“There are only two kinds of people on this planet. The Irish and those that wish they were Irish”. Funny as it is, I do feel like this statement holds some truth. Imagine the luck of being able to be Irish and living in a country as beautiful as Utopia itself (I can only compare, a personal experience is far away!).
Known for its ocean cliffs, pubs and joyful people, the Emerald Isle is one not to miss. A perfect time to visit would be just after the rainy season, a good autumn in October, still giving you the fuzzies. I would love me some Galway love too!
But, jokes apart, I would love to experience this country in all its glory with all the time on my hands. Because, all the time in the world would be less to appreciate its landscapes. Dublin, Galways, Belfast, all of it. The cities are always our starting points, but what matters is when we drive further in. Town after town, it’s hard not to fall in love. Green scapes, towering stone structures, mountains and jolly people all around. Who can resist spending time in at least 3 to 4 pubs a day? Northern Ireland, a humble territory with strifes of the past, now replaced with unmistaken beauty is the true Irish-English experience. Marked by 12th-century castles in ruins, yet beautiful to explore and restaurants and bars dotting every traverse, your trip should begin in buzzing Belfast. Shadows of troubled past do not phase this city’s vibrant life. Today, one of the most exciting cities of the UK, I do believe an experience here is essential.
While the east coast is a delightful journey, the west coast has its own marvels. Londonderry, a hotspot for political murals, live music and smashing bars, and the giant Causeway Coast, a UNESCO heritage site, is your gateway to the east. Land, explore and drive further in to reach Eniskillen; where my choicest bucket-list delight sits.
Enniskillen is one such town, way up in Northern Ireland, still a chunk of the United Kingdom in all her glory. Perched amid a web of waterways, this island town is all you need to be in to explore Upper and Lower Lough Erne as well as the Marble Arch Caves. But, no ordinary hotels would do, when the Finn Lough is here to cater to all you need!
Originally a resort of island-cabins, the Finn Lough Resort also introduced the excellent and unmissable Finn Lough Bubble Domes. Strange as it seems, I am sure I’d be able to squeeze only a night or two; enclosed spaces and all. But I would, nonetheless, because:
- The location is stunning. A lake to wake up to, a lake to fall asleep to!
- Activities galore: spa, hikes, drives or simply veg out without a care!
- Fresh seasonal produce on our plates; yes, fresh and yummy!
A relaxing nature retreat and next on my bucket-list, the design of this property is astonishingly perfected. Stargaze or simply lose yourself in a cocoon; modernism offers both. I’d definitely take a bike from their collection and cycle away all my worries while I look over expanses of wonder!
Written by Mohit Gupta
Week 1, 1st January’ 2021
