A few weeks ago, I attended the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure sure with my friend Lisa Niver (Lisa N.) from We Said Go Travel. At the recommendation of another travel blogger, we stopped by the Trafalgar and Brendan Vacations booth. While talking with Trafalgar’s Lisa Tran McKee (Lisa TM), Lisa N. mentioned that she will be visiting Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day. I mentioned wistfully that I had yet to visit Ireland and hoped to go some day. Lisa TM told us about Brendan’s’ recent promotion for a trip to Ireland – visiting Dublin and Killarney – and the opportunity to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Killarney. How fun! It was a great price, but the promotion had ended. Lisa TM said that she might be able to work something out if I was interested, and suggested I contact her for more information.

After reviewing the promotion, I was definitely interested. It was last minute, but I had frequent flier miles I could cash in for my flight, and I had the free time, so why not?

Lisa and I kept in touch via email, with Lisa working with the Dublin office of Brendan to see if they could accommodate me. Finally this week, I received confirmation that Brendan could make it work. Lisa held a reservation while I made sure I could book my flights, and once I did, the trip was on!

I had already visited my local library and was lucky enough to find Rick Steves’ Ireland 2015 book available, so I checked that out and some other guides for some last-minute research.

My flight leaves tomorrow, and I’m trying to pack and get coordinated so that when I leave for the airport, I will be ready for adventure!

Some of my must-have carry-on items. I like the mesh bags for my cables – makes it easy to organize and spot them when needed.

I’d love to hear about any suggestions of things to do and see in Dublin and Killarney. My sisters and parents provided some tips from their trip, and Suzanne, aka @PhilaTravelGirl, sent me a link to her blog posts from visiting Dublin. I’m sure there is more to see than I’ll be able to in my short time there.

Follow my journey here and on Twitter and Instagram. #KRinIreland.