There was never such a place steeped in such beauty, sorrow, joy, hope, and pride.
Blog written by Susan Filz, Marketing Services Manager
If you are like me, when you travel you want to see every little thing. Luckily CIE, who hosted the MAST All Stars, arranged for us to stay at The Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, just a short 10-minute walk from the City Center.
One of the first things I did upon arriving in Dublin was to purchase a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour pass. This allowed me to travel to all of the city’s major points of interest and stay at each one for a long as I wanted. This was an amazing and very affordable way to see the city!
What I thought, was not what it was at all
My stereotype of Dublin being one giant pub was quickly disabused.
I was immediately drawn to Saint Stephen’s Green in Dublin’s City Center, with over 22 acres of gardens, ponds and waterfalls. As I walked along enjoying its tranquil beauty, I noticed placards that detailed how the park served as the rebel base and stronghold during the 1916 Easter Rebellion against British occupation. As a history buff I was fascinated and found other landmarks in walking distance, such as the General Post Office where the Proclamation of the Irish Republic was read and the Mount Bridge, where the first skirmish took place. The Monument of Daniel O’Connell and the General Post Office still have bullet holes made by British Army machine guns. As I walked, I couldn’t help but think about the stories of those who fought and the courage it took.
I also had the opportunity to visit Christ Church. Even if you are not religious, the intricate architectural details and the stories of how the building itself played a role in the history of the city make this a must see.
Believe it or not, I then had the best ice cream of my life from an ice cream truck at Merrion Square Park when I went to see the Oscar Wilde Monument.
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A little history goes a long way
The very first experience CIE arranged was a visit EPIC Ireland, which stands of Every Person Is Connected. This one-of-a-kind museum celebrates the courage and resilience of ordinary people who fled Ireland to make a better life. As the great-great granddaughter of two of those individuals, I had never been so proud of my Irish heritage.
For dinner, we went to Taylors Third Rock for an Irish Cabaret show and authentic Irish cuisine. We heard everything from O Danny Boy to Brown Eyed Girl, and had to grab our Irish coffees as dancers tapped away on the tables.
After Dublin, the All Stars headed to the Rock of Cashel and to Blarney Castle. The drivers were great, calling out points of interest along the way, providing insight into Irish politics and telling stories of the island both funny and heart breaking.
As the bus drove along, I felt as if I were in a Maeve Binchey novel. Pictures and descriptions cannot do the scenery justice. It is something you need to see for yourself.
I shared a kiss…with a stone
At Blarney Castle I kissed the Blarney Stone…a once in a lifetime memory with a funny picture if I ever do forget. Afterwords, we shopped and had a glass of wine at the village at the end of the castle.
That night was another one in a life-time experience. CIE arranged for us to stay at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney. It was a once in a lifetime experience because…how often do you get to stay in a 5-star hotel? After dinner and a walk down to the local pub, MAST members joined CIE and hotel representatives as they celebrated recently being given this honor.
The next day we toured Killarney. First stop was Moriarty’s of Ireland, a family-owned shop which features authentic Irish goods….and a cafe with a great cup of Irish coffee. After shopping, we took a jaunting car (horse driven carriage) ride through Killarney National Park. This nature preserve includes the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountains in Ireland. After that it was on to Muckross House, an elegant 19th century mansion full of artwork and history.
We ended the day with dinner and a whiskey tasting at Celtic Whiskey Bar and retired to another amazing night at The Great Southern Hotel.
The next day we took the ferry across the River Shannon to Cork and drove to the Cliffs of Moher. On the way we stopped in Lahinch, a popular surf town.
Mother Nature unleashed her fury that day which resulted in a different type of awesome beauty. We could not see as much of the cliffs as we would have liked, but it gave an authentic picture of life in that part of the world.
We overnighted in Limerick, where we went to the original Durty Nellys, a1620-era thatched-roof cottage with lanterns and sawdusty floors, that was once a bar for castle guards. A true Irish pub, we had some beith ag magadh with the locals, who would spontaneously break into song. We then went next door to Buntratty Castle, a resorted 15th century castle, for a medieval banquet.
Finally, it was on to Athlone and Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest pub. We heard the tale of how Irish coffee and whiskey was invented. We then explored this quaint river town.
We spent our final night at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaie, along the breathtaking Port of Dublin.
It was all over too soon! All I know is that I cannot wait to go back.
If you’re ready to plan your next unforgettable trip, connect with a trusted MAST advisor near you to get started.
