Dublin Will Be Written into My Heart
There are many, many countries that I want to visit. However, I’m drawn more powerfully to some more than others. Ireland is definitely on the “some” side of things. I’m not sure if it’s the lush green heathlands, or all the myth and magic I’ve read about since I was a child. Regardless, Ireland is definitely top three for me, hands down. So as we leave Dublin Airport behind us, I’m more than ready to explore the myth, magic, modernity that Dublin has to offer.
Attractions
Howth: Pittsburgh is 262 years old. Howth boasts being at least 9000 years old! Excuse me while my brain glitches. Howth also has Howth Castle, and as a girl raised in the Disney golden era, I never say “no” to a castle.
Malahide: Beautiful coastal views? Check. Medieval castle? Check. The castle grounds also have a Fairy Trail that seems to be geared towards children, but surely they wouldn’t kick me out if I showed up sans progeny?
Brú na Bóinne: If Inverness has the Callanish Stones, then Dublin has Brú na Bóinne, which is a mix of a bunch of different Neolithic structures. Visiting this site would be really interesting because of the history, but—not gonna lie—I really want to touch one of the structures to see if I can transported hundreds of years into the past. #HowCanIResist?
Kilmainham Gaol: When somebody asks, “What did you do in Ireland?” I’d really like to be able to reply, “Oh, I just went to jail.”
Guinness Storehouse: Because I’m pretty sure that, if you visit Ireland and don’t do something Guinness-related, the authorities arrest you when you try to leave the country.
Samhain: Halloween is the best holiday. Don’t even fight me on this. So how could I not take the chance to celebrate the best holiday in the place where it all started?
Honourable Mentions
Restaurants
For Asian fusion: Cleaver east. Two words: bottomless drinks.
For a break: Third Space. Tourist-ing can be exhausting. You’re on your feet all day, for one thing. For another, you’re constantly doing something. Third Space is a place that encourages socializing and hanging out, which makes it a great place to hydrate, find sustenance, and take a load off.
For tea: The Lord Mayor’s Lounge. Is there anything classier than Afternoon Tea? I really don’t think so. Except maybe having Afternoon Tea and doing that classy pinky lift.
For variety: Temple Bar Food Market. A food market and a book market in one place? Was this place made for me?
For traditional music: Cobblestone. Pubs are a must-see when visiting Ireland. The slogan for this particular pub is, “a drinking pub with a music problem,” and that sense of humor (oops, I mean humour) alone is enough to make this my most favorite pub that I’ve never been to.
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