised through plaques, marble bust or sculptures in local parks and gardens. 

I visited two museums while I was in Dublin:

• The Little Museum of Dublin - one thing you must know is that the Irish are proud of all of their accomplishments no matter how big or small - and so they should! This Museum houses many fun-facts and trivia-worthy items. I recommend going as a fun starting point to get your head around the modern history of Ireland.
• Leprechaun Museum - if you're more into folklore, this museum is up your ally. Kids will love this interactive museum. The staff are very energetic and full of stories that will entertain you for days. 

For literary nerds, must sees are:

• Trinity College - there are guided tours available when you visit.
• Oscar Wilde's sculpture and house - they're literally across the street from each other.
• James Joyce's marble bust - it is missable so keep your eyes peeled!
• Dublinia - a museum that showcases Dublin during the Viking and Medieval era.
• Literary Museum - it's opening this year!
• There are regular literary pub-crawls too!

In all honesty, all you need to do is walk around and you'll find picturesque buildings and beautiful parks. There are walking tours that you can book if you want to acquaint yourself with the city before you roam around on your own.  I loved spending extra time just browsing through the city. It felt like home away from home.

Until next time,

sL xxx