Doolin Cave

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. 

This charming Irish village is well-known for its imposing Cliffs of Moher, but this charming town is a delight in itself. I'm so glad to have lived there, and now I can share some of the best experiences in this ultimate guide. Doolin is also a hub for traditional Irish music. Its cozy pubs frequently host lively sessions where locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the soulful tunes of Irish folk music and a good "craic". My first tip for those who are visiting Doolin, or Ireland in general, is to give an opportunity to serendipity. Ireland, or the Emerald Isle, features stunning green landscapes - frequently washed by the rain :) So, grab your raincoat and get ready to dance in the rain. However, it's not as bad as you might think! I enjoyed so many sunny days over there and even wished for some rain for a few moments. I bet you will fall in love with Doolin - just like I did. To help you get the most out of your trip, I have prepared this guide with: - Lodging suggestions - Pubs and restaurant recommendations - Outlines of what you should do each of the 3 days - Outdoor experiences nearby - And more! Keep in mind: This guide is flexible, allowing you to interchange experiences based on your mood and the (unpredictable) Irish weather.

Experience Dublin like a local. During my year of studying in Dublin, I had the chance to explore a variety of places, from the trending TikTok spots to the more traditional ones. I found out which attractions are worth the entry fee, which landmarks can be admired from the outside, skyline views, and the finest local pubs and restaurants. From cozy pubs to lively eateries, I’ve got you covered!