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Showing posts from July, 2025

What It’s Really Like to Stay in Budget Hotels in London, Edinburgh & Dublin

ABBEY: Citadines at Barbican  We chose  Citadines Barbican London  because of its proximity to our colleagues’ offices. After late-night meetups, it was a relief to walk back without hassle. Although it was cold when we arrived in London, the warmth we felt at Citadines was like a cozy embrace. A special touch? A welcome basket filled with snacks and chocolates to celebrate my wife’s birthday- thoughtful and heartwarming. The room itself was spacious, with plenty of storage for our shoes, luggage, and clothes. For refreshments, filtered water is available on the ground floor, and you can grab specialty drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, or hot chocolate from the self-service station at the basement level. The hotel’s close proximity to a train station was another major plus, especially since we relied heavily on public transportation throughout our stay. ibis Styles St Andrew Square In  Edinburgh , we stayed at  ibis Styles St Andrew Square , a stylish hotel locat...

The Truth About Dublin’s #1 Attraction: Guinness Storehouse

ABBEY: If you ever find yourself in Dublin, a visit to the iconic  Guinness Storehouse  should definitely be on your itinerary. It’s more than just a brewery tour—it’s a deep dive into Ireland’s rich brewing history and one of the world’s most recognizable beers. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to  book your tickets online ahead of time . We were a few minutes late for our scheduled time slot, but the friendly staff welcomed us in without any hassle—a great start to the experience! The tour begins on the ground floor with a look at the legendary  9,000-year lease  signed by Arthur Guinness for the St. James’s Gate Brewery. From there, you ascend through several levels that take you on a journey through the brewing process—from the raw ingredients (barley, hops, water, and yeast) to roasting, fermentation, and finally, tasting. One of the highlights? The tasting experience. You’ll be offered a sample of Guinness and taught the proper way to enjoy it— no...

What to Eat in Dublin: Real Food We Actually Tried (And Loved!)

ABBEY: Easy Food: KFC and Supermacs   Our first food stop upon arrival was  Supermac’s , an Irish fast-food chain we were trying for the first time. Naturally, we were expecting something new or unique. While the branding and packaging were unfamiliar to us, the taste was reminiscent of other popular fast-food options—comforting but not particularly standout. If you’re after something quick and filling at the airport, it does the job. We also stopped by  KFC , and here’s where things got interesting. Unlike what we’re used to, KFC in Ireland offers a  bucket meal for one —a surprising portion size that ended up satisfying me, Wilma, and a couple of friends! Whether it’s cultural or just generous serving, it was a fun discovery that made us smile. Bewleys Cafe After a bit of strolling at  Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre , we made our way to the iconic  Bewley’s Oriental Café  on Grafton Street. Our table was on the second floor by the window—perfect for...