TRAVEL GUIDE- IRELAND
As some of you may or may not know we are half Irish and half Mexican! We've visited both countries several times and have fallen in love with the culture of each place! In honor of St. Patrick's day we wanted to share some of our favorite hidden gems and not so hidden gem of Ireland!
A town that no one ever talks about, when referencing Ireland is by far one of our favorites hidden gems of Ireland.
Town of Clifden
A coastal town full of painted brick buildings and delicious food. It's easy to get lost in the history of this little town with old churches, and small family owned shops. Don't be deceived by it's size because this small little town has big personality. Located on the water and the sweetest lil stop you'll make while visiting the County of Galway. A must!!!
Restaurants
Guys Bar - located right on Main Street. We would visit this little pub almost every night to enjoy a glass of wine and their Guys Burger, named after the owner. Look no further than this "guy", (pardon the pun), on the menu - its loaded with goodness! And their seafood specials are to die for! The town is small so we found ourselves visiting quite often.
Accommodations
Sunnybank Lodge - this was one of the cutest joints we've ever stayed in! It's a family owned vacation rental. (Owned by Guy's family- Ha! We told it was a small town) They have a few separate properties but we stayed in their townhouse lodge and the accommodations were amazing! It was very close to town and we enjoyed every minute of our stay! How cute is this quaint townhouse. The charm was perfection!
Skellig Michael (day trip)
In County Kerry, is one of the most magical places on Earth. So magical that Mr. J.J. Abrams himself decided to have this Island be the backdrop of the last scene in The Force Awakens (Yes, we're a Star Wars family.) The wonky boat ride, the wet hillside and the 600+ step hike up are all worth it. Around 600AD Skellig Michael became a haven for many Catholics whose beliefs and rights were being suppressed and soon became the home to one of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland.
The monks that resided here led simple lives and lived in stone, beehive shaped huts. They would descend the 670 steps every morning and fish for the morning's breakfast and the would spend the rest of the day praying, tending to their gardens and studying. Today you can visit this Island, by boat, only during the dry season, hike the steps and explore these huts. The most beautiful hike, hillsides and views you will ever see. The bird life is quite exciting too, with real life puffins! Eek! This is a must if you EVER find yourself in Ireland. A real hidden gem.
Dublin (DUH…)
Another amazing town that we loved visiting in Ireland was Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Not a hidden gem, but still a must! Most will fly into Dublin and while you're there you may find yourself wrapped up in the tourist traps, but it won't disappoint and well worth it.
Sites
The Old Library - also known as the most beautiful library in the world. It's filled with story high oak bookshelves (LOVE), a beautiful arched ceiling design and thousands of old novels.
Georgian Court - Known for its colorful doors, this little collection of homes is a must see in Dublin. Yellow, blue, red… there's certainly no shortage of color here! These streets will make for the perfect Instagram shot. We promise!
Guinness Storehouse - for all you beer lovers this is the spot for you, the Guinness Storehouse! I mean come on, this is what your really going to Ireland for, right? Learn to pour a proper Guinness, watch the beer making process or a visit just to say you visited. You wont be upset about it, I promise. Touristy, but worth the stop.
Restaurants
The Temple Bar - this bar is an iconic site in Dublin and if you haven't been here, you haven't been to Dublin at all. It's a busy spot all day, but definitely worth the visit. In fact although it's the name of an actual bar, the Temple Bar is also a section of Dublin consisting of pubs, galleries and shops. For all you night owls this is the spot for you! Our suggestion: start at The Temple Bar! You're on your own after that!
Happy St. Patrick's day friends! Cheers to you and we do wish you find yourselves on the cliffs of Ireland one of these days!
Love, The Sisters