Starting today, I am taking us all back to July to share everything that we did during our trip to Dublin! The city is my favourite place on Earth and if I could live there I would! Both myself and my mum are not people who like to sit around, as we are definitely sightseers, so get ready for some very busy days! It’s time to jet off to Ireland!

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Over a month ago, I took to the skies to celebrate my 30th birthday in Dublin, Ireland. There was no other place I wanted to go. After a hard final year of my 20s, it was the place I begged my mum, whilst in hospital, to take me home too. Ever since I was 21, when I first went there, I’ve felt like the city is my true home. It’s the place my soul adores. So, I had to give my heart what it wanted. What it needed. Irish people, air, sights and sounds. 

Having booked in the British Airways January sales, we had chosen an afternoon flight from Heathrow, which would land at around 6pm. Giving us plenty of time to get to our apart-hotel, which was the Staycity Tivoli one, based right in the heart of the city. 

Arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare, we had a good look round the shops in Terminal Five, before heading to our gate. Due to our health concerns, we’d booked to have passenger assistance and throughout the whole experience they were great. 

Guiding us to our seats, we were first onto the plane, with a window and middle seat chosen for us. Setting off with no delays, we were up and away before we knew it and that’s when my heart really exploded with joy. Whilst on board, we were gifted complimentary drinks and snacks, which was also a nice touch. 

Looking over the island as it came into view, I couldn’t contain the joy I felt. I started to cry in fact from it. My heart was so happy and I felt the best I have in a long time. Racing to get off the plane, I dismissed the assistance to get my case to catch the bus to the city. I just needed to see the people and places I loved as soon as I could. 

However, what we were not expecting to see was the thousands of fans coming out of the semi-final football match that had occurred that Sunday. We ended up being on the bus a whole lot longer than planned. Yet, I didn’t care, I was just happy to be there. 

After a long journey, we jumped on a second bus, which took us right up to the door of our hotel. Quickly checked in, we were shown to our room, which had everything we needed and so much more. Staycity Tivoli went above and beyond from the moment we arrived in fact and I will be doing a dedicated post all about this week. 

Once my mum had had her first Irish cup of tea (Barry’s of course), we ventured out to get the food we needed for the week, as we had chosen to cook during it and to see some of the sights. My feet and head led me to the one place I had been begging to go. 

I don’t drink but I adore and I mean I ADORE The Temple Bar! As soon as you see the flowers and lights outside, you just know that you are in the heart of the city. The beating, Irish all dancing and singing heart. 

Catching a few songs in there, I just felt the happiest I had in months. I know it might sound sad but I felt so proud of myself that I had overcome so much to get there. I didn’t care about anything bad or that could go wrong. In that moment I just felt content. 

Leaving to make it back to the supermarket on time, we got what we needed before settling into our room for the night. All ready for my birthday the next day, which I had planned to fill up with more music, shopping and sightseeing. Something we very much did. 

All week, I will be telling you all about what we got up to, as well as all the best places to go to and a review of our hotel. Ireland is a sacred place to me, so get ready for a lot of loving this week! 

Joey X