Monthly Favorites: Unforgettable Ireland Adventures, Essential Travel Gear & Inspiring Reads
Welcome to our monthly roundup of delightful discoveries and cherished experiences! Here, you’ll find a curated list of wonderful things to see, do, buy, read, watch, and much more, designed to inspire your everyday and future escapades.
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As the days lengthen, I hope you’re starting to feel the warmth of summer wherever you are. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re still patiently anticipating those consistently sunny, balmy days. While the rain showers persist, they’ve been interspersed with some truly glorious, radiant days – one even surprised us by reaching a delightful 79 degrees Fahrenheit!
That brief taste of summer felt significantly warmer than our primary destination for the first three weeks of May: the enchanting island of Ireland! Our journey across the Atlantic was nothing short of magical, filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and the warmth of genuine Irish hospitality. We absolutely fell in love with Ireland, though we couldn’t help but chuckle at the local weather forecasts. Radio announcers would earnestly warn of an impending “scorcher” weekend, where temperatures “might reach 18 degrees Celsius!” For us, accustomed to Fahrenheit, that’s a mild 65 degrees – hardly a scorcher! Another weekend brought news of a “heat wave” potentially hitting… 20 Celsius. We often wondered what words they reserved for truly hot weather, should the mercury ever climb into the 70s or beyond!
Our trip to Ireland was brimming with countless wonderful experiences, though I must admit, the return flights were an adventure of their own – we’ll definitely need some time to recover before our next aerial journey! Below, I’m thrilled to share some highlights from our incredible time abroad, including the travel products that proved indispensable, the books that accompanied me on my journey, and the shows we indulged in after returning home. As always, I’d genuinely love to hear about the good things brightening YOUR month!
Exploring the Emerald Isle: Our Unforgettable Ireland Journey
Ireland truly lived up to its reputation, captivating us with its beautiful emerald countryside and the dramatic, rugged beauty of its western coast. The iconic Cliffs of Moher, crowned by O’Brien’s Tower as seen above, left an indelible impression with their sheer scale and stunning ocean views.
Our adventure began with three vibrant days immersing ourselves in the historical heart of Dublin. We explored the hallowed halls of Trinity College, marveling at the ancient Book of Kells. We delved into Viking history at the interactive Dublinia Viking Museum and admired the architectural grandeur of Christchurch Cathedral. A particular highlight was the National Museum Ireland – Archaeology, which was not only free but incredibly fascinating, offering deep insights into Ireland’s rich past.
After our Dublin exploration, we journeyed southwest to County Kildare, where we were warmly hosted at the family farm of my cousin’s Irish wife. This charming farm served as our perfect home base for about a week, allowing us to venture out and discover the surrounding region. We were amazed by the sheer number of castles dotting the landscape, ranging from ancient ruins to grand tourist attractions and even luxury hotels. Kilkenny Castle, pictured above, was high on my personal list, and its refurbished interiors offered a captivating glimpse into Irish history. Beyond castles, we wandered through the lush and vibrant Altamont Gardens, explored the serene valley of Glendalough with its ancient monastic ruins dating back to the 990s, and stood in awe before the Brownshill Dolmen, a megalithic portal tomb from a staggering 4000 BC!
Seeking a unique experience, we decided to indulge in a stay at a castle hotel. My specific desire was for a castle that retained its historic charm on the inside, as many refurbished castles feature modern, generic hotel rooms. Our choice was Kinnitty Castle, a recommendation from my cousin, conveniently located and offering a “summer special” (ironically, it rained during our stay, adding to the atmospheric charm!). I was absolutely enchanted by our room, with its elegant arched window, ancient wooden floors, and beautifully rustic stone walls. Give me old-world character every time! (I must admit, the modern, well-appointed bathroom was a very welcome amenity, adding a touch of comfort to the historic setting.) The following morning, breakfast was a delightful affair in a grand dining room, complete with crisp linen tablecloths, attentive wait staff, and a menu of choices – a stark contrast to the standard hotel muffin-and-cereal bars we often encounter. It was a truly memorable and delightful experience!
Our journey continued with a captivating 7-day road trip, joined by my cousin and his wife, exploring parts of Northern Ireland. We ventured northward to the dramatic landscapes of Malin Head in Donegal, the northernmost tip of the island, and visited the truly exceptional Ulster American Folk Park. This immersive museum allows you to literally walk through time, experiencing life in Ireland before the famine, boarding a ship for the journey to the US, and then witnessing how the Irish immigrants fared in America. It was undoubtedly one of the most poignant and fascinating experiences of our entire trip.
From there, we wound our way down the stunning west coast, pausing to admire the majestic Slieve League Cliffs, which rival the Cliffs of Moher in their grandeur, and even discovered beautiful beaches where surfers rode the waves! We explored the vibrant city of Galway, the historic city of Limerick, encountered more captivating castles, and traversed countless miles of rural Ireland, characterized by its iconic stone walls and sheep grazing peacefully in every pasture. Throughout this incredible road trip, we savored delicious meals at welcoming pubs and enjoyed comfortable stays at various B&Bs, making for an absolutely wonderful experience. Even a minor car issue at the beginning of our journey turned into a positive memory, showcasing the incredible kindness and generosity of the Irish people. The mechanic who assisted us, for instance, dropped us off at a lovely hotel restaurant with instructions to “relax with a cup of tea” while he attended to our car – a level of hospitality I honestly believe would be rare to find in the US!
We felt incredibly fortunate to have our very own private tour guide in Primrose, my cousin’s wife, as she introduced us to some of her cherished local spots and hidden gems that were truly off the beaten path. Traveling with them both added an immeasurable layer of fun and authenticity to our entire Irish adventure.
**Note: If you’re on Instagram, you can relive our journey through all the stories I published during our trip in this highlight reel.**
The Great Teapot Quest: A Tale of Irish Souvenirs
For those who follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you might already be familiar with the endearing story of our persistent search for the perfect teapot to bring home from our Ireland trip. (You can read the full narrative on Facebook here – no account needed to view it).
Allow me to offer a brief recap of this memorable quest: Years ago, my mom gifted us a teapot from Ireland, a truly magical vessel that, unlike any other, never dripped a single drop when pouring (a rare quality, considering we’ve cycled through seven other pots, all of which had a tendency to drip!). Tragically, during our last move, the handle of this beloved teapot broke – one of only two items damaged, which was a true testament to the chaos of moving, sigh. Thus, I resolved that Ireland was the only place to find a truly drip-free teapot. We even packed an extra bag specifically for this elusive teapot and other souvenirs.
The search began with earnest, but I found nothing quite like my old pot. Most teapots in stores featured modern designs, lacking the classic, timeless shape I adored. Finally, just as the Ulster American Folk Park was closing, I spotted one in their gift shop – a simple, creamy classic stoneware teapot crafted by Belleek, a renowned Irish brand. I was assured we’d easily find another like it. Can you guess where this is going? Yep, we never saw that particular design again – not even on the Belleek website!
Towards the end of our trip, we happened to be driving near the town of Belleek, where the company’s headquarters are located. On a whim, we decided to stop by, hoping they might have this seemingly rare pot. And to my absolute delight, they did! It turned out the design had been discontinued, explaining its absence from their website and other stores. I gleefully purchased the pot they retrieved from the back. We decided to leave it in its original packaging, thinking it would be safer in our checked bag. That is, we never unwrapped it to check its condition.
You might anticipate the next twist in this tale, too? Indeed, upon unwrapping it at home, the handle and upper part of the pot were shattered into many tiny pieces. Intriguingly, nothing else in the suitcase was damaged in any way, including two other more delicate vases I had purchased and Brian’s old records, which were packed directly on top of the teapot box. I suspected it might have arrived in that condition and wished I had inspected it in the store. So, I shared the story on social media and thoughtfully tagged Belleek. Within a day, the company responded, clarifying that their procedure requires staff to unwrap items brought from the back for inspection – AND they are sending me one of the teapots they still had in their inventory! I am absolutely thrilled, both with this wonderful company and with the prospect of having a beautiful Irish teapot to serve as a cherished reminder of our unforgettable journey to Ireland!
Essential Travel Products That Truly Work
Knowing that many of you might be planning your own exciting travels soon, I wanted to share a few travel products that have consistently proven their worth for me over time. While most of these have been long-standing favorites, the solid shampoo and conditioner bars were a new addition this trip, and they were a game-changer.
After years of trial and error with countless toiletry bags, desperately trying to find one that would fit perfectly into a carry-on (we almost exclusively fly with carry-ons; this Ireland trip was one of the rare occasions we checked a bag, solely for gifts, and it ended up missing our flight and was delayed by a day!), I can confidently say I’ve found the ultimate solution:
- BEST Toiletry Bag – This bag is a marvel. It genuinely holds all my essentials, including my bulkier hairbrushes, yet somehow compresses to fit neatly within my carry-on. No more struggling to zip my bag or leaving items behind!
For those days when I don’t wash my hair, a flatiron is an absolute necessity for styling my bangs. Finding a compact version that also came with a heat-proof holder revolutionized my travel routine, eliminating the awkward wait for it to cool down before packing:
- Mini Portable Travel Flat Iron – This mini flat iron is not only effective but incredibly convenient. The included heat-proof holder means I can use it right before leaving the hotel and pack it away immediately without worry.
To further minimize liquids in my separate quart-sized bag for security checks, I’ve been experimenting with solid shampoo and conditioner bars. I discovered a trial pack that offered great value, and the small sizes were absolutely ideal for my trip:
- Sample Size Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars – These heart-shaped bars were fantastic! One shampoo bar lasted me the entire three weeks, washing my hair every other day. I only used about half of the conditioner bar, as I only apply it to my ends. They were surprisingly easy to use, foamed up well, and left my hair feeling clean and soft. A definite win for space-saving and liquid-free packing!
Not explicitly pictured but equally invaluable were my hard-sided suitcase and the small packing cubes. The packing cubes, in particular, were a lifesaver on this trip, especially as we were packing up almost daily to move between various B&Bs. They made staying organized and packing quickly an absolute breeze. I designated one cube for all my shirts and tops, another for socks, underwear, and pajamas, and a third for a button-down shirt, a sweater, and a scarf. Pants were laid flat, and shoes neatly fit around the edges of everything else. It transformed what could have been a chaotic daily routine into a smooth and efficient process.
My May Reading List: Six Short Reviews
The Four Winds, Kristin Hannah. I listened to this historical fiction novel during our flights, and while Kristin Hannah’s writing talent is undeniable, I found this particular story to be overwhelmingly sad and depressing. Set against the harsh backdrop of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, the narrative was relentlessly bleak, from the challenging relationships to the dire circumstances faced by the characters. This somber tone persisted throughout the entire book, right to the very end. I also struggled to find a character I could genuinely connect with or root for; perhaps the in-laws/grandparents had some redeeming qualities, but their presence was limited. While I understand the importance of portraying historical realities, I personally seek a spark of hope or resilience in literature, even amidst the grimmest situations. This book, unfortunately, left me feeling quite heavy-hearted.
Someone Perfect, Mary Balogh. This sweet, lighthearted Regency romance is part of a larger series by the author, featuring various “someone” titles. As with many series, the joy often comes from reconnecting with familiar characters, even if individual installments aren’t always groundbreaking. This particular book fell into that category; it felt a bit repetitive and lacked significant plot development, almost as if the author was simply fulfilling a commitment rather than crafting a deeply engaging story. However, for those moments when you need a gentle escape with a guaranteed “Happily Ever After” ending, it certainly serves its purpose. It was just what I needed to unwind during our rather stressful flights home!
Maybe in Another Life, Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s more recent works, so when this older title appeared on sale on Chirp, I eagerly grabbed it. While it might not be as deeply engrossing as her current bestsellers, it presented a pretty interesting story and a compelling concept: a woman reconnects with her high school boyfriend one night years later, and the narrative then explores two alternate timelines – one where she goes home with him, and another where she doesn’t. Once I settled into the premise, I found myself captivated by the exploration of how a single decision can dramatically alter the course of an entire life.
Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes, Elizabeth Bard. This delightful book has been sitting in my Kindle library for quite some time, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. I absolutely adored reading about this young family’s spontaneous move from bustling Paris to the tranquil rural landscapes of France. Elizabeth Bard beautifully chronicles what life truly looks like when lived at a slower pace, fostering deep connections with neighbors and embracing local traditions. Beyond the charming narrative, I was excited to discover several recipes within the book that I’m eager to try out in my own kitchen!
The Bookshop on the Shore, Jenny Colgan. I can’t quite recall where I first heard about this book, but I had it on hold at the library, and when it became available, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I became engrossed in the story. It follows a single mother of a four-year-old, grappling with a deadbeat dad back in London, who seizes an opportunity to move to Scotland. There, she takes on a dual role: working in a charming book van and serving as an au pair for a reclusive Scottish laird with three children in his grand, isolated home. The story became surprisingly emotional towards the end, delving into quite deep themes, yet it maintained an upbeat vibe and delivered a satisfying happy ending (though I felt the conclusion was a tad rushed).
God on Mute, Pete Grieg. If you have ever earnestly prayed for something, only to be met with God’s silence – and I’m quite certain this applies to almost everyone of faith – then this book is an absolute must-read, as it certainly was for me. Pete Grieg compassionately addresses the profound question of unanswered prayer, drawing from his own personal suffering through his wife’s ongoing health issues, as well as the experiences of many well-known heroes of faith and individuals he has encountered. It’s a deeply sobering yet simultaneously uplifting exploration, and I found immense comfort in realizing I was not alone in my wonderings about God’s silence and our human reactions to it. One of the most helpful quotes I encountered (among many I jotted down) was this:
“Christian maturity requires God to remove Himself at some point (like a parent removing their hand so a child can ride a bike freely)…At such times we may be sure that God is weaning us off adult supervision but He has NOT abandoned us altogether.”
Currently Watching: Our Latest Streaming Picks
Operation Mincemeat, Netflix. Brian had previously read the book and was eagerly anticipating the film adaptation. I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was a very well-made movie. Brian, however, found it to be just “okay,” feeling that it didn’t quite capture the intricate excitement and suspense of the elaborate ruse as vividly as the book had.
Outer Range, Amazon. We had quite high hopes for this series, based on the intriguing trailer and the promising first couple of episodes. Unfortunately, for us, it quickly went downhill. The pacing became very slow, seemingly manufacturing drama out of very little, and the plot veered into increasingly strange territory. We eventually decided to abandon it. What were your thoughts on it?
The Essex Serpent, Apple+. This was another show we watched only two episodes of before deciding to bail. The storyline felt like it was going nowhere fast, and there were too many elements that didn’t align with the historical time period it was set in. Furthermore, many scenes felt overly dramatized with heavy-handed music, exaggerated scary eyes, and other techniques. And frankly, I could see exactly where the relationship between the married vicar and the widow was heading – and that’s not something I’m interested in watching. Sigh.
And that wraps up another exciting edition of the Good Things List!
If you’re keen to discover more of my favorite finds and experiences, you can explore all previous Good Things Lists right here. I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts – have you tried any of these recommendations, or do you have any wonderful suggestions to share? Please leave a comment below with your insights!
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