My first visit to the Emerald Isle was short and efficient. I had read so much about Ireland and didn’t have so much time, so I wanted to experience as much as possible in a 3 days timespan, while taking my time to do simple things. I conceive travel as a way to experience daily life for the first time, thanks to a new culture and environment.
Ha'penny Bridge at night, DublinI decided to stay in
Dublin and its surroundings, as it offers many things to do, whether you're in for a city experience or for the landscapes. I first arrived at Dublin airport, took the Airlink bus on the way to the center.
Trinity College,
The Ha’Penny Bridge and
Temple Bar were my first steps in the city of Dublin. My first meal had to be an Irish Stew with a pint of Guinness in a pub.
Howth Cliff Walk and Howth Head, Co. Dublin.
Since it was sunny that day, I randomly decided to go see the coastal village of
Howth. I didn’t know back then that I was going to be rewarded with such an impressive sunset. The town is easily reachable by the DART train in less than 30 minutes, which I took from the Connolly station. I went all the way to the end of the
Howth Cliff Path, where the lighthouse was located. I was almost on my own.
Aerial view of the monastic site of Glendalough, Co WicklowOn the second day, I booked a tour to
Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. The tour guide was extremely friendly and had that bit or Irish humor. Since there were only a few stops, we had plenty of time at the monastic city of Glendalough and I didn’t feel rushed. We also stopped at Lough Tay, the Guinness Lake.
The upper lake and the valley of Glendalough, Co. WicklowTo wrap it up, Dublin and its surroundings is perfect to have a sneak peak of Ireland, especially if you come here for the first time or for a short stay and don't feel like renting a car. It is possible to have sea cliffs, mountains, historical sites and city experience all at once.