ITINERARY
of an IRISH WEDDING
Fall 2015
by Mary Dawn DeBriae
"Life is like a book - those who do not travel have only read one page"
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My own Claddagh and engagement ring symbolizing
Love, Loyalty and Friendship
(Ring by John Weldon Jewelers, Dingle, Ireland) |
Further to my post, A Romantic Spring Fling in Europe, describing the magical trip I organized for my own special partner (and since then Fiancé), to impress him with some of my favourite hotels, restaurants and places to visit in Europe, I am now going back this fall in quest of the perfect setting for our own wedding which will take place next spring in either Ireland or England - two countries I hold very dear to my heart.
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| Romantic remote coastal setting for the wedding |
BUT FIRST, I will have the great delight of attending the beautiful wedding of my good Irish friend, Marie, who will be celebrating her marriage with a romantic Irish Blessing on a remote north western cliff in Ireland. With castle ruins for a backdrop and overlooking the tumultuous North Sea and her man's favourite Irish surfing spot (yes, I did say surfing!), Marie and her husband will consummate their wedding with a special Irish Blessing created together. Wow! Romantic or what?!?
This post features my ITINERARY around the wedding of my friend in addition to the planning of my own. I am delighted to share my favourite, handpicked places in which I have chosen to stay, things to do and settings that would make for the most amazing romantic holiday abroad...whether travelling alone, getting married or committed. Previous trips to the Emerald Isle can be found in my formerly posted Alpen Travel Tips and Pics HERE.
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My friend's beautiful seaside
Wedding Blessing - Easkey Castle, Co. Sligo Ireland |
ITINERARY
(in order of appearance):
Galway | Enniscrone | The Burren | Doolin | Dingle | Adare | Dublin
PART I: GALWAY
This year I will be flying an airlines I have never flown before: Aer Lingus (how very appropriate!) from JFK direct to Shannon. As the wedding blessing will be on the upper west coast, Shannon proved to be the best airport into which to fly.
As it is such a short flight from New York, we will arrive at the crack of dawn, get our rental car and drive up to Galway to begin our trip. My travel companion will be a good friend of both the Bride's and mine, and so I took on the joyful task of taking care of our Itinerary for the complete trip. It will be her first time in Ireland and I intend to show her my personal favourites - at least what one can fit into a 10 day trip.
CAR RENTAL TIP!
Note that in the Republic of Ireland they do not accept the standard car rental Insurance that our American credit cards give us. If you have not booked Insurance with your car they will sell you a very expensive local insurance...or take a huge deposit from your credit card - like 6k+!
For this trip to be safe, I booked my car rental through AutoEurope. They assured me that the insurance they have included will be accepted by the Irish, HOWEVER there will still be a $2000 deposit that will be held on my card for the duration of the booking.
ACCOMMODATION TIP: The Swanky "g" Hotel
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| Designer colours everywhere at the "g" |
For our first day/night in Ireland, I chose to book Galway's luxurious (and only) 5* hotel - the "g" Hotel & Spa. The hotel is unique in Ireland as it was designed by famed milliner Philip Treacy. It is the only hotel in Ireland designed by an internationally acclaimed Irish designer which is particularly relevant in 2015, the year of Irish Design.
He created the hotel with the sea in mind as Galway city always reminded him of visiting the seaside with his family and there are numerous marine themed details throughout the hotel as well as vibrant injections of Philip’s own personality and love of colour.
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| Bright spacious room at the "g" |
Besides the pampered comfort we will receive at the "g", I purposely selected this hotel as it offers a luxury spa called the ESPA. It boasts a vitality pool, with massaging water features, a crystal steam room, rock sauna and heated tepidarium loungers. I thought that with our early arrival, we could relax in the ESPA (and perhaps even take a nap in their Relaxation Room overlooking their rooftop Zen garden.
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| ESPA at the "g" |
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| Afternoon Tea at the "g" - yum! |
After relaxing in the ESPA and checking into our 387sqft "Deluxe" Room, we will rejuvenate ourselves with a scrumptious "Afternoon Tea" in their award winning restaurant - one of my favourite afternoon pastimes in Ireland and England which you will get to learn about me!
The "g" Hotel
www.theghotel.ie
Unique LUNCHEON TIP near Galway:
Moran's Oyster Cottage "On the Weir"
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| Moran's Traditional Seafood Pub |
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A pint of Guinness with Oysters -
part of the tradition |
The Bride has decided to meet-up with us on the day of travel up to Enniscrone (where the wedding will take place) at one of her favourites's - a 250 year old thatched pub, Moran's on the Weir, which has been part of the seafood trade in this area for centuries.
Moran's is a 7th generation owned and operated Irish pub, featuring outstanding seafood and specializing in its own superb Galway Oyster dishes, farmed from its own oyster beds just off the coast.
Served of course with freshly tapped Guinness to wash down its amazing seafood delicacies.
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| For me a glass of crisp white wine... |
Of course, there is always an exception to the rule...I will have my traditional glass of white wine along with my seafood course to join into the Irish antics with my friends on the way to Marie's Irish wedding blessing!
Moran's Oyster Cottage on the Weir
PART II: ENNISCRONE and Easkley, Co. Sligo
Following our stay in Galway, we will drive up the picturesque coast to Enniscrone, which is the closest village to the site of the wedding. There, my good friend Timothy will be joining us from England for the rest of the trip.
Enniscrone is known for its sandy beaches, great surf and sunsets. It is a popular and picturesque seaside holiday destination for the Irish. It is also known for its seaweed baths, which I am curious to try.
The wedding blessing will take place just north of the town in Easkley with a castle backdrop overlooking a popular surfspot. I have personally never been to this remote Irish coast and look forward to sharing its beauty and what I have discovered with my Alpen Tips and Pics fans post journey. I also hope to get some pics of the bride's hubby out there tearing it up on the surf!
ACCOMMODATION TIP: AIRBNB "Surf's up!"
For the long wedding weekend, I chose to book a whole house for Timothy, Franny and myself in which to make ourselves "home". I booked it through AIRBNB which has always proven to be reliable, great, clean accommodation.
The house I have booked is a short walk to the famous three mile beach and within walking distance to downtown Enniscrone where the pre-wedding pub crawl and the formal dinner will take place. The house has three bedrooms (2 ensuite), sea views and its own enclosed garden. A true seaside retreat!
"Surf's Up" listing can be found on AIRBNB HERE
PART III: DOOLIN AND THE BURREN
Post the wedding blessing weekend, we will drive down past Galway and through the rugged Burren on our way to the quaint musical village of Doolin.
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| The mysterious rock of the Burren |
The word "Burren" comes from an Irish word "Boíreann" meaning a rocky place - and so that it is! This is an extremely appropriate name when you consider the lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed Limestone Pavement. However, it has also been referred to in the past as "Fertile rock" due to the mixture of nutrient rich herb and floral species growing between the bizarre rock formations.
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| Poulnabrone dolmen |
The BURREN is a fascinating geographical area in which resides a lonely, rather large Neolithic tomb called Poulnabrone dolmen dating back almost 6000 years. The stone portals are huge and just as much a mystery as the famed Stone Henge...but far fewer tourists which makes this site much more a pleasure to experience.
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| Making perfumes from local flora |
Following our stop at the tomb we will pay a visit to the Burren Perfumery where they make a variety of pleasant smelling parfums, soaps and lotions from the area's abundant flora. What a perfect Irish handmade souvenir to bring back home!
ACCOMMODATION TIP: ROADFORD HOUSE
Following our day trip through the Burren, we will spend the night in musical Doolin - known throughout Irelend for its Traditional Irish "sessions" in the local pubs.
To spend the night, I have chosen a traditional family run and owned B&B called the Roadford House. They have won numerous awards for their Irish hospitality and their attentive level of service given to their guests. They also boast an award winning restaurant, so I am sure that our Irish Breakfast will be absolutely fabulous.
Both husband and wife, Frank and Marian Sheedy come from a hospitality background, with their "ethos" to provide a truly hospitable Irish experience.
I am very much looking forward to our stay with the Sheedy's in the quaint seaside village of Doolin.
ROADFORD HOUSE, DOOLIN
DOOLIN CULTURAL TIP: MUSIC!
The Irish are known for their love of music, and both the quaint seaside villages of Doolin and Dingle have a reputation in Ireland for putting on the very best and most regular musical Irish "sessions". Sessions typically take place in pubs and involve random musicians getting together to jam traditional Irish music. Fiddles, pipes, bodhráns - all instruments are welcome.
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Foolin in Doolin - a Traditional Irish Band
which forms a session every Monday night
at McDermott's Pub |
Our hosts at Roadford House have already recommended which pub will have the best session for the one evening we will be in Doolin. Evidently McDermott's Pub hosts a group called "Foolin in Doolin" with the lead person being a well known uileann pipes player (uileann pipes are the Irish form of a bagpipe).
Now THIS should be an evening to remember! Stay posted!
DOOLIN OUTING TIP: THE CLIFFS OF MOHER
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Yes, I took this photo...I made sure
I had a good foothold! |
Following our stay in Doolin, we will drive the scenic western coast of Ireland, perhaps and perhaps pop over to the famous Cliffs of Moher - although beautiful and impressive, it is not necessarily my favourite place to visit, as it is typically crawling with bus tours and a zillion tourists - which takes away from the zen and awe of the overall experience.
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| My last visit to the Cliffs of Moher |
With that said, they do offer magnificent views and a rich history of legends...so we shall most likely make the visit and then be on our way to take the ferry over to the beautiful, remote peninsula of Dingle.
PART IV: MAGICAL DINGLE
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| Dingle Village and Harbour |
Dingle (the town and peninsula) is a MUST for me to take my friends, as Dingle is truly a magical place. The Dingle Peninsula is the most westerly tip of Europe and is known for it's archaeological sites. This remote peninsula, and in particular the Slea Head drive, provide some of the most beautiful scenic areas in the world. Once described by "National Geographic" - as the most beautiful place in the world!
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| The Slea Head w Rainbow |
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My guide to the archaeological
sites, Colm Banbury |
My previous POST features my trips to Dingle, elaborating on all there is to do in this area, from breathtaking hikes, to its ancient cultural history, to meeting its resident dolphin, Fungi, to visiting an amazing aquarium and of course its rich musical scene in the many pubs adorning An Daingean ( or Dingle Town). Indeed, Traditional Irish (Gaelic) language is still spoken all over the peninsula. It is an officially protected area to preserve the heritage of the traditional ancient Irish language.
Dingle, above all, holds a very special place in my heart and is indeed where I found my most special Claddagh (ring)...which now doubles as my engagement ring :)
Read more about my adventures, Tips n Picks in this spectacular area HERE on my former BLOG posting.
ACCOMMODATION TIP: DINGLE MARINA LODGE
For this trip, I booked us three enthusiastic travelers into a lovely, newer B&B overlooking the colourful Dingle marina and harbour - The Dingle Marina Lodge. It is perfectly situated within walking distance of Dingle's best restaurants and famous pubs featuring the traditional Irish Sessions I spoke about previously. (Did you know that Dingle has over 50 pubs...with a population of only 2000?!?)
The Marina Lodge looks clean and cozy and their breakfast sounds divine! I am looking forward to my stay - and this time to share the experience with my two dear friends.
Dingle Marina Lodge
PART V: OLDE WORLD ADARE
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| Traditional Thatched Cottages |
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| Norman Church in Adare |
Following a couple of days in Dingle (never enough!), I will drive my friends to spend a night in the story book village of Adare, decorated with quaint thatched cottages and colorful gardens.
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| A Colourful Cottage of Adare |
Dating back before the time of the Norman Conquest this picturesque village owes its appearance to the 3rd Earl of Dunraven who, in the 1830s when other landlords were furiously replacing thatch with slate went against the trend and rebuilt Adare with larger thatched houses.
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| Adare Manor |
The village back in the day was "owned" by the lord of Adare Manor, a palacial home neighboring the village and which is now a luxury hotel and golf course.
ACCOMMODATION TIP: DUNRAVEN ARMS HOTEL
For our stay in the charming old world village of Adare, I decided to treat ourselves to true countryside luxury and book us into one of Ireland AND England's oldest family run Country House Hotels, the historical DUNRAVEN ARMS HOTEL.
Steeped in history, this 18th century built home offers country luxury just steps away from Adare village.
With its perfectly manicured gardens adorning the the River Maigue, the property boasts charming antiques, an award winning restaurant - one of the best in Southern Ireland, luxurious rooms with tranquil garden views and its own pool and spa in which to pamper oneself.
The Dunraven Arms is very much reminiscent of the magnificent country properties I would stay in all of the time when I lived and worked in England many years ago.
This charming hotel, as well as Adare village, are popular spots for weddings, and therefore, I will be fully enquiring about its facilities and offerings as a potential candidate for my own wedding which I am planning for next year!
DUNRAVEN ARMS HOTEL
www.dunravenhotel.com
(FINAL) PART VI: DUBLIN
Following our adventures on the west coast of Ireland in Galway, Enniscrone, Doolin, Dingle and Adare, we will attend the second part of Marie's wedding celebration in her own home town of Portarlington, south west of Dublin. This should be quite the shindig, with all of her long time Irish friends and relatives attending the "BIG" post wedding celebration party in a local pub (and Traditional Irish dancing runs in the family so who knows what kind of entertainment we might be in store for!).
ACCOMMODATION PICK in DUBLIN: BEAUTIFUL HOUSE IN GREAT LOCATION
After the 2nd (wedding) celebration (on this trip) in the sleepy farming community of Portarlington, I wanted to show my travelling companions a bit of Dublin proper, and therefore, I chose once again to go the Air BNB route. It turns out that around that particular weekend the Dublin Marathon will take place, about which I did not know and which was the cause of just about every B&B and hotel to be booked or what was left, unrealistically raised prices.
I therefore turned to AirBNB which once again provided us with a wonderful booking of two rooms in a palatial, clean and beautiful home in a trendy suburb of Dublin.
The village is called Ranelagh and apparently has a lovely village feel to it. Indeed, it boasts some of the best
restaurants in Dublin with over 25 in the village. The walk to town is about 20-25 minutes and the public
transport is frequent and fast and the local tram service is few minutes away
with only 3 stops into town - bringing one to St Stephens green, Grafton
Street, Trinity college etc. There is also free parking at the house so we won't need to worry about
city parking with our rental car.
BEAUTIFUL HOUSE IN GREAT LOCATION
21
Sandford Rd Ranelagh, Dublin, Dublin Dublin 6, Ireland
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On to PART II of my trip: ENGLAND
Check out the exciting 2nd half of my fall 2015 trip "Of Wedding Bells, Fields and Fell" taking place in England.
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ME! In a pre-historic
Irish Bee Hive Hut |
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ALPEN TIPS & PICKS
European Travel Adventures
Enjoy your next trip to Ireland. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions when planning your own trip to England, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria or Bavaria! After living in and travelling to Europe for almost 30 years, I love to help plan and recommend as and when I can! I can even assist in bookings and being a personal guide if one likes! My trips offer a different and much more personal perspective to traveling in Europe.
Read a little bit more about me and my travel style and services in my BIO HERE
Mary Dawn DeBriae
European Tips and Picks -
Alpen Schatz Style
and our super cool Euro Alpine style website:
This post features my ITINERARY around the wedding of my friend in addition to the planning of my own. I am delighted to share my favourite, handpicked places in which I have chosen to stay, things to do and settings that would make for the most amazing romantic holiday abroad...whether travelling alone, getting married or committed. Previous trips to the Emerald Isle can be found in my formerly posted Alpen Travel Tips and Pics HERE. 
Note that in the Republic of Ireland they do not accept the standard car rental Insurance that our American credit cards give us. If you have not booked Insurance with your car they will sell you a very expensive local insurance...or take a huge deposit from your credit card - like 6k+! 
The wedding blessing will take place just north of the town in Easkley with a castle backdrop overlooking a popular surfspot. I have personally never been to this remote Irish coast and look forward to sharing its beauty and what I have discovered with my Alpen Tips and Pics fans post journey. I also hope to get some pics of the bride's hubby out there tearing it up on the surf!
