Now I’m going to tell you of my little adventure crossways through the capital of Ireland, Dublin. First of all I would like to state that I don’t fit into the ordinary tourists which would be quite wrong. I had a wonderful homestay and also a seminar which taught me a lot about the irish culture and the way of life next to the language and mentality. The trip was quite comfortable, with just an hour of flight I was able to enjoy the rest of the day and take care of things, next to having a short insight of the city of course. I was literally welcomed and showered by irish niceness. Out in the city if anyone bumps into you or steps in your way by mistake they reply to you with a short “sorry”. Sometimes I didn’t even know why but when I had to knee down in a store just to look at something, someone instantly asked me if I’m alright. It’s odd for someone like me who only knows a dog-eat-dog society from my home town. Dublin city one of the most comfortable and relaxing cities in Europe I’ve ever met. I’ve never experienced any hectic rush or pressure, even the natives appeared to me familiar and professionel all the time. I was also advised to find a job and live there. Live there isn’t expensive if you’re willing to give up on coke and cigarettes ‚cause these are the things that grabs deep into your pocket. The first thing I bought was an umbrella, though. Even in the summer it rains on average 2-3 days for a few minutes. That would leave a bad impression on some people who visit Ireland. The climate affects the pretty green landscape so should you fly above Europe then take a look out of the window to the small island and be amazed.
Now for some impressions and photos.
A city map, Leap bus card, a Disney classic, comics and a diabetes filled twinkie. That’s all I started my trip with.
Plus the best hot chocolate with marshmallows I’ve ever had by Butlers Chocolate Cafe. A wonder that I didn’t puke my guts out with so much sugar in my veins, because that was not everything. Of all the chocolate selections I’ve tried is Dairy Milk by far the best.
What would a trip to Ireland be without the traditional Fish&Chips in a typical Irish-Pub?
A shockingly weird picture of my drama group or like a buddy of mine once said “Cheer and Roaming in Los Dublin”. Somehow I can’t help it but to think about the movie “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, only the hat is missing.
On the way in the city you can find some interesting things. From lovely stores to street artists and statues. I love the old charm of this city.
The absolutely creative and coolest pub remains in the 27 Westmoreland Street (Cassidy’s Bar). Besides Star Wars and co. you can polish off their Killer Pizza and perpetuate yourself on one of the walls there at the same time.
After a cold Guinness in a bar, up we go to save Atlantis from evil sea monsters and sharks in a XD theater around the corner. The 5D effects are really awesome.
The next day starts again with a good meal exactly in an irish tradition. Sandwiches and a cup of soup are more favored than the typical Fish&Chips in Ireland.
The Book of Kells in the library of the Trinity College counts as one of the oldest and most beautiful sights in Ireland. Even my homestay is very fascinated by it. I feel sorry for those students who have to fight their way through the tourists, though. Luckily, the area is big enough to relax in a quiet corner or on the nice green space. The Trinity College is the oldest university of Ireland. Plus the world heritage document The Book of Kells is preserved and protected there.
In the late 11th century the harp was presumed as a popular instrument by professional musicians and in wealthy circles. The oldest preserved irish harp is the Brian-Boru-Harp inside the Trinity College which originates from the late 14th century. Sadly it has nearly anything to do with the one and only high king Brian Boru. Poets and harp players were always a part of an irish royal court which is why they are still often used as a symbol.
Out of coincidence I came across an inconspicuous side street with a piece of irish history also a small wonder of architecture. The Kilmainham Jail is the most important locale of the irish struggle for independece and freedom. Not only visitors marvel over the well preserved jail but also scenes for many movies were taken here. Among them the 1969’s The Italian Job directed by Peter Collinson which also got a remake in 2003 by director F. Gary Gray.
What would Ireland be without its Guinness? “Guinness doesn’t travel well” as the Irish say. Many irish beer professionals say that a beer has the right taste only if it’s brewed in the water of River Liffrey in Dublin. I investigated even that. Also for people who don’t like beer the museum and the brewery has some interesting things in stock, be it publicity campaigns or the history about the Guinness itself. So you know that a visit has its benefits.
At the end you get a beer on the house and a wonderful view over the brewery and Dublin.
The Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, for this visit you should take your time. Here you can find interesting things in every corner and wonderful statues up to the interior architecture and decor.
After my head was so full of information and visual impressions my stomach made its call. So I took a detour to the Supermac. The fast food restaurant had my attention since the first day, now was the right time for that and I also had some very stubborn neighbours who kept screaming at me. What a tasty little muffin can cause… 😀
And much more foodporn.
On the last day I had to make some purchases for family and friends (Only the things I bought are on the pictures). My grandmother eat the Whiskey Fudge to the last crumb. So I presume they are tasty.
I don’t know what this meal is called but I couldn’t have enough of it. Maybe I gained some weight thanks to homestay, but who cares, I’m in holidays!
Again something for the eye, the Samual Beckett Bridge at sunset. The area is rather quiet at this time of the hour and not much visited. The perfect place to get lost in thoughts and let the impressions of the city pass before the eyes or to relax.
At the beginning of this post I talked about wonderful landscapes which I wouldn’t like to conceal from you. The photos were taken in North Ireland, here are a few. I have put a whole gallery together under Photography. For those who would like to see more, should go there.
After the North-Ireland tour I still visited Belfast. Sadly, I can’t tell much about the city itself. Time was short and I had my leave in the next day. Belfast is the capital of North-Ireland and belongs to the United Kingdom, therefore don’t forget to keep some British Pounds in your pocket because they rarely accept Euro. The painted wall line “Pieces of lines” tell a turbulent history of the city. It divides protestant and catholic residential areas. Oficially, the peace prevails since 1997 but until today there are outrages. Those who would like to keep a piece of history should visit the Titanic Museum. I only had to take the shop where I bought a present for my mother.
It was a very exciting trip, I learned about the culture and mentality of the country and made new friends. I wouldn’t have expected that Ireland inspired and fascinated me so much. For the time being I’ve seen and experienced alot which I wouldn’t want to miss now. If I should visit Ireland again, I’ll be going for the other places along with the secret hints of my homestay of course.
