The Climb of all Climbs

I was roped into climbing Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo. It was something that I had never done seen that it is on the West Coast. As the days built up to actually going, I found myself getting very nervous and concerned as like most people I didn’t want to break anything.

So lets begin by telling you about Irelands Holy Mountain. Croagh Patrick is situated near the town of Westport in County Mayo, Ireland. The main pilgrimage route originates in the village of Murrisk, 8km outside Westport. Croagh Patrick rises to a height of 762m above sea level.

We booked into the most beautiful hostel, the lady that runs this hostel was so nice and highly recommend staying here. It was my first time ever staying in a hostel and was really surprised how much I liked it! It was great to be in a room with all the girls – it made us all closer as no one was left out!

Normally, it takes about two hours for the average person to reach the summit, and one and a half hours to descend. We did it in the four hours (in total), which I was really happy about. It was a tough climb, my asthma really played up and without my walking stick I don’t know how I would have made it! Sadly, we weren’t able to get the full view of the bay at the top, as we reached the top the clouds came in quick and the rain started.

Coming down was so much easier as we got down in the hour! The minute we walked out of the carpark we headed straight into the pub and enjoyed a well deserved pint. Of course it didn’t stop there and we headed into Westport. This town is stag and hen central and a really good night out!

I highly recommend doing Croagh Patrick once in your life – make sure it’s on your list!

Hells Bells

Xxxx

Links; Croagh Patrick, Croagh Patrick Hostel

Laser Teeth Whitening

So very excited in getting my teeth whitened professionally. I was gifted a present to get my teeth whitened. I don’t know about you but I always find that when getting something like this done I need to have a reason why to get them done. Thankfully I have my Best Friends wedding in a couple of weeks and no better reason to have a lovely white smile for the wedding photo’s.

I booked in with ‘The Whitening Clinic‘, they have numerous locations and I choose the location that was closet to me, which was Newbridge. The specialized nurse was so lovely. I got 2 sets of 30 minutes and my teeth came out gleaming.

Before:

After:

I would be quite sensitive to hot and cold normally and thought I would have taken a reaction but nothing. The whole process was so easy and relaxing (a whole hour to myself!) and afterwards she went through the white diet to ensure they stayed perfectly white for as long a possible.

She recommended to get a top up after 6 months as this helps to lock in the beautiful whiteness and at €49 – I think this is very manageable. So Ill be back again around Christmas to get my top up!

Hells Bells

Xxxx

Link; The Whitening Clinic

Heading to Monaco

The easiest part was boning the flights and the tickets, if you don’t this in a package the only thing I will say you can never buy the flights early enough. Nice airport is guaranteed that passengers will be arriving as its The Monaco F1 Grand Prix.

Now if you can afford to stay in Monaco that weekend – fair play. They estimate that cost price on accommodation goes up 150%. So we were staying in Nice.

As silly as this sounds I thought we could just drive into Monaco on the day. Now I know they convert the main road into the race track but I thought there would be some sort of parking faculty. I was lucky to find out from my Aunt & Uncle (who have been there numerous times) that this was not the case. Suggestions were made to go by helicopter from Nice to Monaco but of course this was booked up. I looked too get a boat from Nice to Monaco but all this was all sold out. I then decided to go for the train but you are not able to book in advance for more than 265 days. So I waited and waited and waited and amazingly got my train tickets and not that expensive at all. €11 was never going to break the bank.

The day finally came and we were off to Monaco, the train ride was perfect – a little cramped towards the end but it was manageable. We followed the clear instructions to get to ‘La Rocher’.  As we were walking through the streets, the dirty clouds started to worry us but sure all it could do – was rain.

We found the area where all the merchandise was being sold (surprisingly it wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be)and where Red Bull had a F1 Car set up to see how quick your team could change the wheel. The concert stage was set-up with a big screen so that you could see the racing throughout the day. Once the racing was finished they had a singer and band on to entertain all.

We entered the que to get up to ‘La Rocher’. We were there from approx. 10 am till 4pm standing. I won’t lie it was hard at times but due to the all mighty rainfall we weren’t even able to sit down on the wooden stands (that were built for the racing day). I found out my rain coat wasn’t rain proof and got drowned. This didn’t put a dampener on the day as Monaco and the F1 was truly spectacular.

One of my favorite parts had to be the boats/ships sounding their horns just as the race was about to begin and at the end. One boat/ship’s horn was the F1 song – amazing!

I know I will definitely be going again.

Hells Bells

Xxxx

Being a Tourist in Kilkenny

Decided that we would go a do something very touristy and head down to ‘The Marble City’ – Kilkenny.

We had great weather (meaning no rain) so we got to enjoy a few rays as we wandered through the city.

It had a been a good time since I was inside Kilkenny Castle so off we went and did the tour. It was great as it was like you were being a real nosey neighbour having a good aul look at what they had. The artwork was amazing as we entered the gallery, in someways it reminded me if the long gallery room the Vatican has.

Before we went off and explored the rose garden & the grounds of the castle we popped down to the tea rooms and enjoyed a refreshment and delicious cake. We got slightly distracted on the way to a modern art display they had in the castle. Modern Art isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – and I’ll leave it at that!

Of course we had to go into the Kilkenny Shop in Kilkenny and buy something patriotic as it was the 1916 centaurium.

We also decided to do the Smithicks Experience Tour, which is no more than a stone throw away from the Castle. We were being budget friendly and booked our tickets online.

We had done the Guiness Storehouse in Dublin and the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, so we knew it was going to be very similar. However, the extra’s that they had really made the overall experience marvellous. I think my favourite parts was the Hogwarts esk experience. I won’t spill the beans as I don’t want to ruin it for anyone who may go!

 

All in all it was great being a tourist in Kilkenny!

Hells Bells
Xxx

Getting Ready for the Summer Holidays Haul

So this haul is mainly of the things that I needed for the summer trip that I am going on. Seen we have had amazing weather also I feel that this also has enticed me to buy some nice bits for here too!

Check these out;

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Regarding the mini’s that I bought I was really happy with every single one but will give you the heads up regarding the Garnier Miceller water (cleanser) it is 125ml. Got through Dublin airport no problem what so ever, but the french didn’t appreciate it – and it was confiscated!

Ill being doing a review on the Pippa Pallet, Bye Bye Breast, PS contouring kit and the face masque, so stay posted.

Hells Bells

Xxxx

Links; Blank Canvas Cosmetics, Secret Fashion Fixes, Penneys, H&M, GlossyBox, River Island

From Snow White to Tanned Goddess

So when I say Snow White I freaky do mean that I am so pale that I’m blue as you can see my veins so clearly.

I actually think tan makes you feel better as you have better looking skin. The cellulite is camouflaged and a sense of “Hell yeah” attitude comes over you.

I love having a good tan done.  When I get a professional tan I get St. Tropez and get two light coats. This allows for no heavy build up and a beautiful golden tan! I find that this tan wears off really well. Or so I am told by the lovely Rachel from The Beauty Hub.

I highly recommend this tan and I get mine done in The Beauty Hub, Naas. I highly recommend them too!

Hells Bells

Xxxx

Link; The Beauty Hub, Naas