Rolling my suitcase along the Terminal 5 at JFK, I anxiously waited in line to be called. Then, I heard ‘Next’. I cannot explain my emotions as I
stood and presented my passport. Excited, anxious, happy, nervous – I could not believe that after a very long 18 months, here I stood checked-in with boarding card and passenger locator form in hand …. Next stop, Ireland!!! I had finally gotten to say ‘See you tomorrow!’ to my family!!
The flight with Aer Lingus was smooth, quick and I cannot say enough about the staff who made this much overdue journey extra pleasant. As we neared Dublin Airport, my heart (and eyes!) welled as I could see the green fields of home … not long now!
Upon disembarking, I thanked our Aer Lingus air host Aidan and his team … from there I proceeded to immigration and customs. The immigration agent must have sensed my emotions as he looked at me and said, ‘Its been a while, welcome home.’ I picked up my bag, collected my rental car and like a kid on Christmas morning, I was off!
My hometown of Kells is not far from Dublin Airport … just about an hour’s drive. Kells is a historic and beautiful town located in Co. Meath in the heart of the Boyne Valley and the region known as Irelands Ancient East. Its known far and wide to all for being the place of origination of the Book of Kells, but for me it is simply home.
This trip home really was extra special for me this time as not only did I get to go home for the first time in almost 2 years, but I also got to personally welcome some of my clients to Kells.
Chris Murphy is a friend of mine for years and also happens to be a fantastic local historian and guide in Kells. Chris met myself and my clients in O’Connor’s Bar (also happens to be my brothers bar). If you are in Kells you have to visit!!! Chris gave us a brief history of Kells while the clients enjoyed a pint of Guinness and a Jameson whiskey. Chris then took us for a short walk up to the local church where I even learned things about Kells that I had no idea about. Chris really is a wealth of knowledge. It was such a privilege to listen to him but to also see my clients enjoying his company and learning from him. It was the first time I really got to experience Kells as a visitor. The town has so much to offer and I will definitely be back and Katie Dalys Ireland will look forward to sending lots more clients to the heart of the Boyne Valley.
Another wonderful visit in the Boyne Valley is Slane Distillery. Located within the 1,500 acre grounds of Slane Castle, the new distillery experience offers a variety of tours and experiences. ‘Slane Rocks’ commemorates the 40th anniversary of the first concert performance at Slane back in 1981. Acts such as U2, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, David Bowie, Queen and REM have performed in Slane. U2, uniquely, have performed three times at the venue – playing support to the renowned Irish band, Thin Lizzy, who headlined Slane with their first show in 1981. Slane Castle also offers castle tours and is the perfect venue to host your family, friends, wedding, gala dinner, conference or corporate function. My visit there was a wonderful start to my trip home … Thank you to Gary and team at Slane Whiskey Distillery for a fantastic tour!
The next few days were spent in the capital city of Dublin and I got to visit a number of wonderful attractions and hotels!
I enjoyed a wonderful stay at Dublin’s premier 5* Hotel, The 5 Star Merrion Hotel in Dublin located in the heart of the city & members of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. and Ireland’s Blue Book … The staff went above & beyond, as usual, and we even enjoyed a delicious ‘Slice of Art’ at their renowned Afternoon Tea! It was almost too pretty to eat… But we did! 😉
Then I was off to discover Dublin’s Fair City with Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin with Pat Liddy himself. This award-winning walking tour company offers tours in English, Irish, German & French. Since 2004, they have been guiding tours through the capital and sharing information on its most well-known sites, as well as its hidden gems.
After leaving Pat, my next stay was at the Dylan Hotel, a 5* boutique hotel tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Dublin 4, a short walk from the city center. This chic and stylish property was once a Victorian home. The property recently completed an extensive refurbishment of the ground floor public areas and food & beverage spaces. The Dylan is a proud member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
The next day I headed off for an epic visit at EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. At EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum you too can try to mimic the Riverdance moves, like I did – check out my social media for proof!… but there is much more… here you’ll discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world. Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are. The Museum was also proudly voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2019 & 2020 at the World Travel Awards.
What a fabulous end to my Visit Dublin tour, a night at the Wilder Townhouse, member of Ireland’s Blue Book, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Mr & Mrs Smith. The Wilder is a resident’s only boutique townhouse, a city hideaway on the tree-lined Adelaide Road. Built in the 19th century, the property was originally a home for retired governesses. While here check out the chic Gin & Tea Rooms which stock an elaborate array of Irish gins and whiskeys!
I enjoyed a fantastic tour of the GPO Museum, a wonderful interactive experience in the heart of Dublin City telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish history. Don’t miss the specially created centerpiece film that puts you right in the middle of the action during the Rising as it happened at the GPO and other locations.
While in Dublin, it was also so lovely to visit the Shelbourne Hotel & Westbury Hotel.
The Shelbourne Hotel … Established in 1824, this 5* luxury Dublin hotel overlooks the beautiful St Stephens Green & is steeped in history. It was here that the Irish Constitution was signed back in 1922 – it was amazing to stand in that same room, now named the Constitution Suite, which still has the original table & chairs. The Shelbourne is a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel.
The 5* Westbury Hotel overlooks iconic Grafton Street and offers its guests the ultimate in luxury and style. It’s part of the Doyle Collection, a group of Irish family-owned luxury and urban hotels located in superb central locations in London, Dublin, Washington DC, Cork and Bristol, as well as a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel has fittingly been awarded one of the Top 10 Hotels in Ireland by the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards for many years.
As I was so close to Grafton Street, a little retail therapy was due … so into Brown Thomas I went. This fabulous Irish retail store carries the latest fashion designs, and offer private and personalized shopping experiences, including afternoon tea and lunch, for VIP clients.
After my retail therapy, I found myself walking along Fleet Street, home to the Palace Bar where I first worked over 20 years ago! I was the first female bartender at the Palace back when I was a student in Cathal Brugha Street and have so many wonderful memories of this city center bar – It is full of character, charming and homely and yes, serves a great pint of Guinness too! Built in 1823, it has been operating as a bar since. It has been a local for many famous Irish writers over the years and the famous lamp-posts outside even pay tribute to them.
That evening, I caught out up with colleague & friend Roisin Wallace, of Original Irish Hotels. We met at one of the member properties, Buswells Hotel. While sitting enjoying a coffee, I could not help but notice the chatter around me – Irish accents, American accents, French accents, amongst others … it was the buzz of Dublin – tourism was back!
Before long, it was my last day at home in Co. Meath. As I boarded the Aer Lingus aircraft, my eyes (and heart) welled once again … but alas I was so grateful to go be home and even more grateful that Ireland is open and ready to welcome visitors back!
