I’ve been well and truly bitten by the travel bug this year since coming home from New York last September. We have so many gorgeous countries and cities on our doorstep, it’s too good of an opportunity to pass up visiting as many as possible. In saying that though, I definitely have a whole new appreciation for Ireland since moving home too.
I genuinely think it took me living abroad for two years to really and truly appreciate how beautiful this country is. Also, prior to moving I was on a college budget and then saving like crazy, so had zero opportunities to experience the hotels we have to offer, and the fabulous restaurants.
Over the last year I have made a big effort to see and experience more of the things that we have to offer here. Some of these things are listed below, but the majority are things that I have yet to do/visit/experience.
So here you have my Irish Bucket List! Bear with me while I make my way through it, there is no specific time I want to complete it by, it’s going to be a work in progress over the next few years. But maybe it will encourage someone else to look around the country before going abroad for their next weekend away.
Locations
West Cork – If you search West Cork on Pinterest, the scenery looks like the best we have to offer in this country. I cannot wait to get there eventually.
Donegal – I have never been to the North (crazy, I know!!!) and Donegal is top of my list for a good reason, it looks beautiful!
Kerry – Dingle, Slea Head, The Skellig Islands…there are so many stunning little places in this county. We visited 3 years ago but didn’t get the weather while we were there unfortunately. It looks incredible in the sun!
Achaill & Aran Islands – I went to the Gaeltacht in Achaill back in the day, but I would love to go back as an adult to properly appreciate it and the Aran Islands.
Experiences
- Weekend of Surfing in Lahinch, Rosses Point or Bundoran
- A Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip
- Visit the Father Ted House in Clare
- Cycle the Waterford Greenway
- The Cliffs of Moher in Clare
- The Giants Causeway in Antrim
- The Dark Hedges in Antrim – I’m a Game of Thrones fan if you didn’t already know!
Hotels
A huge thank you to anyone who sent a recommendation to me in the last week or two when I was enquiring about staycations in Ireland. I’ll need to save every cent to try and visit some of these gorgeous locations over the next few years. Ireland has some of the most incredible hotels!!! We ended up booking Druid’s Glenn in Greystones for a staycation next week and I couldn’t be more excited! Stay tuned for what we think of it…
Here were all of the most highly recommended places by you! I also added in a few more that I had my eye on too…
The Europe – Kilarney, Co. Kerry
Powerscourt – Enniskerry Co. Wicklow
Monart – Enniscorthy Co. Wexford
Sheen Falls Lodge – Kenmare Co. Kerry
Parknasilla – Sneem Co. Kerry
Harvey’s Point – Co. Dongeal
Ashford Castle – Cong Co. Mayo
Adare Manor – Co. Limerick
The Park Kenmare – Co. Kerry
Dromoland Castle – Co. Clare
Finn Lough Bubble Domes – Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh
The Merrion – Dublin City Centre
Cliff House Hotel – Ardmore Co. Waterford
Restaurants
Patrick Guilbaud’s. French fine dining on Merrion Street, Dublin.
Chapter One. Michelin star, Parnell Square, Dublin.
M&L Chinese. Traditional Chinese food on Cathedral Street, Dublin.
Forest Avenue. A stunning looking tasting menu worth trying on Sussex Road, Dublin.
Heron & Grey. Michelin star, Blackrock, Dublin.
Wild Honey Inn. A Michelin star PUB in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare.
The Canteen. Modern food in Celbridge, Co. Kildare. I’ve been here a few times and each time it’s incredible.
The Tannery. Modern Irish food in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. I used to go here regularly as a kid but haven’t been back in years. My parents adore it.
MacNean House & Restaurant. Nevin Maguire’s restaurant in Blacklion, Co. Cavan.
Ballymaloe House. The Allen Family restaurant in Shanagarry, Co. Cork.
If there’s anything major that you think I’m missing, PLEASE let me know!
Hope you enjoyed this,
Niamh x
Instagram @niamh_osullivan // YouTube Niamh O’Sullivan // Facebook Cinnamon Soul // Twitter @niamh_osullivan
