I struggled to find the magic of Dublin: visiting for work limited my exploration time. Staying centrally I found limited options for breakfast before eight or eight-thirty, no bookshops open before 10 or after 6, and the ice cream from Dingle (where my grandfather grew up) wasn’t great. Architecturally it felt a little dull. Trinity College is lovely but I’ve seen its type a hundred times before. I was surprised by how small Dublin is, how quickly it becomes a suburb, and at the state of the housing stock. There are tiny terraced cottages really quite central of the sort you would find in the smaller suburban towns in England.
Get the Dart to Howth and walk up to the Head for the view of the bay and Dublin. In spring the heady aroma of the heather is intoxicating. Also get the Dart to Bray. It's one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. If you are lucky you might see a Dolphin. Also eat in the local fast food chains like SuperMac and AbraKebabra.
Let me know if you ever come to Brussels, because that really is a city that you need a local (or long-time resident) to guide you through. Otherwise you'll be trapped in a faux-medieval touristy nightmare.
Get the Dart to Howth and walk up to the Head for the view of the bay and Dublin. In spring the heady aroma of the heather is intoxicating. Also get the Dart to Bray. It's one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. If you are lucky you might see a Dolphin. Also eat in the local fast food chains like SuperMac and AbraKebabra.
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind for next time!
Howth is just beautiful.
I would also highly recommend the walk to Poolbeg lighthouse.
Visited Dublin last year and quite enjoyed it. Stayed in Sandymount, where Stephen Dedalus takes a memorable walk on the beach.
Let me know if you ever come to Brussels, because that really is a city that you need a local (or long-time resident) to guide you through. Otherwise you'll be trapped in a faux-medieval touristy nightmare.