Guide to Edinburgh

"It is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world, the history is fascinating, the men are handsome, and the whisky is delicious"- J.K. Rowling

A few weeks ago, one of my co-workers asked me if I had any recommendations since she was visiting Edinburgh for the first time in June. If you haven't noticed, I am a biggggg fan of Scotland. I've only been three times, but one of those visits lasted 3.5 months. I'm by no means an expert, but here are my favorite spots and sights that I've come across so far. 

Kate’s Official Guide to Edinburgh:

Nightlife:

Cowgate: This is more of the student-y area of town. The university is nearby and drinks are cheap. Things are a little grungier, but it’s a lot of fun. I lived on the cowgate, and there is always something to do. The Hive was my favorite spot.

Grassmarket: It is kind of part of the Cowgate, but the atmosphere is different. This used to be a medieval market (and it’s where they used to hang people-Edinburgh is known for having a really dark history) but it’s a really cool area of town. It’s a great place for the more typical British pub culture and there are some cool shops scattered around. Also in the summer, there is a lot of outdoor seating for eating and drinking. If you’re not looking to get too crazy, this is probably the spot for you.

George’s Street: This is just off Prince’s Street and is the more upscale area of town. Things are more expensive and fancier. Opal, Shanghai, and LuLu are the more classy-club places on George’s Street.

There are bars, clubs, and pubs pretty much everywhere, but the general rule of thumb is that drinks in the old town are cheaper. My personal favorite for a summer night is Three Sisters (the Cowgate) it has a ton of outdoor space. I also really like Brewdog (also the Cowgate, and I used to live above it). They brew all their own stuff and it’s pretty unique- really interesting IPAs.

Sites/Activities:

The Castle: You’ll see the fortress the second you get into town and you can go in and tour the grounds. It’s fairly large and very interesting. It is on the pricier side of things to do, but it’s pretty cool. They also shoot off cannons throughout the day.

The Royal Mile: The mile connects Holyrood Palace (the residence of the British royal family in Edinburgh) to the Edinburgh castle. It has a fun atmosphere, lots of shops and some cool history. John Knox’s house is on the mile, there are a lot of street performers, and a cool cathedral.

The Elephant House: If you are into Harry Potter, you have to stop here. This is where JK Rowling wrote the first book. They have great tea and baked goods and the view of the castle and greyfriars kirk is pretty spectacular.

Greyfriars Kirkyard & Greyfriars Bobby: Old cemetery bordering on the walls of the old town. It is very atmospheric. Also, JK Rowling got a lot of the names for Harry Potter from the cemetery so that is kind of cool.  You will also notice the small statue of the terrier outside of the Kirk- that is Greyfriars Bobby. After his master died, the dog visited his grave for years. It is considered good luck to rub his nose.

The Meadows: A large park in town. On nice days people are everywhere (grilling, playing games, day drinking). It’s a nice spot to walk through if you get sick of the city.

Calton Hill: This is my favorite spot in the city. It has a bunch of random unfinished monuments and it is one of the reasons Edinburgh is called the ‘Athens of the North’. The view is amazing- you can see the castle, the palace, Arthur’s Seat, the Scott Monument, the pentlands, the ocean, and both the old and new towns. It’s a quick walk to the top and it’s great.

Arthur's Seat: A really good hike in the city. It gets its name from the possibility that Camelot was at one time based there. Views are astonishing and it’s a pretty physical climb.

The National Scottish Museum: It is free (always good) and it has a ton of cool stuff inside. The building itself is really unique. Also, the view from the roof is incredible. A lot of people don’t know you can go up there, but you can and it’s great. I also hear the portrait gallery on Princes Street is really good, but I haven’t been there.

Royal Botanical Gardens: If you like gardens, this is a good one. It’s a little bit of a walk, so it wouldn’t be the first thing on my list, but if you have time, check it out! I believe it is also free.

Scotch Whisky Experience: Super touristy, but it’s fun. I wouldn’t do it if you are familiar with whisky or going to any distilleries. There is a ride that takes you through the stages of scotch making and you end up in a massive collection of scotch and get to taste a few.

I have also heard the Mary King’s Close tour is very cool. I have not done it, but I want to. It’s at night and takes you into the buildings underneath the city. (Edinburgh is a city built on a city so there’s a lot going on). Supposed to be kind of scary, but historically accurate.  Also friends have talked about ‘Dynamic Earth’ and Outlook Tower, but I haven’t done them.

Honestly, Edinburgh is the best city. You will find something there that takes your breath away.

The city is gorgeous, the people are wonderful, and the food is great. I can't say enough good things about Scotland and its amazing capital. I have so many more trips to make to Scotland before I'll even begin to feel like I really know it.

Alba gu Bràth!

The Emerald Isle

"Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible"- Charles Haughey

I'm going to preface this post with a disclaimer: TONS OF PHOTOS AHEAD. 

I decided to go on my first solo adventure and went to Ireland for a 5 day road trip through the west coast. It was amazing. I had the best time ever and would travel alone in a heartbeat. I think everyone should give it a go. I wrote a buzzfeed post about the things I learned on the trip, if you are interested, you can read it here.

Day One: Clifden, Connemara

Connemara is in the gaeltacht region of Ireland (meaning Irish is still spoken and well-known). This was the Ireland I had read about- wild horses, rainbows, abandoned castles, and the friendliest people on earth. I made a lot of friends (young and old) and learned a lot about the area during my brief stay. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Wild horses running in the hills of Ireland- I thought I was going to be trampled, but this guy was rather friendly and just wanted to hang out.

I have always wanted to touch a standing stone (probably because I am an Outlander fan and was hoping Jamie would appear). When I saw this one I hopped a fence and laid my hands on it. Sadly, I was not transported to another time, but it was still very cool.

Seriously, the Wild Atlantic Way is amazing. Rainbows and castles every which way. I was half expecting a friendly leprechaun to jump out at me.

Day Two: Connemara National Park & Galway

My next day started with a hike in the Connemara National Park. Oscar Wilde called this area the most beautiful part of the world. I must say- I kind of agree. I was totally alone on the trails and the colors and scenic vistas were staggering.

I spent three hours exploring the national park before getting back on the road and stopping at a few castles between Connemara and Galway.

I also bonded with a heard of cows… so that's something.

 I spent the afternoon and the evening in Galway. I went to a pub known for Trad music and had a few Guinness's with some locals. It was a perfect evening in Galway.

Day Three & Four: Castle Dromoland

I drove from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher. This is one tourist attraction that is totally worth the money and the crowds. They are staggering and it is insane to me how close to the edge you can get. There are no fences and what seems like endless stretches of cliffs.

I spent two nights in the incomparable Castle Dromoland. I also got a complimentary room upgrade which was just the icing on an already amazing cake. While staying there, I road horses, wandered the grounds, and indulged at the spa. It was a quick, but needed relaxing break during my vacation.

I also spent some time in the burren. This is the weirdest place ever, and very unique. I can't think of a way to describe it without using the world 'alien'.

Day Five: Kilkenny

I didn't take any pictures in Kilkenny except for one of my seafood chowder. I quite liked Kilkenny, but the weather was less than ideal while I was here and my jet lag started catching up with me so I didn't spend a ton of time touring the area.

Day Six, Seven,  Eight: Dublin

I drove back to Dublin and dropped off my rental car on St. Paddy's day. One of my good friends decided to fly out for the holiday, so I swung by the airport and met up with Emily. We headed into the city and got ready to go green for St. Patrick's Day in Temple Bar.

We spent three days roaming Dublin and having a very good time. It was the perfect way to end an amazing trip across the pond. I loved this holiday and I really want to come back to Ireland and spend some time in the Ring of Kerry, Dingle, and getting up to the North. It's a gorgeous country and I couldn't have asked for a better trip.

xxx