5 Reasons to visit Dingle Peninsula

“She loves the serene brutality of the ocean, loves the electric power she felt with each breath of wet, briny air.” 

-Holly Black, Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale

When I think of Ireland, I automatically think of the Dingle Peninsula. Its breathtaking coastline, luxuriant greeneries and quirky habitants makes it the best place on earth. It is crazy how I only spent a day there and completely fell in love with that magical place. It is so much more than the typical Irish idea we built in our mind; no wonder they filmed Star Wars there. As I was driving on this beautiful land, I assembled for you the 5 reasons why you should visit the Dingle peninsula.

1.The sea

Nothing calms me more than the sea and the smell of the ocean. Ireland is well known for its coastal borders, but the most beautiful ones are located right in the Dingle Peninsula. First, flirting with sandy beaches, then with impressive cliffs. No matter where you look, the sea is inevitable. This small region reminds us that the planet is made of this source of life, and that it is very dear to us.

2.The peace

Even if there once was war on this land, it is now pretty peaceful. During the summer months, the peninsula is filled with tourists and tour buses, but during September it is pretty empty. The only thing disturbing the silence is the sound of waves crashing on the coast, sounding like a lullaby.

3.The history

The density and variety of archaeological sites blew me away. There is a bit of Irish history at every turn you take. From fortresses built 6000 years ago to the reconstruction of a village during the Great Famine in the 19th century, there is everything. Any history fan can find his heaven there, no matter what time period he is interested in.

4.The nature

Driving along the road, you will see plenty of coastlines, at least, that is what you were prepared for. But here is the deal; there are also amazing greeneries. The peninsula road will take you inland, where sheep and pasture hang out in the field. And, if you are blessed with the Irish luck, you might just find a four-leaf clover or a rainbow.

5.The people

The habitants of the Dingle peninsula are proud people. They have an amazing culture and are ready to share it with anyone showing an interest. They principally speak Irish, but are fluent in English, as in every part of Ireland. They are welcoming and warm-hearted, making you feel right at home the moment you step into theirs.

After only a day on the peninsula, my head was filled with beautiful sceneries and dreams. I already wish to go back to this place, where the time stands still in awe of the lovely coast. No wonder they call it "the magic land".

Enjoy,

The little traveller's boots

Xox

Diamond Hill Hike

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” 

-John Muir, Our National Parks

Recently, I discovered that I love exploring world-known monuments and museums, but sometimes I just want to go on another path, one less taken by most tourists. When I was organising my upcoming Irish travel, I decided it was time to get a little active during my time abroad. I already knew I enjoyed  hiking back at home, so why not try it in another country? After all, Ireland is renowned for its beautiful scenery. I chose the "Diamond Hill" hike, because it seemed easy to access and didn't require a lot of preparation before-hand. Let's just say I wasn't deceived by it.

1. The drive

Whenever I go somewhere abroad and drive, I always bring a GPS with me. Thinking it could be practical, we settled the GPS to get us there using the shortest road. Of course, I didn't know the Irish back-country road had a higher speed limit than the public road. We left our hotel from Galway and, a few minutes later, found ourselves deep on the countryside, hanging out with sheep. After quite a few adventures, we finally made it to the mountain.

2. The nature

Connemara National Park is famous for its wildlife and woodland, surrounded by diversified plants. When we started the hike, we were surprised at how well the site was preserved, knowing it is visited by many people every year. We were even greeted by horses and ponies.

3. The hike

Of all the days, we decided to go on a mountain on a rainy day. "Not very smart" you will tell me, but I assure you it was all worth it. On the way to the top, we saw magnificent rock formations and breath-taking sceneries. To top it all, the mountain was covered with a mist, as if it was out of a movie. A small 445m altitude made it even more enjoyable and easy to hike.

4. The top

Since the weather was awfully Irish that day (meaning rainy), we were the only ones at the top. At first, we couldn't see anything, but the sky suddenly cleared out, leaving us speechless to the beauty of the site. From our spot, we could see Kylemore Lough and a bit of the Twelve Bens. We felt blessed, enjoying the magic of the moment as it was impromptu.

5. The descent

After a while, we were pretty exhausted and decided to go down the hill. On the way back, we stumbled upon a magnificent waterfall and stopped to admire the view. The mist was still present, but got lighter as we descended. After an hour, we were back at the car, content of our achievement and filled with the desire to go on another hike.

No matter where I am in the world, I always seem to go back to nature. Discovering a country isn't only about its culture, it's also about its wilderness. Hiking is one of the activity where we are lucky enough to experience it. I hope that I convey my passion to you and that you will have a beautiful hike.

Enjoy,

The little traveller's boots

Xox

How to integrate travel in your home decor

As you all may know by now, I am quite the travel enthusiast. Unfortunately, I don't have a limitless bank account or chance to travel all the time. I know, it sucks. But sometimes, it feels good to be home. Especially if I can decorate it with all of my souvenirs. As you may have guessed by the title, I am showing you how you can integrate your travel passion into your own place.

1. World Map

I know; been there, done that. But here is the deal; how about a map with a twist? I am not talking about the classic world map pinned on your geographic class wall, I am talking about a modern art map, just like in my boyfriend's office. It can be a framed map, a homemade one with strings and pictures or, like my sister's, a map pinned with key chains from every places visited. There is a wide selection out there for different tastes. Mine is modern and minimalist. What is yours?

2.Wall Art or framed pictures

When you take a beautiful picture, I understand you would want to hang it on the wall for everyone to see. There is nothing wrong with it, I also do it. But there are a lot of travel-inspired wall art on the web that you can buy, or get inspired from. It can be original without looking like you are bragging about your jet-set life. Haha.

3.Souvenirs

We all remember the classic "travel" shelf at one's house. It is filled with quirky souvenirs and (sometimes really weird!) figurines. I liked that idea, but I am a minimalist, so I had to come up with another plan. That is why, when I shop for personal souvenirs, I look for something meaningful for me. Something with muted colors that would fit in any room and can be used as a day-to-day object while reminding you of your crazy adventure. Just like here, where I used a small beige Buddha along with a beautiful rice bowl, serving as my jewel box (Can you see the theme?).

4.Luggage

My boyfriend's grandpa, one day, decided to gift us with his old luggage from the 70's, telling us it wasn't practical anymore. Though I totally agreed with him, I jumped on the occasion to use the beautiful grey luggage in my home decor. It is now used as a curtain holder, but I could also transform it as shelves or even an office. Possibilities are large.

I Hope this lifestyle article inspired you to integrate your passion of travel in your home.

Enjoy,

The little traveller's boots

Xox

-World Map: Zone Maison

-Frame: Zone Maison

-Shelves: Zone Maison

-Framed Art: Etsy 

-Luggage: Vintage

Dublin

In September 2016, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the lovely city of Dublin. Unfortunately, I only had a short amount of time there before going on another adventure, so I made the most out of it. I was immediately captivated by the old but vibrant city. With its rich culture and friendly citizens, the capital of Ireland is an amazing place to visit for a 24 hours lay-over. Especially if you love beer, but we will get to that latter.

1. 8h00: Wake up at The Dawson Hotel, on Dawson street. Get ready for the day in your spacious bathroom and head downstairs.

2. 8h30: You can either eat your breakfast at the hotel's restaurant or head outside for a cute coffee shop. Just a bit further down the street is a well-known breakfast place: Beanhive. There, you can eat a classical full-Irish breakfast or an healthy pudding, but don't forget to get yourself one of their famous latte with chocolate art. All of that, without breaking the bank. Yum.

3. 9h00: Now that you are full of black pudding, it's time to sweat off those calories. Go up on Dawson street until you reach Nassau street, where you will turn right. There it is; the Trinity College! Enter the University and head for the library, where you will find the Books of Kells, Ireland's national treasure. But these complex gospels books aren't the only treasure you will find; head to the Long room. By 9h00, the library is almost empty, so take your time to explore. If you are a total library and book freak like myself, you will immediately fall in love with this place. Seriously, I would sell everything I have to move in that room. I could read books until the day I die. If you are not as much as a nerd as I am, you can still enjoy your time by admiring all the work behind the structure and the impressive collection of books. After spending not enough time there, you will start to see a massive flow of tourists pouring in, so get out and explore the campus.

4. 10h00: Exit by Nassau street and continue on the road until you reach Clare Street, which you will take. You will stumble upon Oscar Wilde's house at Merrion Square. Even though it is an important part on the Irish literature scene, the house isn't well indicated, so keep an eye out.

5. 10h15: Turn right on Merrion square and right again on St-Shephen's green. You will then see St-Stephen's green park, where the Irish Citizen Army tried to overthrow the British on Easter Monday in 1916. The lovely park is overflowing with botanical wonders and a surprising history. Take your time to walk through it.

6. 10h45: Exit on Harcourt street until your reach Dicey's garden. That road is renowned for its multiple colourful doors, where you can take pictures to your heart's content.

7. 11h00: Come back on Kevin Street and turn left. On your right, you will reach a small road called St-Patrick's Close, that you will take. Here it is; St-Patrick's Cathedral. This impressive cathedral has been standing for the last 800 years and has been called the "people's church" since way back. The architecture is a jewel in itself. I highly recommend checking it out.

8. 11h20: You will come back on Kevin Street (now called the Coombe) and continue until you reach its end. Turn right on Pimlico and left on School street. There you are; the Guiness Storehouse! I know, it is kind of early to drink a beer, but what the heck! You are in Ireland after all. Also, there won't be many visitors this early, you will be free to roam in the brewery. The inevitable storehouse building explains all about the history behind the label and its quirky commercials. You will also get a Guiness at the end of the tour at the Gravity Bar, where you can admire all of Dublin (and take a few selfies).

9. 13h00: You must be pretty hungry by now, especially after a beer. Exit the brewery on Bellevue street and turn left on Crane Street.  Continue until you reach Thomas street, where you will turn right. In front of you there should be Arthur's pub. In this pub, you will find the classic Irish meal, with a modern twist on the decor. And why not take another beer while you're at it? They have a wide selection of local brews to taste.

10. 15h00: Continue on Thomas street for a while until you encounter a massive gothic cathedral. You are at Christ Church Cathedral, home of the aristocrats' faith since 1030. This splendid church is worth a visit, take your time.

11. 16h00: Head on Dame street and turn right on Palace street. You will reach a strange building with multiples wings, each looking like they belong to a different era. Dublin Castle also has its share of Irish history and is home to a beautiful library and garden.

12. 17h00: Go back on Dame street and turn left on the small alley called "Fownes Uper street", then immediately right on Cope street and left on Crown Alley. You are now in the Temple Bar area, where a flow of young Dublin citizens is hanging out. Explore the cute shops and head to the Old Storehouse. Prior to my stay in Dublin, I had heard great things about this restaurant, but I never knew I'd have the best chicken wings of my entire life there! Seriously, try them, they are delicious. Well, there are other things on the menu that are also quite good, and a musician playing songs every night.

13. 19h00: Now that your stomach is full and your head full of music, head to another Dublin symbol; the Molly Malone Statue. Located on the corner of Church Lane and Suffolk street, the statue was erected in 1987 for the first millennium of the city. The girl's statue is inspired by the city's unofficial hymn, a song about a young fishmonger.

14. 19h30: Now that the visit is finished, it is time to go back to the hotel. If you are up to it, I would recommend a bar called "The Duke" to experience  good Irish hospitality. And a glass of Whiskey.

Hope you liked my 24 hour guide of the capital of Ireland. It is an unforgettable city with many treasures. I loved my time there and will surely be back soon.

Enjoy,

The little traveller's boots

Xox