As we approached our last day in Dublin, we wondered if we had anything left to see. After all, we'd hit the high points in the visitors guide. But I'm glad we had that extra day, because it was just the kind of leisurely vacation day we needed after all that running around. ]]>
We woke up at around 7:00 a.m. on Monday morning and went to the hotel fitness center, which was well-appointed, and then got cleaned up and headed out for a day of hardcore Dublin sightseeing. Today was the day we would explore the north side of the River Liffey, so we started out with breakfast and coffee at a joint called Panem, just across the river on Lower Ormond Quay. The coffee was good and the frittata was delicious, even though they didn't heat it up. ]]>
We decided to visit a historic old pub called O'Donoghue's, which is famous for helping launch the Irish folk group The Dubliners. We took a table in the outdoor courtyard. The weather was steadily improving, and there was what the BBC forecaster called a "Cornish sun" in the sky, burning brightly but veiled by gray and white clouds. It felt like spring. ]]>
We've been back in New York a full day now, so I'd better get my thoughts on Dublin down before they fade away like that last pesky hour of jet lag. After all, time in the Irish capital can seem a blur, and not just because of the ever-flowing pints of stout. It's a city of sensory overload, with so much to behold that it takes a concerted effort not to bump into people on the sidewalk. Okay, the Guinness may be a contributing factor, but Dublin impressed us and exceeded our expectations at every turn, and the five days we spent there were as fleeting as they were fun. ]]>
All this week, Jaunted contributor CMB will be giving us notes on her Dublin Field Trip. Any questions or suggestions? Let us know.
Returning from our trip to Ireland last week, everyone wanted to know, “what’s the biggest difference between Ireland and the U.S.?” Here it is, drum roll please… they drive on the left. Disappointed? Yeah, we were too but it is a major difference and a tricky one for Americans in tiny rental cars. Luckily for you, we made plenty of mistakes driving on the wrong side of the road so that now you can learn from them.
First, even in if you rent a GPS with your rental car (they run around €5 a day), buy a map; better yet, buy two maps, one for the whole country and a separate one of Dublin. For whatever reason, the GPS always seems to go rogue at the worst possible time so it’s a good idea to have a backup plan.
Most rentals in Ireland are manual transmission. You will pay more for standard transmission but if that is what you drive at home, buck up and pay the extra money. It is difficult enough pulling out of the airport trying to remember what lane to be in, let alone trying not to stall, this is no time to be cheap. Outside of Dublin, there are roundabouts everywhere, remember traffic coming from the right-hand side has the right of way. ]]>
All this week, Jaunted contributor CMB will be giving us notes on her Dublin Field Trip. Any questions or suggestions? Let us know.
Right up there with the Guinness Store and the Blarney Stone when it comes to must-see tourist traps in Ireland are The Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs, located on a four-mile stretch of the western coast between Shannon and Galway, are over seven hundred feet high at their topmost point, from the ramparts to the sea level of Liscannor Bay.
Photo ops of the area include O'Brien’s tower, built at the highest point by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Ireland's High King Brian Boruin in 1835. On the rare clear day at The Cliffs you can see all the way to the Aran Islands and Galway Bay from the tower. There is also a paved path with a safety wall to walk along part of the cliffs, but brave souls can enjoy a worn walking path beyond that. ]]>
All this week, Jaunted contributor CMB will be giving us notes on her Dublin Field Trip. Any questions or suggestions? Let us know.
If touring a castle in Ireland just isn't enough and leaves you wanting more, then why not sleep in a castle? it's the easiest way to live out your fantasy of being a royal, and you're in luck because there are plenty regal Irish castles that have been turned into luxury hotels.
One of the best castles-turned-hotels is the Dromoland Castle in Co Claire, just a few minutes from Shannon, making it easily accessible via the Shannon International Airport. It's also an excellent home base for visiting tourist traps in western Ireland, like the Cliffs of Moher and of course the Blarney Stone. ]]>