BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Jacaranda FM’s vivacious DJ, Danny Painter, braved the cold in Ireland in January and had the time of her life reconnecting with friends and a picture-perfect country that kept on offering her more gifts than she had hoped for.
What was your most recent trip and how long were you away for?
I visited my high school best friend, Sonje Love, and her husband Andrew Love, in Ireland for ten days in January. It was an absolute unadulterated pleasure and fun! We ate. They kindly opened up their home to me and showed me around their beautiful Island. I drank all of the Guinness in Ireland and I watched my two favourite bands! It was the best holiday I have had in ages!
What was your favourite part about your holiday?
Ireland is just absolutely beautiful and filled with magic! Oh my gosh, there is so much. Spending time with Sonje and Andrew in the country they now call home was the best part. It was followed very closely by watching Bad Omens and Bring Me the Horizon in Dublin! I loved Dingle, where I bought myself a ring. I also loved the beaches and the walks in the countryside.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
I wish I had stayed longer, spent more money, and done more things. I budget for the holidays and end up midway through checking bank balances and worrying about money and things back home instead of being truly and fully immersed in the moment and the adventure. Looking back, I never regret the money I spent nor do I regret taking the tours, the t-shirts, the mugs, and the fun. I think I would change that and be more present.
What touristy things did you get up to and what was the overall experience?
Sonje took me to the Book of Kels at Trinity college which was mind-blowing. I am a book girly and I can tell you that being in the Long Room at Trinity college was a life experience. They have over 6 million books! I was just in awe. We also went to the Guinness tour, where we spent almost 3 hours. It was hands down something I will do every time I’m in Ireland! I had a Guinness in Temple Bar in Dublin. I went to Dingle, I went on the most beautiful drive in Ireland. I saw castles and caves and forests and Tesco! I love Tesco! It was so lovely to do both touristy and ‘home’ things like sitting around a table drinking too much wine with good friends. I was very sad to leave, and I highly recommend a trip to Ireland.
What was the best thing you ate on your trip and what did you splurge on?
There is a pub called Kate Browns, and the night I landed we went there, the food was incredible and the vibe was immaculate. We ended up going back! But honestly, the best thing I ate was a brisket dinner Andrew made us after our Dublin adventure. It turned into wine and chats until 2 am! And there is nothing better than that, no matter where you are in the world! But look, the food in Ireland is spectacular, the seafood is so fresh and the mussels are out of this world!
I splurged on a lot! I spent so much money at the Guinness tour! But I think the most important thing I bought was in Dingle. Dingle was a spiritual visit for me, a full circle moment if you will. I bought myself a gold ring with a Celtic knot in Dingle and made a little promise to myself about the rest of the year and healing during my grief journey, that was the most important thing I bought for sure!
Would you advise someone to go and if so, what should they do differently to you?
Book your ticket immediately! Don’t worry about money, do everything, eat everything, drink everything, and immerse yourself in the culture and moment!
What websites or services did you find the most helpful for planning/booking your trip?
Honestly, my bestie was my Google! She took care of all of that. But from what I could tell it’s very easy to Google things you want to do or see and plan from there! There is so much to see and do. Go for longer than I did for sure!
What advice would you give someone going there for the first time?
It’s cold and wet. Thermals are a definite. Take your cigarettes with you because they’re expensive. Go to the locals and make friends, they’ll tell you great stories and secret things you can do! But just drink, eat, and breathe it in! It’s beautiful and healing and one of the most beautiful places on earth!
