I spent a week in Ireland during March Break in 2013. The weather was unusually cold even for Ireland. One unfortunate incident where I was pick-pocketed in Dublin didn’t diminish my enjoyment for the trip. The highlights included a visit to the Long Library at Trinity College, day trips to the more rugged west coast, and a drive around the Dingle Peninsula.
Photo Albums:
- Dublin Part I — Dublin is a small city and there are plenty of interesting sites within the downtown area.
- Dublin Part II — City Hall, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and St. Patrick Cathedral.
- Trinity College — the oldest university in Ireland. Trinity college was founded in 1592 modelled after the collegiate universities of Oxford and Cambridge. However, unlike Oxford and Cambridge, Trinity was the only college ever established. So, University Dublin has one college: Trinity.
- Galway and Connemara — Galway is located on western Ireland. During the Celtic Tiger period (1995-2008), this was one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. Connemara is a district northwest of Galway.
- County Clair: Cliffs of Moher and the Burren — It is difficult to capture the majestic Cliffs of Moher with my pocket camera. The tour in the Burren offers a glimpse of a working farm.
- Dingle Peninsula — When I asked my friends who have been to Ireland what sights I should not miss, Dingle Peninsula came up numerous times. There is indeed something magical there. I wish I’d more time to linger and discover some more of the sites there.
City Guide:
The following are online articles I have curated from the City of Dublin. Please let me know (comment box on the bottom of this page) if the link is no longer live.
- Things to do in Dublin: A 48-hour guide (bridgesandballoons.com)
- 40 Unforgettable Experiences to Have in Dublin (Viator Tours)
- Ten things to do in Dublin for free (Rough Guides)
- Literary Activities, Tours and Traditions in Dublin (Kaleidoscopicwandering.com)
- Hip cafes and hot design: exploring the new Dublin (Lonely Planet). Check out the section on the Michelin-starred Greenhouse restaurant.
- Our Top Three Dublin hostels (Dublin Visitor Centre)
Podcasts:
Travel to Ireland – Amateur Traveler Episode 145 — The Amateur Traveler talks to Nick about his adopted country of Ireland: hear about Dublin, Galway and Cork. Learn where you can find Irish history, hear about how Ireland is rapidly changing, and learn where you can find a good pint and some Irish music.
Travel to Ireland – Amateur Traveler Episode 390 — hear about travel to Ireland as Chris, the Amateur Traveler himself, talks about a recent trip to the Emerald Isle. Chris did a driving tour with 7 family members and friends from Dublin to the west point of Ireland and of Europe.