My Ireland - Lyra Interview - Best of Ireland

What’s your favourite thing about Ireland? 
The weather... JOKES. Everyone’s humour and how homely it always feels.

Your favourite Irish town? 
Kinsale. I spend so much time there with my family. I love the smell of the sea, the local food produce, and trad sessions with pints of the creamiest Guinness.

Mizen Head

Best view in Ireland? 
Mizen Head. The rugged rocks surrounded by the emerald green land are beautiful. When I’m there, I feel like I’m breathing the purest of air and it makes me appreciate the world we live in. The crashing waves make me feel like I am simply a drop in the ocean and I find it very grounding.

Your favourite restaurant? 
The Black Pig in Kinsale.

Best bar in Ireland? 
Hi B bar in Cork. NO PHONES ALLOWED. So it’s a place of rest from the social media world. Going back to chatting over pints, being in the moment and enjoying the company of others. Let’s go back to basics and talk to each other again rather than being stuck in our phones.

Best weekend retreat? 
When I finally get a weekend off, I’ll come back to you and let you know!

What’s your favourite shop? 
Les Jumelles in Galway. I love when I go in –there is always something that you wouldn’t see anywhere else.

What’s your favourite place to swim?
Nohoval Cove, Kinsale for a sunset swim. It feels like you own a little private beach. A slice of heaven.

Favourite Irish building?
Saint Finn Barre’s in Cork is simply stunning. The history in the walls is magical and the acoustics are something else. Every note sounds heavenly in there.

What do you recommend to tourists?
Go off the beaten track, go explore. Find a random pub and talk to locals. We love to tell stories in Ireland, and next thing you know, you’re sitting in someone’s sitting room, drinking whiskey from a teacup while someone is playing the squeeze box. Let the culture take over. I promise you won’t regret it.

• Lyra’s eponymous debut album is out now via Rubyworks.