Dublin
This year a group of friends and I traveled to Ireland for the first time. Our first stop was Dublin, the capital city. We spent a couple of days exploring the city and I can't wait to go back! One of my favorite things about Dublin was that we could walk just about everywhere, and our first stop was Dublin Castle.
The original castle was built early in the 13th century next to the dark pool (Dub Lihn) that gave the city it's name. Back then, it was little more than a small Viking settlement, but has since become the seat of government for all of Ireland. Only one tower still exists from the original castle, along with the chapel, but the building is used for both private and public events such as the inauguration of the Irish president.
After eating our dinner we met a friend living in Dublin at an underground speakeasy, which is quite possibly the coolest bar I've been to. If you find yourself in Dublin, check out the Blind Pig. Reservations are a requirement, but the atmosphere and drinks make this well worth adding to your list of places to go. In order to get a reservation and directions, take a peek at the official website.
Happy travels!
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| Hotel View |
Dublin Castle
If you go to Dublin Castle expecting to see something straight out of Game of Thrones, or LoTR, you might want to adjust your expectations. If you enjoy history, it's worth taking a look!
If you go to Dublin Castle expecting to see something straight out of Game of Thrones, or LoTR, you might want to adjust your expectations. If you enjoy history, it's worth taking a look!
The original castle was built early in the 13th century next to the dark pool (Dub Lihn) that gave the city it's name. Back then, it was little more than a small Viking settlement, but has since become the seat of government for all of Ireland. Only one tower still exists from the original castle, along with the chapel, but the building is used for both private and public events such as the inauguration of the Irish president.
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| Dublin Castle |
I found the grounds of Dublin Castle to be a nice little oasis in the middle of the city. Within the walls of the garden it was easy to forget that we were in the middle of a city. On a nice day, such as the day we were there, visitors to the castle can picnic or lounge among the flowers and shrubs. It was a nice reprieve on a warm summer day. Click here to read a more in-depth explanation of the significance of the gardens.
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| Anyone need a ride? |
Guinness Storehouse
It is not far from Dublin Castle to the Guinness Storehouse, so, after our tour of the castle, we walked to St James Gate for our visit to the number one tourist attraction in the city. The Guinness Storehouse is massive. It boasts seven floors, all filled with creative displays of the different stages of the brewing process. You can stop to eat or have a pint in multiple places along the tour if you decide that you need a break.
It is not far from Dublin Castle to the Guinness Storehouse, so, after our tour of the castle, we walked to St James Gate for our visit to the number one tourist attraction in the city. The Guinness Storehouse is massive. It boasts seven floors, all filled with creative displays of the different stages of the brewing process. You can stop to eat or have a pint in multiple places along the tour if you decide that you need a break.
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| Signage next to St. James Gate |
I can honestly say that I've never been to a brewery quite like it. We ended the tour with a visit to the famous gravity bar that overlooks Dublin, where those who are interested can get a free pint of fresh Guinness with your admission ticket. Just be prepared to wait for a good view of the city. Those window seats were hard to come by.
Some time Later
With so much to see in a short time, we briefly went back to the hotel to rest and refresh before heading back out for eats and drinks. Our first dinner in Ireland was at M.J. O'Neill's. Here I had the best Guinness beef stew that I had ever tasted in my life. It just so happened that it was also the only Guinness beef stew that I had ever tasted at that point in my life. Located across from the famed Molly Malone statue, this pub has a very well visited atmosphere.
O'Neill's pub has been in Dublin for over 300 years. In that span of time O'Neill's has consistently been known for its warm and welcoming staff. The layout of the pub allows for patrons to have a nice, quiet drink or meal, even while live music is performed in one section of the bar, or to join in the revelry as desired.
Some time Later
With so much to see in a short time, we briefly went back to the hotel to rest and refresh before heading back out for eats and drinks. Our first dinner in Ireland was at M.J. O'Neill's. Here I had the best Guinness beef stew that I had ever tasted in my life. It just so happened that it was also the only Guinness beef stew that I had ever tasted at that point in my life. Located across from the famed Molly Malone statue, this pub has a very well visited atmosphere.
O'Neill's pub has been in Dublin for over 300 years. In that span of time O'Neill's has consistently been known for its warm and welcoming staff. The layout of the pub allows for patrons to have a nice, quiet drink or meal, even while live music is performed in one section of the bar, or to join in the revelry as desired.
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| M.J. O'Neill's |
After eating our dinner we met a friend living in Dublin at an underground speakeasy, which is quite possibly the coolest bar I've been to. If you find yourself in Dublin, check out the Blind Pig. Reservations are a requirement, but the atmosphere and drinks make this well worth adding to your list of places to go. In order to get a reservation and directions, take a peek at the official website.
Happy travels!
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