Photo courtesy Tourism Ireland
I’ve made it to England and its dales, London and its fog – but never to Ireland (so far). My husband worked there for a spell and sings its praises, and we plan and dream to get there the next time we make it to the other side of the world.
What a delight it would be to visit Ireland for your honeymoon. To take a trip to this far-off place, with accents that weaken the knees and put a twinkle in your eye! So many of us have ancestry in the land of Eire, and I for one was amazed by the delights that would greet the newlyweds!
From the urban to the historic, I’ve compiled my own top picks in the hot spots of Ireland to inspire you this St Patrick’s day!
CORK
The vibrant city of Cork is one of Ireland’s largest cities, and has an invigorating atmosphere that will delight! Voted one of the Top 10 Cities in the World in Lonely Planets ‘Best of Travel 2010’ Guide, it offers a wealth of shops, bars, restaurants, and attractions. No visit would be complete without a trip to Blarney Castle, home to the famous Blarney Stone.
Photo courtesy Tourism Ireland
Hayfield Manor , a family owned, luxury boutique hotel, is an experience in itself. Discreetly nestled with beautiful private walled gardens, it combines the vibrancy of Cork with the relaxation and indulgence of a 5-star resort. It boasts an indoor swimming pool, steam room, and an outdoor jacuzzi, as well as award-winning restaurants and generally amazing rooms.
BELFAST
Small but with a big heart, super-cool Belfast is a must-see when in Ireland. Playing host to a fantastic clash of contemporary art and music with its historic buildings and streets, it offers European-style café bars, independent boutiques and a rich cultural life. Plan your trip to coincide with one of a host of year-round festivals, and you’re in for a treat!
Photo courtesy Tourism Ireland
For a taste of modern Belfast, book a room at the Fitzwilliam Hotel, and crank up the ‘cool dial’ in this stylish, modern and luxurious ‘design hotel’. It is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and is ideally situated close to all of Belfast’s main attractions, including the Grand Opera House. So you can get couture and culture all in the same place!
DUBLIN
My choice for all the bookworms out there! Dublin can claim the title of ‘home’ to some of the world’s finest writers including James Joyce, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, and George Bernard Shaw. Since I have a lifelong love affair with books, I would head straight for one of the amazing libraries or book stores to be found in the city, or perhaps even join in on a Literary Pub Crawl. What’s not to love about that combo!?
Photo courtesy Tourism Ireland
Vogue described The Morgan Hotel in Dublin as “A stylish haven in Europe’s most happening city'”, and who am I to argue? Cool, luxurious, uber chic – this hotel has it all. If your honeymoon calls for deluxe minimalist chic amongst one of the best towns around, then this amazing hotel this is your answer. Oh, and did I mention that the penthouse plays host to a one-of-a-kind American Airstream caravan?!
As a native I think you’ve definitely chosen some of the most interesting and vibrant cities. Galway is also really lovely- although smaller it is a little bohemian and great for seafood and lovely intimate small pubs with brilliant live music. Its also super handy to base yourself from as lots of sites and tourist options close by! Hope you make it over to us soon 🙂