By Mia Austin, Digital Editor
The Croft Magazine // From Bristol Airport it's just a short hop, within the Common Travel Area, to Dublin. Mia Austin takes a three-day break to explore the Irish capital and its surroundings.
Day 1
Dublin is split into a north and a south side, separated by a canal. The city hums with energy. You find culture and history around every corner, and many streets are filled with the music of buskers. Highlights of my wander include Temple Bar (a touchstone for the pub experience), an array of cathedrals and Trinity College. If you’re up for heading further afield, into the west of the city, you’ll find the famed Guinness storehouse. After perusing the museum, learning not only about the brewing process, but also about advertising campaigns and Guinness’ role in Irish history, you’re welcomed to enjoy a pint in the Gravity Bar, greeted with panoramic views of the city. Naturally, we finished the day back in the centre, at a pub.
My tips for a relaxed trip
1. Get a Leap Card. They’re basically Oyster cards which work on the Dart rail services, as well as trams and buses.
2. Go beyond the city centre, with gorgeous seaside towns sandwiching Dublin either side.
3. Avoid queues by booking ahead! Even if booking ahead means just an hour before.
Day 2
A rainy, hungover day called for culture and history. The National Gallery and National Museum are located in the centre of the southside, with just a short walk between them. At the National Gallery, the permanent collection is free. There’s no shortage of works from famed Irish artists: John B. Yeats and a portrait collection of renowned Irishmen and women. The National Museum is also free. Our trip was limited to the archaeology section, due to construction, but this served us well on a rainy afternoon. A must see are the bog bodies, which are unnervingly well preserved. Heads up if you’re squeamish!
Day 3
Stunning coastline with bustling beaches, an azure calm sea, sun in the sky not a cloud in sight. Sailing boats float lazily past in a gentle breeze, with outside dining and music in the air. Anyone would think you’re on the Med, but this is Howth, a town just a short trip north of Dublin. Connected to the mainland by a narrow spit, Howth boasts fantastic fish and chips, an endless choice of beaches (if you’re brave enough for a dip), and a cliff walk along the picturesque coastline, where you can view the whole of Dublin Bay. On a clear day, you can not only see the Wicklow mountains to the south, but Snowdonia across the sea. Rain or shine, it offers a welcome change of pace from the lively capital.
Other routes from Bristol within the UK / Common Travel Area
Aberdeen, Belfast, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Glasgow, Inverness, Isle of Man, Jersey, Newcastle, Teesside
Featured Image: Epigram / Mia Austin
