A Dublin City Guide

I respect beans on toast. Guinness in Dublin tastes better (obviously). And live Irish music can make anyone want to do a jig. These are a few things I learned in Ireland.

A short flight North and we were embraced by colder temperatures and a welcoming spirit.

Funny how you write certain things off in life, Dublin was one for me. A place I thought I may see 20 years from now. Not high enough on my travel list that I’d be sure to visit while young.

One spontaneous flight and my opinion shifted. The weekend proved to be one of my favorite travel experiences thus far.

Friday began with a stroll along the river Liffey to the main town center. Pub after pub the city unfolded in bright emeralds, red brick, and a strange familiarity.

Dublin is a walkable city with a vibrant spirit.

Overflowing with beer and live music, the iconic Temple Bar was just the spot to kick things off.

A hop and a skip landed us at 2 other local pubs, one being the Stag’s Head. In the basement a lively crowd jeered on as a man plucked away at his guitar and rattled off traditional songs for his countrymen til the wee hours.

Saturday morning called for a traditional Irish breakfast at the Beanhive. A small cottage of a spot in Old Town- their Super Breakfast came with a Cappucino painted with chocolate.

I’m still dreaming if it’s sweetness.

The out came beans and toast, hot sausage, fried eggs and mushrooms. Our hearts, and stomachs were full.

Next we stopped at a Celtic jeweler for the classic Irish cladagh ring for my friend.

Dashing through the rain we made our way to Trinity College and admired its architectural diversity. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth, the university is steeped in history.

You can see the original harp of Ireland and the Book of Kells in the school’s old library.

As a Sally Rooney fan, I envisioned Marianne and Connell (from her novel ‘Normal People’) around every corner.

I treated myself to a new moleskin journal in the bookstore.

The city is chalk full of literature and booze, perhaps the two go hand in hand.

Next came a stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s said that he performed his first baptism in Ireland here.

On our walk back a smattering of brightly colored doors broke the symmetry of the Georgian architecture near Merrion Square.

We marveled at hues of pepto bismel pink, lemon yellow, green and cerulean. They once housed society’s elite, the likes of which includes the poet W.B. Yeats and Oscar Wilde.

Steeped in legend the doors are thought to have been painted in defiance of mourning Queen Victoria.

Others say they began as a way to keep their neighbors from stumbling home to the wrong house.

Next, we headed across town in time for our tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Our fingers on the pulse of the country’s culture.

Six stories up in the shape of a pint of beer, the storehouse takes a comprehensive look at the founding, creation and advertising history of the beer.

All I can remember is they roast barley, if there was a test on the fermentation process I would not pass.

But I would ace the taste test with flying colors..if it was based on quantity of dark beers consumed. I set a personal record.

The tour is ends with a pint at the gravity bar on the top floor and a 365 degree view of the city. At sunset. Simply lovely.

To walk off the Guinness, we headed to Ireland oldest pub, The Brazen Head. It dates back to 1198 AD.

…I’m sure Irish stew tasted just as good back then.

Finally we capped the weekend off with a trip to Murphey’s Ice Cream and sampled flavors like Irish brown bread and Irish coffee.

We left the country with a sweet taste on our tongues and satisfied in heart and soul.

Sláinte (cheers) Dublin, ’til we meet again.