Dublin
Stay: Haddington House
A bit off the beaten path from the center of the city, Haddington House is a fairly affordable, lovely historic hotel in Dun Laoghaire right on the harbor with views of the sea. We loved their breakfast, bikes to borrow and overall hospitality!
We’ve booked this place for ourselves before and after our flights in and out of dublin (it was only 15k Chase points if you’re obsessed with the points game like I am!! I’m happy to help you with this if you need!)
Eat: Hartley’s
Just across the street from Haddington House, I had the best vegetable soup of my life here. We loved the bartender Cian!
Eat: Nomo Ramen
Small little hip ramen shop with some of the best noodles we’ve ever had, which are a welcome change from all of the fried foods we enjoy in Ireland!
Eat: Fumbally
Coooooool lil cafe with gorgeous breads and great little brunch dishes. Loved the vibe here!
Eat: Fred
They have crepes here and a continuous flowing chocolate tap with molten dark chocolate…
West Cork
Stay/Visit: Liss Ard Estate
If you’re looking for a bougie spot to stay, this is it. Nestled in West Cork- they had a gorgeous vegetable garden and stunning restaurant. We didn’t stay here but visited to see the Sky Garden which is a VERY COOL outdoor sculptural installation. We just parked and followed the signs to the sky garden, I’m pretty sure it’s allowed haha!
Eat: Carewswood Garden Centre & Cafe
Located just a few minutes from Castlemartyr, this cafe has excellent breakfast and lunch! Cute cute spot.
Visit: Inchydoney
Our favorite beach- they also have surf lessons!
Eat: Pike Deli
If you’re visiting Clonakilty/Inchydoney, this is one of our favorite bakeries. If they have the apple cake it’s a must try! They also make gorgeous focaccia sandwiches daily. The owner’s brother lives in Fort Collins, CO! Lolol small world huh.
Eat: Fish Basket
Cute and delicious fish & chip shop on another one of our favorite beaches (Long Strand), this spot gets PACKED. Lunch with a view!
Visit: De Barra’s in Clonakilty
Carl’s favorite trad music pub! The same guys have been playing Sunday evening sessions for 40 years- it’s amazing. 8pm on Sundays!
Eat: Oak Fire Pizza in Clonakilty
Shockingly delicious wood fired pizza place, again for when you’re sick of eating fries!
Eat/Stay: Dunmore House
Gorgeous views of the ocean and some of the best food we’ve had in Ireland here! They grow a ton of the produce they’re using and you can see their gardens overlooking the water!
Visit: Schull Farmer’s Market
The falafel from Effi’s Kitchen is literally one of my top 5 favorite bites of food I’ve ever had IN MY LIFE. We asked him if he’d cater one of the parties at our wedding and he said, ‘I’m too old for that now.’
Visit: Glandore
Have a pint at the Glandore Inn and watch the sailboats come in! A stunning sunset spot.
Visit: Bantry House
Beautiful gardens and grounds to walk around! Had a delicious scone at the little cafe on site here that we’re pretty sure was singlehandedly run by an 11 year old boy who we couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t in school.
Eat: Wildflour
Another stunning bakery making sourdough pastries + breads. Worth the long line!
Visit: Wild Atlantic Way
There are LOADS of stunner beaches to stop at along the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s sort of like driving the Pacific Coast Highway!
Visit: Mizen Head
Crazy, outrageously beautiful cliff/ocean view with a million steps to walk!