Just Back: Ireland

By Michael Abrahams

I recently explored the lush Emerald Island - a diverse country that offers endless outdoor pursuits, sprawling castle estates, world-class golf, a surprisingly sophisticated culinary scene, and a culture of proud and warm people eager to sing late into the night over a pint of Guinness.  Highlights included exploring the towering Cliffs of Moher with a local park ranger and his trusty sheepdog, a private showing of the Trinity Library and Book of Kels with their resident historian, and of course, viewing the lush and rocky landscape via helicopter for the ultimate birds-eye view.

When I say I had “off the beaten path” experiences, imagine flying to the Aran Islands and landing in a cow pasture, meeting a local marine biologist who harvests seaweed, and joining him and his wife over a private dining experience of fresh seafood, baked bread, local cheese of the island (and of course a smooth & neat Irish whisky). A true standout was a private cooking experience with renowned chef Kevin Dunton at his home, where we seared a rack of lamb and enjoyed a deconstructed Irish Stew. To top it off, he brought us around the corner to his local pub to imbibe on Guinness and Whisky over stories – an inspired end to a VIP journey through Ireland!