DUBLIN: a "MUST-SEE" or a WASTE of time?
Aug 7th, 2005, 11:37 AM
#21
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I really enjoyed the National Museum. Seeing the gold jewelry and pieces from far earlier times is fascinating. It makes sense to believe in the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, when folks uncover these treasures. Also, walking through the University library and seeing the National Harp sticks in my mind.
Aug 7th, 2005, 03:21 PM
#22
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SURFVAN: we won't have any trouble finding interesting things to do for 2 nights (1 full day) in Dublin. Sounds like you planned a great trip!
DANNA: I'd like to see the National Museum for insight into history/culture. How many hours did you spend there? Also, where is that harp you mentioned...is the University library at Trinity College? You mean the same library where they have the book of Kells? Thanks!
I think 2 nights in Dublin will be just right for us, long enough to see something but not long enough to get tired of the city.
Hearing everyone's views on Dublin is helping me figure out what we would enjoy or NOT enjoy there.
DANNA: I'd like to see the National Museum for insight into history/culture. How many hours did you spend there? Also, where is that harp you mentioned...is the University library at Trinity College? You mean the same library where they have the book of Kells? Thanks!
I think 2 nights in Dublin will be just right for us, long enough to see something but not long enough to get tired of the city.
Hearing everyone's views on Dublin is helping me figure out what we would enjoy or NOT enjoy there.
Aug 8th, 2005, 07:22 AM
#23
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I second (third?) the suggestion for the hop-on, hop-off bus. My guide sang to us several times during the tour -- it was great!
I really enjoyed the trip through Phoenix Park, as well as just strolling downtown and people-watching. I also loved the shopping, and I'm NOT a big shop-a-holic.
My two times in Dublin didn't involve staying IN Dublin -- once I was in a B&B north of Dublin, and once in a B&B in Dun Loughaire, south of Dublin. I rented a car both times, and yes, I drove in Dublin. That was my first time driving on the left, too! I survived
(and I was alone... no navigator).
The people are the best part. They are delightful, friendly, and musical, far more than Americans are. They truly do sing at the drop of a hat. Yes, there are kitschy areas of Dublin, but some of them still appeal to me, being a tourist.
One of the most peaceful moments was watching the sunrise on the beach at Dun Loughaire.
I really enjoyed the trip through Phoenix Park, as well as just strolling downtown and people-watching. I also loved the shopping, and I'm NOT a big shop-a-holic.
My two times in Dublin didn't involve staying IN Dublin -- once I was in a B&B north of Dublin, and once in a B&B in Dun Loughaire, south of Dublin. I rented a car both times, and yes, I drove in Dublin. That was my first time driving on the left, too! I survived
(and I was alone... no navigator).The people are the best part. They are delightful, friendly, and musical, far more than Americans are. They truly do sing at the drop of a hat. Yes, there are kitschy areas of Dublin, but some of them still appeal to me, being a tourist.
One of the most peaceful moments was watching the sunrise on the beach at Dun Loughaire.
Aug 8th, 2005, 10:15 AM
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Hi, Melissa!
The Dublin bus has its own website. Just google/yahoo "Dublin hop on bus" and you should be able to access the website. The buses are very frequent: about every 10 or 15 minutes. Beware, however, that they advertise the entire loop as being about an hour and half - well, NOT during peak traffic hours!
If you all have different interests, you might split up and each stop off where each one wishes. The loop covers all the major sightseeing locations. Meet up at night for dinner or back at the hotel.
Have a fine trip!
The Dublin bus has its own website. Just google/yahoo "Dublin hop on bus" and you should be able to access the website. The buses are very frequent: about every 10 or 15 minutes. Beware, however, that they advertise the entire loop as being about an hour and half - well, NOT during peak traffic hours!
If you all have different interests, you might split up and each stop off where each one wishes. The loop covers all the major sightseeing locations. Meet up at night for dinner or back at the hotel.
Have a fine trip!
Aug 8th, 2005, 08:22 PM
#27
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Everyone's answers are a real EYE-OPENER as I never expected so much interest in Dublin. Many thanks!
GREENDRAGON: I want a singing bus-driver too! Big cultural difference there. Can you imagine a bus driver or guide in the USA singing? How cool...I've heard some singing cooks in the USA, but they are usually foreign-born...Do we just stifle the songs out of people here in the USA?
Greendragon, which did you enjoy more, staying just north of Dublin or staying just south of Dublin? Do you recommend a particular B&B? Can you advise me on the following options:
I'm debating whether to stay in Dublin, within walking distance of some major sites, and near the hop-on, hop-off bus route...
OR AS AN ALTERNATIVE stay in Dun Laoghaire for 2 nights, take the DART into Dublin for the day, and also enjoy an evening of Irish song & dance near Dun Laoghaire held by "Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann" at the Cuturlann na Eireann near the Seapoint DART stop (www.comhaltas.com). Ahhhhh! These Irish names are challenging!!!!!
By staying in Dun Laoghaire we'd probably see a bit less of Dublin though. Also we'd probably arrive later to the Book of Kells, and have to deal with more crowds.
EASYTRAVELER: Good to know the hop-on hop-off Dublin buses run so frequently, every 10 or 15 minutes. Very convenient.
DANNA: So that's 3 reasons to see Trinity College: the Book of Kells, the old library, and the national harp. Sounds good to me.
Thanks everyone!
GREENDRAGON: I want a singing bus-driver too! Big cultural difference there. Can you imagine a bus driver or guide in the USA singing? How cool...I've heard some singing cooks in the USA, but they are usually foreign-born...Do we just stifle the songs out of people here in the USA?
Greendragon, which did you enjoy more, staying just north of Dublin or staying just south of Dublin? Do you recommend a particular B&B? Can you advise me on the following options:
I'm debating whether to stay in Dublin, within walking distance of some major sites, and near the hop-on, hop-off bus route...
OR AS AN ALTERNATIVE stay in Dun Laoghaire for 2 nights, take the DART into Dublin for the day, and also enjoy an evening of Irish song & dance near Dun Laoghaire held by "Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann" at the Cuturlann na Eireann near the Seapoint DART stop (www.comhaltas.com). Ahhhhh! These Irish names are challenging!!!!!
By staying in Dun Laoghaire we'd probably see a bit less of Dublin though. Also we'd probably arrive later to the Book of Kells, and have to deal with more crowds.
EASYTRAVELER: Good to know the hop-on hop-off Dublin buses run so frequently, every 10 or 15 minutes. Very convenient.
DANNA: So that's 3 reasons to see Trinity College: the Book of Kells, the old library, and the national harp. Sounds good to me.
Thanks everyone!
Aug 9th, 2005, 03:43 AM
#28
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Hi Melissa.
I love south Dublin, it's where I stay with friends when I visit. However, as you have only 2 days and a pretty full itinerary I would stay in the centre if I were you. You could always use the Dart to go to Dun Laoghaire and attend the song and dance evening.
I havn't read all of your posts but the National Museum in Dublin is actually 3 different Museums
Collins Barracks in Benburb Street - Arts, social and political History.
The Archaeological Museum in Kildare Street - Celtic Viking and Medieval Art.
The Natural History Museum in Merrion Street - stuffed animals
The Archaeological and natural History museums are close by but Collins Barracks is on the other side of the Liffy.
Helen
I love south Dublin, it's where I stay with friends when I visit. However, as you have only 2 days and a pretty full itinerary I would stay in the centre if I were you. You could always use the Dart to go to Dun Laoghaire and attend the song and dance evening.
I havn't read all of your posts but the National Museum in Dublin is actually 3 different Museums
Collins Barracks in Benburb Street - Arts, social and political History.
The Archaeological Museum in Kildare Street - Celtic Viking and Medieval Art.
The Natural History Museum in Merrion Street - stuffed animals
The Archaeological and natural History museums are close by but Collins Barracks is on the other side of the Liffy.
Helen
Aug 9th, 2005, 05:49 AM
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The B&B I stayed at in Dun Loughaire was in one of those voucher books -- I didn't keep good notes on that (my first) trip to the UK, so I don't know which it was. It was clean and pleasant, but nothing spectacular.
I very much enjoyed the area of Dun Loughaire more than the area I was in north of Dublin. It is more laid back and gracious, IMHO -- I stayed near a fort on the coast.
I very much enjoyed the area of Dun Loughaire more than the area I was in north of Dublin. It is more laid back and gracious, IMHO -- I stayed near a fort on the coast.
Aug 9th, 2005, 05:52 AM
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Somwhere at home I have a photo of our singing tour-guide. here's the excerpt about him in my travelogue at www.greendragonartist.com/TDCireland.html :
Out of Trinity College, and onto the nearest bus stop for the on-again-off-again city tours. We got our all-day tickets, and did our first round of sightseeing. We passed the Guinness factory, Phoenix Park and Zoo, and of course the famous statue of Molly Malone. Our tour guide had a wicked sense of humour, even though you could tell most of his jokes were pre-written and standard for the guides. However, he also serenaded us with a selection of songs, including 'Molly Malone'. In addition to his wonderful singing, he told us of one of the nicknames of the famous statue: "The Tart with the Cart". He showed us the statues of two other ladies, with shopping bags on a nearby bench, called "The Hoors near the Sewers" or "The Hags with the Bags!".
He was great! Email me at [email protected] and I'll send you his pic, so you can pick and choose him on your trip
Out of Trinity College, and onto the nearest bus stop for the on-again-off-again city tours. We got our all-day tickets, and did our first round of sightseeing. We passed the Guinness factory, Phoenix Park and Zoo, and of course the famous statue of Molly Malone. Our tour guide had a wicked sense of humour, even though you could tell most of his jokes were pre-written and standard for the guides. However, he also serenaded us with a selection of songs, including 'Molly Malone'. In addition to his wonderful singing, he told us of one of the nicknames of the famous statue: "The Tart with the Cart". He showed us the statues of two other ladies, with shopping bags on a nearby bench, called "The Hoors near the Sewers" or "The Hags with the Bags!".
He was great! Email me at [email protected] and I'll send you his pic, so you can pick and choose him on your trip
Aug 10th, 2005, 06:51 AM
#32
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Hi Melissa I have been away and just caught this.
Ok do try the hop on/off bus as it fits most things you want to see. for Music try the Musical Pub crawl at the Oliver St John Gogherty in Tewmple Bar or try O'Donoghues in Merrion Street. It gets crowded and they pub is a bit old but it can be fun.
There is a literary Pub crawl most evenings starting at the Duke Pub on Duke Street off Grafton Street. And the bigger book shops are Eason's on O'Connell Street or Kildare street has Hodges Fidgus and Waterstones opposite sides of the road from eachother.
The Chester Beatty Library behind Dublin Castle is my favourite place. It houses the largest collection of Asian Arts in Europe, has a Fantastic gift shop with all sorts of unusual items and the cafe has great food with a med/arabic belnd. I love the felafel and their coffee. I would put this on my list!
For accommodation I assume you will need 2 rooms...well there are a wealth of place but I would avaod Temple Bar due to noise factors but I need a price range from you as I could give you hundreds and many areas are nice to stay in. For example an adorable small hotel on Northumberland road is the Schoolhouse (It was once) or Jurys in Ballsbridge/Christchurch. Or blow the bank and stay at the fourseasons. Give me a guideline and I can help better.
There is a book shop on either S. Anne Street or Duke Street (Both off Grafton St) that sells old books and is interesting. They are helpful if you have anything specific you are looking for and helped my uncle find a book from his schooldays.
The park in Merrion Square where the statue of Wilde resides is wonderful and a little haven. Artists shpw their painting here at the weekends and there is some nice artwork on show...and some awful stuff too!
Ok do try the hop on/off bus as it fits most things you want to see. for Music try the Musical Pub crawl at the Oliver St John Gogherty in Tewmple Bar or try O'Donoghues in Merrion Street. It gets crowded and they pub is a bit old but it can be fun.
There is a literary Pub crawl most evenings starting at the Duke Pub on Duke Street off Grafton Street. And the bigger book shops are Eason's on O'Connell Street or Kildare street has Hodges Fidgus and Waterstones opposite sides of the road from eachother.
The Chester Beatty Library behind Dublin Castle is my favourite place. It houses the largest collection of Asian Arts in Europe, has a Fantastic gift shop with all sorts of unusual items and the cafe has great food with a med/arabic belnd. I love the felafel and their coffee. I would put this on my list!
For accommodation I assume you will need 2 rooms...well there are a wealth of place but I would avaod Temple Bar due to noise factors but I need a price range from you as I could give you hundreds and many areas are nice to stay in. For example an adorable small hotel on Northumberland road is the Schoolhouse (It was once) or Jurys in Ballsbridge/Christchurch. Or blow the bank and stay at the fourseasons
. Give me a guideline and I can help better.There is a book shop on either S. Anne Street or Duke Street (Both off Grafton St) that sells old books and is interesting. They are helpful if you have anything specific you are looking for and helped my uncle find a book from his schooldays.
The park in Merrion Square where the statue of Wilde resides is wonderful and a little haven. Artists shpw their painting here at the weekends and there is some nice artwork on show...and some awful stuff too!
Aug 10th, 2005, 08:12 AM
#33
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I've been to Dublin 2 times and are planning to go back for 3 days next May. Dublin I think is a must -- just don't try to drive it. It holds so many things to do and see. The energy there is great. I've seen different things both times I was there.
carkat
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Aug 12th, 2005, 12:45 AM
#35
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HELEN: I think you are right, I will stay in Dublin but try to take the Dart into Dun Laoghaire for an evening of song and dance. Since we only have 2 nights in Dublin that makes the most sense. (Though Dun Laughaire is VERY tempting to stay in...)
Helen, thanks for mentioning the National Museum is 3 museums and not all the same location...naturally, hubby will choose the Natural History museum, I will choose the social and political history museum, and daughters would probably prefer the Archaeological Museum. Have you seen all 3, and does anybody have a suggested amount of time to spend in each one? (I have been in museums that you can see in 1 or 2 hours and others which take all day...)
GREENDRAGON: Your Dublin singing tour guide sounds fun. I dived head-first into Irish geneology research and haven't had time to e-mail you yet (or Helen either!) Thanks for the great tips and also your enthusiasm is catching!
SIOBHANP: I appreciate your recommendations for Dublin musical pubs, and good bookstores are always #1 on my list. Yep, hard to drag me out, but hubby will manage. (But I will have to drag him out of the Natural History museum!)
SiobhanP, I'd love your B&B or hotel recommendations. Appreciate the tip on avoiding noisy Temple bar area hotels. You asked our price range. We will need 2 double rooms and are willing to spend up to 150 euros per night in Dublin ($180 USA dollars...eek!)
I prefer clean rooms, QUIET at night for sleeping, with some local character...if they are run by a friendly Irish family, even better. Prefer B&Bs with character but will accept a Dublin hotel if it has convenient location and is quiet.
Since my beloved Irish grandmother had a delightful brogue, which she never completely lost, I am partial to hearing the Irish speak, and would prefer to stay in a friendly Irish-family-run place where possible. Thanks for your recommendations!
B&B or hotel location convenient for visiting Trinity College in early morning would be great, either on foot or near hop-on, hop-off bus route.) Also Dublin B&B/hotel in convenient location to take DART to Dun Laoghaire for evening of song/dance would be ideal.
We enjoy hotels or B&Bs in interesting walkable neighborhoods.
Many thanks for all your help and any hotel/B&B recommendations for Dublin!
Hoping to spend LESS in B&Bs throughout the rest of Ireland though.
Helen, thanks for mentioning the National Museum is 3 museums and not all the same location...naturally, hubby will choose the Natural History museum, I will choose the social and political history museum, and daughters would probably prefer the Archaeological Museum. Have you seen all 3, and does anybody have a suggested amount of time to spend in each one? (I have been in museums that you can see in 1 or 2 hours and others which take all day...)
GREENDRAGON: Your Dublin singing tour guide sounds fun. I dived head-first into Irish geneology research and haven't had time to e-mail you yet (or Helen either!) Thanks for the great tips and also your enthusiasm is catching!
SIOBHANP: I appreciate your recommendations for Dublin musical pubs, and good bookstores are always #1 on my list. Yep, hard to drag me out, but hubby will manage. (But I will have to drag him out of the Natural History museum!)
SiobhanP, I'd love your B&B or hotel recommendations. Appreciate the tip on avoiding noisy Temple bar area hotels. You asked our price range. We will need 2 double rooms and are willing to spend up to 150 euros per night in Dublin ($180 USA dollars...eek!)
I prefer clean rooms, QUIET at night for sleeping, with some local character...if they are run by a friendly Irish family, even better. Prefer B&Bs with character but will accept a Dublin hotel if it has convenient location and is quiet.
Since my beloved Irish grandmother had a delightful brogue, which she never completely lost, I am partial to hearing the Irish speak, and would prefer to stay in a friendly Irish-family-run place where possible. Thanks for your recommendations!
B&B or hotel location convenient for visiting Trinity College in early morning would be great, either on foot or near hop-on, hop-off bus route.) Also Dublin B&B/hotel in convenient location to take DART to Dun Laoghaire for evening of song/dance would be ideal.
We enjoy hotels or B&Bs in interesting walkable neighborhoods.
Many thanks for all your help and any hotel/B&B recommendations for Dublin!
Hoping to spend LESS in B&Bs throughout the rest of Ireland though.
Aug 12th, 2005, 03:00 AM
#36
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Try Trinity Lodge its a small hotel on S. Frederick street in a renovated townhouse. We get a business rate of 135.00 euro but see what they give you. Its in the city beside a nice italian cafe with Real italian food and close to the museums. Check out www.trinitylodge.ie Or Jurys christchurch for cheap and cheerful.
Aug 13th, 2005, 06:41 PM
#37
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M5..Can't recommend " hop on/hop off" enough. Dublin is most interesting.Great Georgian buildings and the Book of Kells..Magnificant!!! You will return I caqn promise you as myu husband and I are goint to do Sept.4 on our way to Paris from chicago. the most economical fare to Paree was Aer Lingus through Dublin. How could we turn that down?? Do not miss Newgrange burial site and Trim castle either. My maternal grandfather came from county Antrim..It was like going home. Have a great time.
Aug 13th, 2005, 06:47 PM
#38
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Hi M.5 Another thought..We rented a car through Dan Dooley. Had a terrible time with it due to an immoblizer but exchanged it with no fuss at all in Belfast after driving from Dublin. The staff was great...Check them out..
Aug 15th, 2005, 08:23 AM
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Looks like you've gotten good advice on
Dublin so far, Melissa, and I like your list. You've covered what we enjoyed several years ago, such as Writer's Museum, Book of Kells, National Museum, Kilmainham, etc. Patriots Pub nice across from the Gaol. And of course the trad Irish music such as in Temple Bar area...actually Temple Bar itself along with Fizsimmons and Oliver St. John Hogarty.
In Dublin we did lots of walking and we are seniors. Stayed at the Charles Stewart Guesthouse (there a lots of such B&Bs) on O'Connell St. across from Gate Theatre. Which reminds me that we took in two stage plays, one there and the other of course at the Abbey. And if you are on north O'Connell you will of course stop in to see the murals in the post office. Would also mention Evensong at Christ Church and Dubliana display there. Would also say skip the Guinness tour though liking dark ales.
BTW, Dublin friends, is it true that Bewleys on Grafton is no longer in business?
So a yes to Dublin along with Cashel and Newgrange and Glendalough and the lovely West in Ireland.
Ozarksbill
[email protected]
Dublin so far, Melissa, and I like your list. You've covered what we enjoyed several years ago, such as Writer's Museum, Book of Kells, National Museum, Kilmainham, etc. Patriots Pub nice across from the Gaol. And of course the trad Irish music such as in Temple Bar area...actually Temple Bar itself along with Fizsimmons and Oliver St. John Hogarty.
In Dublin we did lots of walking and we are seniors. Stayed at the Charles Stewart Guesthouse (there a lots of such B&Bs) on O'Connell St. across from Gate Theatre. Which reminds me that we took in two stage plays, one there and the other of course at the Abbey. And if you are on north O'Connell you will of course stop in to see the murals in the post office. Would also mention Evensong at Christ Church and Dubliana display there. Would also say skip the Guinness tour though liking dark ales.
BTW, Dublin friends, is it true that Bewleys on Grafton is no longer in business?
So a yes to Dublin along with Cashel and Newgrange and Glendalough and the lovely West in Ireland.
Ozarksbill
[email protected]
