A few months back when our friends invited us to join them on a trip up to Ireland to bring in the New Year, our response was impulsively "sure...sounds like fun!". After all, starting off the New Year with some Irish luck is generally a good idea, right?
The overall plan was to fly into Dublin, spend a few days seeing the sights while also bringing in the New Year, and then finally head up to Northern Ireland to see Belfast and explore the coastline.
Stepping off the plane we were immediately reminded that visiting Ireland in the winter requires some serious warm clothing and a heavy wool jacket to fight off the strong wind and occasional rain. The weather was no matter however.....nothing was going to deter a few kids from Montana and Seattle from discovering Ireland.
The next stop for our self-guided walking tour was the Dublin Castle. This castle dates back to 1230 where King John of England ordered a fortification with strong walls and deep ditches be constructed to protect the city from invasions while also providing security for the King's treasure.
Of course if you visit Dublin, you should venture out to the world-famous St. James Gate Brewery where they brew Guinness beer. The brewery was founded in 1759 and became the largest brewery in Ireland in 1838 and later, the largest in the world in 1914. Today the brewery is the world's largest brewer for stout beer.
The self-guided tour is informative, although you miss out on seeing the true behind the scenes action. After all, I doubt this wonderful looking waterfall is actually used in the production of their beer........
The tour involves walking around seven floors where the entire structure is shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. The tour covers everything from the basic ingredients to the different advertising themes used over the years. The tour concludes by visiting the Gravity Bar located on the top floor and offers some great panoramic views of Dublin.
The overall plan was to fly into Dublin, spend a few days seeing the sights while also bringing in the New Year, and then finally head up to Northern Ireland to see Belfast and explore the coastline.
Stepping off the plane we were immediately reminded that visiting Ireland in the winter requires some serious warm clothing and a heavy wool jacket to fight off the strong wind and occasional rain. The weather was no matter however.....nothing was going to deter a few kids from Montana and Seattle from discovering Ireland.
The first day was all about wandering around Dublin and enjoying the sights, like the river Liffey that runs through the heart of Dublin. Interesting fact about the river: approximately 60% of the flow is abstracted for drinking water.
Of course when you come across a soccer store in Ireland, you HAVE to stop and look around....although the cup of coffee from Starbucks is optional.
It didn't take us long to find the infamous area known as Temple Bar. Better known as "Dublin's cultural quarter", the area is filled with narrow cobbled stone streets and reflects a medieval theme. During the day you can easily walk through the streets and enjoy window shopping the many boutique shops. If you stay for the evening however, you will find the area transforms from a sleepy neighborhood to a lively attraction for those looking for some fun.
Some pictures of the Temple Bar area
The well-known Temple Bar
The next stop for our self-guided walking tour was the Dublin Castle. This castle dates back to 1230 where King John of England ordered a fortification with strong walls and deep ditches be constructed to protect the city from invasions while also providing security for the King's treasure.
In the background you see the Record Tower, the only original tower that remains from the castle.
Of course if you visit Dublin, you should venture out to the world-famous St. James Gate Brewery where they brew Guinness beer. The brewery was founded in 1759 and became the largest brewery in Ireland in 1838 and later, the largest in the world in 1914. Today the brewery is the world's largest brewer for stout beer.
The self-guided tour is informative, although you miss out on seeing the true behind the scenes action. After all, I doubt this wonderful looking waterfall is actually used in the production of their beer........
I couldn't agree more.
The tour involves walking around seven floors where the entire structure is shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. The tour covers everything from the basic ingredients to the different advertising themes used over the years. The tour concludes by visiting the Gravity Bar located on the top floor and offers some great panoramic views of Dublin.
After our visit we set out to explore more of Dublin before we prepared to bring in the new year. All throughout Dublin you will find some great structures such as this church.......
NYE Dublin = New Year's Eve Dublin....oh yeah!
The Clarence Hotel owned by U2's Bono located just outside of the Temple Bar area. Nope....we didn't stay there. The rooms are just slightly on the expensive side.
Crossing back over the river Liffey as the evening sets in.
Just have to love the festive decorations during the Holidays.
Next stop......Belfast!
AMAZING!!!!!! Happy New Year! sandy
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