Talbot Hotel Carlow: Review!

I was very lucky that for my very first time visiting Carlow I got the chance to also visit the beautiful Talbot Hotel Carlow and tell you guys all about it. Reading the reviews and seeing just how gorgeous it was in pictures, I was eager to get down and see for myself!

The first thing I was really impressed with was how ideal the Talbot Carlow was a hotel was for all ages. Parents, couples, grannies, grandas, new-borns, toddlers and teens; there was something to keep everyone entertained.  The hotel offers an on-site babysitting service, kids club and has a large family entertainment centre knows as ‘The Dome’ situated right next door.  The dome is home to a bowling alley, a children’s play centre, a games arcade and a kids party venue rolled into one. All of this is included in the price when you book a stay at the Talbot Hotel Carlow and it really is fantastic value. The hotel bar has live music on Wednesdays and at the weekend and to top it all you’re in the best hands ever, with the loveliest & friendliest staff to make sure everything is perfect for you.

The hotel is a very popular choice for weddings and on the sunny afternoon that I visited the staff were busily preparing for the arrival of two newly-weds and their guests. The general manager is the very friendly Robert Millar and he was kind enough to give me a tour of the stunning ball room & reception prior to the bride & grooms arrival. And I even got a little glimpse around the bridal suite which was absolutely stunning. I was so impressed.

Sleeping:

With elegant décor, the rooms at the Talbot Hotel Carlow are extremely spacious with a large en-suite bathroom and complimentary deluxe toiletries & fluffy towels. The rooms also feature TV’s, air conditioning, free wi-fi, free hair-dryers & a 24 hour room service menu. My gorgeous room overlooked beautiful Irish countryside. It’s the perfect view to wake up to and enjoy a morning coffee with your in-room coffee machine. Each hotel room in the hotel is exactly the same. They have one large double bed and one large single. Cosy, comfy and relaxing! 5 stars all round from me.

Dining:

The hotel has two on-site restaurants. The Liberty Tree restaurant and Corries Bar & Bistro and each of them have 24-hour room service. The choice really is yours. The Liberty Tree restaurant is located on the 4^th floor of the building and provides absolutely stunning views of the beautiful Carlow countryside. They do fresh & homemade cuisine with locally sourced products. Corries Bar & Bistro is a comfortably designed lounge. It has the perfect relaxed atmosphere and serves teas, coffees and carvery daily from 9am.

Weddings:

The Talbot Hotel Carlow really looks after its wedding parties and includes so much in each of their wedding packages. You can expect a red carpet arrival with Champagne for your wedding party, complimentary tea/coffee accompanied with the renowned Talbot homemade cookies for all wedding guests and the wonderful luxurious Leinster Suite reserved exclusively for your guests. Not to mention the crisp white table linen & chair covers with bows, candelabra centrepieces with white candles, personalised menu cards as a memento of your special day, beautiful wedding cake table and a choice of wedding cake stands along with cake knife.

The Talbot Hotel provides the Bride & Groom with the fabulous Bridal Suite, overlooking the rolling countryside, complimentary on the night of your wedding.

The Cost:

Room rates vary and depends on the date in which you book and your preferred time of arrival. You can check them out over on www.travelfinders.ie or the Talbot Hotel Carlow website or Aertel!

Riverside Park Hotel: Review!

Riverside Park Hotel

I had heard a lot about Enniscorthy’s 4 star Riverside Park Hotel so when I arrived from Dublin after a surprisingly short journey (less than two hours),  I was really looking forward to checking the place out. Before arriving I had done my research of Wexford & the hotel and seen so many beautiful pictures of the hotel and its surroundings. I was delighted to have the opportunity to go there and share with you all my stay.

On seeing the stunning views along the scenic banks of the Slaney and the fabulous hotel itself, I knew I was in for a treat.

The hotel is situated on the outskirts of Enniscorthy town and as the name implies, right on the banks of River Slaney. The picturesque Sunny South East surroundings were a joy to take in and probably one of the most Instagram-able places I’ve visited.  Any bloggers dream.

One thing I had heard about the hotel was that it was home to one of the finest leisure centres in Wexford and for a fitness freak like me I was eager to check this out. I am one of those girls that need a good gym and pool facilities when I go away. It definitely lived up to its standards. See for yourself in the photos I have included.

For a quiet Thursday, the hotel was so busy and the atmosphere was fantastic. I really didn’t expect it to be so lively during the week and it made my stay even better.

The Room:

The well-furnished rooms boast a private bathroom, a TV, ironing facilities, free WiFi and 24-hour room service. You couldn’t ask for much more really. You have the choice of a standard room, a family room, a balcony room or a suite. Depending on your budget, of course.

I couldn’t have faulted anything about the rooms. I felt extremely relaxed and got treated like a queen by the lovely staff.

The Food:

When I visit a hotel – one of the main things I am excited about is always the food. I love the thought of letting someone else take care of all the cooking for a day or two so that I can kick back and relax. I think the key to a good hotel menu is variety and this is exactly what I got at the Riverside Park Hotel.

The hotel is home to two restaurants. The first is The Moorings, which offers classic cuisine – yum. Or The Alamo Steakhouse which offers a wide variety of dishes.  If you are after something a little lighter or more chilled out you can also eat from the Promenade Bar which offers stunning views of the River Slaney and features live music and entertainment. I spent most of my time here admiring the views.

You can also satisfy your hunger without even leaving your room with the 24- hour room service.

For a small fee or depending on the offer you get when you stay at the hotel – a full breakfast is served each morning. For me breakfast is my favourite meal of the day and I loved the selection the hotel had to offer.

All-round yummy meals & amazing value for money.

What to do in Wexford:

If you want to escape the hotel for a little while then you’re in the perfect spot. Wexford is jam packed with fun things to do.  It really is in the perfect location as it places you within a 10-minute stroll of Wexford County Museum. There is nearby golfing, sandy beaches, surfing/boogie boarding, sailing, bicycle rentals, hiking plus much more. So if you want to relax, see the sights or be active, then they have you covered.

Room rates:

Room rates vary and depends on the date in which you book and your preferred time of arrival. You can check them out over on www.travelfinders.ie or Riverside Park Hotel website or check them out on Aertel!

The Secret Escape: Take me back!

The Secret Escape won’t be a Secret for much longer. That’s for sure. It opened its doors to the public on July 31^st & for anyone who has booked it – you are seriously in for a treat. And for anyone that hasn’t yet. Get it on your bucket list because it is honestly a little slice of heaven right at your doorstep.

There isn’t many places I can say that I’ve been to that I’ve instantly wanted to return to the moment I left, but The Secret Escape has definitely had that effect.

Myself & 3 close ladies of mine headed of early on a Sunday morning. We didn’t know what to expect but we were all set & excited ready to have a nice chilled out girl’s night, and that is exactly what we had. Girls’ trips away don’t come around too often for us so we set off with some chilled prosecco in the boot, our bags packed and excited to have a bit of craic. With a few wrong turns, and dodgy google maps it took us roughly 1 hour and 30 mins to get to the house... but trust me, I would have tripled that travel time to get to where we were going.

The Secret Escape is a beautifully refurbished Farm House which offers luxury Boutique Bed & Breakfast. Upon arrival you will be set down a long private tree lined drive way, surrounded by the open countryside and amazing views of the Sperrin Mountains… us 4 little townies, were in heaven.

The house is set with 5 luxurious bedrooms, and includes a cinema room, a ‘chill room’, & two beauty rooms (which offer a full range of treatments and make-up applications). So if you really want a PJ night in with the girls, a romantic night with your other half or you want to head into Portrush for a night out – the choice is up to you. If makes it even handier because the house is only 15 Miles from Portrush & Portstewart and only 12 Miles from Ballymena & Coleraine.

They offer amazing packages such as ‘Girls night out’, ‘Midweek Escape’, ‘Birthday Bubbles’, ’50 shades package’ or an ‘Us time’ package… they range in different prices per person per night, starting from as little as £49 per guest! You can tailor your package to suit you and it truly is a bargain for what you get J

Even though I don’t believe in luck and I definitely don’t get anything given to me – but after all the years of likes & shares I have given to Facebook competitions,  it finally paid off and I won this amazing package with The Secret Escape. As the competition winner, I received one night’s accommodation for myself and 3 friends. Unlimited use of the hot tub with unlimited cocktails, a one hour full body massage each, full makeup application, VIP return transfer to the amazing Ramore Winebar in Portush & a £120 voucher for the restaurant plus breakfast.  There are no words so sum up the nights craic we had, we spent the day/night living like queens and we honestly couldn’t have had a better experience at The Secret Escape. We were booking again before we even got out the door. 

It was one of the best places I have ever visited around Ireland. The owners, Frank & Angela, go over and above to make sure all your needs are met and you truly drive home wishing you could stay a little longer.

5 stars all round from me & my other 3 ladies.

See you again very soon The Secret Escape!

Caoimhe J

Romantic getaways departing from Dublin for Valentines.... sure look!

I know, as ifffff i'm writing a post about Valentine's day on January 12th! Wtf! 

But sure look, this blog post is something a little different & i might give you a little inspo to get prepared and give yourself something to look forward too! So this V-day, if you're are lucky enough to have a few days off work with your loved one... I have found some amazing city break offers to Paris, Prague, Barcelona & Rome that you NEED to know! 

Valentine's day is usually a day when you treat your loved one to something special, or do something nice for each other...or if you're like my boyfriend its basically valentines day everyday! Treated like an absolute lord all year round! Ha! 

Anyway, these city break offers will really set the scene for your romantic day! And the best advice i can give you is to save your money and don't waste it on those over priced chocolates and flowers! Invest your money in a memory you won't forget with the person who means so much! Awww! 

So basically it's week two in my new job here at Travelfinders ! Just before Christmas i applied for a job here.. not expecting to land a job so quickly in my chosen field, just knowing that i loved anything to do with travel, writing and getting to know people and see new places.  Luckily enough i got chosen for the position as they liked how i'm a qualified journalist & also run my own blog, just for fun! Its not too shabby writing about amazing holiday destinations & finding good offers that i can share with my family, friends and followers!

So that's what i've decided to do today... although you can find all these offers by going on to our website www.travelfinders.ie and RTE Travel ! 

This year Valentine ’s Day falls on a Tuesday, proving to be the perfect excuse for a mid-week getaway  for you and your partner. So if it’s a romantic getaway you’re after… then look no further. Budget Travel are offering a lovely three night stay, in ‘The City of Love’, Paris.  Departing on 14 Feb from Dublin from only €149pps. Why not explore all the Paris has to offer and spend Valentine’s Day under the famous Eiffel tower! The opportunities for romance in Paris are endless. After all it isn’t called ‘The City of Love’ for no reason.

If it’s an intimate destinations you’re after then this Budget Travel offer to Prague is one you won’t be able to resist. Departing on 13 Feb for a three night stay in the beautiful Czech capital and one of central Europe’s most romantic destinations from only €162pps. Valentine’s Day in Prague is about as romantic as it gets. The city boasts wonderful sights, most of which are within strolling distance, and first-class restaurants to impress your loved one.

Love is in the air and we want you to make the most of it with these luxurious offers from Travel Broker. Jet off to Barcelona for 3 nights 14 Feb from only €163pps. Barcelona is one of Europe’s top mini-break destinations, so relax, unwind and take in the beautiful sights that the Spanish capital has to offer.  Or if you have Amsterdam on your mind, enjoy a three night stay, departing 14 Feb from only €162pps! Cruise on the canal boats or take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful scenery that Amsterdam has to offer! The perfect Valentine’s getaway.

And last but definitely not least, they are offering a perfect getaway to the amazing city of Rome departing  14 Feb and included bed & breakfast from only €193pps. Needless to say that Rome is a very popular destination for Valentine’s due to its romantic reputation. So why not make the dream of Rome for Valentine’s could become a reality.  

If any of these tickle your fancy and you want to book... head on over to our website! Prices include flights & hotel and are based on two people sharing! 

Like and share with your loved one please,

Caoimhe x

So you've got a degree?

So basically it goes something like this...  you've spent the last three/four years studying your ass off and working towards your desired profession..... all to find out that when you finally graduate, that field isn't hiring! or that even though you've done a lot of free work to gain experience... someone else has more experience than you and will be chosen over you for the job. And suddenly you're contemplating every late night library sash or even if your degree was even worth it? Life eh! 

(Gradation was one of the best days ever... but the hard part begins as soon as it is over!) 

I've recently been told by someone close to me that this phase is called catch 22 and that the secret is to keep on trying and never to give up on what you love and know you are good at. Catch 22 is basically like this: You have the right skills and qualities for the job and match all the requirements in job description in which they are looking for however you need more experience to actually get the job. The problem with this is that you need a job to afford survival.... So what do you do next? 

Paying £9,000 a year... and then not being able to gain employment from the field in which you love.. seems a bit ludicrous doesn't it? Depending on your degree, you'll know all to well what i'm talking about it you are a recent post-grad. If you are one of the lucky ones who has gained employment straight away.. i would love for you to comment on this blog or my social media post and tell me your employment story. Your story and experience could really help other readers. 

It is a very disheartening feeling when you're on interview number 100 of the month and you still remain on the same page. I always joke around and tell people that i am a professional at interviews at this stage (because if you didn't laugh you would cry) haha. So the question is, what can you do to stand out? make an impact? and ultimately, to be different than the person who is about to sit in the interview seat after you. 

My poor mum, dad and boyfriend have had to listen to my pre and post interview anxiety all to often these days. A phrase my mum has told me since i was a little girl is: 'If you panic, you're beat' and it has stuck in my mind like glue, I use it for every situation i am faced with. 

I wanted to write this blog post to let other post-grads and current students know the struggles. It is so important to not give up and to take each bit of feedback that you receive and learn from it. Starting early with experience and knowing what you actually want will get you one step ahead of the game. 

Since my graduation in July, i have spent copiuous amounts of time on applications and attending interviews and doing A LOT of free work! All in the hope that someday.. i will be where i want do be, doing what i love. 

Heres a few steps i follow to keep me prepared for any interview. 

1. COMPANY

It sounds simple, but most people don't do it, learn everything you can about the company. Learn who the important people are and why or how they inspire you. Learn the facts and a simple google search will tell you everything you need to know. At almost every interview (and remember, I'm a professional now lol) they will ask you what you know about the company or why you have applied for a job with them. 

2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Preparation is key. really, it is so easy to tell someone who knows their shit from someone who doesn't. Just like any exam or test or presentation you have ever done, you must sell yourself to the interviewer. 

3. STAY CALM

This is what lets me down in almost every interview. All to often i slur my words or my mind goes blank because i just freak out at the pressure. BUT, just think, how much do you want the job! Is your nerves really going to get in the way of your future? (i wish i could take my own advice here)

4. EXAMPLES

Always give examples when you are asked any question. No matter what question someone asks you, you can always, always relate it to a time when you have done something. For example, How would you handle the pressure of deadlines? and here you could relate this to university and balancing a number of deadlines and a part-time job all at the same time. 

5. PATIENCE 

Everything worth having takes time. And although it doesn't work out how we like all the times, sometimes everything happens for a reason. Don't give up, just get better for the next time around. 

Writing this blog post has been a therapeutic way to relieve some of my post-interview stress from a recent interview. Ain't nothing worse than sitting after an interview re-thinking every single question you were asked and every single answer you replied.. thinking how you would change it if you could. 

Everything works out and some things take more time than others! I hope this post can help at least one other person who may be feeling the same during their post-grad life! 

Ps. Can we rewind and be students forever please?

Thanks for reading, 

Caoimhe x

Long-distance BFF's.

Long distance friendships are totes emosh. But how far away is too far??

If you're reading this post, you either have a long distance best friend, or are one.. or are going to be one! Truth be told, there is no easy way to prepare for your BFF moving across the sea.... But if your currently preparing for it, or its about to happen, then i'm sure you will be able to relate to this post. 

The well-known quote 'Side by side or miles apart.. Best friends will always be connected by heart' is so true. Distance does not and should not ruin TRUE friendships, if anything it should make them stronger and more exciting for the next time you will see each other again.

 

As we grow older and life finds new paths for each of us, many of us have to face dreaded goodbyes and see ya laters to our most treasured people. It is not always easy, but we must remember how lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. 




I guess after moving away a lot myself,  to Liverpool for university for three years, to Ibiza for a season and now to Dublin to work and live with my boyfriend... I'm pretty good at goodbyes and almost professional at being someone else's long distance BFF. The good thing about being on that side though is that you get to move away to a new place that you've never been before, completely out of your comfort zone, and meet new people and friends. This does not replace your best friends at home, but opens your mind and heart to new people. The bad thing about now being on the other side of the goodbye, is that today, Australia has now gained what i have lost.. my lovely- crazy- funny BFF, Miss Edel Okane. This post is dedicated to you girlfriend, Miss you already.





Over the years i learned a ton about the beauty of these relationships and how the require a special set of rules in order to keep them strong. I've learned to really appreciate the few people who have stayed close over the miles and years and through the big, fat, life changes. I've learned that it's worth the work, the calls, the distance travelled in cars and on planes and the incessant texting. 

Although the older generation of our time would disagree... Here's to FaceTime, Snapchat and Instagram direct message! These glorious inventions help us stay connected from worlds apart. They are good ways to let your bestie know that you are thinking of her. I know I'm not the only person who has gotten out of a university lecture or out of work and seen 20 text messages in a row and known not to panic and that its just your BFF updating you on her day. (You shudder to think what it was like to keep a long-distance friendship before the internet) 






Time?
One thing that i know for sure is that no matter how much time you have together to prepare for them leaving it is never enough.
No matter if its all those years throughout school when you leave each other to attend different universities or if they decide to move to a different place for a job or a lover, or if they just want to explore and travel.. when the time comes to leave each other it never seems like you had long enough together. Although you are so excited for the journey they are about to go on, you can't help but feel sad that they won't be a drive away from you. 





The only good thing about goodbyes with your long distance BFF, is that you know it is not permanent. Make the most of all the time you get to spend with your BFF because some people would give anything to be able to see theirs everyday. 






Safe flight Edel, and here's to the next reunion.
Love, Caoimhe x

Cloud NinetyNine

On the day of my final deadline and hand-in date, for my final year at university i embarked on the most amazing and eye-opening journey to date. Right to the moment of my 4pm deadline on May 6th my RyanAir flight was booked to leave on the exact same moment. And it was the best decision i have ever made!

I still to this day don't know how i got so lucky BUT i secured an amazing summer internship in one of the top holiday destinations in the world (and a place i had never been before then), IBIZA! 


 



How it all began!
During my final year at university and mostly when i was in the library completing my dreaded dissertation, i used to procrastinate and search for internships around the world. As i was studying journalism, most jobs that i had been looking at and even applying for, were all about the experience! So i decided it was time to search hard and get something lined up for when my time as a student came to an end. One google search resulted in me applying for a summer internship with the well-known and amazing IBIZA SPOTLIGHT! I hesitated at first, but then i decided there was nothing to lose! A few weeks past and i was amazed when i got word back asking to send some articles that i had written.. a short time following that i was given a date for a Skype interview and it was never in my wildest dreams that i would get to travel to the beautiful island and interview some of the best DJ's in the world whilst also reviewing the amazing clubs and experiencing the island (for the first time) in a way that people could only dream off!

I was finally told yes and was welcomed with open arms by the amazing team spotlight (who i can't thank enough) and was in for the summer of a lifetime. I travelled by myself to the island, lived with people who i know i will be friends with for life and had the best summer imaginable!







Here comes the MAJOR FAN GIRL moment.
(Any aspiring journos dream and defo one for the CV!)


Its definitly not everyday you get asked if you would like to interview HARDWELL (who you listen to alllll the time and adore since you were a teen) and then within a few days following, MARTIN GARRIX (the absolute love of your life and someone who you could only imagine being in the same venue as never mind receiving a kiss on the cheek from him and being told by him that you had a lovely accent.... STILL DYING AHH) and then also on the same week, the very talented 21-year-old, OLIVER HELDENS.... all at Ushuaia Hotel, one of the most amazing open-air venues in the world. I think you can only guess how good that week was. I'm still trying to process it right now writing this.

I had never interviewed anyone 'famous' before so the nerves took over a little! After the interviews i got to attend each of there concerts.. i remember standing in the crowd feeling like the luckiest girl in the entire world!!
 



I want to thank Ibiza Spotlight all over again, and dedicate this post hugely too them!!! Thank you so much James Chap, Abby, Stivi, Aimee, Ruby and David... It was an amazing summer and it was a pleasure working with you all! 


For anyone reading this post.. If you need reviews on clubs, tickets, accommodation or anything... Ibiza Spotlight will have you covered!


What a summer... But,  All good things must come to end. 

Caoimhe x