Benefits of traveling to Ireland
Maybe you remember that recently I have written about benefits of traveling to USA as I visited it only in July 2012 and as well about England which I have visited more times already.
And I also wrote about the reasons of visiting countries such as Canada and Australia that are still on my bucket list. I just love to write about the places I have been to as well as those I really cannot wait to visit.
Writing all those posts I realized that I have visited Ireland a few times in the past but never wrote about it as it was before I started with this blog.
And I have some Irish friends, too. I know, some people say that English in Ireland is very difficult to understand. Well, I guess it depends on each person, right? I know some Irish people who I never had problems to understand to which even surprised myself. But for me, people and their language are always on of the most important things about every place.
Dublin and surroundings
To be honest I only visited Dublin and its surroundings each time I went to Ireland. If I don’t count all the times I landed at Dublin airport when working as a cabin crew, then I could say I visited Dublin city twice, plus more times just not really seeing anything but the airport and a Dublin restaurant/cafeteria for a hot drink to beat the unpleasant rain and the wind.
The time when I scratched the surface of Dublin was back in December 2009 I think when I went there to meet up with a Slovak friend who was living there at that time. Being an expert of the city, he took me around in his car and showed me the main spots, or at least as much as we could without getting frozen on the way.
Apart from the city centre, we also walked around the harbour. I still remember how cold it was that day. I was all wrapped up and each time we stopped, I got a cup of hot green tea or hot chocolate.
in the port
One of the must see’s I think is taking time to go outside of Dublin to the famous Howth Cliff where Baily Lighthouse is located. This is exactly one of those places you can see on TV or in movies that were filmed in Ireland. Yes, ever-green rough cliffs with sea waves crashing into them. I could stay there with wind playing with my hair all day long, listen to the sea and birds above my head. If only I had my tea or chocolate with me :)
Howth cliff with Baily lighthouse
It was not just the city break and the sea during my visit, but we also went to the countryside close to Dublin to see the difference. We got to see a lot of sheep and a cool long waterfall.
cool waterfall
I have this thing for old scary cemeteries so we strolled around Glendalough cemetery near Dublin for a bit until it started raining.
at Glendalough cemetery near Dublin
typical Irish weather at Glendalough cemetery
We also went to Guinness Storehouse even though I don’t drink beer at all. But there is a great view of Dublin from there. And I managed to take a cool pic with the Christmas tree reflection on the glass when taking a photo of Dublin.
view of Dublin with Christmas tree reflection
And inside, I just had to stand in front of all the continents to realize I want to go to all the white dots on the wall :)
with the world map – wait for me at every dot :)
It wouldn’t be a Dublin visit if we didn’t have a look at the beautiful Christmas decorations of the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre too.
inside of Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre
Later on, after watching a beautiful sunset, my friend took me to the viewpoint to see lit Dublin at night too. And on the way back to the city, we saw a burning car. It was the first time ever I saw something like that. Well, one of my Dublin memories.
sunset time
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ The Guy:
I know, next time I will have to explore more of Ireland than just around Dublin ;)
The Guy
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My parents are from Dublin so I spent many a holiday there growing up. Over the years though I’ve learnt to appreciate that the authentic Ireland is beyond the Dublin city borders.
I’m glad you enjoy Ireland so much. Hopefully next time you might have chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Ring of Kerry, the lively feel of Galway, the Donegal Diamond and the great city of Cork.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Agness (@Agnesstramp):
Agness, good that my post makes you want to go to Dublin :) Let me know then what else you visited there, or if just Guinness Storehouse :D
Agness (@Agnesstramp)
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Unfortunately I have not been to neither Dublin nor Ireland, but you convinced me by this article to pack my backpack and go there soon. I see it’s worth going to the Guinness Storehouse. Nothing like having a pint of a good beer with some travellers :).
but might get the chance soon to visit there. Looks like it’s worth it. And I’ll definitely go to the Guinness Storehouse then
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Jarmo:
Haha Guiness Storehouse is visited by many travelers :D Even those who don’t drink it (me).
Jarmo
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Still haven’t visited Dublin or Ireland, but might get the chance soon to visit there. Looks like it’s worth it. And I’ll definitely go to the Guinness Storehouse then ;)
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ NomadTravels:
I know, that’s my biggest problem too … if I go somewhere, I want to enjoy it, and not to wait until it stops raining ;)
NomadTravels
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Alex, your post about Ireland is enough to make me “green” with envy! For some reason I’ve always felt that it would be a great country to cycle around, if I could ever find a season when the weather was “better” or at least not so rainy!
– Nomad
Susan @ Caribbean Cruises
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It’s really a nice view of Dublin. I had a plan to enjoy there with my friends. But couldn’t arrange my time properly because of my busy scheduled. After reading your post I am quite curious to go there this year for sure. Thanks sharing your experience with us. This post make me feel so happy.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Susan, try to enjoy Dublin and the area as much as you can next time ;)
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ OutsideTheGuidebook:
Thanks for your comment! I don’t like rain at all. Unless I am swimming or rafting or something similar, I never enjoy sightseeing with rain so I understand your dad a bit :D
I see everything very well when I type, maybe you need to put more contrast on your screen :P
OutsideTheGuidebook
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I was in Belfast and Dublin with Dad earlier this year, for what passed for summer in the UK. Rain, rain and even more rain. I was ok with it, Dad was convinced it was a wasted trip! lol
Good article and I like your photography here.
BTW, the font for your comments is very light. You might want to darken it up. I can harldy see what I am typing..