It’s that time of year again for our annual mother-daughter trip! It took us some time to decide which country to choose from so many beautiful choices. We made a confident decision that it was going to be Ireland. The planning process for any trip always sparks such excitement. The planning itself feels like an adventure, each of us diving into research, listing places we dreamed of seeing, and weaving together experiences for each stop along the way.
We mapped out a route that seemed to fall into place perfectly. We’ll land in Dublin spending two full days soaking up the city’s energy before picking up our rental car to explore the southern coast. Our path will take us to Cork, Killarney, the wild beauty of Connemara, and finally the charming streets of Galway before looping back to Dublin the night before we fly home.
Arriving in Dublin for our Annual Mother-Daughter Trip
I touched down on a crisp Friday morning, I arrived a bit earlier, and with some time to spare, I grabbed an Uber to the hotel and wandered to a quaint little breakfast spot. It was the perfect way to ease into the rhythm of Dublin life. When my daughter arrived late in the afternoon, we had some catching up to do before she took a brief rest to shake off the travel fatigue. In no time we were out walking ready to explore Dublin.
Our first adventure led us to O’Connell Street, one of Dublin’s most famous main streets. Stretching out from the Northside, O’Connell Street pulses with history and energy. Wide sidewalks bustling with both locals and travelers, weaving through the many shops, restaurants, pubs and landmarks. Old-world architecture stood proudly alongside modern storefronts, a perfect blend of past and present. Everything was within walking distance, the city itself felt wonderfully safe and welcoming. With public transportation options everywhere, trains, buses, Ubers, and taxis readily available we knew we could explore the city with ease.
Afternoon Tea and Adventure
One of our first missions was simple yet so special to find a cafe for an afternoon tea. Our focus tends to use this time to discover a delicious local pastry. O’Connell Street did not disappoint. We found a charming cafe with sunlit outdoor seating where we sipped tea, savored on pastries and simply soaked in the lively ambiance of Dublin. It felt like time slowed down allowing us to drink in the moment along with our tea.
From there, we wandered through the city streets. We stopped to admire the Spire of Dublin, a towering stainless steel monument piercing the sky at 120 meters. Its’ sleek form seemed to capture the spirit of Dublin, bold, modern and deeply rooted in tradition. Our next quest led us on a hunt for an Indian restaurant. After previewing several menus we found the perfect spot, rich aromas, delicious dishes, and a cozy atmosphere. Our conversation drifted from the beauty of the city, to the kindness of everyone we met and to the adventures that awaited us.
We chatted over dinner about the Irish national dish, Irish Stew. It consists of a hearty mix of mutton, potatoes, and onions. We made a mental note to seek out vegan and vegetarian versions of it during our travels, though it might be a challenge. But with the countless eateries lining Dublin’s streets, we were optimistic. Every corner seems to offer something new to discover.
The Magic of Dublin by Night
As we strolled back to the hotel, the city transformed before our eyes. Lights flickered to life, casting a golden glow over the cobblestone streets. From nearby pubs, the faint sounds of music and occasional bursts of singing spilled into the cool night air. Dublin was alive, its spirit inviting and warm, much like its people.
We returned to the hotel with tired feet and full hearts, ready for the next day’s adventure. Our agenda for tomorrow included Trinity College’s historic library, the Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the beautiful gardens of Merrion Square Park.
Ireland has already enchanted us with its magic!
Thanks for being here,
-Soraya
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