I love this Irish Blessing! I remember seeing this beautiful blessing throughout my grandparent’s house. It seemed to be on everything – plates, doilies, mugs, Belleek China… My grandparents were very proud of our Irish Catholic heritage even though their families lived through very tough times in Northern Ireland and migrated to the US in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. I’m so grateful that they passed their love of Irish traditions down to each of us so that we can share with our own children.
It was a dream of mine to go to Ireland with my family one day. Sadly, my grandparents passed away before we had a chance to do so. However, I was able to go to Ireland with my husband and son. We had the most amazing time and took advantage of every waking hour!
May the Wind Be Always At Your Back
Earlier in our marriage, Dave and I enjoyed an awesome trip to Ireland where we started off in Dublin and traveled the East Coast down to Waterford, to Cork, and finally topping the trip off at a romantic stay at Adare Manor near Limerick (I highly recommend a stay here). It was wonderful!
Since we had already seen the Eastern and Southern coasts, we wanted to bring our son, Ronan, to the West of Ireland where Irish traditions hold strong. We flew into Shannon Airport and headed north to County Galway for the first half of our trip. Our first priority was to get settled into our hotel after the trip across the pond. Upon arriving through the gates of the Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate, we were blown away by the breathtaking expanse of the 138 acre estate at the edge of Lough Corrib.
The hotel accommodations were gorgeous and everything was straight up 5-star from the large well appointed rooms, to the hospitality, to the restaurants, to the grounds. We started each morning off in the stunning gallery with a fabulous breakfast of eggs benedict, ham, omelets… I have to mention the butter too, because nothing is better than Irish butter! I’m telling you, I could live off of the butter alone!
Every meal at the hotel was highly memorable! Since we stayed for several days we were able to dine at both the Oak Cellar Bar and the Pullman Restaurant as well. The Oak Cellar Bar was a great choice for a drink and an amazing lunch. I highly recommend the Risotto which is perfectly made with truffle “Parmes-Aran”. Ronan who is a connoisseur of burgers recommends the Andarl Farm Beef Burger which oozes with Cooleeney “Beer Washed” Cheddar. And, Dave… Well, I’m not sure Dave was even on Earth with us during this meal as he was over the moon ecstatic with his choice of the Skeaghanore Confit Duck Leg.
For a unique fine dining experience, you definitely have to check out the prestigious Pullman Restaurant which is located beside the hotel in a restored historic Pullman train. Our meal was divine! You have to order the succulent Castlemine Lamb! I wish I would have ordered 2 because Ronan claimed he wasn’t hungry and then devoured the majority of my meal. What moms have to suffer through!
May The Sun Shine Warm Upon Your Face
Our main goal on this trip was to show Ronan as much of the Irish countryside as we could. His heart was set on seeing castles because we just don’t get that state side. One castle that we loved was Dunguaire Castle. It was a bit rainy, so it was a perfect day to tour inside this picturesque place. The views went on for days!
From there we headed along to The Cliffs of Moher and The Burren. Despite the intermittent rain, there were many tourists at the cliffs, so we traveled a bit south along the coast to find stops of our own. What we found was simply majestic! The off-the-beaten-path is way more fun than the tourist traps!
After a day of hiking and travel, we were excited for dinner at O’Grady’s on the Pier Seafood Restaurant in Barna. The concierge at Glenlo Abbey recommended it and we soon realized why. This is a must stop if you are in the area! The Clew Bay Oysters are to die for – super fresh and taste like the sea. We also feasted on the Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb, which I highly recommend as well. The entrees come with Irish buttered potatoes that melt in your mouth.
The Rains Fall Soft Upon Your Fields
The next day we headed out to Kylemore Abbey by way of the Connemara National Park. Talk about beauty! The weather wasn’t all that great and the rains fell hard, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the sites. Dave found an awesome lunch spot in Letterfrack called Veldon’s Seafarer where we stopped for a pint of Guinness, Clew Bay Oysters, and the most delicious Traditional Irish Lamb Stew which was topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Life doesn’t get better than a perfect Irish Lamb Stew – just saying!
Another adventure awaited us the following day in Spidall where we happened upon an adorable shopping village along the Galway Bay. I found beautiful stained glass gifts all handmade by local artisans. Each adorable cottage has resident artisans who craft and sell their art at incredible prices. I’m talking woodwork, glass, jewelry… This is a must stop! The guys weren’t having any part of the shopping, so they busied themselves along the rocks since it was low tide.
Always up for an adventure, we took a gorgeous road trip to Clifden Castle. Dave found a recommendation on Trip Advisor for this off-the-beaten-path local favorite. It is well worth the rather long hike to see the gorgeous views! I suggest bringing a picnic if you have time! This was one of our most favorite destinations of the whole trip!
And Until We Meet Again
The last part of the trip was touring the coastline of County Clare and a lovely stay at the Bunratty Castle Hotel. The hotel is right across the street from Bunratty Castle where we dined Medieval style. The entertainment was AMAZING and so was the gluttonous amounts of food! I highly recommend you do this as you’re family will talk about it for years to come!
Next on our list was to hit Kilkee for a dip in the pollack holes. Ok, so to be clear Ronan and I dipped our feet in. Dave, on the other hand, took it upon himself to jump feet first into the freezing cold water. In his shorts, no less! AND without a towel! Thankfully, the Irish are a nice bunch and one family offered him their towel!
At low tide, you can climb all over the rocks and caves – for free. We had a blast, although I was fearful of a rogue wave washing us away. You only live once though! Right?
After the pollack holes and quick warm up in the little cafe that’s adjacent, we headed south along the Wild Atlantic Way once again. We stopped off at many beautiful areas and one of our favorites were the Kilkee Cliffs! I can’t believe people get to live in such beauty!
May God Hold You In The Palm of His Hand
Sadly, our amazing trip had to come to an end! While we were at the Kilkee Cliffs we made sure to turn our backs to the water and throw a penny into the sea (an old Italian tradition so that we will one day be able to return). The west of Ireland is truly the most magical place on Earth – sorry Disney!
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