Trifter

I recently went on a trip to Dublin, Ireland and now find myself anticipating a return trip in the near future. I admit that it is not a huge culture shock coming from America but it’s the little differences that make it feel surreal. First arriving in the city you don’t notice a big change aside from the cleanliness of the city. Once you start making your way through the city you begin to notice the change. The appearance of canals, old style buildings, and the cobblestone streets begin to give the impression of a familiar yet far off place. The mixing of the old and the new is very apparent while continuing to make your way through the city.

This image was taken during my trip to Dublin. Dublin has done a great job of keeping with tradition while embracing the modern aspects of large city.

While the city itself is not too difficult to navigate (even for a directionally impaired American like myself), you can find yourself lost in the beauty and history. There are so many great sites to see while in this historic area including castles, churches, libraries, and of course the famous Guinness Brewery.  Those looking for a more lively and inebriated crowd there is the Temple Bar area of Dublin which is home to many authentic Irish pubs. Finally there is Grafton Street, a must for the habitual shoppers in the family, with a variety of shops from clothing to jewelry and much more.

The Christ Church Cathedral is an amazing place to visit. The architecture is stunning with intricate details in every aspect. The floor tiles were hand painted and shows just how dedicated the individuals who constructed this cathedral really were. You can tour the crypt below which is actually the oldest portion of the cathedral and is home to many relics and very interesting artifacts. They still hold services at this church and if you are able to sit in on one of these services I would highly recommend it.

If the history of Dublin doesn’t excite you there is always the nightlife. The Temple Bar area boasts a variety of Irish style pubs and modern nightclubs. The Guinness Brewery blends the historic with the modern. After taking the tour you make your way up to the bar to enjoy a pint while taking in the 360 degree view of Dublin. So whether you want to sit back and have a pint of the black stuff or dance until the sun comes up, Dublin has everything you need to make it an unforgettable time.

As much as the city has to offer it is essential to get out of the city and into the countryside. With some of the most breath-taking views of the greenest landscapes it is definitely a must see while in Ireland. One of the most memorable times of my trip to Ireland was when I made a trip to Glendalough, a small monastic town south of Dublin. Not only was the town beautiful but the ride there was as interesting as the town itself, passing green fields with sheep lazily grazing and seeing the countryside that you imagine when you think of Ireland. While making your way to Glendalough you will undoubtedly stop at Wicklow Gap, at a height of 1500ft it offers a gorgeous view of the valley.

Recommendations:

Dublin Bus Tour – Cost €15 – This tour makes stops at many of the famous historic sites throughout Dublin while allowing you to hop on and hop off whenever you see a site that interests you. The tickets are good for 24 hours however the bus will stop running at about 5pm so you made need to spend two days using this bus to see many of the sites.

Wicklow Tours – Cost €24 – This site offers the Wicklow Tour Special taking you to Glendalough through the Wicklow Gap. The tour guide on this trip was excellent, he was very knowledgeable about the history of Ireland and the Irish people while keeping the tour engaging. This is an all day tour leaving at approximately 9:30am and arriving back in Dublin around 5:00pm.

Temple Bar – This is the place to be if you are looking for a traditional Irish pub. The atmosphere is very exciting with live music and a lively crowd. This bar also has an open area for smokers allowing them to have a smoke without leaving that cloud of smoke in the bar.

The Luas – Cost €5 - While in Dublin your main mode of transportation will be bus or rail. I would recommend the Luas rail system as it has many stops at various places in the city, each of them within walking distance of the sites. Tickets run about 5 euro for an all day pass, allowing you to hop on or hop off at any stop you wish.

If you are planning a trip to Dublin I do hope that you have a great time and happy travels!