The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

I have visited Ireland at least once a year of my 27 years and in more recent years, I have opted to fly in through Dublin because the flights are significantly cheaper and way more frequent than to Shannon. As a result, I tend to have a day or two in Dublin on either end of my trip to see friends, family, and the wonderful city of Dublin! I had all my Dublin recommendations in various Notes on my phone for the longest time. Since we're getting married in Ireland in May 2024, I thought it was as good a time as ever to compile all my recommendations and some other people's recommendations (thank you Kenzie, Shannon and Greg) into one Local-ish Guide to Dublin for our guests traveling to Ireland. Dublin is Ireland's capital and largest city on the island's east coast. The River Liffey (or the Sniffy Liffey as my Auntie Sandy calls it) runs right through the center of the city dividing it into Northside and Southside, and out to Dublin Bay which feeds into the Irish Sea. Dublin, which translates to "black pool" in Irish, was founded just south of the Liffey by the Vikings in 841. Ever since Dublin has endured a turbulent history but has prevailed and been shaped into the 21st-century city it is today. At the very end of this document is an overview of language(s), currency, climate, live weather, the best time to visit, public transportation, what to pack, and of course, travel tips! As always, I'm happy to help you plan a custom itinerary for your trip to Dublin or the rest of Ireland! Just reach out to me directly (:

There are many different ways to see the Emerald Isle from group travel, to train travel, bus travel, to self-drive or chauffer driven. This itinerary focuses on some areas of the country that are "off the beaten path" and accessible by self-drive or hiring your own private driver. We highlight some points of interest that are common to the country, but delve into some other spectacular sites, villages and places that don't normally show up on a "typical Irish getaway". The itinerary is mapped out for a grand tour of the country, going to towns and villages that aren't always referenced in the normal brochures and is perfect for people who may have seen a lot of Ireland already and want to delve into smaller, niche areas; or for those who enjoy traveling off-the-beaten path and away from most of the general tourist destinations - getting into the heart of the country.

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 (: