This is why my Substack exists. It is a place to push for a creative output because life felt like it had paused, hence why I chose this publication title. There will be readers out there who might be like me: happy, bubbly people who endeavour to make everybody jolly, but forget that they need (and deserve) joy, too.

The theme of this article will be divided in two: a travelogue, and a subsequent one about why this trip was unique! There was a specific reason why this was not a generic holiday. Sure, I went sightseeing with the time I had to spare, or was assigned. Going to see the world like this was not on my 2026 bingo card.

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Visiting Europe

Welcome to Amsterdam

I headed to the Netherlands on August 2, travelling to Dublin Airport via the route 23 Expressway bus at 2:35am. It was shockingly full, but I found a window seat. You can laugh all you want. As of May, 2026, it was my first time ever being on a plane when heading to Mallorca. I guess my mindset focused on my education and career goals rather than see the world. This time, it was my first ever independent experience getting on a plane.

At some point, I will need to write about that Mallorca trip. It was a special, coming-of-age type of tale that brought colour back into life when things were quiet.

These sorts of milestones are just as important as any academic or professional one. You are more than just what your output is. To become the adult that you dream of being is deeper than a title on a CV, which is a fresh philosophy that I have adopted in these recent months. For me, flying solo was amazing. The idea of travelling always captivated me. Whether I would actually like it was a separate matter. Doing it for real has taught me more about what type of person I am than what a classroom can teach. I realise how much I enjoy the adrenaline of adventures, and living an exciting life.

I went to Dublin Airport; through Terminal One; sorted my belongings through the security; loitered around the hall until Amsterdam showed up on the screen, and found my seat. I was juggling three cases of luggage, all alone, entering Europe without assistance. Amsterdam Schiphol is handy because the train station is literally under the airport. To have public transport at your fingertips is so futuristic (a rather humorous way of wording it, but the best that I can do to define it). Exiting the airport area and into the main building was rather confusing. It took me ages to find a way out of the baggage section because the signs led you into that hall to leave, but the doors out were guesswork after that.

Part of my plan was to head straight to Ede, as I had booked everything in advance to make a seamless journey. By this point, I did have a travelling companion, so the daunting ‘solo’ nature of my trip ended for a while when there. They had taken a different flight, you see, so I did meet them in the main part of the Schiphol, and was then left to decide whether to go to Ede as planned or do something on the whim. Well, why waste the moment? Amsterdam Centraal is where we ventured instead.

Maybe it is an incorrect observation. I swear that etiquette on public transport there is so much different. In Ireland, there have been numerous times when I endured music blasting; people being loud and the like (of course, many pleasant trips as well). In the Netherlands, it was so quiet. Don’t get me wrong, people chatted, but there were periods of this strange silence. Not to mention, the double-decker layouts to Ede and back were so cool! The one to Amsterdam Centraal was a commuter train, as it was a single storey.

It was an early enough morning getting to Amsterdam. Admittedly, I did not make too much time to see it all. At the time, I just did not want to leave my belongings in a locker room right next door to the train station. In any other situation, I would drop off my stuff at whatever place is hosting me, and go gallivanting. The timetable for this specific trip was not designed for that, which I will discuss next week.

To be fair, I stayed around the main area of Amsterdam. Saw a few pastries in windows, souvenir shops (among other types of goods that you would never find in a storefront in Ireland). Yep, the latter was the first case of ‘culture shock’ because you quickly realise that new places function and think differently. The weather was baking! As a fair-skinned, freckly individual, who was hauling a backpack and two cases, I made my sightseeing short just to say that I visited Amsterdam.

There was lovely architecture, and a glistening canal. If we talk about culture differences, the Dutch thrive on being outdoors. There were so many busy cycle lanes. You literally had to stop at a pedestrian crossing to wait for the bikes to pass. I have never seen a society so active like that.

Check-in ended up earlier, so I split up from my friend to catch a train to Ede-Wageningen. They wanted to extend sightseeing, but I did not have the energy in me to explore with so much weight.

A week in Ede

The longest time being away from home

If you have read it already, I wrote about how home inspires me. I wrote it in advance to leaving, because I had never gone on a trip for so long before.

The world has become much bigger for me, which has been a dream. I enjoyed sitting on a train as a solo passenger, hearing the intercom in a different language, or hearing people speak in their native dialects. Relying on initiative and confidence that I could navigate a whole country was so important. These are the types of reasons why I find AI helpful (not to inflict on creativity). I can vouch that it can get things massively incorrect, but it can be such a valuable guide for someone who is all alone and has not got time for Google searches all day.

I knew that once I was in Amsterdam Centraal, I needed to go on the intercity train to Nijmegen at 11:54am. It stops at Ede-Wageningen station. It was a little confusing at first, walking up and down the platforms to find a screen that confirmed this route, but that train promptly showed up. I had booked second-class, and sat in the lower deck. The upper deck was an option, yet my excitement lured me downstairs. I have no idea what a first-class carriage is like.

One of the things I enjoy about commutes is how the countrysides look. Irish, Spanish and Dutch landscapes have different aesthetics. The Dutch had windmills, pylons and thatched houses; then it would veer into warehouses or towns, and then forestry emerged. It was so fascinating to stare out the window. I did not spot any sheep like at home. Cattle, occasionally, and some horses. Add the sunny weather to the mix and everything became idyllic. Maybe being a new adventurer has a whimsical innocence to it. It is like a child staring into a sweet shop, left to imagine all the wonders. Or, perhaps, the novelty of new places never wears off.

The trip was roughly an hour. Ede-Wageningen is not the type of train station to have a help desk. It has a massive modern ‘clocktower’, so to speak. There are several platforms. I guess it is part of a commuter belt. I lugged my luggage down the steps, gawping endlessly at this new, unchartered place. I knew that my lodging was a five minute walk away. I should have used Google Maps. My stubborn, curious spirit to just presume I was going the right way kicked in.

I was going in the opposite direction.

The Akoesticum is literally next door. You cannot miss it. It is a beautiful, old building which, currently, seems to be having work done to its front gardens. Well, it became my home from August 2 until the following Sunday.

After dropping my stuff off, I went to tour the town of Ede. It was a half-an-hour walk, thereabouts. The housing estates were so quaint and quirky. There is so much colour in the Netherlands. Places do not look clinical with greys, beiges or browns. Each house had its own flavour and quirkiness. I have never been fond of the new, modern designs, and I am glad whenever I see mainland Europe retain their characteristics. Flowers, large willows and bushes lined the roads and front gardens. People were cycling or jogging the sun.

The town itself had such lovely lampposts, statues and cosy cafés. Many of the shops on the main street were closed as it was a Sunday. There was an adorable church, but the doors were locked. Churches are so intriguing to enter, so that was a slight disappointment.

Overall, I enjoyed walking Ede more than Amsterdam. The charm and merriment of a smaller place beyond the popular tourist hotspots are what lure me to places. I can gawp at things in my own time without a crowd, or queue to push me along. A steady walk around Ede was a rewarding experience.

In short, I recommend Ede as a nice stop-off point to your timetable. It is not the largest place, yet it is a lovely one to take an hour or so to admire.

A day trip in Utrecht

Architectural Heaven

By the Thursday, I had taken a trip to Utrecht. It was by far the best day of them all! If you wanted to get the proper Dutch experience, this was the place—a bustling town full of historic buildings, cheese and life. Domkerk Cathedral (St Martin’s/Dom Church) is…indescribable. Truly, whatever I say is an understatement. I feel that I can never do it justice, so I hope that my photos compensate the emotional fascination that I had when standing in it and outside of it.

It is Gothic, full of arches, stained-glass windows and tall ceilings. The courtyard was just as beautiful. People were playing music in the cloisters (the type of outdoor corridor that surrounds the garden). There was a fountain in the middle. If you wanted to be awestruck, this was the type of place to be in. Genuinely, it captured my enthusiasm and enchantment immediately. I could not stop looking around, then pulling out my phone to photograph whatever had caught my eye. I was so inspired, and I knew that these photos would make perfect references for my art and my writing. Experiencing it is much better than looking at Google Images.

Ironically, I could write paragraphs about this town, too.

Like all tourists, I stopped for souvenirs. It was nothing like shopping in Mallorca as I did not have the luggage room, so I was a little more resourceful and restrictive with my expenditure. There was an element of practicality in my purchases. Magnets, key rings; the typical novelties. I would have been more ambitious with my purchases (I go a bit overkill to surprise people). It just happened to not be that type of trip. Lesson is, I overpacked, and I did not want to risk making my luggage too bulky when back at the airport.

All I thought about while wandering Utrecht was that Dublin needs more floristry along its Liffey and other walkways, as well as on the streetlights. With it often being overcast weather here, a spruce of vibrancy would be wonderful. Utrecht had it, and I wondered whether, in comparison, my homeland’s capital city would seem so greyscale when I see it next time. That is the thing about seeing the world. You then see everything in a new light afterwards. Nothing is the same.

The most fun attraction to have seen was an iconic Dutch windmill! You could not go in it, and it was not spinning, but it was great to admire. I had never seen one up close. You see them on those tourist attraction postcards, but it brought me so much delight to look at one at last. To get there, you had to follow the canal a little out of central Utrecht (as in, the shopping area), and then take a right up a general residential road. It was not far away at all, and easy to navigate.

The last main hotspot was St Augustine Church. It is nowhere near the size of Domkerk and a very different style. It was very ‘white’ in terms of colour, and was nowhere near as large inside. There was a restoration involved, and those who work in it presently were so passionate to share little facts about it. You can buy rosary beads for a fiver, made by the local monastery. Please, do visit there as it is, like Domkerk, free to enter, and the people working in there are lovely.

What was the most intriguing feature of Utrecht? Descend the really steep stairs (no joke, they’re steep) down to the canal walkway. There is a high wall along it for the footpath and roads above. However, aside from trees and greenery, there are doors along the wall. Turns out, they are previous ‘wharf cellars’ that have become residential properties or restaurants. Honestly, you would not find this in a general online search. I was immediately inspired by these abodes. Truly, such properties caught my imagination. I loved it. I wondered what it would be like to own one as a writing getaway, like a base, while leaving to travel the world. To be a fragment of society sounds wonderful. The ‘vanishing writer’ has a good ring to it.

Conclusion

I guess you could say that, currently, travelling this year has altered my outlook on who I thought I was. Beforehand, I had a romanticised sense of life: calm, structured and settled. Now, I do ask myself whether I crave adventure. Sure, solo travel is not for me as a permanent setup as sharing memories are more important. A person with an affectionate heart wants to give a piece of it someday to the right person. On my commutes around the Netherlands, I did ask myself where I would like to be in the future. That question was, for once, not being answered by a career trajectory.

My life questions were not being answered by acquiring achievements, either. Even the morning after my return, I sat at my laptop with excitement. By writing, I relived the moments by sharing them with you, so you can have expectations if you choose to go. There is a thrill as I type. I got on a plane by myself; I went on a foreign train by myself; I found my way home by myself. Let me tell you, I missed home. Home is where your inspiration can start and is the foundation of who you will become. I have been prioritising my own happiness as this year has progressed, and always return home after my journeys feeling that bit more optimistic.

Change is a good thing. The people who we are now are going to be fresh ones in years to come. Someday, I will reread back on my blog and, by that point, have a nostalgic smile. Even now, I am not the same as last year. Openly admitting to people that I had never been on a plane has altered, for I have done two trips that have required flying there and back as of 2026.

So, next week, expect a follow-up piece about why I was in the Netherlands. There was a really good reason why I did not spend seven days backpacking.

They have become the brand that everyone wants one of in their wardrobe.

The most unconventional part of this review is that I did not wear them for the sake of reviewing them for a fashion article. I am no model; never have been one. As I say, I am used to being behind-the-scenes and this year has specifically transitioned that a little more to me being the forefront.

My dresses were used for two music performances this year: one for my voluntary orchestra; the other for a solo. I briefly wrote about them in my article ‘The grand performance: Returning to the stage’ concerning how I wanted to dress well for the two performances, and the two dresses that I selected gave that magical, regal feel.

If you are yet to read it, click here:

As someone who loves creativity and the whimsy side of life, what could be better than finding a brand that creates romantic silhouettes that rustle when you move? So, I will give an unbiased opinion of the Countess Tulle Flared (black) dress, and the Alessandra Gold Jacquard Midi Dress. They were worn during June, 2026, so recent enough to keep some validity to writing this article.

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Monetary value

I bought these in sales. The Countess was €130 during the winter sales, and I purchased the Alessandra for €75 on the official House of CB website around the same time. So, in the grand scheme of things, massive bargains. As of writing this, the latter on Arnotts is €354, while the Countess is €386 (of course, keep in mind that these figures may change from publication; I believe it is now unavailable on the House of CB website).

However, the Countess needed additional investment after purchasing it. The dress is designed to be tight, so do not be feeling that the measurement is incorrect, unless there is an obvious reason why that may be the case. You will see a trend of TikTok videos where people are trying to zip these dresses up. They may use a ribbon to tie on the zip to yank it, require another person, or buy these special clips to lock onto the zip to help tug it. There are so many videos, it almost is ridiculous how this has not been resolved when the price is that much for what is essentially polyester. A quality zip should not be a hassle.

Indeed, this was a problem when I got this dress. It would get stuck where the skirt met the bodice. When wearing it, nothing, and I mean nothing, would get that up.

I even was up in my bedroom trying out the ‘yank with a ribbon’ method but I only had wool. I do not recommend. Besides, wool is useless. Your fingers get sore and it does absolutely nothing to bridge that zip from the skirt to the bodice area. It is almost like all the thick material of the dress is gathered there, and the invisible zip is not designed for that sort of bulk. Those TikTok videos are not lying or exaggerating with the zips. I will vouch for that with the Countess especially.

Google says that, sometimes, you have to ‘measure up’ for these types of things because of the sculpted nature of the gowns. Now, I know for certain that large would be too much. After all, I could not have this dress sliding or slipping. It was for an orchestra concert. There is a lot of movement. This had to be specific and correct. You cannot be bowing fast passages and then a disaster happens.

I ended up doing research on where I could get a dress like this fixed. So, I ended up paying an additional €20 for ReVAMP Longford to tailor it a little. Why have the hassle of looking in Dublin for a seamstress when there is a local place that loves fixing up all sorts of clothes? At the end of the day, I want dresses that I have full autonomy over. I ended up using my lunch break when working in a newsroom to drop it off, and then collect it a week later. They were very efficient in ReVAMP.

As for the Alessandra, I just got the buttons on the ribbon tightened. They were a little flimsy. That was done for free by someone who was happy to do the favour, so there was no financial obligation to that specific dress.

The zip on the Alessandra initially had the same concerns. It is a tight dress. I needed two people to hold the lining together and the other pull the zip up. Absolute madness. It was not easy for them, either. In fact, it was almost comedic. They did succeed at this demanding task, and, for whatever reason, it ‘eased’ the zip. Don’t get me wrong, I often have to arch myself outwards when putting it on to get the zip up, but it was possible. That method made it effortless on the evening of the National Concert Hall performance.

Preferably, I like to wait for the sales. I cannot see myself walking into Brown Thomas down Grafton Street or Arnotts down Henry Street, just paying out the full retail price. It is understandable why others would, but I like to factor in alterations. Depending on the style, that is going to be an additional cost.

Are they good for performances?

The short answer is it depends.

Think about it. Both are statement dresses. The Countess is voluminous, fancy and big. The skirt is its biggest asset. The bodice, not so much. It is a lovely evening dress, and is perfect for calm walks and more stagnant poses. For a performance with a violin, no. It is not designed for that. I ended up going last-minute to H&M down O’Connell Street because I had this gut feeling that it would be bad without one.

Indeed, it would have been an error had I not done that. The thin straps, although adjustable, are too flimsy to feel comfortable playing in such a low-cut dress. Orchestras thrive off being professional and appropriate. The dress itself might be lovely, but certain styles are better or worse depending on the purpose. There was the odd occasion where I had to slide those straps back up. Maybe it depends on one’s collarbone/shoulder area measurements. Who knows? However, the dress was successful at its core purpose. Many people loved it! It is safe to say that the House of CB look does enchant spectators.

The best part is that although it is quite big, it is lightweight. I had no problem getting up, down, picking things up or anything to say that it made the performance uncomfortable.

As for the Alessandra, it did not need a cardigan. It was perfect. The boning of the bodice and ribbon really fitted in with the classy nature of being in the National Concert Hall. It already has a petticoat underneath, is covered in fine decoration. This dress is the type of dress that makes you feel beautiful. Maybe there is a psychological factor behind it. If you feel good, you will get up on stage better. That was the mindset I had when selecting that dress. I needed something to build some confidence, was suitable for the event, and looked nice for photos.

Although I prefer the Alessandra for a violin performance, the colour itself is unsuitable. It is gold. Orchestras like black for uniformity. The only reason why I could use this was because it was a solo. No dress code had been provided by the school that was hosting it, but I knew that I wanted something regal and memorable. The Countess is black, but its upper section is unfit for purpose unless you get a cardigan or shawl. The skirt of it is perfect. So, both have a bit of a compromise here that, as I said, it depends on whether it is fit for purpose.

Personally, I would not wear either of these if you play a woodwind or brass instrument. You need to be able to expand your diaphragm. Although I do not play it now, I did play the flute up to Grade 5. From just visualising that experience, I think wearing a House of CB dress would be a bad idea. You probably want to look for something more billowy. Both the Countess and Alessandra are too constricted for any instrument that relies on breathing.

Brief observations

• If you fold the Alessandra, there is a high chance of noticeable creases due to the fabric, so if you are packing it, do it as neatly as possible.

• There have been reviews that when you order from the House of CB direct website, the dress arrives with a varnish(?) type of smell (that is that best way to describe it). I let mine air out for a while. From Arnotts, that did not happen.

• Invisible zips look good but for corset-styled dresses, may not necessarily be fit for purpose. Be aware that you may need to tailor it for independent wearing.

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  Conclusion

I got mine for the exact same reason as fellow readers. They have a fairytale, romantic aesthetic and it is nice to have a pretty gown in one’s wardrobe. The purpose for my purchases were practical, for that is the great perk of the music scene. After all the rehearsals and practise sessions, there reaches a point where you get to browse through your clothes and look nice.

I once cracked a joke to someone that the performances are not only about the experience, but the fashion.

There are not many events in the countryside where you get to waltz around in a House of CB dress. I wanted my orchestra and violin solo occasions to be special. The weather was favourable, and I always believe that if you dress nicely, you will feel more confident in yourself. Now, that does not mean you have to wear designer to feel good, and I am wholly against the pressure that it can entail. I am writing this from a formal point-of-view, for anyone who is thinking about making the purchase, whether you need something for an evening event, or a performance.

Nevertheless, they are great for a memorable photograph.

I can see why they are a trending brand right now. However, I am happy waiting it out for the sales, just in case of the additional tailoring investment.

Now that my page has reached its first major subscriber milestone, it made only sense to write about what gives me the push to create. I want to introduce new readers to a welcoming space, and have my current readers feel that this blog has been a worthwhile decision for them to subscribe to. Therefore, I am writing about home, because I know I am going to miss it once I leave on August 2. Although new places, flavours and accents spark so much curiosity and make the world seem big, the warmth and stillness of countryside living are too beautiful to not reflect.

Therefore, I am happy to share with you some of my own photography that I took with a Nikon DSLR camera. When I did my master’s, I studied photography. So, this article shares a few of my original photographs that I did during that module.

I hope that this article will bring you inspiration in your own homes.

Breaking the cycle by cycling

We have all hit a point in our creativity where it feels like a dead-end. It happens to me, and one of the methods that does not always work is forcing an idea or sentences just to feel like I have completed my set word counts. Sometimes, the same room, same noises and general schedules trigger it. New ideas struggle from a life that may end up copying itself the previous day. When they say that the best source of inspiration comes from real life, I do believe that there is a truth to it.

I love going for cycles nearby. The roads meander. The bog walk buckles. My county has a lot of wonderful spots to take a bit of a break, while still being in the local area. During certain times of the year, the hedgerows are multicoloured, full of juicy berries. Or, you get the vibrant yellows of gorse flowers. Different times of the year offer different colours and shades, and it is all very beautiful. You can hear the call of pheasants, or tweets of birds. Sometimes, but very rarely, you can spot a buzzard circling the skies.

I take the same cycle regularly on my bike to break the cycle of having a set pattern to my weeks. The air is fresh, and these walks are not like the busy hikes that many people explore as part of the Irish experience. These spots are contained, intimate and beautiful. If I really need to refresh my mind, and clear myself of any artist blocks (whether be violin burn-out, writers’/artists’ block), then local nature is where I love to be.

A lot of the forestry has had to be felled where I tend to wander, as Storm Éowyn in 2025 really did rip trees from the roots. So, plenty of my 2024 master’s photography has a, somewhat, archival aesthetic to it. I think I may add a few to my ‘Portfolio’ section of my page, since many of the photos have a delightful peacefulness to them.

Room for imagination

I make room for imagination by not always being in my room.

Having such tranquil walks at my fingertips are a blessing. Other people have beaches. Others, lakes. Then others have the urban landscapes, full of bustling lives and architecture. Everybody’s landscapes hold a source of inspiration for them. They get up in the morning, may look outside, and there, right ahead of them, is the world. We all just approach it differently. Our days do not match, yet our passions may be similar. Our life stories are different, but our literary genres might be the same.

There are so many views and nestled spots that get me thinking up descriptive monologues in my head to pen later. From vacant cottages to impressive vistas, I can feel the weight of a creative pause lift. From imagining who may have lived in a certain premises, to being inspired by the setting, I find it an effective way to concoct new characters of references for my artwork.

The perks about living in the countryside are not just about the lifestyle, but how it can become your own little world. It is a nice world. It is empty, scenic and, yet, so busy. There is always something to look at; a story behind why a building is there. Certain pieces of land have stacks of turf drying to warm up homes, which is a decreasing practice. If you do not know what turf is, it is dug from the ground. It is creamy, almost like butter, and makes the land gain ridges and ‘craters.’ Then the pieces are cut into blocks and left to dry so that they can be burnt.

Most of the time, my bicycle rides are never seamless adventures, for I end up stopping to stare at something that I like. You can imagine it; I am speeding down a stretch of bumpy road and then something catches my eye, so I hit the brakes. I love that adrenaline rush, especially when you do not need to pedal as you are going fast enough to feel like you are flying. That is a feeling that is hard to put into words. I took cycling up more seriously during 2021; a funny year. The world was still reviving from the lockdown. I never cycled prior to it, aside from the field of my actual home. Never went further because it was, what I considered, something only confident cyclists could do.

That first time down the countryside was just amazing. Now, I walked everywhere around the countryside, but that 2021 cycle triggered more than just being a drive around familiar places. It gave me drive. It drove me to seek that excitement more often in my day-to-day. To be excited is to live. Your imagination opens up when your brain switches its mindset to seek experiences more. Inevitably, I believe that it makes your crafts better.

Conclusion

I wanted to create a warm article this week while I am off on my own new adventure. If I can sum it up, if you feel like you are struggling to produce something, leave the desk and take a walk. Even sit in a café, or make a plan for the day. Return to your favourite place. You just never know what sparks your intrigue. A little bit of spontaneity can be exactly what is needed. There is going to be something on your doorstep, and does not need to be a lavish trip.

While writing this, I took a break to go outside with my dogs. Lo and behold, the berries are starting to bloom with the rich, purplish colours. I have spotted them. There are not many yet, but the weather has thrived with a generous summer this year. Indeed, there have been moments of it being very hot, and there have been days of perpetual overcast. I think that they have appeared earlier this year. After having generous sunlight that turned parts of the grassland yellow, it is nice to see the wildflowers and colour emerge.

So, I leave you all with a nice photo of some colourful flowers, as there is always room for beauty in people’s lives! It is a little way of giving you a piece of the countryside for those who may not get to see nature as often.

What could be better than having a fancy lunch in Dublin on a 1960s bus? The Dublin Vintage Tea Trips is a fascinating experience for someone who has a taste for the past. As someone who is a writer, sitting on a restored bus with trays of delicacies was a match made in heaven. One cannot be creative without trying out new experiences (after all, we do not want our stories to become stale). At the same time, I am not a tourist. I attended my two colleges in Dublin and am born and live in Ireland, with some tenure in the UK. So, this was a recreational experience rather than wanting to soak in the attractions.

With it being summertime, St Stephen’s Green is lush with vibrant trees hanging over the fencing, and making a canopy over the pavement. The collection point was just outside this park, on the side where The Shelbourne is. It had staff setting everything up, as the food is displayed on each table before passengers aboard. The bus is pastel blue and yellow, with a mini kitchen on the downstairs and the majority of the tables upstairs. You get on via the back. The steps are steep. Flowers are pinned over windows that having rolling levers to open and close.

It is a lovely looking vehicle that has been restored and revived to make lunch that bit extra special and, to an extent, quirky. How many times can you say that you have driven around Dublin in a vintage bus, eating an assortment of food?

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Table layouts

You would genuinely not expect so many people to fit in without wondering if it would be cramped! There was plenty of room. Tables were arranged for four people, with a two-tiered tray in the centre. Sandwiches were at the bottom, and cakes were at the top. For those with gluten-free (or vegan) requirements, they can be arranged easily during the booking process. You do not need to even write down the name of the people coming. Everything is arranged and all you need to do is sit at the table and enjoy what has been presented.

The gluten-free food was separated from the main to avoid cross-contamination. Rather than brioche buns and wraps, there were three sandwiches and three generously sized cakes. There was a blueberry cake, apple cake and ‘Bakewell’ cake. You did not get less than those who had the regular food. Then there were the scones with the clotted cream tubs and jam sachets already on the tray waiting for you.

During the journey, the scones arrived that little bit later, all warm and ready for consumption. Those having the regular food had the choice of a plain or fruit scone. For gluten-free, only the fruit. I am more for a plain scone, so smothered mine with as much cream and jam as I possibly could.

The White Chocolate and Raspberry Crémeux was a particular favourite with the people who I had gone on this lunch with. Having a pink coating, when they cut through it with their spoons, it revealed a white chocolate fondant. When I asked what had been the favourite cake of all, they immediately said that one. To be fair, it did look very delicious and soft. There were two of those; two carrot cakes; two raspberry and vanilla chow; one passion fruit and mango mouse; one lemon and raspberry tart; and one red velvet cake with vanilla frosting.

The sandwiches were a coronation chicken wrap; egg mayo sandwich and Ploughman’s pickle brioche bun!

Add the scones on top of that and you had one very filling platter. Luckily, if you have food left, they provided takeout boxes for you to enjoy later.

The Journey

It was a nice journey within a, roughly, 80-minute timeframe, looking at places like Christchurch Cathedral and Phoenix Park. You got to see where the president lived (obviously, not up the doorstep but in a good view), as well as much of central Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse led to an interesting fact that Nigeria consumes the most Guinness, whereas Ireland comes third! Who would have imagined that? To engage with the attendees, the staff made this a bit of a quiz, and there were many guesses, from New Zealand, to Australia.

Of course, you are moving. The journey was going to be bumpy to some capacity! Sometimes, buttering a scone could be a little challenging. Luckily, the plates were held down by these white, small mats that kept the grip. Unlimited drinks were served in reusable cups that were provided by the service, which can be placed in a dishwasher and kept as a nice souvenir.

One of the nice aspects of the trip was that, if someone had written a note in their booking for a birthday, it was celebrated onboard during the latter half of the journey. So, that came as an unexpected announcement. Those celebrating their big days received a decorative cupcake with a candle on it to blow out! A sing-song of ‘Happy birthday’ took place as the cupcakes were being presented to the designated people. So, if you are someone who wants to celebrate a birthday in Ireland, want a fun lunchtime activity, and get a special shout-out, then this bus delivers on making it a memorable day.

The overall experience went quite quickly, which became apparent once rejoining the River Liffey. It is not too long, and not too short, and successfully entertains and fills you up! Seriously, what may look like general portions are more wholesome than what you may think. When I went on it this week, I had to pack some of my food up.

Overall thoughts

I am going to leave two bullet points about my own personal observations:

• When booking, be careful about the ‘Fruit Scone Mix’ option. I thought it meant adding the scones to the service. Instead, it is a bottle of literal scone mix to go home baking with. Therefore, I accidentally added four to the checkout, unaware that the scones (and all the food) were part of the ticket price. So, a bit of baking is going to happen.

• It is bumpy. So, do be aware that there may be swerves and bounces while you are eating.

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Conclusion

The ride satisfied my need for a fancy lunch on a vintage bus! I love writing about quirky characters, so living an intriguing life and jumping into these experiences is a must. I enjoyed it, and these types of activities are the sorts where I like to dress well for them. The memories are important, and special occasions require feeling special.

So, that’s a taster of Dublin for you, if you are visiting either as a tourist or someone from another county. It was well worth the long commute to get on a fancy bus. The cakes were delicious! The sandwiches were lovely (my favourite was the one with the pickles in it). Hot chocolate with marshmallows in a reusable cup was a warm, toasty addition.

It is nice returning home with a fresh mind on how to approach my Substack. I like writing about the wonderfully unique aspects of life that make each day meaningful. Of course, I now have a cake hangover, which I must recover from.

When you live in midlands Ireland, the journey to the destination is the biggest feat. Getting there on time was the goal to plan out the day in a rewarding manner. To be at Connolly Station for 10am, I had caught the 7:51am train from the Longford station to get to Dublin by 9:40am. It worked out very well in terms of arrival. No delays or anything for the day to not be lived at its fullest. I had packed a mountain rucksack for this specific trip, with plain rice cakes, a 2 litre bottle of water, and even my Canon 1000f camera (yes, it is a film camera!). This was a much-anticipated trip to change up the week. My last trek up Cairn Hill was a solo one, which was enjoyable for contemplative purposes, but I had a nice group of friends for company this time.

So, once you reach Connolly, you have the fun inconvenience of going into the station from the platforms, to tap your leap card on the machine, to head right back to the platform area you just came from, to reach the DART on the far-end platforms. That is what happened there. The Bray DART was on Platform 5, and it was one of the most scenic routes you could ever take on public transport. Eventually, once escaping the cityscape, you were immersed in all the oceans and headlands. It was scenic and vast, building up the whole anticipation of a day-long adventure. This was my first time going to Bray, so I did not know quite what to expect, or how close the hike was from the DART station upon arrival.

Exploring Bray

With everyone gathered, we headed for the seafront, where there is a long promenade. Unlike Majorca’s soft, silky beaches, Bray is pebbly. Yet, there was a beauty to it. In the distance was this high landmass with a cross at the peak. It soared over everything below, and the promenade led directly to the beginning of this hike. There were people there, but the day was still young, so it was not necessarily bustling. Much more life emerged upon descension.

What were my first observations of Bray Head? It is ‘wilder’ than Cairn Hill, even though this location is, perhaps, more ‘commercialised’. The initial part of the hike was the most unexpected feature. After some steps underneath the bowers of trees, the main hurdle was the steep, rocky terrain full of tree roots. There was no direct path. You had to lock your feet onto surfaces to lunge your way up. It was uneven, rugged and daunting, to say the least. Every move had a sort of calculated approach, not that it was dangerous in any way. In fact, the hike had an endearing authenticity to it. The sun broke through the gaps in the leaves. The shade made the heat tolerable. While a friend set up their camera, I deemed it a much-needed snack of a rice cake since, being an early morning commuter, did not make room for breakfast. That light fuel and a drink really burst some additional energy.

How we did it, I do not know. We took a different route to the easier one on the way back down. The path we took meandered through eternal rows of prickly gorse. The thistles tickled. Wearing shorts was both a blessing and a curse. They had not bloomed with their yellow flowers, but they were thick and protruded onto the path quite often. You brushed against them, and there were horseflies around as well. It really gave that touch of proper nature. There was a need for endurance. They prickled a lot, sometimes feeling like a quick nettle sting without the constant throbbing that comes afterwards. It is funny; there are tons of gorse on a usual nature walk that I take, but because they do not impede on the path, never realised how prickly they are until that hike.

It was there and then when I coined the ‘Gorse Course’, saying it aloud we endured. It never seemed to end at one point. It was taller than us at times.

Despite the vegetative obstacles, the gradient was much more forgiving than the beginning. The path meandered and buckled sometimes, but was smoother overall. There was a more recreational manner in the route: stopping to take a photograph; staring back at the group with a jokey comment here and there. It was a new kind of fun, travelling to Dublin not to be around the city centre for a general hang-out, music class or orchestra rehearsal. This was a fresh, reviving experience outdoors, and it felt uplifting and energising despite the physical requirements.

My film camera was so much fun to use, and I will look forward to developing them. I usually buy some Ilford black-and-white rolls from Boots in Dublin’s Jervis Centre whenever around, to fill it up with. Although a digital camera would be nice for the unlimited number of photos that can be taken, something about using less technology is equally pleasant. Of course, I used my phone as well, but older devices have an indescribable way of detaching you from modernity.

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The summit

I would safely say that it took a little over an hour to get to the amazing summit. That sight was something else. The sky and the sea blended into each other like a blue gradient. It is hard to describe. It felt like there was eternal space straight up before turning left to look at the cross, which overlooked Bray. We sat there for a while, staring at the openness, snacking and photographing whatever caught our fancy. There are some moments where you are so enchanted by what you see, because in this country, it is usually burdened by rain, drizzle or dull overcasts. This was like being in a different country, but it highlighted that one’s home country has so much beauty if one seeks it.

Despite being by the coastline, the wind was not forceful. It was not colder, either. There was something so pleasant about the heat. Sitting there forever was a possibility. Just living in the moment, appreciating what is there, was necessary. Just stopping to think about nothing important was the gift that the hike gave. Seagulls sang, the wind blew. The blue sky was picturesque and serene. Asking for a better day to do this activity would be impossible.

The descent was much easier. We ended up veering down a much more straightforward route, wondering how or why we veered into the ‘Gorse Course’ which had a more complicated, bendy path. The worst bit was, again, that rocky, rooted terrain because, like with going downhill, a little bit of speed wants to happen. There is a need for careful control, but it was an entertaining kind of puzzle. By then, it became noticeable how the place was becoming busier. People were beginning their hikes. We had finished.

Doing it pretty early in the day meant that we were unaffected by the increasing heat. The sun was bright, and it did seem to get warmer by the early afternoon.

Conclusion

The rest of the day was enjoying Bray itself, from the town for dinner to getting a Gino Gelato by the promenade, to sit on the beach for a while. From the beach, it was amazing to stare back at Bray Head. We had hiked it. It was so tall and mighty, but we had spent an entire morning and into midday experiencing its gradients, bends and foliage. It was a worthwhile adventure.

It is good to go and see these places for oneself, because as they say, real life is the best source of information. Doing a hike means that, if required, I can write about one with more accuracy, using my firsthand perspective. The photos that I took can help me with my watercolour paintings, or be inspiration for my novel settings. By seeing the world for what it is, the possibilities are endless as to what the imagination can do with it to create something.

That was one of, if not the best, experiences to have done in Ireland for a day activity. It was so adventurous and liberating. Would I do it again? Of course! Having a group was a massive bonus. To share the memories is a wonderful concept. Writing about it is a joy.

There were many events nationwide in Ireland to mark Bealtaine, having come across many upon a casual scroll on Instagram. A workshop, or some sort of gathering, were a few. Upon receiving an invite a few weeks’ back from one of the organisers for ‘Cairn Hill is Calling’ to attend for 8pm on May 1, it was a fascinating opportunity to see firsthand why this particular hill is so important.

Cairn Hill is the tallest hill in the county, and is a pleasant hike with a nice, challenging gradient at the start. It really knows how to make you earn that unforgettable sunset view once you reach the top. The hill can be spotted even between Edgeworthstown and Longford when on the train, and is identifiable as a tall mast ascends from it. So, it is pretty unmissable.

The site, nevertheless, is rich in forestry, yellow gorse and expansive hinterlands from all angles, and is home to what is believed to be passage tombs. Truly, it is beautiful and a hidden gem in terms of a neat hiking trail in the country. It was my first time ascending it; I see it at a distance so I know it by name and sight, but never had made the time to walk it. Now, I had an excuse. It was possibly one of the most beautiful dusks I had ever seen.

That first uphill hike had me questioning my level of fitness. It was clear that I would know there and then, and was relieved to reach the peak with no actual need to stop for a breather (aside from wanting to capture scenic photos). The views were so immersive and impossible to not want to admire for a few seconds. The steep incline does level off once you reach the top, and the rest of the walk does undulate and meander as it eventually circles upon itself when doing the full length.

How the sunlight sliced through the clouds and gave a cosy glow, to the vastness of the landscape below were just amazing to behold. It was so rural, peaceful and tranquil. There were sounds of the birds, to the crunching of my trainers into the gravel. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves.

As seen on May 1, there is a lot of communal interest and love for this location, and such a gathering is a reminder of why people feel that it should be protected. This specific event did not just mark Bealtaine, but also why locals want to mark the hill as an important monument. When I attended, I would say a little over 30 arrived for this specific event, but I am well aware that it is a popular walk, as I passed many who were walking their dogs for evening recreation.

The event itself was all about keeping traditions; moving away from technology; and savouring the moment. There were two small fire pits; organisers with goat skin drums; and a collective time to reflect and remove any stress by walking between the fire pits. The fire was constantly ablaze, kept alight by chopped wood and wild gorse. Even as the evening became slightly cooler, the hill had plenty of warmth.

Visiting it in-person at last, rather than admiring it from a distance, it was a rewarding way to spend an evening. Once again, I got to see another beautiful spot in the county to step away from the day-to-day of the world, and enjoy an evening without thinking about anything in-particular. It is not the longest hike, or perhaps the most demanding, but it is a must-see location. The hill is clearly loved and appreciated for its history and impact, and the Bealtaine event was all about keeping its importance relevant.

Conclusion

It is definitely an inspiring spot. I wish I had my sketchbook or notebook, not that the chance will not arise in the future. For now, greeting summer in 2026 at this spot made a lovely memory, as well as being something to tick off the bucket list. That walk made the perfect way to spend an evening.

There is something in being able to wake up and know that you live in the countryside; so much space, fresh air and a sense of calm that is hard to imagine in a built-up location. It is pleasant to be surrounded by trees, or flowers when they blossom in spring. The ability to disconnect from a difficult day or daydream about all the wonderful possibilities without a care in the world brings joy.

Walks are at your doorstep, being a great refresher when you need to clear the head. I particularly enjoy a cycle. The speed and the way that the breeze glides across my face is just delightful. Of course, my hair becomes the victim by the time I return, but I often feel like I own the world when I go on one of these small outings. It is pleasant when alone, so I can be left with my own thoughts. It usually energises my creative outlet upon returning. How can one be so lucky?

What comes with this freedom, ironically, come limitations. Opportunities are not made by sitting under a tree admiring crepuscular rays (I wish they were, though!). The activities that I enjoy doing are in Dublin, which requires a long commute into a completely different landscape. It is the noise and busyness that has what you are looking for if you search for it.

When I joined my current orchestra, I was specifically looking for one that reduced the pressure of a weekly appearance, or that took place in the evenings. Unfortunately, there are no trains back to Longford beyond half seven in the evening, which pretty much jeopardises any night-life beyond booking a hotel. That is footing a giant bill, so opportunities that are desirable that take place during late hours are an automatic no. This is devastating. A lot of potential ideas have to be overlooked, replaced by a resourcefulness to find an alternative.

I was lucky to get my place in my orchestra as a space opened. It is an amateur one; very pleasant and takes place in the Royal Irish Academy of Music. To be able to step into it is a privilege. I did not study in a conservatory. When I joined this orchestra for Phase One, although I was working on my Grade 8, my official certificate was Grade 5. Now, it is a different story. By the time Phase Two started in January, 2026, I had my Grade 8. Nothing was nicer than returning for the new term with that certification. It is a special achievement.

When choosing my modules during my undergraduate degree, I was picking the ones that fitted my commute rather than the ones that I sometimes wanted. They had to be replaced by ones that I did not always have that much investment in. That in itself is a compromise that should not be happening to students. Naturally, classes need to be timetabled for availability but it is the lack of commuting options that causes this outcome. So, you can see a pattern on how my commute has affected personal and academic pursuits already.

Dublin is where everything is. Most of the fun happens to take place there and any group outing I may have needs to be booked in advance to either plan the hours or have a hotel ready. Commuters do not get it easy during college, either. The societies run some of the best events only in the late hours. It was unfortunate. Sometimes, it felt unfair. Rents are just too high even with a job nowadays, so even post-college is compromised by the same problem.

There is no half seven train on Sunday mornings from Longford, so I have to catch the airport bus if there is an orchestra rehearsal. That is the only day where there is a different travel method. Otherwise, the train is my go-to.

Having commuted to the capital city for over four years, either college or orchestra now, has become part of the norm. I would describe it as becoming engrained in you to get up in the early hours to proceed with the day’s mission. There is no other option. The Covid years were so simple to turn on the laptop, attend class, then get on with something else within the confines of the property. There was a detachment from the sacrifices of the commute which were jarring once the reality sunk in.

I still must have my nose in a computer to book train or bus tickets before I even can imagine an outing. They cannot be spontaneous due to the limited commuting options. Then you always have that uncertainty if someone has the audacity to occupy your pre-booked seat, where you have to be diplomatic in asking them to move. Usually, it is simple enough but it happens often.

If they have taken your window seat but nobody booked beside you, those window views are not to be yours this time…

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It would be easier if the trains were later when leaving Dublin. That does not appear to be changing anytime soon. There is always some sort of delay either at Maynooth or Mullingar, as the track becomes a single line, so it is doubtful that more services can be created in any imminent future.

To wish that it would happen is too ambitious in the present day, and probably best to imagine while sitting under a tree back home to daydream.