A reflective piece on dining alone, years spent in hospitality, and the quiet beauty found in restaurants before service begins—when polished glasses, folded napkins, and soft conversation reveal the unseen rhythm behind the experience.

Notes from Hydra—early mornings, long lunches, and evenings by the water. A collection of places to eat, drink, and slow down on the island.

Just moments from the port, set within a restored sea captain’s mansion, Hotel Miranda is a boutique stay with calm, considered interiors, slow mornings, and a gentle rhythm that reflects the island itself. A personal account of where I stayed in Hydra, shaped by nearby cafés, bakeries, and small everyday moments.

A curated edit of Lisbon’s cafés and restaurants—shaped by the places I was most drawn to during my time there.

A final note to bring 2025 to a close and welcome the year ahead, returning to words once scrawled across the walls of a converted convent in Santillana del Mar — Thank you for being here, and for following along this year.

A long weekend in Porto — from beautiful cafés and hidden wine bars to artful stays and sunlit streets. Here are a couple of my personal favourite spots to eat, drink, and explore.

Last summer, I left Belfast behind for the sun-drenched streets of Portugal. Among the bustling streets of Lisbon, I stumbled upon a hidden gem—a charming bistro tucked away in the enchanting Praça das Flores. Magnolias felt like a little haven. With its beautifully crafted small plates and an inviting wine list, it was the perfect place to pause, savor a glass of wine, and soak up the gentle hum of life around me. Surrounded by the laughter of children, the rustling trees, and the soothing fountain, this chic wine bar was a firm favorite for me—and definitely somewhere I will return to.

These days on the Camino offered a blend of restful pauses and intense physical effort. I savored the slow pace and riverside charm of Ponte de Lima, tackled a steep ascent through vineyards and forests, and crossed into Spain’s historic town of Tui. Along the way, the trail grew busier and I discovered new reasons to reflect—both inwardly and alongside fellow pilgrims.

My first steps on the Portuguese Camino were filled with discovery—changing trails, tasting fresh local dishes, and soaking in the coastal beauty of northern Portugal. This blog post is about the rhythm of walking, the joy of pausing and taking it slow, and the flavors that made the journey all the more incredible. I’ll be sharing my route in three-day stages, so check back in and follow along as my Camino unfolds.

In a couple of days, I’ll be setting off to walk the Camino Portuguese (Central Route), carving my way from Portugal into Spain, all the way to Santiago. Two years ago, I walked the entire Camino del Norte — an adventure that left me with more memories, stories, and personal lessons than I could have imagined. So before I arrive in Portugal I wanted to share a few reflections on what that first Camino taught me, why I’m drawn back to this walk, and some simple planning tips that might help if you’re considering walking the Camino.

Somewhere Special: Find Bibi’s in Portobello — a warm, eclectic café serving up locally sourced brunch that’s perfect for lazy mornings and long chats. A must visit for your Dublin brunch list!

Tucked away in Porto’s artsy Cedofeita quarter, ROSA ET AL is a gem I stumbled upon by happy accident—a converted townhouse with elegant suites, a sun-dappled garden, and a deli brimming with local wines and artisanal treats. It’s a beautifully restored space where soft garden light, thoughtful plates, and the gentle hum of a hidden kitchen all come together in quiet harmony. It’s definitely somewhere I’ll return to.

In November, I set off on a solo trip to Marrakesh, drawn by curiosity and the promise of colour, texture, and hidden beauty. What I found was a city of striking contrasts—where vibrant souks pulse with life just beyond tranquil courtyards filled with birdsong. In this blog, I share reflections on where I stayed, what I ate, the people I met, and some snapshots of my travels. Whether you’re dreaming up your own adventure or simply want to wander with me for a moment, I hope this piece brings the city to life for you.

Last summer, while exploring Lisbon’s cobbled streets, I stumbled upon Lupita—a small pizzeria that seemed to hum with life before I’d even stepped inside. With the smell of wood-fired pizza drifting out into the street, it felt like the perfect spot to pause. In this post, I share a little more about my visit, the pizza that won me over, and why Lupita captured exactly what I love about discovering new places