Dublin

In September 2016, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the lovely city of Dublin. Unfortunately, I only had a short amount of time there before going on another adventure, so I made the most out of it. I was immediately captivated by the old but vibrant city. With its rich culture and friendly citizens, the capital of Ireland is an amazing place to visit for a 24 hours lay-over. Especially if you love beer, but we will get to that latter.

1. 8h00: Wake up at The Dawson Hotel, on Dawson street. Get ready for the day in your spacious bathroom and head downstairs.

2. 8h30: You can either eat your breakfast at the hotel's restaurant or head outside for a cute coffee shop. Just a bit further down the street is a well-known breakfast place: Beanhive. There, you can eat a classical full-Irish breakfast or an healthy pudding, but don't forget to get yourself one of their famous latte with chocolate art. All of that, without breaking the bank. Yum.

3. 9h00: Now that you are full of black pudding, it's time to sweat off those calories. Go up on Dawson street until you reach Nassau street, where you will turn right. There it is; the Trinity College! Enter the University and head for the library, where you will find the Books of Kells, Ireland's national treasure. But these complex gospels books aren't the only treasure you will find; head to the Long room. By 9h00, the library is almost empty, so take your time to explore. If you are a total library and book freak like myself, you will immediately fall in love with this place. Seriously, I would sell everything I have to move in that room. I could read books until the day I die. If you are not as much as a nerd as I am, you can still enjoy your time by admiring all the work behind the structure and the impressive collection of books. After spending not enough time there, you will start to see a massive flow of tourists pouring in, so get out and explore the campus.

4. 10h00: Exit by Nassau street and continue on the road until you reach Clare Street, which you will take. You will stumble upon Oscar Wilde's house at Merrion Square. Even though it is an important part on the Irish literature scene, the house isn't well indicated, so keep an eye out.

5. 10h15: Turn right on Merrion square and right again on St-Shephen's green. You will then see St-Stephen's green park, where the Irish Citizen Army tried to overthrow the British on Easter Monday in 1916. The lovely park is overflowing with botanical wonders and a surprising history. Take your time to walk through it.

6. 10h45: Exit on Harcourt street until your reach Dicey's garden. That road is renowned for its multiple colourful doors, where you can take pictures to your heart's content.

7. 11h00: Come back on Kevin Street and turn left. On your right, you will reach a small road called St-Patrick's Close, that you will take. Here it is; St-Patrick's Cathedral. This impressive cathedral has been standing for the last 800 years and has been called the "people's church" since way back. The architecture is a jewel in itself. I highly recommend checking it out.

8. 11h20: You will come back on Kevin Street (now called the Coombe) and continue until you reach its end. Turn right on Pimlico and left on School street. There you are; the Guiness Storehouse! I know, it is kind of early to drink a beer, but what the heck! You are in Ireland after all. Also, there won't be many visitors this early, you will be free to roam in the brewery. The inevitable storehouse building explains all about the history behind the label and its quirky commercials. You will also get a Guiness at the end of the tour at the Gravity Bar, where you can admire all of Dublin (and take a few selfies).

9. 13h00: You must be pretty hungry by now, especially after a beer. Exit the brewery on Bellevue street and turn left on Crane Street.  Continue until you reach Thomas street, where you will turn right. In front of you there should be Arthur's pub. In this pub, you will find the classic Irish meal, with a modern twist on the decor. And why not take another beer while you're at it? They have a wide selection of local brews to taste.

10. 15h00: Continue on Thomas street for a while until you encounter a massive gothic cathedral. You are at Christ Church Cathedral, home of the aristocrats' faith since 1030. This splendid church is worth a visit, take your time.

11. 16h00: Head on Dame street and turn right on Palace street. You will reach a strange building with multiples wings, each looking like they belong to a different era. Dublin Castle also has its share of Irish history and is home to a beautiful library and garden.

12. 17h00: Go back on Dame street and turn left on the small alley called "Fownes Uper street", then immediately right on Cope street and left on Crown Alley. You are now in the Temple Bar area, where a flow of young Dublin citizens is hanging out. Explore the cute shops and head to the Old Storehouse. Prior to my stay in Dublin, I had heard great things about this restaurant, but I never knew I'd have the best chicken wings of my entire life there! Seriously, try them, they are delicious. Well, there are other things on the menu that are also quite good, and a musician playing songs every night.

13. 19h00: Now that your stomach is full and your head full of music, head to another Dublin symbol; the Molly Malone Statue. Located on the corner of Church Lane and Suffolk street, the statue was erected in 1987 for the first millennium of the city. The girl's statue is inspired by the city's unofficial hymn, a song about a young fishmonger.

14. 19h30: Now that the visit is finished, it is time to go back to the hotel. If you are up to it, I would recommend a bar called "The Duke" to experience  good Irish hospitality. And a glass of Whiskey.

Hope you liked my 24 hour guide of the capital of Ireland. It is an unforgettable city with many treasures. I loved my time there and will surely be back soon.

Enjoy,

The little traveller's boots

Xox