ASHFORD CASTLE & A Taste of Galway

While Dublin may be Ireland’s most famous east coast city, any exploration of the western coast must include a stop in Galway. A small university city, its vibrant streets are a fascinating intersection of art, architecture, history, and cuisine. I spend a half day with Regina, a Galway local and private expert guide with Galway Food Tours. We uncover hidden sights, sounds, and architectural elements. Yet our main mission is savoring the flavors of leading local entrepreneurs during a tasty whirlwind of cuisine and spirits. The walking tour celebrates artisan producers, cheese makers, creative beer projects, exceptional chocolatiers, traditional family run businesses, and ambitious entrepreneurs showcasing exceptional Irish cuisine.

Just a two-hour drive from Galway with my private driver, Andy, who shares my love of ‘80s road trip music (note: Brendan Vacations is known for its chauffeured experiences, which equals no lines, no buses, and plenty of unforgettable local intel with a dedicated driver for your entire visit), whisks me through the grand entrance to Ashford Castle. My trip culminates with a three-night stay here, a property I’ve been yearning to experience since I was a child combing through my grandmother’s travel diaries. My long weekend includes a visit to Ireland’s School of Falconry, where I take a hawk walk with Pippin; a property run with Irish Wolfhounds; a bike ride to the charming village of Cong (stop for lunch at Pat Cohan’s pub and back drop to the famous Quiet Man film); a boat tour along Lough Corrib, plus a decadent spa treatment at Ireland’s most lauded spa. The castle oozes history, of course. Peruse the library, spend time in the billiards room and feel like royalty, or simply savor an Irish whiskey at one of the castle’s opulent bars. And in true Irish fashion, my takeaway after sampling a recommended whiskey at the Drawing Room, is many laughs with a Chris O’Dowd doppelganger. “You come for the landscapes, but remember our stories,” the bartender winks.