Honestly, Vanessa

This summer, we went to Ireland for my sister-in-law’s wedding.

Not just any wedding.

She and her husband got married during COVID and never had the ceremony or celebration because of the lockdown. So this wasn’t just a party. It was long-overdue magic.

And honestly? It ended up being one of the best summers I’ve had in a very long time.

Dublin Arrival and a Private Pre-Wedding Bridal Night

We landed in Dublin, where she lives.

We stayed a few days to rest, adjust, and prepare for the wedding festivities. But before anything official, my sister in law’s friends threw her a private pre-bridal party just for us Muslim girlies.

No men allowed. I genuinely have no idea what the men went off to do and I didn’t care.

It was just us. There was no hijabs.

Her friends. Her family. The groom’s side. Dozens and dozens of people who love her. She’s pretty popular and I love her so I get it. It was crowded, but not overwhelming. Everyone felt like family.

We ate amazing food, danced the night away and talked.

We also did henna that night. I forgot to take photos of my henna after I washed it off, I ended up capturing it later on. Even a week later, it still looked so pretty.

It felt so good to just enjoy each other’s company without being watched. Just sisterhood in its purest form.

Irish people are so kind too. Always curious about our faith, but respectfully so. It was a great start to such an amazing trip.

Glamping in Donegal And A Lakeside Wedding

After Dublin, we headed to Lough Mardal Lodge.

This place? Unreal.

An idyllic lakeside eco-lodge and 90 acres of wildflower meadows, heather hills, sweeping views over Donegal Bay, and yurts with wood-burning stoves and verandas overlooking the lake.

My husband and I stayed in the yurt while his kids stayed at an apartment. I always wanted to try Glamping!

There was a compost loo in the yurts, swimming, hiking and a sauna by the lake. It was summer, but really cold!

The wedding took place right there in the communal lodge space with panoramic views of the water.

It was such a beautiful wedding. Irish love songs. Lush fields. Quiet mornings. Just the sound of wind and water. It was perfection.

Living in a Castle, Lough Eske

Then we stayed at the Lough Eske Castle for a few nights.

A five-star castle.

I’ve never been in a castle in my life, so this felt like stepping into another era. Fireplaces in little study rooms in the lobby. Stone walls. Cozy corners everywhere.

The kids had a joined-but-separate room next to ours, which made it feel safe but still spacious.

We went to the spa. Large heated pool. Relaxing treatments. The food leaned more American-style, which was honestly comforting after days of fish and chips. And they had mocktails, which is always my love language.

We even went on a horse trail ride around the property. It was romantic. Grand. But still peaceful.

Arranmore Island, A Hidden Gem

From there, we took a ferry to Arranmore Island.

People tend to skip it when exploring Donegal, but they shouldn’t.

It’s one of Ireland’s true hidden gems. We stayed a few nights.

We hiked up the mountains and the views genuinely reminded me of the California coastline. Dramatic cliffs. Expansive beaches. Wind that makes you feel small in the best way.

I also found the funnest little playground right on the beach.

Belfast, City Energy and the Titanic Museum

After all the nature, we shifted into city energy in Belfast.

We stayed in a gorgeous Airbnb overlooking the city. The bedroom view at night was stunning.

We visited Titanic Belfast, which was way more immersive than I expected. Walking through the history of the Titanic where it was actually built felt surreal.

It took about two hours to really experience the entire exhibit. It was huge. There was even an interactive ride. I didn’t get much footage because you’re not really allowed to take photos here.

And finally, more halal options because we were in the United Kingdom. Real options. It was such a relief after rotating fish and chips on repeat back in Ireland.

Belfast had movement. Diversity. Buzz.

Back to Dublin, Then Home

We flew out of Dublin a few days later. And I remember sitting there thinking:

This was one of the best summers I’ve had in a very long time.

Not because it was luxurious. Not just because it was beautiful. But because it felt joyful.

Sisterhood. Nature. Celebration. Slowing down. Exploring. Watching the kids experience new things. Dancing without overthinking. Hiking without checking the time.

I really couldn’t ask for more.