Pre-trip

I've traveled to every corner of the world, including Kenya, Morocco, Turkey, India, Nepal and almost every country in Europe, but somehow never made it to Ireland. I've decided it's finally time!

I researched group tours because I don't want to rent a car and navigate narrow, winding mountain roads on the left side, with Guinness-drinking tourists and locals making it more treacherous. Most escorted tours I found were in the $2,000 range, and many only covered the highlights and didn't include N. Ireland and Belfast. Finally, I settled on a very thorough budget tour with a company called Paddy Wagon. GREAT deal for a 9 day/8 night tour, with meager breakfast included, toast and coffee. I had the option of budget B&B (private room, better breakfast), or backpacker (hostels/dorm rooms shared with other frugal tour members). If you know me at all, you know which one I chose to save $300 ;)

I'm flying free on a Delta pass.. thanks sis!  I plan to land in Dublin at 7am on Friday the 22nd, take the bus into the city to drop off my suitcase at the Marriott Aloft Hotel, and then go sight see. I'll hop the bus or train 15 miles north to Malahide Castle, one of the best in Ireland just to get out of Dublin a bit... Then it's a 30 minute bus ride back to Dublin for a good night's sleep at my hotel before I start my tour on Saturday a.m. Fingers crossed...and just maybe I'll venture out to a Dublin pub for a pint of Guinness before I hit the sack. My new boutique hotel is conveniently located in the heart of town near St Patrick's Cathedral and a whiskey distillery ;) Fyi... temps in March are chilly, highs around 50, lows around 40...lots of rain.

Malahide Castle

Howth
 I'll post an update in a few days (Friday the 22nd)! Enjoy the blog... there will be plenty of food and beverage posts, as always. That's one of the main reasons I travel, and it appears Ireland has really become a food mecca with some serious chefs! Who knew? No more meat and potatoes! I'll spend my 2nd tour night in Dingle and found this to be interesting, a Saveur article on the food:

 https://www.saveur.com/ireland-dingle-peninsula-seafood-guide