Late in August, I traveled to Ireland to attend the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The game inspired a full-on Irish adventure for myself and my football-loving husband.
Dublin
Dublin combines old European charm with a pub-inspired, literature-infused cultural backbone, all set amidst public parks and ocean bay.
The Merrion, a hotel in Dublin’s City Centre, warmly welcomes. Details and art invite guests to next-level comfort. It is easy to be struck by the elegance of the common areas, gardens, and rooms.
Art Tea at the Merrion is a treasure. It begins with a glass of champagne and progresses through two courses of treats and teas. You walk slowly through an exhibit of decadent tastes for an amazing two-hour delight.
North of the Merrion, on the bank of the River Liffey, sits the Spencer Hotel — a contemporary, bustling, friendly space. The Spencer’s location grants access to restaurants, pubs, and sites on the northern edge of Dublin’s City Centre.
Clifden
Due west, across the entire span of the country, Clifden beats in the heart of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way — the rugged coastline and pastoral countryside made famous in literature and film. Drive Clifden’s Sky Road. Wake up to Irish breakfasts overlooking Clifden Bay at the Ardagh — a charming hotel, complete with European flare, friendly staff, and reading rooms enveloped in enchanting light. Eat fish and chips, Connemara mussels, and Gigas oysters. Fresh local seafood from these waters is amongst the best in the world.
Doolin
A short drive south, still on the Wild Atlantic Way, lies the Ballinalacken Castle and Country House — a cozy, antique-filled, three generationally-owned and operated hotel nestled beautifully within Doolin’s contoured terrain. Arrive early enough to see the castle adjacent to the country house with the Cliffs of Moher in the near distance. The beauty of Burren — the region of rock and wildflowers surrounding Doolin — casts a spell.
Take the Doolin Ferry to capture breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher. Drive between castles and farms and make a few serendipitous wrong turns and view the cliffs from the land before seeing them from the sea. The ferry embarks and the choppy water reveals how the Cliffs formed ages ago as water and stone collided and collapsed.
Head to a crowded pub and hear musicians playing flute, fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, guitar, mandolin, piano and more, as you encounter Doolin’s traditional — “trad”— music scene. The music feels like laughter, wind, and secrets.
Cork
Further south, you find Cork. A prideful spirit and gritty, creative, colorful edge perfectly frame the city. While there, wander the English Market and St. Patrick’s Street. Dine at The Grill Room in the River Lee — the impressively modern and welcoming hotel located a short walk from the City Centre. Also, climb Blarney Castle, a 20-minute drive from Cork. It’s home to the Blarney Stone and 60 acres of exquisite castle gardens.
More About Dublin
There is so much to love about Dublin. Explore its rich literary history by visiting the Museum of Literature Ireland and joining the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. Experience the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Enjoy a meal at the beautiful Hawksmoor. Lift a Guinness in Dublin’s most historic pubs including — Stag’s Head, Kehoe’s, The Long Hall, and Brazen Head.
I am reminded of the Irish saying, "The older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune." Share pints in storied pubs. Discover cliffs through awestruck eyes. Kiss a magical stone in search of a muse. Indulge in fresh seafood prepared by expert hands. Welcome friendship from kind hearts. Hear old fiddles playing the sweetest tunes.
Wake up to Irish breakfasts overlooking Clifden Bay at the Ardagh — a charming hotel, complete with European flare, friendly staff, and reading rooms enveloped in enchanting light.
Share pints in storied pubs. Discover cliffs through awestruck eyes. Kiss a magical stone in search of a muse. Indulge in fresh seafood prepared by expert hands.
Katie Steedly Curling