Ireland, Push the Green Button: Lindsay on Location
Lindsay on Location has been on a whirlwind tour throughout Ireland, with a focus on the west coast. Staying for six weeks in the Emerald Isle had us feeling like we were locals. A truly amazing experience. We visited the great lands of Dublin, Dingle, Tipperary, Killarney, Galway, Limerick, and Doolin. Here are some of the reasons why you should book your trip Ireland.
Where to eat in Ireland
Dublin dinner Brasserie 66
A great atmosphere right in the heart of Dublin. When in doubt of what you want, order fish in Ireland. Ireland has some of the best fish dishes we’ve experienced in our lives.
The smoked trout with soda bread is a can’t miss at Brasserie but, if seafaring life is not your thing, definitely try their rib eye. Then wash it all down with their cherry bomb.
Tipperary dinner Mikey Ryans
Many of the original features are still preserved from the 19th century. Their motto of a nod to the past and a look to the future can be seen in their dishes. Their wine list competes with any restaurant in Ireland. We had a great Shiraz from South Africa that complements the ribeye steak with green beans and bearnaise sauce.
Ennis dinner Poet’s corner
Sometimes you just want some good pub food, and that is what Poet’s corner delivers. They have a great lamb that goes just right with a couple of hot whiskeys.
Doolin dinner Anthonys
A great spot to eat after a hike up to the cliffs of Moher. We wanted to try Irish oysters in Ireland and Anthony’s has some good ones. They have a fantastic curried quinoa and monkfish.
Dingle dinner Charthouse
Michelin star restaurant in Dingle and decorated like a cozy home. The atmosphere has you feeling like a local on the peninsula. Do yourself a favor and order the monkfish and fillet of kerry beef. After you get your fill, relax with a nice hot Irish coffee.
Where to stay in Ireland
Dublin Grafton Hotel
It is a great spot to be in the middle of it all. Also, with only a twenty-minute drive from the airport. They have a great bar downstairs where you can shake off the jet lag when you land.
Ennis Old ground hotel
Great hotel to stay in while in Ennis. The coolest thing is that it was the old prison for the town. You will be greeted by the hotel’s adopted cat in the entryway with fireplaces roaring in the lobby.
Offaly Kinnitty castle
Castle in the middle of the country that will have you living the castle life. It is from 1209 and has a great bar downstairs that used to be a dungeon.
If you are going to stay anywhere in Ireland, this is your spot. It has the view of the rock of Cashel, great rooms and products, two fireplaces in the lobby, classic paintings throughout the hotel, and swim from their indoor to their outdoor pool to have a view of the countryside.
Dingle Castlewood bed and breakfast
They were named the best breakfast in Ireland in 2022, guesthouse of the year in 2022, and right on the water. When in Dingle, stay at one of the best bed and breakfasts in the country.
What to do in Ireland
Located in Newbridge silverware and houses fashion collections.
They showcase dress memorabilia of Princess Diana, Aubrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe. But, their main attraction is jewelry. There are some absolutely stunning pieces.
Don’t miss out on afternoon tea. We had sandwiches, tea, macaroons, scones, smoked salmon, and Prosecco.
The national stud and Japanese garden
It was such an amazing experience to see where they breed champion horses. They also have an experiential tour on how it is like to be in the horse race world. It starts from buying the horse, training, housing, then racing the horse.
Do not forget to see their Japanese garden where you can relax and go through the stages of life.
Farney Castle was built in 1185. It is a great spot in Tipperary. Such a great castle experience where they sell porcelain, knitwear, and it is filled with family heirlooms.
A 12th-century cistercian abbey, with stunning views. Try the whispering archway to hear your sins without talking to each other and it houses a relic from christ’s cross.
Ollie has a lot of knowledge and passion for his town of Ennis. You walk around the town and hear about the town’s history. Enjoy a pint in one of the many pubs in this walk-able town.
Near the Cliffs of Moher, so do not drive by this gem when you are visiting the cliffs. They use local ingredients, Irish milk and cacao beans from Central America, Madagascar, and Cuba, and this makes their chocolate as Irish as you can get. Tour their facilities and make sure to try all their recipes from Irish Dark Chocolate to Salted Caramel.
When in Dingle, go meet Aussie to try their beer flight and visit to see how they brew their delicious pale ale, amber, IPA, and brown ale.
Little cheese shop and Dingle Cookery School
Continue on your Dingle tour with a chat with Mark. There is nothing better than having a great cheese shop you can rely on. You cannot leave Ireland without giving it a go with making your own soda bread or beef filet.
At the edge of the Dingle Peninsula you can find the Blasket Centre. It is right along the Wild Atlantic Way where you can see the islands where the unique community of 100-200 people lived there until 1953 and eventually moving to Springfield, Massachusetts.
This pottery shop is right on the water in Dingle. They make hand-made pottery in Dingle and have customers from all over the world. They make plates, lamps, vases, art pieces, etc.
No trip is complete with a jaunting tour. Killarney Jaunting Tour takes you around in a horse and carriage and through the national park. Such a great way to see the town, but make sure to bundle up when it’s cold out.
Go for a bike ride when in Ireland. You see the rolling green hills when you’re touring around the country. Now push those pedals and be in those green hills.
Start of the first irish coffee, Foynes museum played a significant role in the invention of the classic drink. 1943 Brendan O’Regan invented the drink for the passengers that flew in bad weather in Ireland. Enjoy an Irish coffee in the spot where all the celebrities tried this drink.
Located at the heart of Limerick’s medieval quarter, discover the stories of ruthless King John, the noble knights, and rebellious natives.King John's Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history.