One of the most interesting trips of 2017 has surely been Ireland. I got particularly astonished by this country and honestly pretty unexpectedly because I wasn’t fully aware of its charm! I obviously heard and read many times about its beautiful landscapes, but I was very happy to learn that there are many more things to enjoy in Ireland, like incredibly delicious seafood (and food in general!), extra-welcoming people and fantastic road trips to plan! But do not forget a rain coat, you will need it so badly! 🙂
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT IRELAND:
- Language: English and Irish (Gaelic)
- Visa: No Visa needed for EU citizens. Please check the rules for non-EU citizens
- Capital: Dublin. Population: 1.3 million people
- Currency: Euro
- Getting to Dublin from the airport: 15 min by taxi. Might take longer during rush hours
- Time Zone: GMT (UTC). In summer: GMT +1
- Country Code: +353
- Emergency number: 112 and 999
- Population: 4.8 million people
Important note: Politically, Ireland is divided in two countries: the Republic of Ireland (southern part) where the capital is Dublin, the currency is Euro, the religion is Catholicism and the country code is +353.
The other country is Northern Ireland: the capital is Belfast and it is part of the United Kingdom. In fact, in Northern Ireland the official currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP), the religion is Protestantism and the country code is +44 like in England.
I think it is important to know it. If you are interested to learn about the historical conflict and the reasons why Ireland is now divided in 2 different countries, CLICK HERE to read a well written article about it. (and many more on the web of course!)
TOP THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN DUBLIN
When I arrived in Dublin for the first time, I got so lucky as it was sunny and warm! In the pictures I am going to share in this article you will see beautiful sunny weather, but I need to warn you that it was just a matter of luck as it is rainy very often. So it is important to always have a rain coat with you!
Another thing I learnt about Dublin is that it is the European digital hub/tech capital! The majority of the internet companies have indeed their European headquarters in the Irish capital, like Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tinder, Ebay, Airbnb and so on!
#1. TRINITY COLLEGE AND ITS LIBRARY
One of the most popular attractions in Dublin is the Trinity College. I would highly recommend to attend a tour run by one of the students: they know very well the history of the place and its secrets so it is fun going around with them! You can get a ticket at the entrance where you see them wearing traditional school uniforms, you can’t miss them!
The price is around 12 euros and it includes also the entrance at the magnificent library!
#2. THE TEMPLE BAR AREA + BEER TASTING
One of the things you cannot miss in Dublin (and in Ireland in general) is a proper beer tasting! Personally, I am not a big fan of beer but anyway I did it and I enjoyed so much! It really makes you better understand the local traditions.
Moreover,you should definitely walk around the Temple Bar area, located on south bank of the River Liffey, well known for being the cultural heart of the city. You will find loads of restaurants, pubs, galleries, tattoo shops and graffiti everywhere. Perfect area to get a full experience of the Irish life!
Also, there is a food market where you can taste local food and typical products directly from the farmers, like delicious cheese!
#3. THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE
Despite its weird taste, you can’t leave Ireland without tasting the original Guinness beer! One time, as it was very hard for me to drink it, the barman mixed the beer it with blackcurrant juice and in fact I liked it way better! 🙂
If you like to fully experience the Guinness beer world, ‘The Guinness Storehouse‘ is definitely a place to visit! HERE you can find all details to book it!
#4. THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND & THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND
Founded in 1854, the National Gallery of Ireland is a great museum where you can see a rich collection of more than 16,300 artworks from 1300 to the present day. You have the chance to admire artworks of Caravaggio, Picasso, Titian, Monet, just to mention a few names! To get more info CLICK HERE.
Another important art institution in Dublin is the National Museum of Ireland, which has three locations in Dublin and one in County Mayo: Archeology, Decorative Arts&History, Country Life, and Natural History. To get all info CLICK HERE
#5. DUBLIN CASTLE
The Dublin Castle was until 1922 the seat of the United Kingdom government’s administration in Ireland, and is now a major Irish government complex and one of the most important buildings in Irish history. You can admire a fabulous collection of paintings, eighteenth-century French furniture and clocks, fine Georgian and Victorian Irish furniture, rococo plaster-work ceilings, neoclassical statuary, Waterford crystal chandeliers and Irish State china.
Absolutely a must visit! CLICK HERE to plan your visit!
#6. ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin was founded in 1191 and it is today the tallest and the largest church in Ireland.
I went to the Cathedral for the Sunday Mass, entirely singed by Gentlemen. It has truly been a wonderful experience! Before your visit, it is good to check the opening hours HERE
#7. JAMES JOYCE TOWER & THE WRITERS MUSEUM
The tower is best known for featuring in the opening section of James Joyce’s masterpiece “Ulysses”, one of the best books I have ever read! (click here to know more about James Joyce)
Visitors can see Joyce’s living room and access the roof up a narrow winding staircase. From the roof there is a panoramic view across Dublin Bay where “Stately, plump Buck Mulligan came from the stairhead”.
#8. DAY TRIP TO HOWTH
Howth is a lovely village, located 43 minutes away by train from Dublin. When I got out of the train station, I had a nice walk alongside the port, heading to the cliffs trail.
I really enjoyed the walk to the cliffs and the panoramic view! And I felt so lucky for the sunny day!
Also, I would highly recommend to go to eat seafood at the King Sitric Restaurant: it was insanely delicious and fresh!
#9. IRISH MUSIC & TRADITIONAL DANCING
If you are traveling to Ireland, one of the things you really can’t miss is to listen to Irish songs played by live bands (normally in the pubs) and watching the traditional dancing!
I had the pleasure to see a live performance in a pub and immediately I start to think about Jack and Rose in Titanic while they were dancing – do you remember that scene?! 🙂 Also learnt that the music players are also phenomenal dancers!!!
#10. JEANIE JOHNSON TALL SHIP TOUR
Jeanie Johnston is a replica of a three masted barque that was originally built in Quebec, Canada, in 1847 by the Scottish-born shipbuilder John Munn. The ship is located at Custom House Quay, particularly symbolic and historic as many voyages during the Famine period departed from there!
The 50 minute tour will guide you through the historic Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship – Take in the detailed craftsmanship as you board the ship before journeying to the cabins where our celebrated guides lead you through the dimly-lit quarters to show what life was like for those passengers who made the transatlantic voyage to an uncertain future in the ‘New World’. CLICK HERE to book it!
#11. MUSEUM OF LEPRECHAUN
But what is a Leprechaun? Usually it is depicted as little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief. As they say, take a break from your serious self and step into the ‘Otherworld’!
CLICK HERE to plan your funky visit!
#12. WALKING AT NIGHT ALONGSIDE THE LIFFEY RIVER
I literally adored walking alongside the Liffey River at night! The majority of the buildings have colorful neon lights, and their reflections into the water are so beautiful! So I’d definitely recommend you to have a walk at night, if it is not too cold outside!
#13. GRAFFITI
While exploring the city, I noticed several cool graffiti. Here some of them:
I hope my tips will be useful to plan your trip to Dublin!
And you… are you lusting for the sublime?
Always,
Carlotta