Ireland…both of em!
St Patrick’s Day and beyond
Why here
March 2019 - My best friend and I decided to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Dublin.
Getting There
I flew Aer Lingus, ORD to DUB.
I made reservations ahead of time to rent a car on arrival. I usually don't like to drive when on vacation, especially in foreign countries and especially in countries that drive on the opposite side of the road. Still, we planned to travel to several destinations around the island, so driving was our best option. This was a straightforward process, with well-known rental car companies available. We had initially chosen a Ford Fiesta through Alamo, but on a fancy whim, decided to upgrade to a BMW 5 series. The drive from the airport to the hotel was only about 20 minutes, but the anxiety from driving for my first time on the left side of the road will likely have lasting scars. Once we arrived at our hotel, we quickly parked it for the next 2 days in a nearby parking garage… because who really wants to experience St Patrick Day in all of its glory while being a responsible driving, not us!
Money Exchange
Euros at DUB airport.
Remember you'll need Pounds for Northern Ireland
Visa
not required for US Citizens
Do note that on your return back to the US, you will need to go through 2 security checks—Dublin security and a US preclearance security and then customs.
Member of EU, but not Schengen. Northern Ireland, thanks to Brexit, is no longer the EU. Also, it is not part of the Schengen Area.
Hotels
In Dublin, we stayed 2 nights at The Fleet, which was right in the Temple Bar district but on the quieter end. This was booked on hotels.com. A bespoke boutique hotel with a large lobby fireplace and quaint bar lobby bar. The room was quite simple, but (by pure luck, Room 358) overlooked Fleet Street, which gave us a prime viewing station for the parade. The temple bar district is perfect for visitors during the St Paddy's celebration as it has countless bars within stumbling distance. It is also very near Trinity College.
The Guinness Storehouse
If you are coming during a time as busy as this, I would definitely purchase tickets ahead online. This wasn't like any other brewery I've been to as there is no guided tour, so we rapidly ascending the many levels to reach the Guinness Academy. Here you are taught how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness and then drink the products of your successful pour.
Hip Hop Brunch
…at Odeon Bar was surprisingly lit. It might have been amplified by a morning of drinking, including that whiskey tasting, but as a true hip hop fan, this party did not disappoint. We came too late for the actual brunch part, but the DJ, crowd, and atmosphere exceeded my expectations of how a black person may perceive a hip-hop party in Dublin.
Besides the once in a lifetime experience of seeing the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, what else is there to do…
The Jameson Distillery
A 'neat' Jameson Distillery's Secret Whiskey Tasting. Set in the Bow St distillery, there are several tours to choose from, this tasting took place in a super quaint yet seductive whiskey room. We tasted 4 whiskeys in total in 40 minutes and learned that putting an ice cube or two in your neat whiskey can make a big difference. One to two of the whiskeys you taste are only available at the distillery or are not available in the States. So, if you are a whiskey enthusiast, I'd recommend getting the Jameson distillery edition, which I haven't found anywhere else.
A fancy dinner at WILDE
Located in the Westbury Hotel. The food was mediocre, but the ambiance was lovely. I’d come back to give the hotel a stay
Find a local bar and watch Rugby while you drink some green beer
We found The Ha' penny Bridge Inn. A bar with locals, rugby on the television, and the obligatory green beer available.
Speakeasy fan?
Vintage Cocktail Club. You can make reservations on OpenTable, which is convenient. Finding the actual address on arrival can be a bit confusing. Once you do find it, ring the bell and wait. There are different levels and even a year-round outdoor patio. Once inside, it's as expected, vintage warm and cozy décor with candlelit drinks.
Get a tattoo
Now it’s time to put that fancy car rental to use and see the country/countries
Destination #1: Cliffs of Moher
About a 3-hour drive from Dublin. It’s often rainy or foggy here.
I would make sure to bring waterproof clothing and any protective gear you may want for your camera. You don't have to walk very far to see the cliffs, but there are paths in either direction of the starting point that will give you more expansive views with varying vantage points. After a few photo ops, we gathered inside the visitor center for lunch and warmth.
Day 1-Time spent: 1/2 day
Destination #2: Ashford Castle
After about a 2 hour drive we arrived at our destination. Once the home of the Guinness family. Now, this 5 star resort is part of the Red Carnation Collection. You can visit for a day trip but if you have the time, I recommend staying at least a night to indulge in the property. Try one of the unique activities like archery or falconry
Day 1-2- Time spent: 1 night and an morning for activities
Destination #3: Northern Ireland and the Giant’s Causeway
We headed north towards Northern Ireland to the Giant's Causeway, stopping for a late lunch in Sligo. After about 5 hours, we arrived at the World Heritage Site. You first find a large museum-like building where you purchase your tickets and audio set tour guide and then head out back to head downhill towards the site. The path is manageable if you have no physical disabilities and allows you to enjoy the audio tour along the way. If you can't walk far distances (1/2 mile to the causeway from the entrance), there is a bus that will take you up and down the hill to the ultimate destination, just make sure you have pounds to pay the fee (1 pound).
The geology of the formation of the columns has to do with lava cooling downward to form basalt, which can crack in hexagonal patterns making the columns.
There is also the Gaelic mythology version, which tells the story of an Irish giant who built this causeway so that he could meet his Scottish challenger across the channel. Tip- make sure you have shoes with good traction if you plan to try to walk out on to or climb the columns.
Day 2- Time spent: 1/2 day
After a very long day traveling we ended our day in Belfast. We started with a quick self guided car tour to visit old city checkpoints, street art and the exterior of the Titanic Museum. After checking into the luxurious and historic Merchant Hotel, we grabbed nightcap #1 in one of the hotel bars. We then ended our night with a walk around the neighborhood and a stop by several bars
Titanic museum
Merchant Hotel
The Cocktail Bar in the Merchant Hotel
Walking through the Cathedral Quarter
General Tips
If I had more time, I would have visited:
1.The Blarney Stone
2.The Book of Kells at Trinity College
3.The town of Waterford and their eponymous crystal factory
4.The Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland
5.The town of Cork
6. The Midleton Distillery
_________
It's often rainy or overcast.
_________
Unless you are coming for St Patrick’s Day or some other alcohol forward celebration, don't pick a hotel in Temple Bar District (do visit though). If I return, I'd stay at the Westbury Hotel.