Ireland
I am embarrassed to say that my first trip to Ireland was this year. As a travel agent, I send clients to Ireland often, but I had never been myself. My colleague and friend Shawna and I went in January and even in cold, sometimes rainy/snowy weather, we were charmed with all Ireland has to offer.
Many of the clients I have had travel to Ireland go because they have a family connection; they want to understand where their relatives are from and/or search for family records and history. Others are drawn to the distinct Irish culture, the bucolic scenery and the warm, welcoming locals.
We enjoyed a wonderful mix of city and country on our trip. The charming capital city of Dublin offers both of history and culture. Known as the City of Literature, there is a Writers’ Museum, the James Joyce Center and Trinity College, among other literary sites. Trinity Library within Trinity College contains the Long Hall, a stunning room with the gorgeous Book of Kells, a priceless 9th century illuminated manuscript. Other highlights of Dublin are St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the ever-popular Guinness Storehouse to taste and learn about the production of one of Ireland’s most popular exports. Dublin is also a great place to experience Ireland’s storied pubs and live music.
The Irish countryside is chock-full of wonderful places to stay, from grand manor houses to charming inns to historic castles that have been renovated to be comfortable for the modern traveler. Each has its own unique history and atmosphere, and there is a property for every type of traveler. There are castles with a plethora of activities for families (Ashford Castle) and manor houses with impeccable food and service for couples (Ballyfin). The countryside is worth visiting for the lovely hotels, but also for the sites of natural beauty and history (Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry, just to name a few).
