Why did you join myguideIreland?
I love to travel and pride myself in my ability to track down the cheapest flights and the best value accommodation. It made sense to join myguideIreland where I could use these abilities on a daily basis to help our guests.
What is your favourite part of Ireland?
I am lucky to live in my favourite part. The scenery around the Mizen is among the wildest and most beautiful in Ireland. Galway is my favourite Irish city. There is nowhere like it for the wealth of live music every night of the week in almost every pub. I lived there for 2 years and as a country girl I don't think I could survive so long in any other city. Long walks along the seafront in Salthill kept me from feeling the confines of city life!
What is your favourite visitor attraction?
I have been to Blarney Castle many times but never tire of strolling through the beautiful grounds or exploring the Castle itself. I love all the castles in Ireland and love to imagine them as they were when they were the thriving centres of many peoples lives.
What is your favourite Irish food restaurant in Ireland?
Blairs Cove restaurant near Durrus in West Cork has the most gorgeous food. It also allows you that most wonderful of dining experiences allowing you to sample everything on the menu. Well almost! There is a buffet for the starter and dessert course allowing you to try a sample of everything from fresh oysters to tirmasu.
Which is your favourite pub in Ireland?
Galway has some great pubs with live music every night. I worked as the sound engineer in the Kings Head for a couple of years and also did a few gigs in the Roisin Dubh so both of them would be close to my heart.
Where do you like to shop?
Cork city is a great place for shopping. The city centre is easy to get around with everything centred around Patrick Street which is the main thoroughfare. For jewellery and crafts you can't beat the little local shops that can be found in any small town or village in Ireland.
Favourite getaway in Ireland?
Well obviously enough I love a weekend in Galway. I also love heading to Dublin for a hurling match at Croke Park, assuming Cork are playing which they usually are!!!
Given your experience what advice would you give to people coming to Ireland?
Try to get off the tourist trail for at least one night of your trip. Close your eyes, stick a pin in the map (or your B&B book) and head for a little village in the middle of nowhere and experience the real Ireland!
