The Emerald Isle // Dublin

When a trip includes both cities and countryside, our preference is usually to start in the bustling city and end in the quiet countryside. The Emerald Isle was no exception as we started in the capital of Dublin. After finally entering the country (an hour in a standstill line at immigration), we hopped on a bus from the airport to get to our hotel near the city center. From there, we were able to walk about, and when I think of Dublin in particular, I am reminded of a city with almost a small feel to it. 

Uneven cobblestone.

The bridges spanning the River Liffey. 

Historic churches, including the site where St. Patrick baptized local converts.

Flowers in bloom.

The man at St. Stephen's Green who almost had me singing Feed the Birds from Mary Poppins.

Trinity College, where the Book of Kells, an early manuscript (A.D. 800) of the gospels in Latin is kept.

Passing rugby matches.

Being cozied up at a corner table for midday flat whites, cocoa, and a sea salt and caramel brownie at a local coffee shop.

Colorful doors.

Pubs on every corner.

The legendary Guinness Storehouse with it's incredible views of the city and Wicklow Mountains from the Gravity Bar. Savings tip: Book tickets online to skip the line and save 10%. We did just that while standing in the long line. 

Beef + Guinness stew and fish + chips at The Brazen Head, Ireland's oldest pub established in 1198.

The lively streets and music in the pubs by night. The same streets that were absolutely quiet the next morning. 

O'Connell Bridge spanning the River Liffey

St. Patrick's Cathedral, built on the site where St. Patrick baptized local pagan converts.

St. Stephen's Green

Trinity College

Flat whites and cocoa at 3fe.

The Temple Bar

The Porterhouse, Dublin's first pub brewery opened in 1996.

Christ Church Cathedral, the same site as the first wooden church built on this spot by King Sitric.

One of our favorite things in Dublin was a visit to the Guinness Storehouse.

The city views from the Gravity Bar were incredible.

The view of the Wicklow Mountains from the Gravity Bar.

Christ Church Cathedral

The Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Ireland established in 1198.

Beef  + Guinness stew and fish + chips for dinner.