June 2016 Ireland Vacation Review

This was easily the most enjoyable trip of my life. Edging out Moorea/Bora Bora and Kauai by a wide margin.

Hotels:
The Dublin Shelbourne: You will not find a better combination of Irish elegance and down-to-earth Irish authenticity as you will here. The service and staff are impeccable. This is now one of my favorite hotels on Earth. The rooms are great, the beds are wonderful and the restaurants and bars are epic. Obviously, the location is top notch with quick access to restaurants, pubs, the Dart station and Grafton Street, as well as St Stephen's Green for that morning run.


Dromoland Castle, County Clare. A day or two here is enough unless you want quiet reflection. It's absolutely gorgeous and the rooms are spacious and refined.It has dozens of rooms and is like a maze, it takes a while to get a lay of the land. When a helicopter lands outside your room, dropping off guests, you know you are in a nice spot. Or better yet, when a horsemen and hounds meet your party at the gates as you arrive and escort you in, you may be at a nice place. Sleeping with perfect quiet, with the windows open, on a quiet Irish night was absolute perfection. The Michelin star reputation doesn't hurt for you foodies.




Non pub highlights:
Dinner at Guinness Storehouse and drinks at the Gravity Bar:


Jameson Distellery:


Favorite outdoor activities:

Bray to Grey Stones cliff walk/run:


Glendalough


Cliffs Of Moher:


Cycling around Doolin and the Burrens:


These were a few of the highlights. As everyone who frequents Ireland says, it is not the beautifully green Emerald Island that makes it such a special place, it is the unique warmth and inner beauty of the Irish people. That's what makes it worth being your next trip.


I will never forget how I was treated by total strangers as I left the airport in Shannon: