HNHO - Collegio all Querce | Highlight - Ireland ☘️ favorite islands and Mister S

Skellig Michael

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

Mud season has arrived in NH. If you don’t live in a northern area with dirt roads, you may not have experienced this season. It is essentially a replacement for spring elsewhere. Not quite as enjoyable. But the warmer temps causing the snow to melt mean that spring will eventually arrive and I’m looking forward to that!

The melting snow and ice limits our winter sports and the mountain trails are icy, so I’ve been doing a lot of walking lately. Being outside in nature has always kept me balanced and I’m trying to be outside as much as possible.

A few weeks ago I heard about an app, 1000 Hours Outside. I believe it was originally made to inspire families with kids to get outdoors more. But it’s expanded to inspire all people to spend more time outside. I haven’t tried it yet, but if you have, please let me know how you like it.

With St. Patrick’s Day approaching I was motivated to write about Ireland today. I hope you read about a new place that inspires your next trip to this beautiful country.

Last week’s most popular article was 12 Under-the-Radar Places You Should Travel to Now, Before They Get Popular.

This week’s inspirational articles include remote retreats, quiet destinations, dramatic coastlines, wellness retreats, hiking in Japan, glamorous ski chalets and planning ahead your Olympics trip to Northern Italy.

Also articles on Newfoundland, Willamette Valley, Utah, Ibiza, Solomon Islands and the Cotswolds.

The informational articles include whether an eSIM is worth it when traveling internationally, what to know about Yosemite’s suspended reservation system, hiring someone to wait in line for you, managing grief and improving your mental health through travel.

I just finished reading Next Year in Havana. Just in time for my trip to Cuba next week. I love reading books about places I will be going (and gifting them to you for places you are going).

I’ll be traveling with Jason and my brother and sister-in-law. She and I chose a novel for this trip, but I sent my brother Cuba: An American History. He’s already learned a great deal about the details during key moments in history. I plan to borrow it from him when we are there.

Our Cuban trip will be focused on connecting with locals, experiencing the culture and art, enjoying the food, perfecting our mojito recipe and learning about the history. But I’m also looking forward to the warm weather and sunshine!

Where to next for you?

Warmly,

Below:

This week’s highlight – Irish islands and Mister S
Hot New Hotel Opening – Collegio alla Querce
Inspiration + Information

IRISH ☘️ ISLANDS

Blasket Islands

St. Patrick’s Day is Monday, so Ireland is on my mind. My reasons for loving Ireland are a bit different than my husband’s. Golf is the #1 driver for his trips to Ireland. It’s understandable why – with courses like Ballybunion, Tralee, Hogs Head, Old Head and Waterville, it is a dream destination for him that he returns to again and again.

But Ireland offers so many other reasons to visit. You can go with your golfing spouse and friends and have an amazing adventure without stepping on a golf course (even if they are).

I love being in the outdoors and on the water, so for me the beauty of Ireland’s landscape draws me in. As do the local pubs and restaurants.

Today I’m highlighting some of the most spectacular coastal destinations in Ireland and a restaurant on my personal list for my next visit to the Emerald Isle.

The five places listed are scattered around the southwest corner and on the north coast. The range of landscapes will give you contrasting experiences that will complement your time in the cities and villages.

Some of the highlights of these places:

meeting local fishermen to hear fascinating stories about their fishing expeditions
visiting charming island cottages
picnicking with local produce, cheeses, breads and perhaps some Irish whiskey
visiting stunning Italian gardens
taking off on a private boat to spot seals basking on rocks, whales and dolphins playing in the sea and puffins diving from the cliffs
enjoying breathtaking views along the coast
savoring seafood at rustic coastal restaurants
the waters are so clear, that if you are up for braving the cool water you can snorkel or scuba dive
seeing the remains of a sixth-century monastery, amidst the rugged beauty of the craggy coastline
visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site where Star Wars VII The Force Awakens and Episode VIII The Last Jedi were filmed

Carrick a Rede

Kerry Cliffs

Skellig Michael Islands

Garinish Island

MISTER S

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a super active day followed by a delicious dinner. I’m sharing one of the places on my personal must-go list for my next trip to Ireland. It’s in Dublin, far from the places above, but Dublin has so many other reasons to visit, so hopefully you’ll find yourself there while you are in Ireland.

I recommend you make a reservation at Mister S. They prepare the most incredible food cooked over an open fire. There are beef options like dry aged sirloin, rib eyes, burnt end spring rolls and smoked beef short ribs (add on the Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes with Brown Butter Aioli).

And if you are in the mood for chicken, the Wild Garlic Spatchcock Chicken is a favorite.

But if you aren’t a meat eater, they also cook vegetables to perfection on the fire. And their seafood options include cod, tuna, seabass, prawns, turbot, monkfish and scallops.

Some raving reviews…
“Believe me, you will dispense of table manners here and lick the plate clean.”
~ The Sunday Times

“Both food and service nailing the perfect casual dining experience.”
~ The Taste

What is not to love? Put it on your list!

📷 Mister S

Reach out to plan your trip to

Ireland

🌟 Auberge Resorts Collegio alla Querce opened earlier this month in the northern outskirts of Florence.

Why visit Collegio alla Querce?

The hotel is located within beautifully restored 16^thcentury buildings in Florence that were once part of an educational institution. Some original features were preserved including the academic admissions office (now a bar & cigar lounge), chapel and theater.
Situated on a hilltop, the large windows offer panoramic views of the historic center of Florence, the Duomo and the rolling Tuscan Hills.
Dine at the destination restaurant for dinner, enjoy lunch in the glass enclosed garden room surrounded by olive trees or indulge in snacks and cocktails at the outdoor pool bar.
Relax at the Auberge spa, stroll through the extensive gardens and shop at the curated boutique.

Of course it comes with the usual perks and VIP treatment when booking your stay through Truvay Travel.