A First Adventure Abroad: Ireland with My Son

Our journey began in Cork, a charming city nestled along the river, where cobblestone streets, historic architecture and lively Irish pubs set the perfect scene. As we wandered through town, the air buzzed with the energy of football fans cheering on their home team, immersing us instantly in the local spirit.

Checking into The Montenotte, we were met with a delightful surprise — beautifully crafted chocolates and cookies, along with a thoughtful note from the hotel manager. It was the perfect start to our adventure, setting the tone for an unforgettable trip filled with warm hospitality, stunning sights and new discoveries.

That evening, we made our way to Sin É, the oldest pub in Cork, where we truly felt the heart and soul of Ireland. I enjoyed a perfectly poured Guinness while Liam sipped on a root beer, both of us soaking in the atmosphere. Sitting among friendly locals, we were treated to the sounds of traditional Irish music, a lively and authentic experience that made us feel right at home.

On our second day, we ventured out to Cobh (pronounced "Cove"), a picturesque seaside town bursting with charm. We snapped photos of the iconic rainbow-colored houses, framed perfectly against the towering St. Colman’s Cathedral, which overlooks the water with breathtaking grandeur. After a bit of shopping, we made our way to the Titanic Experience Museum. It is located at the very port where the Titanic made its final stop before setting off on its ill-fated maiden voyage. Beautifully curated and deeply moving, the museum is a fascinating glimpse into history and an absolute must-visit.

Back in Cork, Liam enjoyed a swim while I took full advantage of the stunning spa at The Montenotte, a moment of pure relaxation amidst our adventure.

For dinner, we stumbled upon a meal we still rave about to this day — the most incredible fish and chips at Kiely’s. The crispy, golden batter encased perfectly flaky fish, light and non-greasy, simply perfection on a plate. A meal that truly captured the simple yet delicious essence of Irish cuisine.

You simply can’t visit Ireland without experiencing the Cliffs of Moher. Though the drive from Cork took a few hours, and included its fair share of heart-racing twists and turns on Ireland’s famously narrow roads, it was absolutely worth it. For those less eager to tackle the drive, guided tours are a great option, but we loved the freedom of having our own car.

The cliffs themselves are nothing short of magical. Towering over the Atlantic, they take your breath away with their sheer beauty and rugged majesty. We were especially impressed by the conservation efforts in place to protect this stunning landscape, ensuring it remains untouched for generations to come.

After the scenic (and slightly nerve-wracking) drive back to Cork, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Montenotte’s restaurant before ending the night at The Glasshouse, the hotel’s chic cocktail bar. With handcrafted drinks in hand, cocktails for me and fun mocktails for Liam, we soaked in the twinkling lights of Cork. Enjoy great company with new friends we had met earlier while swimming. It was the perfect way to wind down after a day of adventure.

Our final day in Cork was all about immersing ourselves in the city’s history and culture. We began with a visit to the Cork City Gaol, a historic prison that’s as eerie as its reputation suggests. Walking through its stone halls, we got a sobering glimpse of how seriously crime was taken in the past. It definitely felt like we were stepping into another time — one that was as haunting as it was fascinating.

For our last dinner in Cork, we dined at 51 Cornmarket, a local favorite known for its elevated take on Irish cuisine using the finest local ingredients. The food was exceptional, and the cozy atmosphere made it the perfect farewell to this beautiful city.

We ended our evening back at The Montenotte, unwinding in their charming onsite cinema with a movie. It was a relaxing way to wrap up an unforgettable trip before lights out and an early check-out the next morning.