Ireland Ideas

Are you ready to celebrate love in the lush green landscapes of Ireland?

Dónal and Eric's One Year Later Wedding Anniversary Celebration is the perfect occasion to witness the beauty of their union and the charm of the Emerald Isle.

As you prepare to join us in Ireland, here are some ideas for you to build your trip on... (we don't have a set itinerary - these are just suggestions ... )

The Classic Explorer Crew

For people who want the big Irish bucket list moments with a soft landing near Dunboyne Castle.

Friday, March 13 (Departure from USA)

Depart on red-eye flights to Dublin (DUB). Pro tip: Aer Lingus gives you tea like it’s a sacrament.

Saturday, March 14 (Arrival in Ireland)

Morning arrival in Dublin. Rent a car, shuttle or taxi to Dunboyne Castle (30 mins from airport).
Check-in and freshen up.
Afternoon: Light lunch at hotel or in the village of Dunboyne.
Evening: Pub Dinner at Brady’s of Dunboyne. Cozy vibes, Guinness for days.

Sunday, March 15

Morning: Trip to the Hill of Tara & Trim Castle. Classic ancient Irish energy.
Afternoon: Whiskey tasting at Slane Castle.
Evening: Dinner back at the hotel with an easy night in the lounge.

Monday, March 16

Morning to Afternoon: Day trip to Dublin. Book a hop-on-hop-off bus tour for flexibility (Trinity College, Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, Grafton Street).
Evening: Return to Dunboyne for a chill evening or stay in Dublin for a trad music night.

Tuesday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

Morning: Take the train into Dublin early to snag a good spot for the parade.
Afternoon: Enjoy citywide celebrations, music, and food. (Or avoid the madness and do a spa day back at Dunboyne!) 0R join Dónal & Eric in Kilcock, Dónal's home town for a local St. Patricks Day celebration, complete with Mass in the Irish language, a village parade, great Irish music and maybe a Guinness or 3
Evening: Optional dinner reservation in Dublin or return to Dunboyne for a quieter evening.

Wednesday, March 18

Morning: Day trip to Belfast
Afternoon: Take in Titanic Belfast: Immerse yourself in the story of the Titanic, built in Belfast, with interactive exhibits and artifacts or take a Black Taxi Tour: Explore the city's political history and murals with a guided tour.
Evening: Return to the republic for a Low-key night — perhaps a casual meal in the castle restaurant or a fireside gathering.

Thursday, March 19 – WEDDING ANNIVERSARY DAY

Afternoon: Get ready for our ceremony and reception at Dunboyne Castle.
Evening: Dance the night away!

Friday, March 20

Breakfast at the Hotel: Farewell breakfast for hotel guests before check out.
Optional excursion to Powerscourt House & Gardens or Howth (coastal walk and fish 'n chips).
Final night in Dublin or at Dunboyne.

Saturday, March 21

Departures back to the States. Crying, smiling, lots of Instagrams.

2. The City-Savvy Party People

For people who want to live their best lives in Dublin and roll into the wedding like celebrities.

Friday, March 13

Red-eye flight to Dublin.

Saturday, March 14

Arrive in Dublin.
Stay in a central hotel (The Dean, The Alex, or The Clarence if they wanna be boujee).
Brunch, nap, then a pint and live music at Temple Bar area.

Sunday, March 15

Explore: Jameson Distillery, EPIC Museum (Irish Emigration), St. Stephen’s Green.
Evening: Pub crawl or food tour (so they’re not only living on crisps and Guinness).

Monday, March 16

Chill day: brunch at Brother Hubbard, shopping on Grafton Street.
Optional: visit Dublin Castle or Kilmainham Gaol.
Fancy dinner (Chapter One or The Woollen Mills).

Tuesday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

Parade! Music! Mayhem! (Make a game plan early—where to watch, meet-up points, etc.)
Night out: either go hard or retreat to a jazz bar or hidden speakeasy.

Wednesday, March 18

Sleep in. Seriously.
Afternoon: Transfer to Dunboyne Castle.
Evening: Rehearsal cocktail hour or welcome dinner with other guests.

Thursday, March 19 – WEDDING ANNIVERSARY DAY

Afternoon: Get ready for our ceremony and reception at Dunboyne Castle.
Evening: Dance the night away!

Friday, March 20

Breakfast at the Hotel: Farewell breakfast for hotel guests before check out.
Stay the night in Dublin to fly home Saturday.

Saturday, March 21

Depart.

3. The "Lets hit it hard - We're headin' West"

For folks who want to feel Ireland before they celebrate Ireland

Saturday, March 14 – Arrive in Ireland / Head West

Morning arrival in Dublin or Shannon Airport (Shannon is chef’s kiss perfect for west-coast access).
Pick up rental car (or hop on a pre-booked train or tour bus).
Drive to Galway (2.5 hrs from Dublin, 1 hr from Shannon).
Check into Galway hotel – The Hardiman, The Dean Galway, or a charming B&B.
Light stroll along the Salthill Promenade or Quay Street.
Evening: Dinner + trad music at The Crane Bar or Taaffes.

Sunday, March 15 – Conquer the Cliffs of Moher + Doolin

Morning: Day trip to Cliffs of Moher (1.5 hrs by car), via the scenic coastal route.
Lunch in Doolin – the Irish capital of music and pink skies.
Optional ferry ride to see the cliffs from sea level.
Pop into the Burren for short hikes, wildflowers, and maybe a fairy sighting.
Evening: Return to Galway (or stay overnight in Doolin for a night of real-deal trad music).

Monday, March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day in Galway

Wake up in Galway, one of the best places for St. Paddy’s that’s not totally bonkers.
Morning: Catch the parade + festive street performers.
Afternoon: Irish dancing, music, and storytelling in Eyre Square or the Spanish Arch.
Evening: Pub crawl or cozy up in one good spot with live music and Irish stew.

Tuesday, March 17 – Scenic Route to the East

Morning: Drive eastward to Dunboyne (3 hrs).
- Optional stops along the way:
  - Clonmacnoise (ancient monastery ruins)
  - Kilbeggan Distillery (Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery)
Afternoon: Check into Dunboyne Castle.
Evening: Low-key welcome drinks or spa time.

Wednesday, March 19 – Chill & Wedding Prep

Morning: Sleep in or spa treatments at Dunboyne.
Optional guided walk or spiritual reflection.
Evening: Welcome reception or rehearsal dinner.

Thursday, March 19 – WEDDING ANNIVERSARY DAY

Afternoon: Get ready for our ceremony and reception at Dunboyne Castle.
Evening: Dance the night away!

Friday, March 20

Breakfast at the Hotel: Farewell breakfast for hotel guests before check out.
Stay the night in Dublin to fly home Saturday.
Optional Dublin day trip: Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, Grafton Street, etc.

Saturday, March 22 – Depart for USA

Back to the airport, full of memories.

The Slow & Sacred Travelers

For those who want beauty, meaning, and rest baked into the week.

Saturday, March 14

Arrive in Dublin, private transfer to Dunboyne Castle.
Settle in. Take a walk in the gardens. Early dinner and rest.

Sunday, March 15

Guided pilgrimage to Glendalough, monastic site in Wicklow Mountains.
Reflective time, journal, nature.
Quiet evening at the hotel.

Monday, March 16

Visit Newgrange & Brú na Bóinne – ancient burial tombs older than the pyramids.
Return for an evening spiritual circle or group reflection.

Tuesday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

Morning Mass at St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin.
Optional participation in cultural activities.
Night: Music & Dancing in Dunboyne.

Wednesday, March 18

Leisure morning.
Visit the town of Maynooth, St. Patricks College Seminary and the "Gun Chapel"

Thursday, March 19 – WEDDING ANNIVERSARY DAY

Afternoon: Get ready for our ceremony and reception at Dunboyne Castle.
Evening: Dance the night away!

Friday, March 20

Breakfast at the Hotel: Farewell breakfast for hotel guests before check out.
Stay the night in Dublin to fly home Saturday.

Saturday, March 21

Depart with hearts full and souls humming.

Tips:

Flight Suggestions: If you are flying in for the celebration, consider landing at Dublin Airport, which is conveniently located near Dunboyne Castle. From there, you can easily arrange transportation to the venue. More about flights on the Flight Page
Accommodation: Dunboyne Castle offers luxurious accommodations for guests who wish to stay on-site. Alternatively, there are plenty of charming hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in the vicinity for those looking for different options. More about flights on the Hotel Page
Transportation: Renting a car or hiring a local driver is recommended for exploring the picturesque surroundings and getting to the wedding venue. Public transportation options are also available for those who prefer not to drive.
Ceremony and Reception: The anniversary celebration will feature a beautiful ceremony followed by a reception at Dunboyne Castle. Prepare to witness a heartfelt exchange of vows and enjoy a night of dinner, dancing, and celebration.
Dress Code: The dress code for the event is black-tie formal, so be sure to pack your elegant attire for the special occasion. We are in a castle after all...
RSVP: Don't forget to RSVP to the event to ensure that the hosts can make all the necessary arrangements for your attendance. While you're in Ireland:
Explore Co. Meath: Take the opportunity to explore the attractions in Co. Meath, such as the historic Trim Castle, the ancient site of Newgrange, and the scenic Hill of Tara.
Dublin Excursions: If time allows, consider taking a day trip to Dublin to experience the vibrant city life, visit museums and galleries, and enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife.

As you prepare for Dónal and Eric's anniversary celebration, keep these travel tips and wedding details in mind to make the most of your experience. Stay tuned for more updates and a potential blog post about the couple's journey leading up to this special milestone. Get ready to celebrate love and create lasting memories in the enchanting surroundings of Dunboyne Castle.