WHERE WE STAYED:
When we arrived in Dublin we stayed at two Airbnbs. We decided to get into Dublin a day earlier so we had to stay here, but we GREATLY enjoyed our stay at this Airbnb. Not only was it in a great location & very comfortable but the individuals that hosted us we’re amazing. They we’re so welcoming and helpful. The Irish are really great people.
WHERE WE ATE:
The first night we went to an Indian vegetarian restaurant called Govinda’s. There are multiple locations throughout Dublin. You choose what size plate you want and they fill it up with the options at the buffet. The night we went, every option was vegan. I was so happy (!). That day I didn’t eat much because we were on the train and ferry all day. It was nice to have a filling meal the first night in Dublin.
We also went to a Thai restaurant near the college called Yum Thai Noodle Bar. It’s mostly omnivore but they do have a veggie option (veggies, tofu and white rice). Just be sure to ask before you order if the veggie option was cross contaminated with seafood. They have that noted on their menu.
WHAT WE DID:
We went to the Irish Whiskey Museum. (I heard from some locals that it’s new.) We we’re taken on a tour where we learned the history of Irish whiskey. I thought it was fascinating that Bushmills was a distillery ran by a woman. The tour ended with a tasting. Apparently my favorite whiskey of the batch was the “Avril Lavigne of whiskeys.” Oh well. Haha.
Then we went across the street to Trinity College where the Book of Kells is held. The monks who created the Book of Kells put SO MUCH effort into every detail of that book. It was fascinating to learn about it & then finally seeing it.
The Book of Kells is housed in one of Trinity College’s libraries. So on the second floor is The Long Room. The Long Room housed many original publications of books and was a place where many scholars translated books into many languages.
We we’re in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day! So we went to the St. Patrick’s Day parade that runs through the heart of Dublin. It was a very unique hometown type of parade. It was also PACKED, but fun.
We dove into The Porterhouse to have a quick pint and we actually made fast friends with Ray and Ashley. They we’re a joy to be with and we had great conversation. Ireland was the most kind country we’ve been to on this trip.
We also made a point to go to get a print out of our coat of arms. We went to this little shop where the woman was so kind to give us all of the vital information. I’m really intrigued to learn more about my Irish heritage. (The boys both have Scottish and Irish heritage which is very fascinating.)
& that rounds up our stay in Dublin! It was VERY enjoyable city. The Irish are very kind and welcoming. I HIGHLY suggest visiting Ireland. I can’t wait to go back.
– Christina