Since there was no consensus when I asked my readers group where I should start blogging on the places we’ll see on the #ancientbrigidtour2023, I’ll start with Dublin. (Everyone chose a different spot! I should have known!)
Dublin is where most people fly in and out of Ireland. A little history: Dublin was founded by the Vikings, more accurately the Norse, in the mid 9th century. The name, Dubh Linn, means black pool. The name came about because the River Liffey joined the River Poddle (which is now underground) and formed a basin darkened by peat. The rivers, the dense forest they found, made a suitable base for them to carry on their maurading through the island. Thus, Dublin grew into a city.
The Republic of Ireland’s capital, Dublin is today a bustling city with a European feel distinct from the rest of the island. There are many immigrants living there. Dublin has museums, public transport, government and bank buildings, lots of shopping, pubs, and restaurants. The urban population is just under two million people. It’s the largest city in all of Ireland. For reference that’s similar to the metropolitan population of Nashville. If you think of places like Chicago and New York City, Dublin is nowhere close to the size of those cities. I was amazed when flying in that you could see fields with sheep not far at all from the city.
There is no shortage of things to do in Dublin. Some of the most popular sites are Trinity College, The Guinness Storehouse (which gives tours and offers a view of the city from its rooftop), Temple Bar area (lovely to look at but I hear the drinks are overpriced), Dublin Castle (the administrative center of the government), St. Stephen’s Green (a lovely garden in the middle of the city with historic monuments and lots of swans), Jameson Distillery, the Irish Whiskey Museum, The National Museum of Ireland, Phoenix Park with its wild deer and the Dublin Zoo, The National Botanic Gardens, The Chester Beatty Library (with books older than the Book of Kells, and many other interesting things, and free too), Christ Church Cathedral, National Gallery of Ireland, Grafton Street (shopping and more!)… someone stop me. There is even more!
I’ll start with what we’re most likely to see on this trip, although you’ll have some free time to choose as well. I like to have a map, so here’s one for you.
St. Stephen’s Green and shopping. If you’re up for a little walking, you’ll like this. The photos below were taken in April, the same month our tour in 2023 will be. I took them through a live, virtual tour given by Heygo.com
Just outside of St. Stephen’s Green you’ll find several interesting attractions. The Dublin Doors. You’ve probably seen posters of these. They really are colorful. I don’t know how true it is but I’ve heard the reason they are all painted different colors is so that when someone came home from a night drinking at the pub they could find the right door. This makes sense even without the drinking part. I grew up on a street where most of the houses were identical. I once came home from school and marched right into the neighbor’s house. If they’d all had different color doors, the problem would have been solved. Leave it to the Irish to think of that!
There is a shopping center (or centre as they spell it over there) right across from the park. See the top left corner on the map above. Click here for a list of some of the shops. I’m planning on going back to this store. My husband bought me a Celtic cross pin from this shop. Who’s going with me?
On the map above you’ll notice two museums nearby. I’ve never been to them, they may not have been there during my last trip. Maybe this time! The Little Museum of Ireland also gives guided tours. One of them is of St. Stephen’s Green.
The Museum of Literature Ireland is also nearby. They give historic house tours, have a garden, and a cafe. From their web site:
Immerse yourself in the sounds of Irish storytelling across the centuries, trace the footsteps of James Joyce’s Dublin, and encounter rare gems from the National Library of Ireland, including ‘Copy No. 1’ of Ulysses.
Changing exhibitions include a look at the connections between Irish literature and international cities, starting with Paris, and a contemporary commissions gallery featuring a new film work by Alan Gilsenan.
That should fill an afternoon if not a whole day! In part two I’ll talk about some other sites in Dublin. If there is something you’re especially curious about, leave a comment and I’ll try to help.
