Dublin: “Go with the flow”

Dublin is always a right choice!

 

I always say English native countries are the easy ones (because you understand everybody and everybody understands you) but Ireland is just “the easiest country” especially, if you are young and you work in anything related to IT.  😀 Hup Hup Hup

 

Dublin was my first stop after quitting my job! I found a very cheap flight and I decided to head to Dublin. I had some friends in the city so I thought it could be a good start…

Dublin surprised in a very positive way. 😀

Firstly, people are extremely nice and kind. Everybody is always available to help you and give you some tips about the city. They are also “good” drinkers. No, it is not a myth! Irish people really drink a lot of alcohol. 😀

Another fact, I found Dublin a very international city. I believe the American companies are bringing lots of internationals to work in the city (companies such as Google or Facebook have their headquarters in Dublin).

Secondly, the architecture: I adored it!

The colors, the materials and the style are just gorgeous. Have you got the chance to check my Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College shots? Amazing, are not they?

 

Some practical tips:

I stayed in Dublin just 4 days, which I think it is enough (I even had time to explore Howth, a town 30 minutes from Dublin).

 

1. What to do in Dublin?

Above you can find some of the places where I spent my days in Dublin. In my point of view, “The things you should not miss in Dublin”!

Pubs: You have to do at least one night in the amazing Temple bar. It is a bar full of international people and with live music. Diceys: the cheapest bar where you can get a pint of Guinness for 2,50€ and it is also full of international people. Porterhouse is a very typical Irish pub. If you are looking for some Irish style, this is definitely the place to go.

Monuments: Make sure you do not miss Trinity College and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. They are by far the most beautiful monuments in town (in my point of view).

 

Museums: Because Dublin is the Guinness’ capital; stop by the Guinness Storehouse (entrance price: 19€ and you get 2 free pints and a pretty good view of the city). You can also discover the Irish whiskey Museum and the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. I really enjoyed this last one and the entrance is free. 😛

 

Parks: If you are looking for some green space to chill out, just put Phoenix park in the top of your list. It is huge and you can even see/ feed deers (make sure you have some carrots with you). It was a very nice experience (we do not really have deers in Portugal :D).

Shopping: Penny’s in Dublin is like Primark in London. So have a look, I am sure you will find something. Everything is super cheap.

 

2. What to do outside of Dublin: The Howth walking tour

While in Dublin someone told me about Howth, a small town 30 minutes from Dublin by train.

When I checked the pictures on Internet I decided to visit the town straightaway. Howth is a small fishing village where you can be in contact in the nature, see seals and especially, the amazing Lighthouse.

I did a walking tour in the cliffs with John (a tourist guide) who shared with me and other solo travelers his knowledge/ funny stories about Howth. John is a free guide who “drives” people in the Howth cliffs and view for about 8km. From his funny stories to the stories of his grandfather, John is a very talented and communicative person. If you ever have the chance to go to Dublin, make sure you do not miss Howth and a tour from John (more information HERE).

You can get to Howth by train (the ticket is 3.25€ each way).

 

3. Where to stay in Dublin?

I really recommend Jacob’s Inn Hostel. It is very well located, cheap and clean. Hostels are always my first option when I am traveling on my own. You get to meet so many people and share unexpected experiences with people from all around the world.

To the airport: You have the bus 16, which drops you off in the city center ( less than 4€ each way)

I hope you enjoyed my post. Stay around and discover everything about the Baltic countries (where I am currently).

 

Beijinho,

Daniela