The Queen of Ireland, Genealogy Butlers and Pink Streaking: Romping Through the United Kingdom for a Truly Worthy Destination Wedding

Destination weddings can be great in theory, but when the destination isn’t on your bucket list … then potentially it’s just a huge expense of time and resources. That was not the case when my dear friend, David Farwell, former executive chef in the R&D department of 7-11, shared that he was tying the knot in Ireland.

I never realized that one of my bucket list items should be a destination wedding in the UK. I want that item to happen at least two or three more times… so if anyone in Dallas is looking for a destination reachable by British Airways, then I promise to sing for my supper in order to receive a Bell’Invito announcement for your nuptials.

After a red-eye flight (was actually on the same plane as the Agather clan, as they were heading on safari by-way of a few days in London) and connection I found myself in Dublin at the Dylan. This five star boutique hotel is adjacent to the city center in a tony neighborhood filled well-appointed townhouses. I was pleased to find that my room was in the original historic building (an addition was added with more rooms prior to their opening).

I spent most of my early evenings cocktail in hand on the intimate garden patio, which felt like a cross-between my high-low watering holes in Dallas – The Mansion on Turtle Creek and The Grapevine.

Dublin Days and Nights

My days in Dublin were filled with walking and exploring the city center. Some highlights included stumbling upon the birthplace of Francis Bacon (one of my favorite artists) on my way to check out the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Another was my night of carousing at Panti Bar, owned by Rory O’Neill, also known by his stage name, Panti Bliss.

Panti is a drag queen and gay rights activist who became the unofficial spokesperson for gay marriage in Ireland (check out the fascinating documentary on his life: The Queen of Ireland). Christen Wilson told me I had to watch it a few months back and that’s when the bar landed on my list of things-to-do.

Another not-to-be-missed venue is the famed Shelbourne Hotel (dating back to 1824). I had a classic cocktail at The Horse Shoe Bar, which has the look and feel of a members-only club where either high-powered business deals take place or an illicit romantic rendezvous. If you go, definitely try their High Tea in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge or secure the services of their in-house Genealogy Butler (who can assist in perhaps finding your Irish ancestry – I was guessing I’d find no “Fongs,” so I didn’t bother).

A side project of this adventure abroad was in tribute to Lucy Wrubel’s recent birthday. Her creative brother, Eric Reeves (apparently both apples didn’t fall far from the Reeves tree) and his wife, Katherine, sent out packages soliciting friends to use a pink hair piece (included in the correspondence) and channel their inner-Lucy and take selfies. Then post those pics on social media with hashtags like #GetYourStreakOn #StreaksComeOutAtNight #LaStreakCestChic.

It was the perfect accessory to use to strike up conversations with complete strangers and ask them to take part in my “streaking through Ireland” series (you can check some of them out on my Instagram @reallywrongfong).

Come Back to PaperCity for Part Two of Billy Fong’s adventures abroad.