When I imagined Ireland I didn't think about busy cities and crowded streets. I thought about quiet countryside, green pastures, stone cottages, and sheep. It turns out I was thinking of Duffys of Ballybin.

A Twitter friend recommended Duffys to me and I'm so glad I followed her recommendation. Ciaran and Therese are great hosts. The farm has been in Ciaran's family for generations. In fact, Ciaran wrote a book about the history of the surrounding area.

I stayed in the Stables. I've lived in smaller apartments. As a solo traveler it was very spacious with a full kitchen, living area, huge bathroom, and a nice sized bedroom. My only complaint about the sleeping arrangement was that the sun came up too early.(it was June) making it hard to sleep in.

Highlights for me: opening the gate and being greeted by the white horse (if you have a pint or two of Guinness and squint just right he looks like a unicorn), chatting with Therese and Ciaran, wifi, feeling at home, a goldilocks-like distance from the airport and Dublin.

Duffys is just right.