{Travel} American Girl in Doonbeg, Ireland

 This past weekend we spent the most magical time in Doonbeg, Ireland. I have been to Dublin before but this was my first true-beautiful-green-Irish-seaside experience. Two of our best friends were married in The Lodge at Doonbeg in County Clare, which is where we stayed. My husband had been with the groom before to golf here, and absolutely raves about the course. So for you ladies with Husbies that golf, we just have to take his word for it.

After arriving on Thursday night (Aer Lingus flies directly from Heathrow to Shannon which is a 45 minute drive), we settled in our gorgeous courtyard cottage. We decided to share with another couple, and at first I was concerned that there would not be enough space. Turns out our cottage was three floors, and had three bathrooms and a mini-kitchen. It was huge but also super cozy, and the beds were insanely comfortable.

Friday was a golf day for the men, so naturally us ladies headed to the spa, which was fab. I had an anti-aging facial and a massage. The facial used real live Irish seaweed, which first I found a tad stinky, but could care less after I felt how soft my skin was afterwards. The massage was done by a trained sports therapist, and after having her work on me, I feel nervous that so many other therapists don’t actually know what they are doing when it comes to helping you break down knots and ease tension.

Friday night we were treated to the loveliest rehearsal dinner. (The food at Doonbeg is really superb, I loved the chopped Cobb salad at Darby’s pub). We partied a little too hard which meant that Saturday was spent in recovery and getting primped for the wedding. After a beautiful ceremony in a tiny church near Spanish Point, we gathered for a cocktail reception in the Members Lounge at Doonbeg with local folk singers entertaining us. We were then led into the stunning tent for the reception. Fresh pomegrantes and lavender were spread across the table along with gorgeous flower arrangements. Twinkle lights lit up the entire tent and the band from Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London was there to play music until midnight, at which point the DJ took over. I keep coming back to the word magical, because there was just no other way to describe it.

I would highly highly highly recommend booking a trip to Doonbeg, especially if you or your other half is a golfer. If not who cares, take long walks and enjoy the scenery, use the spa at every opportunity, or cozy up in Darby’s pub for a nice glass of wine. Horseback riding on the beach, and planned hikes along gorgeous cliffs are also on the menu. Doonbeg is definitely on my list of repeat trips!