Dublin - Baile Atha Cliath

  Dublin - Baile Atha Cliath

In the life you can never predict what will happen, which people you will meet, which road you will cross. And of course sometimes you can't predict the place here you will be living. Isn't it great? the excitement o the surprise and of the unknown, the continuous challenge.

It happened to me to move to Ireland, I will spend here some good time (a couple of months? more? less? who knows...) so for the moment I am learning to appreciate the irish culture, and enjoying life in Dublin, meanwhile I can improve my English...

The "harp" is the coat of arms of Ireland (from the Brian Boru harp), the name of an irish lager and the symbol of Guinness.

Dublin is not a large city, but it's not even too small, I 'd say a "medium size city", which is very good, because it's easy to move from one part to the other, and it is not so busy. The public transport is very well organized and precise, on the other hand it is also very expensive and there are not good value subscriptions; in my opinion the best option for medium terms travels is the "Leap card" which allow travelers to save round 10% of every ticket cost  (cost of the card: 5 € at Dublin Bus, in O' Connell street).

I must admit that Ireland's capital city is not one of the most beutyful urban example I ever seen, and at a first glance it seems a grey, rainy city. Which is true but, beyond that, the city has an extraordinary night life, with hundreds of pub, and a strong and fashinating culture that, if the traveler is honest and open enough, can be quite charming.

You will meet a lot of Irish people, mostly very nice, funny and kind, and you will see even more people from other countries: maybe not all of you knows that Dublin is unbelievably young and multicultural...I think that In the city centre there are probably even more foreigners than natives.

You will learn not to fear the rain, because some drops fall everyday, sometimes continuously, but never heavy. I can't say the same thing about the wind, which is impetuous. 

One thing that really was unexpected for me is that there is not a Central Square in the City: from an Italian point of view you'll agree this is quite shocking. However there are some small and nice squares, like the Grand canal square, and some enjoyable parks like Merrion square and St. Stephen's Green, where you can have a break in the amazing green of the lawns.

Dublin is a city that Should be "lived", therefore my brave and valiant Traveler, bring yur coat and sharpen your bottle opener, be lazy and meet people and you'll have a great time!!

Not to miss:

A pint of stout with fries and relish at the Porterhouse, in parliament street, a few drinks at The Church, and the Sunday late breakfast at Avoca. Don't forget also to eat a burger at Joe Burger, if you are brave enough.A day trip to Howth, to see the cliffs and the seals, and eventually try a delicious chowder (I love this fish soup, i think it's really tasty). 

About Museums I would advice to visit the Chester beatty library, near the castle: very nice and free and the Kilmainham jail, chance to learn something about Irish history. Also the Book of Kells in Trinity is interesting, especially for the  library hall, but honestly 8 € ticket is too much.