My latest adventure took me through the incredible landscapes of Ireland and Scotland, where history, charm, and a touch of luxury made for an unforgettable trip.
First stop - Adare Manor in County Limerick. This neo-Gothic beauty is absolutely stunning, and I fell under its spell. The whole place has an incredible sense of history and warmth. One of the highlights was breakfast in The Gallery - a breath-taking hall stretching 40 metres long and 6.5 metres high. Inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, it's said to be the second-longest room in Ireland, surpassed only by Trinity College’s Long Room.
Another favourite moment? Pre-dinner drinks in one of their cosy wine cellars, which set the perfect tone for the evening.
Taking long walks through the grounds and sneaking out the back gate to explore the local village was also a fun adventure.
While in Limerick, I had an amazing experience with "Secret Ireland Escape," who put together unique, customized tours. Ours had a medieval theme, and we were hosted by a wonderful couple who have lovingly restored a castle. They met us at their dock, dressed us up in cloaks and tiaras, and as we stepped through the door, we were greeted by the soft melodies of a harp. We enjoyed a traditional Irish feast, completely immersing ourselves in the moment.
Another day, we tried falconry at Adare Manor, starting with small birds and working our way up to the bigger ones. The bald eagle, though, was apparently out of our league - it stayed with the instructor! An informative and fascinating experience.
After the peaceful countryside, we made our way to Dublin and checked into The Merrion Hotel for two nights. This place, made up of four beautifully restored Georgian townhouses, had so much character and charm.
Dublin’s pub scene was calling, so we joined The Perfect Pint Tour. While Guinness is the national drink, I’m more of a gin fan - and thankfully, that was allowed! The tour took us to some fantastic, independently owned pubs, each with its own unique vibe. A standout was John Kavanagh’s, better known as "The Gravediggers." Established in 1833 and still run by the Kavanagh family (now in its seventh generation!), this place feels like stepping back in time. It even has a tiny snug with a little window where pints are quietly passed through. Such a cool spot with so much history.
A short flight transported us to Scotland, where the legendary Gleneagles awaited. Nestled in the rolling hills, this place was pure magic. We had three amazing nights here, diving into classic countryside activities - taking a guided Drovers walk (where we learned about the old cattle herders), playing golf on pristine courses (with mixed success!), and trying our hand at clay shooting. The staff were incredible, making sure every detail was just right.
Our journey wrapped up in Edinburgh, where we stayed at the Gleneagles Townhouse - a beautifully restored old bank turned into a stylish hotel. The mix of historic architecture and modern touches made it a seriously cool place to stay.
One of the highlights was the Johnnie Walker Experience, a fun, interactive tour that brought the brand’s history to life. Actors walked us through the whisky-making process in a way that felt more like theatre than a standard distillery visit. We even got to explore our own taste preferences before diving into the different flavours.
Another unforgettable Edinburgh moment was a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, where we got a glimpse into royal maritime life - so fascinating!
This trip was a deep dive into the history, culture, luxury and landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. From medieval-themed nights in Limerick to cosy pub-hopping in Dublin, and from the peaceful Highlands to the historic streets of Edinburgh, every moment felt like a new discovery. The sense of place in each spot was incredible, and I’ll be holding onto these memories for a long time to come.
