Weekend in Kilkenny

Just a quick post today, I've been quite busy since I went back to work so I was really looking forward to my night away in Kilkenny city for my friends 30th birthday.
We went down Saturday evening and checked into Syd Harkins. It was extremely basic but the location was fantastic! There was also a lot of noise from the street, but if your just looking for somewhere cheap and for a few hours after a night out it does the job!
We went to 'The Left Bank' pub for the 30th party. The interior is fab, so much artwork on the walls and a fantastic atmosphere, one big drawback is the location of the toilets on the 3rd floor! After the Left Bank we went to Morriseys for some dancing, although maybe I'm showing my age but it was very full and lots of very messy people!
The next morning the sun was shining and we went for a lovely stroll around the castle and gardens, absolutely gorgeous! We chose Kilkenny Design Centre for coffee and scones, the food looked amazing, lovely dinners, mouth watering desserts and my scone was yum! If your ever in Kilkenny it is definitely worth a visit, not only for the food but also for the gift shop which has such an amazing array of Irish crafts and products.
It was a short visit but I enjoyed it so much, great catching up with friends and enjoying some of the wonderful sights Ireland has to offer 😀

Weekend away in Monaco

I just want to share my experience of my weekend away in Monaco recently, just for anyone planning or hoping to get to Monaco! I would highly recommend it as a couples mini break.

So, we flew with Ryanair into Nice airport. From there we got a bus to Monaco (€20), our driver was lovely and told us the stop nearest our hotel. We stayed in Hotel de Paris on Rue de Turbie. It was a 2 star hotel and rates were very reasonable, especially because it was off peak season. We were very happy with the location of the hotel, it was near the train station and 10 minutes walk from most the attractions. The hotel was very basic but nice and clean, with friendly, helpful staff.

On Saturday we collected our bibs for running at Stad Louis II and had dinner in a small cafe beside the hotel.
The next day was the 'Monaco Riviera Classic Run', we travelled by train to Ventimiglia in Italy for our race. We started in Italy, ran into France and finished in Monaco! The views the whole way along the coast were amazing, although it was a pity there wasn't a blue sky that morning :( After our race we rested, showered and got ready to go out. We went to the Monte Carlo Casino, soaked in the atmosphere and ate dinner in the restaurant 'Le Salon Rose', our food was very tasty and prices quite reasonable.
On Monday we were very sore and stiff but still managed to get the Monaco bus tour (€18). We got of at the Palace and walked to the Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. We didn't get off at any other stops but the Jardin Japonais was highly recommended. The commentary gave us an nice insight into the history of Monaco.
That night we in ate in a lovely restaurant 'Huit et Demi' (just off Rue Princess Caroline) and then went to 'Stars and Bars' and 'La Rascasse' down by Port Hercule for some tasty cocktails!

The weather was ok at this time of year (March 16th-19th). Saturday was nice and sunny, Sunday was wet and cold, Monday was cold but dry and Tuesday morning the sun was shining but there was a chill in the air.

Overall it was a hugely enjoyable holiday, so relaxing, lovely that everything was so close by, all within walking distance (in flats, not heels!) Friendly, helpful locals. Disappointing that there coffees are so small!! I would definitely like to visit again during peak season, I'd say there would be a fantastic atmosphere!! Here's hoping!!

Feel free to ask for any more info! Have any of you ever been to Monaco, any recommendations you would like to share??