The Most Beautiful Abbey in All of Ireland
The first time I heard about Kylemore Abbey, I had imagined some kind of traditional church — one with a row of wooden pews on each side and an altar at the front. But that couldn’t have been farther from what the abbey in Galway, Ireland actually offers.
Sure, they do have a neo-Gothic church inside the 1,000-acre estate that makes up the entirety of Kylemore Abbey. But when I came to visit while I was in Galway, I found there was a lot more to discover on this historic piece of land.
Unplanned Moments in Galway – A City Full of Surprises
So many side adventures have slipped from my memory because I never took the time to record them. I never took photos, never wrote about them.
I’ve had plenty of moments in Ireland that never made it into this blog, but this one I want to share. My memory of experiencing Galway for the very first time.
On Ireland’s Devenish Island, I Was Reminded of Game of Thrones
One early morning in Ireland, we went on a Lough Erne cruise to visit Devenish Island, home to a Christian monastery founded in the 6th century by St Molaise (Laisrén mac Nad Froích), one of Ireland’s early Christian saints.
I think it was a great idea to have done it as early as possible. The morning mist was still floating above the water and, although chilly, added to the mysticism and charm of the journey we were taking.
Living History Museum in Ulster, Ireland
I flew to Ireland for its breathtaking nature, but I have no regrets that I also spent time exploring some of its man-made attractions. The Ulster American Folk Park, for one, gave me a lot to think about after exploring its 90-acre grounds.
Aside from knowing that it’s some kind of living history museum, I arrived at the park with zero expectations. What I didn’t expect was that it would take me back in time — not in the way typical museums with displays and exhibits do, but in a way that felt like stepping through a portal and being sent into another century.
We Visited the Giant’s Causeway!
One of the non-negotiables that I said I MUST see when I visit Ireland is the Giant’s Causeway. I’ve been seeing it on Instagram for years, and just about every person I talk to who’s visited the country would tell me it’s a bucket list attraction.
So on the off chance that you’re planning to visit Ireland and you’ve never heard of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is my absolute honor to introduce this breathtaking place to you!
Bushmills: The Oldest Whiskey Distillery in the World
I am not at all a whiskey lover, but my fiancé convinced me that going to Ireland without visiting at least one whiskey distillery would be a crime. Especially if you have the opportunity to visit the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
Spoiler alert: Even for a whiskey noob, the tour is actually enjoyable and very educational. 🙂 I have no regrets learning how Northern Ireland’s Bushmills Distillery turns water into gold.
Just Us Two at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
It was a privilege and an amazing one-of-a-kind experience to visit Northern Ireland’s Hillsborough Castle and Gardens on a Tuesday when it’s normally closed.
We were graciously given private time to explore, and it was surreal — just me, my fiancé, and the occasional groundskeeper going about their work. At our own pace, we wandered acres of tree-lined walkways and manicured lawns.
Empty gardens, no tourist chatter, only peace and quiet for us two.
We Hopped Aboard the Titanic at Belfast!
Just kidding. We actually explored the Titanic Museum in Belfast. 😅
To be fair, Titanic Belfast is built right on the spot where the RMS Titanic was designed, engineered, and launched. Yes, the Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland!
I think this museum is one of the best — if not the best — attractions to visit in Belfast. We spent hours exploring it, from the immersive, suspended dark ride that is the Shipyard Ride to the mesmerizing original artifacts that made us feel like we were really aboard the real Titanic.
Trim Castle: Our First Adventure in Ireland!
As young adults always chasing nonstop thrills, this journey was such a refreshing change. I appreciated the countryside and all the beauty it has to offer even more, and I have zero regrets about spending weeks exploring the country from end to end.
Since this is the start of my Ireland blog series, I’m kicking things off with our visit to Trim Castle, one of the first historic spots you can hit on the way from Dublin to Belfast.
If you’ve seen Mel Gibson’s Braveheart (1995), you might be familiar with this Anglo-Norman fortification. 😊
Apricus: My Go-To Oceanfront Luxury Spa in Manila
I promise I don’t only write about spas. 🤣 I just love these relaxing experiences so much that I want to share them with you in case you happen to be in the Philippines and looking for the best spas in town.
My number one in Manila: Apricus Wellness at Conrad Manila.
Not a lot of people seeking world-class spa experiences would think to look at Conrad, as it’s often overshadowed by the bigger five-stars in Metro Manila.
But lucky you, I know all about this amazing gem. 😌
Boracay Island’s Tropical Filipino Spa
Boracay is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines for white-sand beach seekers. But for someone who’s been there multiple times, every time I visit, I look for other experiences aside from the beaches.
So today, I am happily bringing your attention to Mandala Spa in Boracay, one of the best places to be on the island when you want a relaxing massage in a traditional Filipino setup… or when you just want to be away from the beach for a while. 🤣
One of My Favorite Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Cebu, PH
As we plan our next adventure in the Philippines, I can’t help but look back on our last trip to Cebu, where we stayed at Dusit Thani on Mactan Island.
I remember being hesitant to book this place because some hotels on the island are quite old, have suffered damage from recent storms, and clearly need repairs to be worth the price.
But Dusit Thani, opened just five years ago, proved to be a refreshing exception. This 5-star resort was everything I’d hoped for and more. Here are my favorite experiences from our stay.
This Wellness Spa in the Philippines Has Front-Row Seats to an Active Volcano
I’m writing about an amazing getaway in the Philippines because I’m heading back in a few weeks and I’m already excited!
I usually come here for a quick romantic getaway from Manila. But people come here for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you’re craving dim sum at their Chinese restaurant… or you want to experience a relaxing massage while admiring the view of an active volcano. 😂
Osborne House on the Isle of Wight: The Most Homey Royal Home I’ve Ever Visited
There’s something unique about Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s beloved summer home on the Isle of Wight, that makes it feel like an actual home compared to other royal houses I’ve visited in the UK and Ireland.
This one has more personality. It feels like someone from the royal family actually handpicked the objects inside and used them often, instead of everything being a random collection of utensils chosen by staff.
My Off-Season Visit to the Needles, Isle of Wight
When I had some free time in Portsmouth, I figured it was the perfect chance for a spontaneous trip to the Needles on the Isle of Wight. I’d heard it’s usually crowded—but not in the fall—so I thought this would be a good time to check it out.
Sure enough, there were no crowds. The prices stayed the same, but whether it was worth it or not? I’ll let you decide in this short blog.
Time Traveling in London: A Day in Greenwich
Greenwich is one of those places in London that feels like it was designed to be a treasure chest—with the lid left slightly open so the gems can spill out onto every street corner. From the Royal Observatory sitting proudly atop Greenwich Park to the quiet, postcard-perfect grounds of the University of Greenwich on the other side, every step brought a new surprise.
My favorite? The place where I finally crossed off a very specific bucket list goal: standing in two time zones at once.
My Top 3 Viewing Spots in London
When in London, I often find myself adding sky-high sightseeing experiences to my itinerary.
There’s something about the way this city unfolds beneath you. Its winding river, historic landmarks, and charming neighborhoods makes viewing it from above so captivating.
Whatever draws you to London’s skies, I’m here to share three of my favorite spots for incredible views—from the highest highs down to one of the lower viewpoints.
Sketch London: An Enchanting Michelin-Star Experience
I was on the hunt for a memorable fine dining spot for a London date night, although my criteria were pretty vague. “Unique” was about as specific as it got. Fortunately, someone threw out Sketch London, so after a quick Google search and the usual detective work, I was intrigued.
Did I absolutely love every bite and moment in this three-star Michelin restaurant? Not really. BUT I’m writing this anyway for all those curious what all the hype is about. I’ll share the highs, the lows, and hopefully some useful tips along the way.
Yayoi Kusama’s Exhibit at Tate Modern
In London, one of the few museums I hadn’t checked off my list was Tate Modern. Not because I didn’t want to—quite the opposite. It’s one of those places I always meant to visit but never got around to. Maybe because it’s so accessible and free, it never felt like a must-do before leaving the city.
This time was different. Yayoi Kusama had an exhibit, and if there’s one thing I’ve always been fascinated by, it’s her infinity mirror rooms—those mesmerizing, light-filled, otherworldly spaces that seem to stretch forever. That was all the reason I needed to finally step inside Tate.
What to Expect on the London Secret Food Tour
Food tours give you a literal taste of a place while sharing a bit of its history. That’s why whenever I travel, food exploration is always part of the itinerary.
For this trip, I booked a food tour through Secret Food Tours. My goal is simple: to share the food spots we tried so that on your next trip to London, maybe you can check them out too!
When King Writes 