I think that all avid travelers notice that there are cities that you fall in love with at first sight; there are those that open up gradually. And there are those to whom the soul, despite all the beauty, somehow remains indifferent. I liked Dublin immediately and forever!
This is a magnificent city, immersed in greenery and majestic castles. Dublin itself is very beautiful, although it is almost always cloudy, but this is a feature of Ireland.
Dublin is a peculiar village of large dimensions. The houses are probably not higher than the tenth floor. There is no city fuss, crammed markets, and shops. Everywhere is clean, both on the streets and in the shopping centers. There are not many cars. Basically, tourist and scheduled buses and taxis (there are plenty of them).
Somehow, I was immediately captured by the atmosphere that reigned on the streets of the city - a lot of people, a lot of tourists, but somehow it doesn’t bother me, it seems that there is enough space for everyone here.
WHAT TO SEE IN DUBLIN
Dublin is a very compact, modern, and comfortable city with a huge number of architectural monuments. The oldest church (Orthodox Church of Jesus Christ) dates back to the 12th century. The interior decoration is rich and elegant, and in the basement of the church there is a crypt, which is typical for many churches and cathedrals in Ireland. The main cathedral of the country is St. Patrick's Cathedral, the symbol of the Irish capital. Not as rich as the previous one, but also of great interest.
In addition, in the center you will find a huge number of museums, monuments, parks, shops, for every taste and budget.
I can’t say that the embankment is somehow very interesting; on both sides of the river there is just a sidewalk, buildings, cafes, shops. But the bridges across the river are all different. There are a lot of them.
Grafton Street is the central pedestrian street where all musicians, artists, dancers and representatives of various art forms gather. It has a large number of shops and restaurants with junk food (Burger King, Subway, etc.). At the beginning of the street is St. Stephen's Park, where you can take a walk, lie on the grass, sit by the pond, feed the ducks or swans, or just have a bite to eat, taking the same sandwich with you. By the way, the Irish themselves most often do just that. During their lunch break, they take their boxed lunches and go to the park to eat.
The main attractions of Dublin: Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Phoenix Park, O'Connell Street, Guinness Beer Museum, Garden of Remembrance, Temple Bar.
The weather is a very changeable phenomenon. In the summer, in the morning it can be +14 and rainy, and in the afternoon the bright sun and +23 - +25. It is better to always take an umbrella with you. You never know where and at what moment it will rain, even if it is often short-term. The Irish themselves use raincoats and wear them over their clothes even in sunny weather. At first it looked funny, and then they got used to it) by the way, you can buy a raincoat in any souvenir shop. Irish gifts are literally on every corner, and the choice of souvenirs is very diverse.
Beer pubs at every step, there is always live music. The main street of Temple Bar with the famous bar of the same name is what you will visit if you come to Dublin. The whole families go there, adults sit at tables, and children rush around the pubs.
On the same street, we recommend visiting the cheerful, homely, “The Oliver St. John GoGarty”. Bar on 2 floors with different Irish music. Every day different performers are presented there. Here, in one of the evenings, they watched Irish dances. That was a truly amazing sight, so much energy and talent! This theatrical show has long remained in my memory.
Anyone who wants can leave them a tip. Beer flows like water in Dublin, everyone drinks it: both young and those who are already in old age, in solid suits and those with a beard! I'm not surprised if the men's beard fashion came from here. The most popular beers are Guinness and Smithwicks. If you happen to visit, be sure to try the blackcurrant Guinness, thick and sweet, not at all like beer, but it is a local attraction.
On the second floor, in the same "The Oliver St. John GoGarty" you can visit the national Irish restaurant. The portions are big! There is a huge selection on the menu - you can't try everything! Prices are not the lowest, but everything is very tasty!
There are many international tourists and many tourist offices where you can buy any excursion. There were tourists from Canada, Iceland, Argentina, and Alaska! The Japanese, Koreans and Chinese, as always, walk around with their cameras around their necks.
Lots of souvenir shops. The most popular souvenir shop is Carrolls. Prices for souvenirs at Dublin Airport are exactly the same as in the city! Usually, at the airport, everything is many times more expensive! And here - everything is for the people!
For lovers of shopping, you will find a huge number of shops in the O'Connell Street area and the streets adjacent to it. There is also a very large shopping center in Dandrum where you can buy absolutely everything, and during discount periods (July, January) you can easily find a branded item at an affordable price.
We didn't know what Irish cuisine was until we arrived in Dublin. The Irish add black pepper to all dishes (soup, salad, meat, and garnish). In general, everything is extremely spicy.
Water, by the way, has a high price, and they save it. Fresh water is brought to the island. It is expensive, so the Irish are obsessed with saving this resource, and the same applies to electricity.
ON THE FINAL NOTE
It's impossible not to fall in love with this country. You know, I have the impression that this is the most comfortable country in the world. As if right at the exit from the airport you are met and wrapped in a warm, soft green blanket. After seeing everything with my own eyes and hearing everything with my own ears, I don't doubt for a second that Ireland truly deserves the title of "The Emerald Isle". The beauty of these places can only be compared with the most wonderful fairy tale.
I didn’t just like the city – it immediately won my heart! If you have the opportunity, visit this wonderful city. Its splendor will remain in your memory for a long time.
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Thank you for reading. You are always welcome to check my posts.
All photos are original, made by me @lili255 .
"Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular" - R. T. BENNETH.
With love @lili255