THE LUCK OF THE IRISH

St. Patrick's Day and anything that has to do with Ireland has a special place in my heart.  We got engaged in Ireland back in 2004 and what a wonderful trip it was!  We got to visit Dublin and stay at Bono's The Clarence Hotel, we rented a car and drove up the Antrim Coast to visit Belfast in Northern Ireland, we got engaged in the stunning Ashford Castle in Mayo, and rounded out our trip in the Dingle Peninsula and Galway.  Needless to say, it was absolutely amazing!    Ireland is such a beautiful country with warm, friendly people, good food, and such pretty greenery everywhere.  I can't wait to go back to Ireland with the boys one day.  This year, we spent our holiday eating green bagels for breakfast at the bagel shop and having my home-cooked corned beef and cabbage for dinner.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"May your blessings out number the shamrocks that grow, 

And may trouble avoid you wherever you go." 

- An Irish Toast

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Happy St. Patrick's Day my jet setters! In honor of one of my favorite holidays and to celebrate one of my favorite countries in Europe (Ireland, of course), I wanted to share some pictures and highlights from my trip when I jet setted there in 2004. Boy, this really makes me want to go back...it is such an amazing place. Ireland is so magical with castles everywhere, like the luxurious five star Ashford Castle in County Mayo.

When you visit Dublin, I suggest that you stay and lay your head at U2's Clarence Hotel (that's right, Bono & The Edge own it).The Clarence Hotel is located right on the Liffey River.It's a five star boutique hotel that's in the center of all the action and is simple, but elegant.Of course, if you are in Dublin, then you must pay a visit to the Guinness Factory. No exaggeration whatsoever, this is the BEST Guinness you will ever have in your life!Once you've had your fill of Dublin (no pun intended), head north to Northern Ireland and visit the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast ( the result of a volcanic eruption) along the way. See the streets of Northern Ireland, and learn some history about the Peace Process.

After some time in Northern Ireland and on the east coast of Ireland, head west and check out Galway- the third largest and fastest growing city in Ireland. Walk down Shop Street- the city's main thoroughfare...Also, make sure to visit some pubs (like Monroe's) and listen to traditional Irish music...
Finally, before flying home out of Shannon Airport on the west coast, visit the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.The houses are so colorful and the people are extremely warm and friendly. This is definitely an abbreviated version of what your trip to this incredible country could be. If you are interested in jet setting to Ireland or Northern Ireland, Jet Set Smart can be your guide. "Slainte" (pronouced Slawn-cha) is Gaelic for "Cheers." So today, raise your glasses, say the word, and toast to Ireland...HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

ODE TO THE GUINESS

Today I write my Ode to the Guinness because it is one of my favorite beers out there. Right off the bat, I have to say the first time I ever tried a Guinness was at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin, Ireland...so yes, I was spoiled right away because there is no other Guinness anywhere else in the WORLD that tastes as good!

Now to the reasons why a Guinness is good and actually good for you. Contrary to what most people think, Guinness is low in calories (about 10 per ounce), and is mixed with Aligal gas (70% nitrogen to 30% CO2) which makes it less filling than other beers. Guinness also has Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Iron, Magnesium, Riboflavin and Antioxidants in it...so it's sort of healthy in a way too. So go ahead, raise a pint, and say Slainte! (pronouned slan-cha) That means Cheers! in Gaelic. :-)

JET SET SMART SWEETHEARTS

It's fun to jetset with friends, family, or even by yourself, but there is nothing better than jetsetting with the one you love. And when it comes to those special times in life, like getting engaged, planning a honeymoon, or celebrating anniversaries, there's no better way to do it than with a trip.

I got engaged at Ashford Castle in Ireland, celebrated my honeymoon in India, and went to Paris for my 1-year wedding anniversary. (Check out pic below).

Speaking of special times, some of you reading this may have gotten to JetSetSmart through http://www.vowweddings.wordpress.com/ and if you have, then you already know what a talented and creative Wedding Consultant Laura is. For those of you that didn't get to this website through hers, and are planning a wedding (or know someone who is), then you should definitely check her out. She is an incredible Wedding Planner, who has helped numerous brides and grooms plan their special day. As a testimony to how good she is, she's also been featured in InStyle Weddings for her fantastic ideas. By the way, Laura happens to be one of my best friends and helped me plan my special day!

If you are getting ready to celebrate a special occasion and want some help picking a place to JetSet to, then you know where to find me. Reach out to me through my blog by leaving a comment, or shoot me an email at askus@jetsetsmart.com and I can help you plan! Happy JetSetting Sweethearts!