Ahh, Home Sweet Home--Ireland! Little Fun Fact, I was married in Ireland. Why? Well. My mother is 100% Irish, First Generation born in the U.S. Oh, and it's one of the most picturesque places in the world!

On my wedding day, started pouring some pints

My grandmother's side of the family is from Malin Head, Donegal. Maiden name: Farren. My Grandfather's side is from Castlerea, Roscommon; his last name was Grady. Before I started dating Scottie, he would pretend we would get married someday and I would say.. well you better plan on marrying me back in my homeland: Ireland. And that is exactly what happened. Originally, I wanted to get married in Donegal, but we later decided on Lahinch in Co. Clare.

I have yet to be back to the Ireland since 2013, but we have been planning a trip to see my family up north in Donegal then head down to Galway: The most Irish city in the country. ie. Friendliest city in the world.

Planning this trip I started with google maps. Why? Well for me, I like to visualize the country and see what is going to be the route I take and the cities it will take me through. This also helps with narrowing down hotels on the route selected.

Itinerary: 8 Nights, 8.5 days! Destinations wanting to stay in: Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Lahinch, Roscommon. Everything else is gravy!

Knowing we want to head up north to Malin Head, Donegal and see a new part of the country and we want to end in the West: We are going to Fly into Dublin and out of Shannon.

The plan is to take an overnight flight on a Friday, land early Saturday in Dublin (recover for a few hours..after a few pints i'm sure.) Head out Saturday night to see Dublin: Temple Bar, then Sunday head north to co. Donegal. I would prefer to get the majority of driving out of the way day 1.

Now, the reason I'm choosing to drive from Dublin, instead of Shannon, is because I want to the see the most of the country I can. So, instead of back stepping through the same route, I'm planning on driving north through Northern Ireland then drive south on the western coast on the back half of the trip.

My family owns a bar that is the most northernly Irish bar since 1825: Farren's Bar. This bar is in Malin Head, co. Donegal, where you can see dolphins off the pier. I am planning on meeting my family and hearing stories of my grandmother.

Farren's Bar, co. Donegal, Ireland's Most Northernly Bar, est 1825

The plan is to spend a few days in co. Donegal; It is a very large co. so being able to see both northern and western Donegal will take a few days. "Up here it is different" which is said to be entirely true about Donegal, also known as the Wild Child County. Known for it's rugged weather, beautiful coastline, and castles. Donegal is also referred to as the forgotten county--but one of the most beautiful.

The next segment of the trip will be heading down the western coast-making a stop in Castlerea, Roscommon and tracking down the Grady Family. My grandfather grew up on a farm, which is quite ironic as I am afraid of horses. He would say, you must respect them, and NEVER walk behind them. The plan is to stop by on our way to Galway and try to find the "Grady Clan." If you know them, do tell!

We are planning on spending a few days in Galway and potentially a day salmon fishing. Galway is known as the most Irish county in the country, and ranked as the top friendliest city in the world. Galway is centrally located, and therefore we are planning to spend 3 nights here and take day trips to explore.

We are planning on spending the last night of the trip in Lahinch, our wedding spot, at the Moy House. Lahinch is a surfing town, located 15 minutes away from the Cliffs of Moher. I highly recommend staying at this B&B if you are going to be in co. Clare. The restaurant is also the best food I've ever eaten in Ireland.

Other stops I'm planning to make:

Salmon Fishing
Temple Bar
Walking the western coastline
Town of Adare
Northern Ireland
Castles
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING that looks interesting!

What to Do if your are in the west: You CANNOT miss out on the Cliffs of Moher. If you are afraid of heights, I recommend taking the boat tour that leaves from Doolin. Doolin is a great town with a great pub. If you have time, I would recommend seeing the Cliffs from both angles-it's a photographer's dream.

First Time to Ireland: I recommend flying to Dublin, spending a day (maybe 2) then drive west. There are a few towns to stop and grab lunch along the way. But once in the west, you have the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, and many other highlights. I find the Irish countryside to be what you have mentally pictured Ireland being like. You will never find a friendlier place.

If you go to the west, I recommend staying at the Coolclogher House in the outskirts of Killarney town. This was a spot we almost got married in. It's beyond gorgeous.

The best advice I can give for Ireland, is to set destinations that you really want to see and don't over plan. Ireland is the type of country where you make pit stops, find quaint pubs or towns and check them out. Ireland is all about the adventure.

Life is about the Adventure, Farren's Bar

How I find hotels in Ireland: Hidden Ireland, Ireland's Blue Book, Conde nast Traveler, and Travel & Leisure. If there is a pricier hotel on my wish list, I tend to try and find a less expensive one for a few other nights to balance out the cost. i.e. There is definitely a castle in Donegal, I'm planning on booking!

The Breakdown of the hotel selection:

Now, if you are traveling with a small group of friends, you may decide Ireland is more of a B&B type of country (which it is) so I would probably suggest that. But, if you feel more comfortable mapping out lodging prior to travel this is how I went about planning!

Dublin: We are actually cheating a bit...we are going to use points through IHG: Intercontinental the first night, which I always recommend doing if it can save some money, and of course, if its a nice hotel. The Intercontinental is the old Four Seasons, so we are not afraid of the quality. Plus, its not costing us a thing (except a few points.)

Other places to stay:

The Fitzwilliam Hotel: In the heart of the city.

The Merrion Hotel: I stayed here the first visit to Dublin and it was impeccable. There is a courtyard in the middle of the hotel, which is lovely, and a cave bar which is generally still rockin' when you make it back at 4am from Temple Bar.

Next Stop, Donegal: The drive from Dublin to co. Donegal is 3hours and 15mins... now Donegal is a large area, so I needed to pull up a list of hotels from Hidden Ireland and Ireland's Blue Book. Once, I notice a few hotels mentioned several times, I price compare and place them on a map: This helps with the convenience factor.

Back when I was planning my wedding, I came across a castle in Donegal--now, I decided not to get married here, but have never forgotten the Lough Eske Castle. Here is the dilemma: it's 1hour and 46 minutes from Malin Head (where my family is.) So, I need to decide, will we stay here one night and a B&B the other nights?

Donegal is a larger county; therefore, we came to the conclusion it will take 2-3 days to really see the land. Which works to my benefit, we will spend a night in Malin Head and the other two nights in my new castle!

Other Hotel Suggestions:

Harvey's Point
Rathmullan House
Frewin Ramelton
Bruckless House

Next Stop, Galway:

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel: Ok, so obviously this one seems too good to be true, right?! This castle dates back to 1752 and overlooks a salmon fishery... which, coincidentally is an activity we want to try. We will have to check the price and location relative to town.. but Ah! I like.

The G, Galway: Chic, contemporary hotel set 6 minutes away from Quay Street in Galway.

Rosleague Manor: Georgian style house overlooking Ballinakill Bay.

Currarevagh House: Victorian Country Manor located on the shores of Lough Corrib. Also offers fishing packages.

Now there are obviously more hotels, but I have been going off suggestions from Hidden Ireland and Ireland's Blue Book. I generally like Boutique hotels in cities, and Manors or B&Bs in the countryside. As you can see, all of my choices seem pretty great, so my next step will be looking at location. Hopefully, I can nail down a hotel in the next week. When I return from the trip, mid May, I will be sure to have more answers.

Map of the four hotels; the city centre being the red flag. — Map of the four hotels; the city centre being the red flag.

Last Stop, Moy House, co. Clare: As mentioned, we will be spending the last days and night in our wedding room suite. I CANNOT WAIT! There is a ton to do in Lahinch-including surfing! Which I have done here. Below is a photo from the Moy House, of my best friend Chelsea and I goofing off--instead of handling last minuted wedding plans. Because-there are no worries in Ireland, go with the flow.

What to pack: Comfortable flat or boots, a sweater and some layers, waterproof jacket, jeans or slacks, and a CAMERA!

My go-to outfit in Ireland, this photo taken in Doolin

A few extra tips: if you are renting a car, do so on the earlier side to ensure an automatic. It's hard enough to drive on the opposite side of the road, let alone with a stick shift. Make sure to meet as many new faces as you can, don't over plan, and take a billion and a half photos. They will be the memories you hold for a lifetime.

If you want to know specifics about something not listed, please message me and I will be happy to answer. I am constantly researching trips and adding more details. For my past trips, please check out my website: www.travali-lux.com you will find information under destinations and upcoming trips.

Now, If Ireland isn't on your list, but you would like a similar experience in the states, I recommend Block Island, RI. In the next few days, I will post a blog about Block Island before you start planning your summer getaways.

Until Next Time, Sláinte!

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