Trip Report: Ireland from Shannon to Dublin

I had the pleasure of spending a week in Ireland thanks to Tourism Ireland (and Hillarie), Failte Ireland (and Ellen), and Aer Lingus. Also, special thanks to Ally for being a wonderful guide, all around lovely person, and a treasure trove of knowledge and wit. To our driver Donnie, there is none better in all of Ireland. Thank you for your amazing driving skills. Apologies for my sixty pound suitcase.

What an amazing experience! My previous visit to this beautiful and welcoming country had been in June of 1997. If it has been a while since you’ve been, it is definitely time to go back. If you’ve never been, with many nonstop flight options to both Shannon and Dublin, now is a great time to experience all of Ireland’s charms. Christmas is an especially picturesque time to visit (and shop!).

The Irish people were as warm and friendly as I had remembered. The cuisine exceeded my every expectation. Credit for this goes to Darina Allen for pioneering the slow food movement in the country, along with the founding of the Ballymaloe Cookery School (You must visit!).

With plentiful rain, a temperate climate, and small farm agriculture the farm to table movement was evident in every meal that we enjoyed. Additionally, and we all agreed that this was just short of a miracle, meals were served hot! I had forgotten how amazing a fresh meal served at the correct temperature could be be – no tepid soup or lukewarm pasta, fresh homemade bread, grass feed beef, cucumbers from the garden. Wonderful!

I stayed for one night in six different hotels, and did site inspections at another nine properties. I have listed them all below and I am happy to discuss any questions that you may have.

1. No. 1 Pery Square

2. The Savoy

3. Adare Manor

4. Killarney Park Hotel (Virtuoso)

5. Sheen Falls Lodge (Virtuoso)

6. Castlemartyr Resort

7. Ballymaloe House

8. Ballyfin (Virtuoso)

9. Straffan House

10. The KClub (Virtuoso)

11. Carton House Hotel

12. Luttrellstown Castle

13. Westbury Hotel

14. The Merrion (Virtuoso)

15. The Shelbourne Hotel

In addition, we visited the following sites and attractions:

1. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

2. King John’s Castle

3. The Hunt Museum

4. Muckross House

5. Bricin’s Restaurant

6. Jameson Distillery

7. Ballymaloe Cookery School

8. Ballymaloe House

9. Rock of Cashel

10. Malahide Castle and Gardens

11. Dublin City Tour

I also attended an Irish Tourism Trade Show where I met with seventy suppliers of all types from all over Ireland.

I am excited to use this knowledge and firsthand experience to help you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to Ireland!

Note: I received a reduced rate for travel advisors.

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