Gregans Castle Hotel in the Burren

Looking to explore Ireland down the country road less traveled? The west of Ireland is the perfect place to unplug, unwind and experience the true heart of Ireland. I love traveling as much as I possibly can and live by two travel rules. Firstly, I have to have at least one trip booked at all times and secondly, I have to visit at least one new place each year. I went on my first flight at two-weeks old (to Ireland funnily enough) and I’ve been back to visit every year since. It’s the only exception I make to rule #2.  I’m a third culture kid meaning I was raised in a country other than where my parents were raised. I was born in London to an Irish mother (who was born in Arizona but raised in Ireland) and an English father (who was born and raised in Singapore). We moved to Connecticut when I was 6, Hong Kong when I was 13 and back to Connecticut when I was 15. In an effort to keep my brothers and I in touch with our maternal Irish roots, we spent eight-weeks each summer on the west coast of Ireland in Spanish Point, County Clare.  Spanish Point is a little seaside village along the Wild Atlantic Way about 45 minutes from Shannon Airport named after two boats part of the Spanish Armada that shipwrecked off the coast in 1588. It’s a perfect little spot to retreat to with lush, green, rolling hills, breathtaking cliffs, freshest air, and friendliest people. There are so many things to do within a ~30-minute drive from Spanish Point making it the perfect place to stay without spending too much time stuck in the car. There is so much to see in this tiny but wonderful country and you might feel pressured to bop all over the place to squeeze in as much as you possibly can. If you take anything away from this piece, it's to lean into slow travel. Ireland is the perfect place to enjoy the journey instead of just the destination, immerse yourself in local culture and connect with charming locals. Plan your trip to have no real set agenda at all. You’ll be so surprised at what you stumble upon. 

I'm Maeve and I'm 50% Irish (hence the Gaelic name haha). I have visited Ireland at least once a year of my 26 years and to no surprise, it's my absolute favorite place on earth! My family is primarily from the Shannon and South-East regions of Ireland. My mom and her three brothers were raised in Limerick, my granny was born and raised in Limerick City, and my grandad was born and raised in Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Like many Irish families, we have relatives spread out across the country too. I know Ireland pretty well for never having actually lived in the country long-term. I grew up spending 8-weeks of my summer in Spanish Point Co. Clare with a bunch of my cousins---just as my mom and granny did when they were younger. When the weather was great we played in the grass, swam in the sea, milked cows, rode horses, and just lived outside all day long. But there were weeks when it felt like the rain never stopped and I can guarantee that 6+ stir-crazy kids were a nightmare to take care. As a result, our parents would take turns going away on overnights or mini staycations within Ireland. Ireland is majority lush, green, rolling hills and winding country lanes. There is so much to see and do. However, just because you'll likely spend your days in your wellies trekking through the countryside, there is NO need to forfeit the finer things in life when it comes to your accommodation. Here's a guide to 10 luxurious hotels across Ireland perfect for a couple's getaway. The majority of places my family or I have visited ourselves and the others are on my travel wishlist. As always, I'm happy to help you plan a custom itinerary for your trip to Ireland! Just reach out to me directly (: