Planning an epic overseas adventure takes months. First there’s the inspiration; the bucket list. Where to go and what mode of transportation are primary since travel abroad requires flights and other logistics. And travelling with another couple adds an element of complexity as does the consideration of a husband who is a bit travel-weary. But my desire to see a part of the world where tv shows have lured us for the rugged landscapes (Game of Thrones, Outlander and many great dramas on Brit Box – to which we are addicted) and outstanding scenery (not to mention uber masculine men in kilts!) piqued when I discovered a company called Celtic Routes

Celtic Routes offers individually curated self driving tours in one of their Land Rover fleet of vehicles thereby allowing you to create a bespoke experience of your choice without a large group, tour bus, annoying guide and other guests, flexible stops (hey! Check out that pub!) and with the ease of everything booked ahead by pros. Our consultant, Hazel, received my initial inquiry and scheduled a phone call. During the call Hazel discovered our likes and dislikes in terms of activities and such. Based on that conversation she assembled a draft plan for us to consider. We only had to get ourselves to the starting point.

Some of the itinerary must haves were: staying in a castle, seeing highlights of the geography, a round of golf for the guys and, probably most importantly, sampling the local produce: scotch and beer!

The timing of our adventure was a bit selfish on our part as we winter in Florida. The thought of returning to Canada in the cold, damp spring are never appealing and since we can’t extend our time in the sun forever, we choose to travel in the transition seasons (spring and fall). Finding flights is also challenging as we are not in “high season” so that’s the first order of business. We like Air Transat for a few reasons: reasonable price for club seating (their version of premium) and direct nonstop to a lot of destinations. Hazel has us flying into Dublin and returning from Edinburgh. The return flight was the sticking point. Flights were crazy expensive and not plentiful. Over several days I scoured flight options; we even explored returning from London or extending our trip to include Portugal. Then one day a new option popped using West Jet returning direct nonstop from Edinburgh at a decent price. So flights were booked!

As we got closer to our departure date, Celtic Routes sent us more information: they use an app called Vamoos where your personalized itinerary is loaded and you can access your driving route, side tour suggestions, city guides and tips, reservation information. Everything, and I mean everything, is on this app. Including: local weather, tipping guidelines, currency exchange, packing suggestions and so much more. Super thoughtful and helpful. Once the trip was so explicitly written out, it seemed the trip was real.

And then we encountered a major problem: my dad took ill. After a hospital visit and subsequent testing he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis and a-fib. Not good. He’s prescribed new meds and will be assessed for possible surgery. However, a second hospitalization uncovered some new issues: a lesion on his bladder, possible clots and a profusely enlarged prostate (a condition he’s been fighting for 10 years … maybe more?) Given the circumstances he’s released from hospital as palliative at home.

The agony of the decision to travel weighed heavily on us. We had surpassed the deadline for any changes to our excursion (8 weeks prior) and were due to leave in a few days. After speaking with my dad, sister and the care team, we decided to travel. My dad promised not to go anywhere until I got back. And the thought of me having a Guinness in his honour made him nudge me. I’m still struggling with the decision but now that it’s made, it’s made.

Our flight left early and arrived early. Nice surprise. Dublin greeted us with partly cloudy skies and 53F. Not bad. Immigration was a slow process and nothing is digital. They stamp your passport and send you along. As soon as we landed our driver was texting to tell us his location; he took our baggage and lead us to his van.

It was a short drive through traffic to reach our hotel in the Temple Bar area of the city. It’s a unique cobblestoned area loaded with bars, shops, restaurants and lots of pedestrians. It’s a bustling day in Dublin. We were told in advance that rooms may not be ready until 3 pm. We arrive at The Morgan boutique hotel on Fleet St and Ana at the checkin informs us that our rooms are ready! Always nice to settle in for a minute before heading out.

Located in the hotel is 10 Fleet Bar which serves drinks and meals in a casual setting. Our room includes breakfast. We regroup at the bar and sample some local locations before heading to our scheduled Guinness Storehouse tour. It’s about a 40 minute walk but we uber due to timing.

Guinness is a historical and present-day powerhouse in Dublin. And they present their history in a very Disney-ish fashion. They occupy a huge footprint in the city and visitors come from around the globe to experience the Guinness magic. We chose the Stoutie Tour which included the self guided tour plus an extra perk.

As you enter the building there is a winding path to the start of the tour as crowds are expected. Inside the main building, as you gather around the original lease for the premises circa 1752 signed by Arthur Guinness, a representative explains how the tour works. There’s 8 stories of tour stops with displays and interactions before you reach the pinnacle for a tasting and a view.

The lower floors explain the brewery process from the growing of the raw ingredients right to the final product.

Barley, hops, yeast and water. Mixed with Guinness magic. Voila. A beer that the world enjoys.

Because we chose the Stoutie Tour, we were entitled to a pint of Guinness with our picture imprinted into the foam.

After sipping ourselves we head higher up to the rooftop where the panoramic. Ore of the city is amazing. And for those on the average tour, this is where you get your free pint.

After the tour we head back to the Temple Bar district in search of a light bite.

Live music in many venues along with bustling streets and lots of security.

The area is teeming with activity and good energy.

Back to our accommodations for a well deserved break. Good night. See you tomorrow 🍀