Just Back From Ireland

by Anne Kimble

Ireland at Christmas is cold and wet, but it is also a great time to hang out in the pubs, shop and still do a few things outdoors.

First stop on a whistle-stop Christmas tour was Belfast. Belfast is a great city these days. The shopping in the heart of town has all the main UK chain stores, without the crowds. The pubs are a mix from the trendy Apartment bar to the grand old Crown Liquor Saloon Bar, different clientele, different atmosphere, but both an easy place to while away an evening.

This trip I was pleasantly surprised to find an interesting hike up the Cave Hill, near Belfast Castle on the northern side of the city.

This walk is not too strenuous - between a group of 10 we managed to pull a baby up in a stroller - but for those nursing Christmas hangovers, it was a little bit tougher. The views from the top are well worth the effort, stretching over Belfast harbour. You can get back down via the path you came up, or take the "easy" route, sliding down the side of the hill on your haunches - apparently much more fun when there has been snow, but I still came away smiling.

Next stop on my trip was the small fishing village of Garrison on Lough Melvin in County Fermanagh. Fermanagh is a small county in the north west of Northern Ireland. A couple of nights in the local pub, some time on the family farm and I really felt refreshed after my 8 days there. Garrison is a great base for exploring the north west of Ireland. It is 40 mins to Donegal town, less to the beachside town on Bundoran. We had a great Sunday roast in the Abbey Hotel in Donegal. Forty minutes in the opposite direction are the lakes in Leitrim. Sligo, Tyrone and Galway are also within easy driving distance.

For most people, no trip to Ireland would be complete without a stop in Dublin. Messr Maguires is a favourite pub, and a great night was spent drinking and dancing until the early hours, not bad for a Wednesday night. Messrs also brew their own beer on the premises, if you need a change from the Guinness for a night.

For me, no trip to Ireland would be complete without a trip to Avoca Handweavers. Quite possibly my favourite shop in the world! The main store is in County Wicklow where the business began, but there is a great outlet in Dublin city centre. A cafe on the top floor serves wholesome soups and delicious cakes, while the ground floor has a mix of homewares and fashion. Once again I didn't come away empty handed!

All in all a great little Christmas and New Year trip to Ireland!