Tag Archives: Ireland

June 2020 – Life update, Oranmore trip & direct watercolour challenge

Oranmore horse

Oranmore horses

I’ve decided to keep going with this monthly journal to document what I get up to during this time. It’s a way for me to personally reflect on the last few weeks and to look ahead at future goals.

This month the restrictions lifted. I have learned that it makes a huge difference even knowing you can travel more than 2km, even if you don’t actually go that far! There is a faint pulse of life back in the city. Restrictions were lifted on 29th for bars & cafés serving food. It was actually exciting to see people sitting at pre-booked tables together. Wild times indeed. There were queues for barbers and a scramble for appointments with hairdressers. The traffic is one thing I am not grateful to see return. Continue reading

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May update: What I got upto in Dublin during Quarantine

Cycle to Sandymount Strand

Cycle to Sandymount Strand

Last month I wrote a post about what I got up to during April in Quarantine in Dublin ( which was more than I thought I did). I found it a good way to reflect and document what I actually did during this strange time. Days seem to blur into one another at the moment as time drifts on by. So I thought it would be good to keep the momentum up and write another monthly report to share with others and to keep myself somewhat accountable.

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What I got up to in Dublin in April during Quarantine

I normally write about my travel, but just like you, I wasn’t able to travel this month. Due to the governmental restrictions that have been enforced since March 27th here in Ireland, I have not been able to travel further than 2km from my home. For people over the age of 70, living in Ireland it is even more strict as they cannot leave their homes whatsoever. For many, this has been a very traumatic event.  Many of my own friends and family are really struggling to get through this. It’s a weird time to be alive. However, personally I’ve actually been dealing with the quarantine reasonably well. I was trying to figure out wondering why? I wanted to get my head around it by writing this article. So I thought I would write down and document my experiences of being in Dublin during the Covid19 pandemic and what I’ve been getting up to while stuck indoors.

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Girly weekend getaway in Belfast

Girly Weekend Getaway in Belfast

Girly Weekend Getaway in Belfast

Every couple of years a group of my friends go on a girly weekend getaway together. Last time it was Berlin this time we decided on a city trip to Belfast. I caught an early flight with Easyjet from Amsterdam and the others traveled from various parts of Ireland by train & car to meet up. Continue reading

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Dog-Friendly Family Road trip to Dungarvan, Waterford

Dog friendly family holiday dungarvan waterford

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On a whim, we decided to spend 2 days in Dungarvan, Co Waterford while visiting the parents in Kilkenny. The weather was fantastic, especially for Irish standards. We took full advantage with a nice little family road trip to Dungarvan complete with “Dúbh” the dog included.

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11 best things to do in Kilkenny on a short break

11 Best Things to do in Kilkenny on a short break

11 Best Things to do in Kilkenny on a short break

Kilkenny is often overlooked on the tourist trail. Many blast their way past. Some skip it entirely by heading straight to Connemara. However, there are tons of things to do in Kilkenny. I hadn’t visited in ages (as we are temporarily living in Amsterdam ). So we decided to reconnect with the city and play at being a tourist while catching up with my parents who live there.

The population of this medieval “city” has a population of just under 30,000. For its size, it punches well above its weight. It oozes culture, exudes atmosphere and is exceedingly quaint. It is difficult to visit without some festival or conference going on such as The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Kilkenomics or Rhythm & Roots adding to the buzz. The bar and restaurant selection are excellent and quite varied. You will find lots of things to do and it is perfect for a short break while in Ireland. Continue reading

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Hiking to a hidden heart shaped lake

IRELAND- HIKING TO THE HEART SHAPED LAKE IN WICKLOW,

On the hottest day of the year, we decided to climb the third highest summit in the province to see a glimpse of the heart shaped lake. Let me put this into context. It is Ireland, so the temperature hit 20c for the first time this year and the entire country went a little wild. The city centre was like a ghost town while everyone escaped it to enjoy a few precious rays. (See bottom of post for route details) Continue reading

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