European Travels: Dublin, Ireland

I went to Dublin, Ireland with roommates Nikki and Tiffany. We went in February and the first thing that came over me was the relief that we were hearing English again! It was our one trip that was home away from home! It was so nice to eat food that did not consist of pizza or pasta. Lots of potatoes! It was delicious! I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would hang out and drink at a pub with Irishmen! It was quite the experience! While we were here, we bought a hop on-hop off bus pass. This allowed us to travel by bus all day long to many different sites! It was definitely worth the money!

First time experience,driving on the opposite side of the road! I got a kick out of this. The shuttle driver that picked us up was quite amused with us. When crossing the street, they have on the sidewalk LOOK with an arrow because many people are used to traffic coming from the left, not the right!

In front of Dublin Castle! We didn't get a chance to go in, but we were able to go in the court yard. Buildings such as this one are very Medieval and plain inside. It's funny going from Rome which every church and building is covered in paintings, to somewhere like Ireland where their walls are quite bare.

When in Dublin... Everyone drinks Guiness!! I learned very quickly that I am not a Guiness fan, but sucked it up to not offend the locals. This was our first night in a real Irish pub!! It was so surreal! And it was so cool to hear them playing the bagpipes in the pub!

One of the most popular places in Dublin: Temple Bar! This area is lined with pubs and restaurants! People walk around happy as can be singing and having a good time. We had a drink in a pub here! And I have never been to a place to proud of their heritage. Everywhere you go there are flags, country colors, and old sayings about loving being Irish!

Interesting artwork in Dublin!

Christ Church Cathedral. One of the two biggest Cathedral's in Dublin.

Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was pretty surreal being here as well. I was quite surprised at all of the random antiques they had in this church. Tables, doors, picture frames, etc. from famous Dubliners which are preserved in this church. It also designates an entire wall to World War II survivors and those who had lost their lives.

In front of Guinness Storehouse and Brewery! This was one of my top favorites in Dublin. The storehouse is set up to educate the public about the process of making Guinness. It has seven floors, and the top floor is a glass dome which you relax and drink your complementary Guinness!

In the Guinness Storehouse. One of the main ingredients: water! All of this water is processed and used to make the Guinness. Also included are hops, yeast, and barley.

On the 7th floor of Guinness Storehouse. Everyone sits and drinks there beers. (I admit that after all the Guinness drinking, I opted for coca-cola).Can't leave Ireland without seeing men in skirts! Most of them are Scottish and were there for a big rugby game!