Some of you might remember that I posted about my fear of flying which had literally halted any far off adventures for the last year. Well as of two weeks ago I faced that fear head on and did my first ever solo flight to the Emerald Isle, to celebrate Lovin Dublin and the culinary delights Ireland has to offer.
After leaving the house at 5am and trying to keep my nerves in check I boarded my Ryan Air
flight which thankfully was super short and smooth, and as I flew over the Irish coastline I think I actually whooped aloud much to the surprise of the guy seated next to me.I was met at the airport in style by a beautiful Bentley which was a huge thrill *insert cheesy grins all round* and driven to my pad for the night, the boutique Kelly's Hotel situated in the heart of the creative and entertainment quarter.Click to read more.
After settling in and meeting the other bloggers we walked over to the wonderful Coppinger Row, where Beyonce and Jay Z were spotted only this summer, and we were offered a wonderful tasting menu to try. The food was sublime with delights such as: Barbequed Carlingford oysters with Merquez sausage and spring onion, Liscannor Bay Crab Claws with garlic butter, and Kilmore Quay Mackerel with Moroccan spices, fennel, olive and orange to name a few dishes. OH MY! Whatever notions I had of Irish cuisine went out the window and was replaced with a whole new appreciation of the emerging food scene in Ireland.
After some down time back at the hotel and a chance to visit to The Little Museum of Dublin with its curiosities and historical artefacts lining the walls, we readied our stomachs for another treat at Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse and Grill located down on Dawson Street. We chatted, drank fizz and enjoyed the signature food coming out of the kitchen until my tummy could take no more.
Apart from all the amazing food – which I could write about for ages! – the reason I travelled to Dublin was to attend the Lovin Dublin Show Live, a night of inspiration, celebrating Dublin and highlighting the future talent of the city within the food industry. We watched on as the guest speakers shared their stories on stage and excited foodies from around the city were announced as part of the award ceremony. There were loud cheers and applaud as Nobu Ice Cream, the worlds first non dairy ice cream made from almonds and avocado won the €25k start up prize with support from Lovin Dublin. There was such a great buzz in the room and great to see the city doing something amazing.
*I was invited to attend Lovin Dublin Show Live c/o Lovin Dublin who I'd like the thank for an amazing trip. all words and opinions are 100% my own.
Looks like you had a brilliant time! Love the pic of you in the mirror x
ReplyDeleteThanks hon, such a shame you couldn't make it x
DeleteIreland does have some AMAZING places to eat, I'd recommend heading up to Northern Ireland to discover more. I'd love to go to Dublin as an adult, my memories of it are as a sulky tween who really didn't appreciate the food, architecture or anything else fun.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to go back and explore out of the city. I can just image all the Gems I would find! x
DeleteSuch lovely pics Lori. We went to Dublin over a decade ago, and I've been toying with the idea of taking the children over for a trip, would love to go back.
ReplyDeleteI last visited nine years ago and I must say it has changed SO much that it is definitely worth visiting again! x
Deletelooks like you had a great time! glad you got over the flying thing :)
ReplyDeleteI was so thrilled to finally fly, especially on my own without being a mess at the other side! Fingers crossed Lapland is just as smooth! x
DeleteI'm off to Dublin for the first time ever next week, toying with moving there, so this was a really useful post for me, thank you!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it hon and defo pulling a list together for you as to where to eat out. x
DeleteWhat a fab looking trip! I loved Dublin and would love to go back next year, maybe I'll check some of these places out x
ReplyDeleteThe Kelly Hotel is really brilliantly located, couldn't be any ore central and if you can afford there penthouse then you should so do it! x
DeleteWow what a great trip loving part one. Only been once but we didn't get to spend much time in Dublin wish I had had longer this looks and sounds like you made the most of it too. Look forward to part two.
ReplyDeleteYou should defo plan a trip back Jenny, It is lovely and the food is great and they are so kid friendly too. x
DeleteWell done you Lori for the solo flying - that's massive! Looks like a lovely time :)
ReplyDeleteThanks hon! So relieved I managed to get on the plane x
Deletesounds amazing and I'm so pleased you flew! x
ReplyDeleteYou should have seen me trying my meditation methods during take off ha! x
DeleteIt looks and sounds so much fun! And you did so well to fly, I know terrified you were. The food that was served made me laugh, I'm such a fussy eater and couldn't have actually eaten any of it! I didn't realise just how bad I was until then, I would have had to have asked them if they did burger and chips or something! x
ReplyDeleteI don't normally eat black pudding but I went for it and it was surprisingly nice :) Although if you're not keen on trying things you don't like then I reckon you wouldn't have had much fun. Saying that Dublin has so many great burger places that I think you would love the food scene here :) x
DeleteWell done for flying! :-) This looks amazing I need to go to Dublin again soon. From where we live it's easier by ferry and train though so no flying for us. x
ReplyDeleteOOh I didn't even think about a ferry, I do hope you can visit soon :) x
DeleteWe have spoken before about our fear of flying so glad you did it! Would you do it again? Photos are gorgeous and looks like you had a lovely time. I have only been to Dublin once but would like to go again someday. x
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome trip and well done for facing your fears! I have never been to Ireland - I know!!!! Must go one day. P.S. That Bentley!!! x
ReplyDeleteFirst of all a massive Welldone to getting on that plane and facing your fear!! Whoop whoop all round. Secondly love all of these photos and it sounds like you had an amazing time - a Bentley - how awesome, also that dairy free ice-cream sounds incredible
ReplyDeleteLaura x