Arriving in Dublin from Norway, I chose an AirBNB on a main street, only a few blocks from the Temple Bar area.
temple-bar
First impression was at the airport. Not sure if it was the travellers or the locals, but there was little regard for personal space. You remain conscience when travelling, of your personal security, including the potential of pickpockets. When the people on the escalator are pressed against you, or passing very very close, your radar goes up for where your wallet, passport and such are. This was certainly the case at Dublin airport, and all the way into the city.
Ireland made the bucket list, looking for the quintessential Irish Pub experience, along with it’s history. The Irish seem furiously proud of their whiskey heritage, and if it isn’t whiskey, then it’s Guiness. Not being a Whiskey drinker, and only indulging any beer to be social, perhaps I missed more about this experience; but it was still fascinating to do the Irish Whiskey Experience and the Guiness Storehouse tours while in Dublin. You don’t need to be a drinker to appreciate the craftsmanship and passion behind the product. As elsewhere just click the hyperlinks to read more about those tours.
Other highlights of Dublin included visits to Dublin Castle, Trinity College and the Book of Kells and Kilmainham Gaol.
On the way to Kilmainham Gaol, I came across the Brazen Head Pub, pictured below; and enjoy a pub lunch in this historic hotel. It dates back to 1198 and is officially Irelands oldest pub. A great atmosphere & good lunch.
My bucket list experience, the quintessential Irish Pub, came after visiting Guiness. A very thoughtful cabbie suggested 3 pubs off the tourist strip where such an experience may be available. Mulligans, another and The Confession Box. Mulligans certainly had the atmosphere, the other was unmemorable, and then a little walk further and I arrived at a small pub with a famous history, The Confession Box. Here it was, unpretentious, 1 lady serving and being cheeky with her regulars, who politely asked me what I will be having. No sooner had I opened my mouth, my accent gave me away. Finding a seat at the bar, a couple of local blokes engaged in conversation, and hours later and a few rounds enjoyed, I consider this was a quintessential Irish Pub experience. Great feel, friendly locals, cold beer; and being made to feel welcome. Thanks Alan & Tom !
WILT – What I am listening to ?
Don’t try to read too much into these WILT’s, it’s often just that earworm from my music library