Ireland + Spain

Ireland & Spain: February 2025 — From Titanic History to Andalusian Magic

In February 2025, my mom and I set out on a trip that blended history, culture, and a little bit of Game of Thrones magic. But before we even left the U.S., we started in style — at New York’s JFK in the brand-new Delta One Lounge. I’ve seen my fair share of airport lounges, but this one? A revelation. Imagine a four-course meal before your flight, a relaxing massage, and a buffet that could rival a five-star restaurant. Add in private TSA screening and check-in, and the stress of air travel disappears. From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt utterly spoiled — it was the most luxurious airport experience I’ve ever had.

Belfast, Northern Ireland — Ships and Fantasy Worlds

We flew into Dublin, picked up a car, and drove north to Belfast for a stay at the historic Titanic Hotel Belfast. This wasn’t just a themed hotel — it was the actual former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, the shipbuilders behind the Titanic and other White Star Line ocean liners.We dined in the original drawing office where the Titanic was designed, walked through the grand entrance once used by shipbuilders, and admired restored offices that felt frozen in time.

The hotel sits right across from the Titanic Belfast Museum, where immersive exhibits tell the city’s shipbuilding story. Among the most moving displays was a violin believed to have been played as the Titanic sank — a haunting piece of history.

The next day, we swapped maritime history for medieval fantasy at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. It exceeded all expectations — massive sets, intricate costumes, weaponry, prosthetics, and interactive exhibits. It was the perfect warm-up for the Game of Thrones filming locations we’d see later in Spain.

Sevilla, Spain — Courtyards, Cathedrals, and Thrones

Flying into Sevilla, we checked into the charming Hotel Boutique Casa del Poeta, tucked away down a narrow alley. The open-air atrium, the sound of live guitar music at night, and the personalized check-in over tea and light snacks made it one of the most memorable hotel experiences of my life.We explored the Cathedral de Sevilla, home to Christopher Columbus’s tomb, and wandered the beautiful Plaza de España, taking a carriage ride past rowboats gliding along its canal. The Royal Alcázar wowed us with its intricate tilework, lush gardens, and royal apartments — and for Game of Thrones fans, the filming locations added an extra thrill.

One of the highlights was driving to the Roman amphitheater of Itálica, where Daenerys and Cersei’s tense meeting was filmed. Even if you’ve never watched the show, the site’s scale and history are breathtaking.

Ronda — Gorges, Waterfalls, and Cliffside Villages

In Ronda, we stayed at the Parador de Ronda, perched dramatically on the edge of the Tajo Gorge, overlooking the Cascada de Ronda waterfall beneath the Puente Nuevo bridge. We hiked down to the base for incredible views and explored the Casa del Rey Moro, descending into its ancient water well system.

A drive to Setenil de las Bodegas revealed whitewashed houses built right into cliffs, and in Ronda itself, we visited the Bull Ring of the Royal Cavalry — a site that left us reflecting on Spain’s bullfighting traditions. Other day trips included the cliffside village of Arcos de la Frontera and the serene Roman ruins of Acinipo, which we had entirely to ourselves.

Córdoba — Layers of History

Our stay at La Casa del Juderío de Córdoba felt like a walk through history — courtyards, fountains, and tiled paths creating a serene retreat. The Roman Bridge offered timeless views over the Guadalquivir River, while the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba was unlike anything I’ve seen: a Gothic church built inside a former mosque, creating a surreal blend of architectural styles.

We visited the Castillo de Almodóvar del Río, another Game of Thrones filming location, and toured the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs — beautiful, though under construction and sadly without its famous fountains running.

Granada — Royal Tombs and Moorish Gardens

Granada started with a hiccup: our driver dropped us off in the wrong spot, and our hotel turned out to be our least favorite of the trip, with constant hallway noise. Still, the Royal Chapel of Granada, where Ferdinand and Isabella are buried, was beautiful and steeped in history. The Alhambra offered ornate Moorish architecture and sweeping gardens — though I’ll admit, it didn’t fully live up to the hype for me. A visit to the Arab baths was the perfect way to unwind before moving on.

Madrid — A Phantom in the City

A quick flight brought us to Madrid and the U Music Hotel, built right into a working theater. Walking into the lobby felt like stepping into The Phantom of the Opera — or El Fantasma de la Ópera — with its dramatic décor and the theater just steps away.Seeing the Spanish-language production was spectacular. Even without understanding every word, the staging, voices, and atmosphere were unforgettable.

Bilbao — Coastal Drama and Castle Dreams

From Madrid, we flew to Bilbao and tackled the hike to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the island hermitage connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge. The climb was tough, but the view was worth every step.

We also visited Castillo de Butrón, a fairy-tale castle under renovation, and discovered that finding food in Bilbao was unexpectedly difficult — our one real frustration in the city.

The Journey Home — Air France Excellence

Our return took us on Air France’s business class, and I have to say — it may be the best airline product I’ve experienced. Spacious seats, impeccable service, and gourmet dining made the long-haul flight a pleasure. As much as I loved starting our trip in Delta One, Air France’s offering just felt more refined, and it was the perfect final chapter to an incredible journey.

Final Thoughts

From Titanic history in Belfast to Moorish palaces in Andalucía, from cliffside villages to Game of Thrones filming locations, our Ireland and Spain adventure was a blend of the historic, the cinematic, and the unforgettable. Traveling with my mom made it all the more special — and if there’s one takeaway, it’s that the journey is just as important as the destination… especially when it starts and ends in first-class style.