Why the west is best

Formerly an actress in RTÉ’s Fair City, Aoibhín Garrihy moved from Dublin to Clare over eight years ago with her hotelier husband, John Burke.

Since then, Aoibhín and John, who is owner of the Armada Hotel at Spanish Point, have relocated in Clare to their newly built home with daughters Hanorah (3), Líobhan (2) and baby Isla, who they welcomed in August 2021.

Before moving west over eight years ago, Aoibhín once had plans to move to LA after she finished playing Nessa Dillon on Fair City. However, she had a change of heart and ended up in the west – and is glad she did. And it’s no surprise that for Aoibhín, who runs her own health and wellbeing business, Beo Wellness (beowellness.ie), the tranquillity of the west was appealing.

“I love the slower pace of life in Clare. I love that sense of community and connection and I love our close proximity to the coast. I have always had a connection to the sea. So, to be living here now makes me very happy.

“That time spent in the open air immersed in nature is always time well spent. And there is so much to see, do and explore, particularly with the small ones. We feel very lucky to have so much here on our doorstep.”

Family fun

Aoibhín says there are a variety of experiences she would recommend to anyone visiting Clare this summer, “We are family members of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and absolutely love it there. We’re also big fans of Moher Hill Farm and Aillwee Burren Experience for the little ones.

“If you are planning to explore a little, Clare Kayak Hire in White Strand or a Doolin2Aran Cliffs of Moher cruise, are great options. A sea swim in Clahane or Spanish Point, or a trek up Mullaghmore in the Burren, are perfect for a taste of the great outdoors.”

And not to forget food! Aoibhín recommends having brunch in Dodi in Lahinch, dine at one of the outdoor offerings at the Armada Hotel Spanish Point, or Oar in Doolin.

Aside from Clare, Aoibhín says she also loves the Aran Islands, a group of three islands, Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr, at the mouth of Galway Bay. “Inis Oírr with the kids feels so safe and like such an escape. I grew up spending every summer out there and so when history repeats itself and I bring my gang out now, it feels oh so nostalgic!

“But Kerry is probably our main go-to destination. Kenmare, Dingle, Brandon, Killarney. You can’t go wrong. There is something for everyone.”

Aoibhín says she is looking forward to a staycation in the west with her family this summer, “Holidays are still all about the staycation for us, as it’s a little easier with three small girls. Plus, if you get the weather, there really is no place like Ireland in the summer!

“We are planning a week in Connemara, as we spent one night in Dog’s Bay and Roundstone last year and absolutely loved it. We will also get to Dingle hopefully. It’s our favourite spot to visit every year. Similar to Clare, there is so much to do and the food is always great.”

Aoibhín, who is an Ambassador for Volkswagen, adds that the family go on a lot of adventures in their electric Volkswagen ID.4. “Whether it’s a coastal drive at the weekend, or a spin to Dublin to see Nana and Grandad Garrihy, the ID.4 has been a fantastic drive.

“I have the charging down to a fine art now and so never feel any mileage anxiety. There was a small bit of ‘getting used to’ in the beginning, but now I can’t imagine not driving electric. The ID.4 feels so safe, with ample space for what we need. Pack the double buggy in the boot and away we go!”

Work-time and downtime!

Of course, between working and family life, Aoibhín is kept very busy, so when she does find the time to unwind, she makes the most of it. Aoibhín is very close with her two sisters, Doireann and Ailbhe, and she was delighted to get away on a girl’s trip in the west together recently.

“That was so lovely. We live on opposite sides of the country, so it’s seldom we get together as a trio and have a proper solid catch up. We went for dinner and drinks in the g Hotel in Galway, and we were more than happy to just sit, chat and laugh all evening!”

And speaking about what’s coming up next for her, Aoibhín says, “It’s going to be a busy few months ahead. There’s lots in the pipeline in terms of BEO Wellness, with new product development and an action-packed autumn series. I have also been working on some personal projects that I’m very excited to share very soon. The girls keep me very much on my toes at the minute. They are at a very busy age and so the juggle is real!”

“Music playlists are ESSENTIAL for a good road trip,” says Erica. “I find certain songs always bring me back to particular moments. There is no better way to remember your favourite road trip, than with your favourite songs!”

Road trips have the call of the open road and the excitement of the destination to come. But those long hours spent in the car can create boredom in even the most excited adventurer. That is why all great road trips have a great soundtrack. And as Erica says, listening years later to certain songs will have all those memories of your favourite road trip come flooding back.

And it certainly wouldn’t be a road trip in the west of Ireland without music. Known for traditional Irish music, the west has become a cultural hub and is often the first port of

The ultimate road trip playlist!

Looking for some good music for your western adventure? Irish singer-songwriter and Volkswagen Ambassador Erica Cody selects her top songs to add to your road trip playlist call for musicians.

“The west can inspire such great music,” says Erica. “As a musician, I can’t help but be inspired by all types of music, especially having grown up listening to such a variety of genres. My first instrument was the violin (fiddle) in a trad group, so I will never turn down an opportunity to hear some trad.

“I love taking my ID.3 (Kamala Electra) to my mom’s place in Sligo. Nothing better than a road trip to see Mammy! And if I’m ever in Gorteen, Sligo, The Coleman Heritage Centre is a great pit stop for your western dose of trad!”

Erica recommends her top five songs to add to your road trip playlist:

■ ‘Sweetest Pie’ by Megan Thee Stallion Ft. Dua Lipa – A feel-good summer anthem that should be on everyone’s pop playlist this summer.

■ ‘First Class’ by Jack Harlow – The ultimate cruising song that could make you feel like you’re driving in your favourite city. Or indeed, anywhere in the world.

■ ‘Good & Plenty’ (remix) by Lucky Daye, Masego, Alex Isley, Jack Dine – Soulful music

■ ‘Sing It Back’ by Boris Dlugosch remix (By Moloko) – This song can’t help but put you in a great mood for a road trip!

■ ‘Replay’ by Lady GaGa – Are you even going on a road trip if you don’t have GaGa on your playlist?!

Erica has been working hard making lots of new music herself and is appearing at a number of festivals during the summer. So you can expect some new tunes from her to add to your playlist very soon. You can also catch her alongside The Coronas frontman Danny O’Reilly on RTÉ this July, presenting a brand new music show The Mainstage for plenty of craic agus ceol!

But when she’s not busy with her own music, where does Erica like to go while playing her road trip playlist? She says there are so many beautiful places in the west.

“I spent some time in Spidéal in Co Galway one summer and it’s still one of my most memorable staycations!” says Erica. “It has so much to offer, from the landscapes and the seaside to the great food – you’re never short of things to do.”

So, what are you waiting for? Create your own perfect playlist and get on the road for your ultimate road trip.

◊Clodagh’s choices:

 Killaloe Luxury Pods, Co Clare Killaloe in Co Clare is a gorgeous waterside village that lies on the River Shannon on the western bank of Lough Derg. There’s an abundance of things to do in Killaloe, from strolls along the banks of the river to a relaxing cruise and plenty of dining options. For a unique experience, stay in a self-catering Killaloe Luxury Pod, with breathtaking river views. The timberframed holiday chalets have state-of-the-art amenities including a fully equipped kitchen with Smeg appliances, as well as your very own hot tub looking out to the water. A perfect escape for couples or friends. Prices start at €240 per night.

killaloeluxurypods.com

The Ross, Killarney, Co Kerry Killarney in Co Kerry is one of my favourite destinations in Ireland and I once had a very enjoyable weekend staying at the luxurious 5-Star Killarney Park Hotel. So I’m looking forward to returning soon to Killarney, this time, staying in The Ross, Killarney.

The Ross, Killarney is a 4-Star, family-run, boutique hotel, located right in the heart of the Killarney town centre, making it the ideal accommodation option if you’re staying in Killarney.

It’s mere footsteps from Killarney National Park and surrounded by bar and dining options including its very own The Lane restaurant. The Lane offers the finest local produce prepared by head chef Antoine Minelli, as well as handcrafted cocktails. Also worth checking out is The Pink Lounge Gin and Champagne Bar at The Ross for a stylish night out with the gals! Guests who stay at