For Nancy and I, I think Ireland was a place that we didn't really know too much about, other than we thought it would be a place we 'should' visit. So, visit we would.
I think our expectations were vague, other than knowing about leprechauns, Guinness beer, the four-leaf clover (which were extremely difficult to find by the way) and St. Patrick's Day, I think our knowledge of this wonderful place was very limited. Sorry for all of the stereotypes in the aforementioned sentence. However, what we found was one of the most friendly, historically interesting, and relaxed places we've even visited.
To say the Irish people are friendly would be an understatement. You would have to try to make an Irish person mad at you. We loved learning about the tumultuous and sometimes violent history that has created Ireland and Dublin would be a perfect place to start or end your trip.
We spent three days running around Dublin. Most of our time was spent hoping into and out of Irish pubs (do I really need to use the adjective 'Irish'?), dodging raindrops and criss-crossing the multiple bridges that cross the river Liffey. It was very important to us that we really got a good feel for the taste of Guinness in Dublin, which would lead to many, multiple, various tastings. Yes, after all of our intense research, we have concluded with empirical evidence that Guinness in Ireland is delicious. Drinking a freshly poured Guinness from the bar atop the Guinness Brewery was a highlight of the trip. Here is a list of the things we enjoyed the most (or at least remembered to take a picture of):
Ireland at night. In a place where drinking is a way to keep warm, the Irish pubs, especially around The Temple Bar area (while full of tourists) was a great time.
Learning the origin and the words to the rowdy, drink along, sing along song "Sweet Molly Malone".
All of the Irish Pubs. It's sad to admit, but every time we walked into a pub in Dublin, we were like, "wow, this is decorated just like the Irish pubs in America". Stupid Americans.
Having a Guinness at The Stag's Head.
Guinness over Dublin from the Guinness brewery.
Pat Liddy Walking Tour of Dublin.
The Guinness Brewery tour and drinking our free Guinness atop the Gravity Bar overlooking the city.
Exploring the cathedral of St. Patrick's and understanding the origin of St. Patrick's Day.
The food in Dublin. And, yes, this entire tray was for me. In the background, you see Nancy's much healthier (and boring) option, a turkey, bacon sandwich.
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