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

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

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day (a.k.a Paddy’s Day) is a world celebration of celebrating all that is green and beautiful.

So what is it really all about? Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, “the Day of the Festival of Patrick”), is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick ( c. AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.

If you are celebrating Paddy’s day this Thursday in Ireland here are some of the things that you can get up to;

1. Funfairs in varied locations
2. St. Patrick’s Parade in Dublin City Centre
3. Irish Craft Beer and Whiskey Village in the RDS
4. The Past is Present: Lunchtime Talk Series in The Little Museum of Ireland
5. Street Theatre in varied locations arcoss Dublin City Centre
6. Greening the City will be across many Iconic Buildings in Dublin
7. The Moth Story Slam in Teelings Distillery
8. The Gaelstage in Earlsfort Terrace, D2
9. In the Foorsteps of St. Patrick – Walking Tour going from Corner Suffolk & Andrew Steets

Or if your celebrating else where like Chicago you expect a lot more green

Love

Hells Bells

XXX

Links; St. Patricks Festival

Star Wars – The Force Awakens

Firstly don’t worry this is not a post that is going to ruin the movie on you,  I won’t be spilling the beans on the plot. However, I will say is that the movie is a must see. You won’t be disappointed.

I went to see the latest Star Wars movie in the Cineplex to watch on the IMAX screen. When we arrived there were no ques which wasn’t surprising as it was still early in the morning. I never watched a movie on a IMAX screen so couldn’t wait to see what the difference was.

The next big decision after collecting tickets was to decide what treats to eat. I always need popcorn when I am at the cinema, so I had this for my breakfast. Delicious!

Dublin has gone Star Wars crazy, with one part of Arnotts window Star Wars theme, the spire dressed up as a lightsaber.

My only disappointment was that I didn’t get to see the Dublin Spire (aka needle) in all it’s lightsaber glory as it was quite early in the morning and you need darkness.

Will you be seeing the new Star Wars movie? Where will you be going to see it?

Hells Bells

Xxx

Links; Savoy

To Après Ski or not to Après Ski that is the Question!

As I was shopping in Aldi earlier this week, it was clear the skiing holiday atier could be bought it one simple swoop. They have it all from socks, thermal undergarments, jackets, boots, googles and helmets for both adults and children.

Fond memories of when I’ve gone skiing and I thought to myself should I go again? It’s not too close but not to far away to avail of a good offer and I do love Andora, as you get a balance of good ski & night life. This is not to to say that you have to be in a group as that’s what great about this sort of holiday- everyone comes together!

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Have you ever gone skiing? Would you be tempted to go this season?

Hells Bells

Xxxx

 

My First Time….. at Monart Spa

It’s a Christmas tradition that my Mother and I (now including my loving Aunt and cousin) head away for a night or two to soak up some Christmas celebration.

This year we decided to head to the ‘Monart Spa‘ in Enniscorthy Co. Wexford. The spa of all spa’s from all the reviews that I had read and all the recommendations that my friends had given. Once you go you won’t be able to stop yourself from going at least once a year.

When we arrived at the Old house we didn’t realise that we were supposed to drive up and allow for the valet to take our suitcase and bags to our room and park your car for you. So off we drove to the car park where the valet must have ran after us to say “ladies, are you staying with us at Monart” which of course giggling away to ourselves replying “why yes we are”. The most kindest man then carried all our bags to the old house we we would walk through the glass hallway to reception to check-in. We text my aunt and cousin immediately telling them what to do.

Our stay was unforgettable, the service, the staff, the food and treatments was simply divine. The weather wasn’t great so we didn’t venture out to do the 3km walk called ‘The Gallops’. We did however venture to the cocktail bar and the staff made us whatever we wanted. We got up early and did some mediation with the Shanghai Monks which is also an unforgettable experience.

The 2 nights, 3 days just wasn’t long enough so when we arrived home Sunday night we booked again for all of us to stay again in the amazing Monart Spa. So here is to saving our €5 a week each till next December, to ensure that we can have all the trimmings again, with very little expense.

Would you treat yourself or a loved on to an amazing stay at Monart?

Hells Bells

xxxxx