Stuffy, staid English-ness? Yes, St. Ermin’s is just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park and the ceiling lobby is finished in full on Rococo plasterwork rivaling the Sistine Chapel’s decoration. And true, it does feel like Mr. Darcy might walk down the grand staircase at any … Read more
A William Wallace impersonator cuts a menacing figure on the cobbled streets of Edinburgh. His face painted blue and white – the colors of the Scottish flag – he wears a fur coat and wields a mock medieval weapon, while rhapsodising in a thick Scottish accent about freedom. In case … Read more
Its blue and white arms descending to the Thames from two ornate towers connected by overhead walkways, London’s Tower Bridge matches the Tower Bridge of memory. There’s nothing superlative about it, yet there is, as it probably inspires more glances upward than any other bridge in the world. As … Read more
As if a stay in London’s absolutely fabulous Chelsea could get any more fabulous, the Draycott Hotel, a romantic town house property around the corner from Chelsea’s Slone Square, is currently offering guests an experience that combines personal shopping with a celebrity stylist. I mean does it get any better … Read more
Hazlitt’s: Like a Clock in My Heart Located on a quiet street off Soho Square, Hazlitt’s occupies three historic 18th century townhouses in the heart of London. Beautifully restored to its original Georgian style, the hotel blends the charm of yesteryear with modern innovation. [wide] [/wide]As owner Peter McKay states, the … Read more
While planning my first trip to Ireland I was told to expect to eat a lot of Irish stew because that’s what we’d find. While that may have been true years back, it’s a different stomping ground today. Wake up travelers and behold a new culinary hub. Having just returned … Read more
U.K’s Little Secret Photos © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales Being of Irish descent with family both in Ireland and England, I’ve been to those countries on many occasions, each time seduced by the beauty of areas like Connemara or the Cotswolds. Over the years, I’ve also visited Scotland and … Read more
A Royal and Bucolic London Getaway ‘‘Richmond’s great for walking,’’ says a patron named Bruce, raising a glass of ale to his mouth. ‘‘It’s best for seeing real history, without running into crowds,’’ counters Alan, who shares a wooden bench with him near the crackling fireplace in the cozy Victoria … Read more
Galway and the Aran Islands Several years ago I had one of the best vacations of my life when I traveled around the West of Ireland, particularly in counties Galway and Mayo, taking in its dramatic scenery and catching up with family—my father was born in Mayo and I still … Read more
The Best of the West Most visitors to Ireland follow the path of their travel agents and see some of the most incredible sights imaginable – The Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, the wonderful town of Killarney. They’ll even take a jaunting car ride (pony and cart) into the … Read more