Dublin

Return flights from Bristol using ryanair
Date travelled: 9 November 2004

With me being 1/2 Irish, there is no better place to start this Blog and my independent travels than in the Irish capital, Dublin. Within an hours flight from Bristol, Dublin can easily be done in a day, or if you like your Guinness, a weekend! ;)

From the airport, I recommend taking the Airport Express bus 747, direct to the city centre within 30 minutes (current price of €6 for a single). From there, the choice is yours. A good way to get your bearings is to jump on an open-top bus tour, to get properly aquainted. Sights include the infamous post office, scene of the Easter rising of 1916, the former house of playright Oscar Wilde, St. Patricks cathedral, and of course, Dublins #1 tourist attraction: the Guinness factory (entrance €12.60).


The Guinness factory entrance.

The factory gives an excellent insight into how the famous stout is made, then right at the end, the reward of a free pint of the black stuff, with a marvellous view of Dublin city and the Wicklow mountains from the 7th floor glass bar.

The sound of the odd harp, or the flute, playing sweet Gaelic music, is never too far away, especially as you walk down Temple Bar, Dublins party mecca. With its numerous bars serving Guinness by the gallon, or the souvenir shops selling cuddly leprechauns, theres plenty to see or do in this corner of the city, by the river Liffey. (At the time I visited, the price for a pint of the black stuff was €3.95).


A view from Dublin's pedestrian bridge, the "ha'penny" bridge.

As you head back towards O'Connell Street, and the bus back to the airport, you notice a strange looking monument, that you may not have seen previous. The "needle" as it has become known, was built to celebrate the Millenium.


The needle

So if you're looking for an easy going day trip/weekend away, look no further then Dublin!