Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Air Transat. All opinions expressed are my own. All offerings and prices are accurate as of time of posting. Please refer to Air Transat for most up to date information.

*All images are copyrighted Allons.Y Styling & Photography. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable

Just a few short weeks ago I found myself in Ireland with Air Transat. Ireland is a place I’ve dreamed of going for years now, so when Air Transat asked me to check out their direct flights between Toronto & Dublin you had better believe my answer was HECK YES.

I had known about this trip for months in advance and typically I am the type of traveler that likes to plan every single detail, but this time around life was busy and before I knew it I was headed off to Ireland without a clue about where I was going or what I was about to go do. Thankfully I lucked out with my procrastination this time around because Air Transat provides several packages to explore Ireland which not only include flights, room & board, but also many meals for the duration of your trip. For once in my life I decided to sit back, relax, and just go with it.

The Perfect Start & Finish in Club Class

I was lucky enough to be treated by Air Transat to fly in their Club Class cabin for this trip. It was first time flying Club Class and let me tell you I felt like I was being spoiled rotten! In addition to getting larger and comfier seats at the front of the cabin Club Class also gets you:

• Priority boarding & baggage handling plus a priority check in counter at the airport. Super helpful and definitely reduces stress when you unexpectedly run into standstill traffic on the way to the airport (like we did).
• An extra checked baggage (for those that need all the shoe options)
• Welcome cocktail, comfort amenities kit with blanket, inflatable neck pillow and sleep mask. Definitely essential when taking those red-eyes like we did. If you ask my travel companions I was basically unconscious the entire flight…just the way I like it. Ha!
• Complimentary beverages, snacks, and selection of wines. I particularly enjoyed the Bailey’s coffee…yum!
• Gourmet meals by chef Daniel Vézina

For real though, splurging a little on the flights home and back will always be worth it for me especially if you consider the flights there and back will really help set the tone for the trip and be the first and final things that you experience. Plus it takes the stress out of what can undoubtedly the most nerve-wracking part of travelling.

If Club Class isn’t quite in your budget you might want to consider adding on Option Plus which gets you all of the above (minus the larger comfier seats at the front, the meals by chef Daniel Vézina, and welcome cocktail) for a small additional fee ranging from $50-$120 depending on where you’re flying to. Quite a steal to be able to avoid long airport lineups and not having to decide which pair of shoes will make the cut.

 

Some Helpful Hints

• Ireland (also known as the Republic of Ireland or Southern Ireland) is considered a different country than Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom whereas Ireland is it’s own republic and separate state
• Because Ireland and Northern Ireland are different countries it’s helpful to note that the monetary currency in Ireland is the Euro whereas  Northern Ireland being part of the United Kingdom uses the British Pound. Make sure you take out both currencies if you plan on visiting both areas like I did (although many places do accept credit cards as well).
• Despite being different countries the most common electrical outlet used throughout both Northern and Southern Ireland is the UK style plug. In fact, it is the only plug I encountered during my stay. I also found that majority of the outlets had on/off switches so make sure you turn the switch to ON if you want to charge your devices.
• If you’re looking to pick a local SIM card to use your mobile device you may have to purchase different SIM cards for Northern Ireland and Ireland. I decided to go with a company called Three Mobile though which allowed me to purchase one SIM card that can be used in both Northern and Southern Ireland (as well as various other countries) for around 15 Euros for 5GB of data. Other pay-as-you go options and prices plans were also available depending on y0ur needs and the store staff set me up quickly and easily (and no I was not paid to say this by Three, it’s just the service provider I happened to come across…haha).
• You’ll often hear the Irish use the term “craic” (pronounced as “crack”). It’s a bit of Irish lingo to refer to having fun, and you’ll definitely have a whole lotta craic in Ireland (for real though, it has nothing to do with drugs despite the similar pronunciation).

Northern Ireland

Prior to my trip my thoughts of Ireland were actually that of Northern Ireland. Think lush green landscapes towering over moody waters, glacial mountains, and mythical-like castles that fairytale fantasies are made of. Well let me spoil it for you beforehand and say that it did not disappoint. It is even more breathtaking in person and it’s no surprise that Game of Thrones films a lot of their series here!

 

Belfast

Despite being the capital city (and largest city) of Northern Ireland and the second largest city in Ireland as whole, Belfast manages to retain all the character of a smaller town where literally everyone knows each other and greets you with a friendly hello while passing by. Completely steeped in rich history Belfast balances the charm of the past with modern resurgence effortlessly, making my stay here a definite highlight of the trip.

 

Where We Stayed – The Bullitt Hotel

The Bullitt Hotel is a boutique style hotel which is located right in middle of Belfast city centre allowing you to be within walking distance of some of Belfast’s biggest attractions as well as ample restaurants, bars, and shops. In addition to the modern, well-appointed decor it was also directly next to one of my favourite bars/eats spots on the trip…

 

Muriel’s Cafe Bar/Pablo’s

Muriel’s Cafe & Bar and Pablo’s are actually two separate establishments with Pablo’s being a take-out burger joint located at street level and Muriel’s on the upper floor above. While Muriel’s does in fact serve food as well you can actually still order Belfast’s best burger from Pablo’s and have them sent up and served to you while you enjoy a cocktail or two at Muriel’s and I can definitely attest to the deliciousness of the  Pablo’s burgers.

While at Muriel’s we were also treated to a gin tasting unlike anything I have experienced before. Three types of gin are served each one at first neat, then on the rocks, and then mixed with high quality Fever Tree tonic and various garnishes.  As someone who much prefers a vodka over gin this experiences made me re-think my spirit of choice and while visiting this beauty of a bar be sure to check out some wonderfully crafted Irish Boatyard Double Gin and Jawbox Gin.

Taste and Tour – Eat Like a Local

Ok, so maybe I jumped the gun a bit writing about Muriel’s and Pablo’s above before properly introducing the 4 hour culinary tour we took with Northern Ireland’s Taste and Tour, which offers up food tours run by locals so that you get the very best insider tips of where to eat, drink, and get your craic on. We took a 4 hour food tour where we got to try out Belfast’s very best in edible cuisine. You can either book tours in advance during their tour times or book for a private group. While the below doesn’t encompass every place we visited it does include the locations that were a standout for me (including Muriel’s & Pablo’s above). If you love to eat (and who doesn’t?) then I highly recommend taking one (or a few) of Taste and Tour‘s tours which cover everything from eats, to drinks like gin and whisky. Our tour guide Sara was absolutely incredible too and made us feel like a local and old friend.

Mourne Seafood Bar

Mourne Seafood Bar serves fresh, local seafood. It’s so local that everything is sourced from their own seafood beds which is just a 30 minute drive from the restaurant. Really, it couldn’t get any fresher unless you were eating it directly from the water where it was sourced.

Co Couture

Co Couture serves up small-batch artisan chocolate, coffee, and chocolate based treats.   Be sure to grab a cup of their ultra rich and indulgent hot chocolate with some of their house-made marshmallows.

 

Curated Kitchen

Curated Kitchen is located in Belfast’s cathedral quarter and features a menu with recipes sourced from a group of eclectic sources everything from television, online, magazines, cookbooks, and word of mouth. The menu changes regularly and the recipe and source is provided with each menu item giving credit to the originator and featuring talent from across all spectrums. More importantly though each recipe is executed expertly and every dish we tried was worth loosening our pants for.

 

Titanic Belfast & Titanic Hotel Restaurant

For those history buffs or Titanic lovers, Belfast is the city for you. You can even visit Titanic Belfast which is situated on the exact site the Titanic was built! With over 9 galleries that span over 6 floors it is the largest Titanic visitor experience in the world. I particularly enjoyed the exhibit that showcased the various types of room suites available in the Titanic.

Just a few steps away from  Titanic Belfast is the Titanic Hotel Belfast where we ate at the Harland Bar. The only thing more exquisite than the food here was the interior with it’s vaulted ceilings and skylights that flood the entire space with the most gorgeous natural light.

 

Street Art Tour – Seedhead Hearts

Street art in Belfast is a serious cultural experience. Murals scattered throughout the city are commissioned pieces of works by carefully selected artists and each has it’s own history behind every stroke (or spray) of paint. Take a street art walking tour by Seedhead Hearts and learn the meaning behind each piece of work for which Belfast has quickly become world renown for.

St. George’s Market

St. George’s Market is the only market left in the world that is housed in a Victorian building. It is also voted best market in the UK and a stop here is a must for any food & locavore lover. Only open Fridays-Sundays it is the place to go to get the very best in goods & produce that Belfast has to offer. In addition to the food stalls the back area houses stalls with locally made crafts and goods for the perfect souvenir or gift for yourself.

The Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges are located about an hour drive north of Belfast and are worth the trek to go see. A small stretch of rural road is lined with beech trees that form an impressive tree tunnel. It is one of those places I will remember forever and I can honestly say I would come back at all times during the year and at different seasons just to see this beauty in different stages. And yes I would come back to Ireland a million times over just to see this place again and again.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Just 20 minutes from The Dark Hedges is Carrick-a-Rede Bridge. Originally built in the 1700s the actual rope bridge itself is only 20m (65 ft) long and sits 30m (98ft) above the water. In order to get to the actual bridge you must walk about an hour along the coastal trail and the journey to get there is just as an attraction as the bridge itself as you take in the clear sea green waters and lush green landscapes.

Giant’s of Causeway

With 40K interlocking basalt rock columns formed by a volcanic eruption the Giant’s of Causeway is one of those places that make you sit back in awe at the power of Mother Nature. With the perfectly interlaced volcanic rocks overlooking the water it’s hard to believe at first glance that this wasn’t man-made but then to see it is to know that really only nature could have created something so perfect. One of my all time favourite moments of the trip was sitting on the interlaced rocks and just taking in the sunshine on my face while listening to the waves gently crash into the rocks.

Ballygally Castle Hotel

After our day at The Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, and the Giant’s of Causeway we headed off to spend the night at the Ballygally Castle Hotel which is just minutes from the Giant’s of Causeway. A 17th century stunning castle the Ballygally Castle Hotel is directly on the Causeway coastline with unobstructed views of the water. Legend has it that this hotel is haunted by the ghost of Lady Isabella Shaw who was locked in the castle tower by her husband Lord James Shaw after taking away her son, his heir, away from her. Story has it that she fell to her death from the tower trying to escape and search for her child. I of course was the (un)lucky one who got to stay in the room directly next to the room of Lady Isabella the ghost. If you enjoy self-inflicted spookiness and want to read more about Lady Isabella and the ghost tours they offer at the hotel check it out here.

If you’re not afraid of ghosts like me then you’ll actually love staying in one of the tower rooms which have been updated with beautiful furnishes and modern amenities while still maintaining the 17th century castle charm. The downside to staying in the tower though (you know, besides that fact that there’s ghosts) is that access to rooms is only by a long and narrow spiral staircase. I definitely had a challenge carrying my overpacked luggage up and down that spiral staircase so it’s best to avoid the tower rooms if you packed heavy like I did or if you have mobility concerns. You can however stay in the newer area of the hotel which offers elevators (and no ghosts).

For the record though I did not see, hear, or feel any extraterrestrial presence. But then again I like to think I can hold my own…even against the afterworld. On some level I think Lady Isabella knew better than to mess with me because I can pretty scary when I haven’t slept, even by ghost standards.

Before checking out be sure to dine at the Garden Restaurant inside the hotel. Dinner was absolutely delicious and for breakfast there is a buffet spread which even includes porridge served with a self-serve splash of Irish whisky!

Ireland (Republic of Ireland/Southern Ireland)

As we completed the Northern Ireland leg of our tours we headed off south to the Republic of Ireland with Vagabond Tours. Providing small group tours of Ireland our guide Darren was not only informative and professional but went above and beyond to accommodate  any special requests we had (like pulling over the side of the road so we could quickly snap a few pictures of the most adorable sheep).

Galway

Located in the west part of Ireland it is a harbour city and sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. The streets are lively and filled willed buskers, artisans, and local shops, pubs, and restaurants.

 

Where we Stayed (Night 1) – The House Hotel

The House Hotel is a modern boutique hotel in Galway. Furnished with bright pink, green, and black accents it is often filled with tourists and ladies celebrating any and all occasions with their afternoon tea service. The best part about this hotel though is it’s location. Right in the centre of the latin quarter of Galway you are steps away from where all the action takes place.

 

Where we Stayed (Night 2) – The Glenlo Abbey Hotel

The Glenlo Abbey Hotel is located about a 15 minute drive from Galway city centre and offers up a distinctly different feel than that of Galway city life. While only being 15 mins from all the action the hotel sits on a 138 acre estate and was built in the 1700s.With impeccably landscaped grounds which include a golf course and views of Galway’s largest lake, Lough Corrib, the Glenlo Abbey is luxurious through and through.

For me though, the biggest draw of the Glenlo Abbey was without a doubt the opportunity to dine at the Pullman Restaurant. Composed of 2 train carriages from the original Orient Express to dine there is to be transported in time.

 

Ard Bia and Nimmos

Lastly, no visit to Galway would be complete without dining at Ard Bia at Nimmos. Set inside a historic building the interior is rustic chic with eclectic accents and pieces throughout. Somehow it all ties together though and the food is pretty damn phenomenal. The ingredients are local and the dishes blend Irish comfort with mediterranean influences.

 

Dublin

The largest and capital city of Ireland Dublin is a city full of charm, liveliness, and plenty of things to do, see, and indulge in.

Where we Stayed  – The Alex Hotel

By far my favourite hotel that we stayed in was  The Alex. Centrally located in Dublin, it’s design masterfully blends retro and modern. The entire space has been recently renovated and each detail of it was thoughtfully curated by the design firm 21 Spaces. With materials locally sourced where possible and design choices that tell a story, such as the ticker tape that resides above the elevators which gives a nod to the fact the building once housed a trading floor and bank, it is a place that evolves with the modern times while still celebrating it’s history.

 

The Guinness Storehouse

There are few brands as Irish and as recognizable as Guinness. The Guinness storehouse is a pint glass shaped building that is 7  floors high and takes it’s visitors through an immersive experience of one of Ireland’s oldest and most well known brewers. You even have the option of taking a class at their Guinness Academy where you can learn to pour the perfect pint. Each ticket also includes a pint of Guinness from their top floor bar The Gravity Bar – worth the visit for their panoramic views of Dublin alone!

 

The Book of Kells

 

Quite possibly one of the most magical places in the world….I mean even Harry Potter was filmed here so that’s saying something.  With floor to ceiling shelves of some of the oldest artifacts, transcripts, and yes the Book of Kells it is place that easily makes you imagine all the possibilities which lie inside all those pages and your imagination.

Nolita Dublin

While Ireland is often esteemed for their natural wonders their interiors and urban spaces are quite the sight to behold as well. Nolita is one of such places with two sprawling floors of instagrammable overload. The food here is also just as good and just as beautiful as their perfectly tiled floors and plush banquettes.

Peruke & Periwig

We accidentally stumbled into this beauty of a cocktail bar. From the bottom main floor it looks like a typical Irish pub/bar but take a few flights up to the upper level and you’ll find one of the biggest hidden gems of all of Dublin. Not only is the space stunning it has some of the tastiest and most inventive cocktails I’ve ever tasted. This place is an absolute must visit and discovering it felt like being let in on a secret treasure.

Tropical Popical

Treat yourself! Tropical Popical is a whimsical nail bar with all the sparkles, pink, and blush toned velvet seating. Besides the fact this place is the ultimate in Irish craic it is also run by a pair of sisters/badass female entrepreneurs and activists. As someone who gets their nails done religiously this place made my heart beat irregularly in the best way possible.

Love Supreme

Hellloooooooo caffeine! Your daily cuppa prayers have been answered with Love Supreme where the coffee is strong and staff are friendly. This cute coffee shop gives every urban explorer the injection of energy needed to explore Dublin top to bottom from morning until evening.

Brewley’s Grafton Street

Brewley’s on Grafton Street is one of Ireland’s most iconic buildings and oldest café. With locations all across Ireland, the UK, and the United States their location on Grafton Street is the one that started it all and is certainly the one you’ll want to visit with it’s floor to ceiling stained glass windows commissioned by famed Irish stained glass artist and illustrator Harry Clarke. Sample their ample selection of sweets and take home a tin of their tea to remember your perfect afternoon spent at this beautiful café.

I am honestly so grateful to Air Transat for inviting me on this trip and for someone who did zero research beforehand their Ireland itinerary made me feel like I had experienced the very best of this beautiful country. Their packages take care of flights accommodations, some meals, and transfers between cities while offering up options for the tours that will enrich your time there. I promise that it really is a trip of a lifetime and I’m just dying for a chance to go back and explore more. Check out their Ireland packages here which let you choose several options of exploration.

And if you need just a little bit more about Ireland I highly recommend you check out the pages of my travel companions below. A group of talented badass entrepreneurs and travel gurus I was honoured to have spent a week with them discovering Ireland

• Debbie Cabana (@debbiecabana)
• Krystle (@dineandfash)
• Filipa (@filipajackson)
• Lauren (@thisrenegadelove)
• Joëlle (@lapetitenoob)

Also the photos of them below I totally jacked from their Instagram pages. Ladies, please don’t have your lawyers send me a cease and desist order. Ha!