A FOUR LEAF CLOVER: DUBLIN PICTURES
My Dublin Music Playlist
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MY VIDEO LOGS & JOURNAL
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After seeing the majority of the Republic for more than a week, the endless countryside, and the eclectic towns, there was only one place left; Dublin. I chose to visit Dublin last for a number of reasons. Here are my big three:
1. To Put it in Perspective: A lot of people have been to Dublin and nowhere else in Ireland. They talk like they know everything there is to know about the country off one major city. I didn't want to be jaded by the city. By no means am I saying that spending a little over 2 weeks in a country makes me an "expert". I do think that making an honest effort to learn about the countryside, local customs, and less traveled towns gives you a better understanding though. Cities are still a representation of the countries they reside in but due to our age of "global society" there are a myriad of other cultures and influences in cities which make up their identity. Now, I got a chance to see "Irish culture" interact in this new globalized urban environment.
2. To Stay on Budget: Anyone who travels frequently knows that major cities generally incur higher costs than rural areas. From my experience this has been the rule rather than the exception. By visiting the major city last, you are already at the end of your budget. It will help to keep you honest, not going overboard too early on the trip. Small towns and rural areas don't have a ton of money draining activities and services to get carried away with. Sure, you might still go over budget, however, it will be more abundantly clear and you will probably make smarter financial choices than arriving in the city with a full wallet. 3. It's an Exciting Finisher: Ending your last few days in a major city helps you to realize how much you don't know about the country. It serves as an exciting culmination event with the most activities and you will leave with a broad sense of contrast and complexity. Doing this always taught me that there is more than meets the eye about a country than you originally thought. Your left with a sense of fulfillment and a unique cultural understanding you can't get visiting the city alone. |
Dublin was chalk full of attractions, restaurants, and oddities that could make your head spin. Some great locations included, Grafton St., Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Bewley's Oriental Cafe est. 1840, The Pigs Ear, Trinity College, National History Museum, Temple Bar, Guinness Brewery, and the Jameson Distillery to name a few.
One of the biggest highlights of our time in Dublin was the street performers and the bustling pub atmosphere which was drastically different from what we experienced in the small town pubs of the countryside. Though I found the pubs in downtown Dublin a bit touristy, the energetic hustle and bustle was a pleasant contrast with what we had come across thus far. It definitely made me want to have a good night out. Unless you have some serious money to blow DO NOT try and get drunk at these places. Even if you have the money I wouldn't suggest it. With the average pint costing you from 5 to 8 EUR you will go broke fast. I would suggest some pre-gaming before leaving your hotel for the double decker bus; perhaps a fine whiskey lol. It worked like a charm for us.
Got a quick shot of a bustling intersection.
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