Galway Girl: My Quick Guide to Ireland
Good evening lovely people,
How is everyone today? I'm sending my well wishes your way. I hope you're having as lovely weather as I am here in the UK!
Today, I thought I should just catch you up on my recent trip to Ireland, and what I think. Below I've included all the reasons you need to get yourselves to Ireland, whether it's food, photogenic locations, or shopping.
Calling all Harry Potter & Games of Thrones Fans
Ireland in general has been used for it's scenic views in many films, but the Cliffs of Moher have been featured in the big ones, like Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and Game of Thrones. The cliffs are breathtaking and honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. On one of the days I was in Dublin, I saw Aidan Gillen from GOT in an Indian restaurant, so if film locations interest you, get yourself over here!
Galway Girl
If you're looking for a gorgeous, Instagram-worthy town, Galway is the place to be. Picturesque, pastel houses line Galway Bay, making a gorgeous Irish background. Quay street is also quite busy and cute with its decorative bunting and graffitied walls.
Quay Street Eats
In Galway, Quay Street is the place to eat. We ate everything from Moroccan, to pastries and coffee, to classic Irish pub dinners, to delicious sandwiches and all were very nice! Definitely head there for a bite to eat!
Top: Berksha from ASOS, Jeans: Miss Selfridge, Shoes: Adidas, Sunglasses: Forever21
The Gift of the Gab
If you're anything like me, starting up a conversation is one the hardest things you are faced with, but according to Irish legend, there's a fix. Blarney Castle is one of the most visited places in Ireland, and it's all about kissing the famous Blarney Stone, which apparently bestows the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness. You walk up to the top of the castle, up a spiral stone step staircase, and then you lean backwards over an opening in the castle wall to kiss the stone. So, If you need a little help getting your gab on, head for the Blarney Stone.
Dublin Shopping
Let's just say, within a matter of hours in Dublin, I had already visited a Zara, HM, Topshop, Miss Selfridges, and more! Dublin has a nice little shopping area, with all my favorites in one place! Don't worry if shopping isn't your thing though! Make your way to the famous Temple Bar to learn about some Irish history and to have a pint of Guinness, or head to the Ha'Penny Bridge made in 1816!
The Hidden Gem
Killorglin in County Kerry, is where the McCarthys, my dad's side of the family, originated, so of course we made a visit. Although we went there for family reasons, I was overwhelmed with how beautiful this small town was and would recommend it to anyone visiting Ireland! Dingle Bay, which apparently has a resident dolphin, was surrounded by gorgeous mountains and fields and littered with colorful stones. It was so quiet and quaint, the residents just let their dogs walk themselves along the beach, socializing with everyone, until they are ready to go back home for a snack and a nap (which was a dream for a dog lover like me!!). The people, like most places we visited in Ireland, were so kind, chatty, and helpful. I would definitely recommend a quick trip to Killorglin.
Thanks so much for reading along lovelies. I'm so grateful for all of you and I love hearing from friends and family that they read the blogs each week! It just makes me feel so happy and proud. I'd love to hear if there's any topic you guys would like me to write about, so leave a comment below! If you loved hearing about Ireland, I might do quick guides to other places I've visited, so let me know if you enjoyed it!