Travel Writer Alice Tilley reflects on her spontaneous trip to Dublin, praising the city’s ardent preservation of its historical and cultural sites
I came across cheap flights to Dublin for just the day, which left early in the morning and returned late at night for a bargain price of £28. I wanted to make the most of this opportunity, as it would cut accommodation costs to zero in the notoriously expensive capital city, making the trip dramatically more affordable. I was excited to explore Dublin, a city which is steeped in history yet buzzing with contemporary charm, offering a delightful mix of experiences in just 24 hours. From vintage shops to vibrant eateries and cultural landmarks, there is plenty to do.
I was excited to explore Dublin, a city which is steeped in history yet buzzing with contemporary charm
Our day started with brunch to fuel up for the day ahead. After seeing Brother Hubbard mentioned as the best spot on many websites, I was keen to see what it had to offer. However, I was disappointed by the quality of the food. Therefore, I would instead recommend Cleaver East, a New York-style brunch spot with reasonable prices.
With our appetite sated, my friend and I strolled around the quaint streets to the vintage shops, all situated close to each other and offering a bunch of unique finds. We then made our way to the Trinity College Dublin grounds. We opted out of the Book of Kells experience as we were on a tight budget and wanted to save our money for other areas to explore. There was even an art gallery within the university, which was free and fun to look around.
Feeling tired from our early start, a pick-me-up was needed so we decided to take a short break in a nearby cosy, traditional coffee shop to grab a pastry and a coffee. We headed into the National Gallery of Ireland, which houses the national collection of Irish and European art. Entry is free and the gallery boasts an impressive collection of artwork – this was a highlight of the trip for me.
Next, we headed to Dublin Castle, where entry was affordable at €6.50 for students. The castle was like a fairytale inside and out, with expansive medieval walls and majestic rooms filled with intricately adorned furniture and artwork.
After taking pictures at the infamous Temple Bar Pub, we stopped for an obligatory pint of Guinness at the Porterhouse, a cosy pub serving reasonably priced food and drink just a few streets away from the Temple Bar. The pub was the perfect combination of homebrewed beers, attentive service, and a cosy atmosphere. I would recommend Porterhouse to anyone looking to escape more touristy pubs whilst remaining in the centre of Dublin. The food looked delicious too – if I came back to the city, I would be keen to check out what else they had to offer.
Finally, we went to Bunsen, a popular burger restaurant. With only four different burgers to choose from, their menu is printed on a business card. We arrived early for dinner and it started getting very busy after we had arrived, so I would recommend booking or turning up early if you are thinking of heading here. The burgers were very affordable but delicious, starting at just €7.45.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Dublin is a great city with lots to do, and I experienced an action-packed trip in just 24 hours. From its historic landmarks to its vibrant cultural scene and culinary delights, this charming city is perfect for anyone looking for a fun city break.
Read more travel articles here…
https://www.redbrick.me/hiking-in-californias-national-parks/
Comments