Ireland Lessons Learned
Mar 18th, 2005 | 02:35 AM
#41
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 88
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>I agree on all acounts except the rain...I haven't used my umbrella in ages. They was a small bit of spray last week but it only rains at night or when I am indoor it seems. I never rains as much as I thought it would when I moved here.
If it rains at night it still makes the grass wet. My point is if you sit on the grass you can almost guarantee you will get wet. The ground doesn't dry.
If it rains at night it still makes the grass wet. My point is if you sit on the grass you can almost guarantee you will get wet. The ground doesn't dry.
Mar 18th, 2005 | 04:10 AM
#42
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
Dublin is Cleveland at London prices. And at least Cleveland has the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
If Dublin were located in any other European country, no one would bother with it it. It just doesn't have much. People who experience other European capitals think that it's going to be full of the same culture and history, at least to some degree, that they experience in Rome, Paris, etc. They won't.
The only reason anyones goes there is because they figure that the biggest city in the country must be interesting. It might be a perfectly nice place to live, but try looking carefully at guidebooks and you can't find anything that would make you cross the street, let a alone travel all the way there.
Worst of all, it is really expensive and undoubtedly the worst tourism value for money city in Europe.
If Dublin were located in any other European country, no one would bother with it it. It just doesn't have much. People who experience other European capitals think that it's going to be full of the same culture and history, at least to some degree, that they experience in Rome, Paris, etc. They won't.
The only reason anyones goes there is because they figure that the biggest city in the country must be interesting. It might be a perfectly nice place to live, but try looking carefully at guidebooks and you can't find anything that would make you cross the street, let a alone travel all the way there.
Worst of all, it is really expensive and undoubtedly the worst tourism value for money city in Europe.
Mar 18th, 2005 | 04:20 AM
#43
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 88
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>Worst of all, it is really expensive and undoubtedly the worst tourism value for money city in Europe.
I agree with this assessment. My defence of the city is only to stomp out those stating complete lies.
However, the most impressive site i've visited in my 2.5 years here is Newgrange which is just outside of Dublin. I'd highly recommend it. I've been pretty much everywhere in Ireland as a tourist.
I agree with this assessment. My defence of the city is only to stomp out those stating complete lies.
However, the most impressive site i've visited in my 2.5 years here is Newgrange which is just outside of Dublin. I'd highly recommend it. I've been pretty much everywhere in Ireland as a tourist.
Mar 18th, 2005 | 05:16 AM
#44
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
I don't think people should come to Dublin expecting a beautiful impressive city. What people tend to forget is that unlike most European capitals which were Empire capitals with lots of money to fund beautiful developments, up until just over 80 years ago, Dublin was just another colonial outpost and the vast majority of impressive buildings were built by the British. Since then you had sustained period of depression followed by a building boom over the last 10 years, all in a 1000 year old city. It makes for an ugly mix.
What Dublin does offer is an atmosphere unique to most other European capitals and a unique history of literature and culture, from pre-historic, viking, norman, bristish empire and modern day Ireland.
It is expensive like any capital, it does offer unique sights like the Book of Kells and Newgrange (up the road) .
It can be great fun or a depressing place to live and work but it's no different than most other large cities in that it is what you make of it.
What Dublin does offer is an atmosphere unique to most other European capitals and a unique history of literature and culture, from pre-historic, viking, norman, bristish empire and modern day Ireland.
It is expensive like any capital, it does offer unique sights like the Book of Kells and Newgrange (up the road) .
It can be great fun or a depressing place to live and work but it's no different than most other large cities in that it is what you make of it.
Mar 18th, 2005 | 05:26 AM
#45
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
My number 1 favourite thing about Dublin is how chirped up, full of beans and happy everyone is when the sun comes out.
It takes a lot of bad weather to make you really appreciate the good weather. Also, living in one of the most expensive cities in europe means there aren't any nasty surprises when you visit other european cities.
I'm off to Milan this weekend. All the travel brochures are telling me it's expensive. I'm not affected by that at all since dublin is even more expensive ;-)
It takes a lot of bad weather to make you really appreciate the good weather. Also, living in one of the most expensive cities in europe means there aren't any nasty surprises when you visit other european cities.
I'm off to Milan this weekend. All the travel brochures are telling me it's expensive. I'm not affected by that at all since dublin is even more expensive ;-)
Mar 19th, 2005 | 02:35 AM
#46
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6
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less than one month to go.. am going 3/15/05, can't wait.. What is the best driving map to buy?? Will be in rental car for 6 days, my young niece is there, will pick it up for me but she doesn't know which one is the best.
thanks, Carol
thanks, Carol
Mar 19th, 2005 | 03:31 AM
#47
Guest
Posts: n/a
Best map for touring is that published by the Ordnance Survey of Ireland. They are at www.osi.ie. The map is available too in most gas stations.
As regards Brisbanite complaining about the cost of living in Ireland I believe he is correct. However it is expensive because the country is now one of the wealthiest in the world.According to the Economist magazine the richest countries are now Luxembourg,Norway,USA,Ireland and Switzerland.Irish people travel abroad a lot because of their high incomes,and almost 20% of them visit America in any one year! Six million tourists come to Ireland every year too-not bad for a country with only 4 million people.
As regards Brisbanite complaining about the cost of living in Ireland I believe he is correct. However it is expensive because the country is now one of the wealthiest in the world.According to the Economist magazine the richest countries are now Luxembourg,Norway,USA,Ireland and Switzerland.Irish people travel abroad a lot because of their high incomes,and almost 20% of them visit America in any one year! Six million tourists come to Ireland every year too-not bad for a country with only 4 million people.
Mar 22nd, 2005 | 02:21 AM
#48
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
>As regards Brisbanite complaining about the cost of living in Ireland
Who's complaining? I live here and get paid here. Any survey commenting on Ireland's wealth is also commenting on mine.
Living here has enabled me to do a lot more travel than I could ever imagine doing from Brisbane (the city with the lowest cost of living in Australia).
But we're offering advice to tourists here and have to take it from their perspective.
In Dublin you can expect to pay through the eye for very bad service. I guess that's the biggest problem. It isn't just the price but what you get for your money.
Talking now from the perspective of somebody living here. Walk into a DID (they sell white goods/tvs and such things) and attempt to buy an expensive plasma screen tv. The first thing you will have to do is break up the conversation between the 4 sales assistants just to get some service. Then if they don't know the answer to your questions they'll make something up. They don't care if you buy it or not. They're going to tell you whatever it takes to get you out of their hair so they can get back to the conversation.
This same attitude can be found in hotels from 5* to 1* and in restaurants no matter how cheap or expensive.
The same doesn't apply outside of Dublin. However, if you decide to take a drive and break from the normal tourist path on the west coast you may find yourself in a little town such as rathlacken (Co. Mayo). The locals will go out of their way to make sure there is no doubt in your mind what so ever that you are not welcome there.
I think it’s important to warn tourists of such things. Being prepared means less chance of disappointment. You can then focus on the positives while you’re there.
Who's complaining? I live here and get paid here. Any survey commenting on Ireland's wealth is also commenting on mine.
Living here has enabled me to do a lot more travel than I could ever imagine doing from Brisbane (the city with the lowest cost of living in Australia).
But we're offering advice to tourists here and have to take it from their perspective.
In Dublin you can expect to pay through the eye for very bad service. I guess that's the biggest problem. It isn't just the price but what you get for your money.
Talking now from the perspective of somebody living here. Walk into a DID (they sell white goods/tvs and such things) and attempt to buy an expensive plasma screen tv. The first thing you will have to do is break up the conversation between the 4 sales assistants just to get some service. Then if they don't know the answer to your questions they'll make something up. They don't care if you buy it or not. They're going to tell you whatever it takes to get you out of their hair so they can get back to the conversation.
This same attitude can be found in hotels from 5* to 1* and in restaurants no matter how cheap or expensive.
The same doesn't apply outside of Dublin. However, if you decide to take a drive and break from the normal tourist path on the west coast you may find yourself in a little town such as rathlacken (Co. Mayo). The locals will go out of their way to make sure there is no doubt in your mind what so ever that you are not welcome there.
I think it’s important to warn tourists of such things. Being prepared means less chance of disappointment. You can then focus on the positives while you’re there.
Mar 22nd, 2005 | 03:24 AM
#49
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,172
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Ardfert...that article really has me annoyed. A friend of mine is an exonomist and the basis of some of these surveys is a small group and very foolish to print as fact. I honestly do not believe Ireland is one the richest countries...this applies to a smaller percentage of people while the wverage person lives a "normal" lifestyle.
Brisbanite...you really have a negative feeling about Dublin. I find it a bit OTT. Ireland does need to brush up on customer service but I think you have had a lot of bad experiences and seem to fuel all of the negative aspects here. You get more with honey the vinegar when dealing with people. I don't think bad service is particulary a Dublin thing. There are some excellent place and some that are so bad they don't deserve customers. I don't though feel that this is so bad to persuade people from visiting Dublin....I have had good and bad experiences in many countries.
Brisbanite...you really have a negative feeling about Dublin. I find it a bit OTT. Ireland does need to brush up on customer service but I think you have had a lot of bad experiences and seem to fuel all of the negative aspects here. You get more with honey the vinegar when dealing with people. I don't think bad service is particulary a Dublin thing. There are some excellent place and some that are so bad they don't deserve customers. I don't though feel that this is so bad to persuade people from visiting Dublin....I have had good and bad experiences in many countries.
Mar 22nd, 2005 | 05:55 AM
#50
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
>I don't though feel that this is so bad to persuade people from visiting Dublin....I have had good and bad experiences in many countries.
I'm not attempting to disuade people from visiting Dublin. Just preparing them for what to expect so they're not disapointed. I haven't stated anything that is false here and my opinion is unbiased and is stated in my capacity as a non-national who has experienced Dublin both as a tourist and a resident.
Just to lighten the mood, some positives:
1) as mentioned earlier, Dublin has close proximity to the astonishing landmark 'New Grange'.
2) Kilmainham Gaol -V. Interesting
3) Christ Church - includes preserved bodies. Not for the squeemish.
4) Temple Bar - Locals hate it tourists love it
5) Guinness Factory Tour
6) Jameson Whisky Tour
7) National Museum - Loaded with Viking/Roman and other artifacts
8) Natural History Museum - Worth a look even though they mislabelled the 'Koala' by adding the word 'Bear' at the end.
9) Dublin Zoo... well it's a zoo. Animals in cages. Interesting but offers nothing more than any other zoo i've ever seen.
10) Galleries if you're into that sort of thing.
11) Trinity College - Lots of pompous fools who think they're better than everyone else but you can see the book of Kells there.
A lot of history and plenty to do and see. Just don't expect customer service or value for money anywhere and you won't be disapointed.
I'm not attempting to disuade people from visiting Dublin. Just preparing them for what to expect so they're not disapointed. I haven't stated anything that is false here and my opinion is unbiased and is stated in my capacity as a non-national who has experienced Dublin both as a tourist and a resident.
Just to lighten the mood, some positives:
1) as mentioned earlier, Dublin has close proximity to the astonishing landmark 'New Grange'.
2) Kilmainham Gaol -V. Interesting
3) Christ Church - includes preserved bodies. Not for the squeemish.
4) Temple Bar - Locals hate it tourists love it
5) Guinness Factory Tour
6) Jameson Whisky Tour
7) National Museum - Loaded with Viking/Roman and other artifacts
8) Natural History Museum - Worth a look even though they mislabelled the 'Koala' by adding the word 'Bear' at the end.
9) Dublin Zoo... well it's a zoo. Animals in cages. Interesting but offers nothing more than any other zoo i've ever seen.
10) Galleries if you're into that sort of thing.
11) Trinity College - Lots of pompous fools who think they're better than everyone else but you can see the book of Kells there.
A lot of history and plenty to do and see. Just don't expect customer service or value for money anywhere and you won't be disapointed.
Mar 22nd, 2005 | 06:31 AM
#51
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 0
Ok once again nice start and neg ending but I will try to list a few place in my opinion have both:
Chester Beatty Library - Behind Dublin Castle.
Inside is the Silk road cafe that serves FRESH cooked (No frozen stuff here) food and you get heaps for the price. I love the strong coffee. Its cafeteria style and great to chill outside in the Garden next to it on the weekends
The museum itself....is FREE and has the largest collection of Asian art and artefacts in Europe I am told...maybe its just artefacts. There is always a special exhibit sometimes from the collection sometimes from another country like Korea 2 years ago. Its not highbrow stuff just nice and interesting...kids love the samauri costumes wtc. They do FREE tours as well and certain weekends have kids programmes that they love. All the people working at the museum and cafe are extremely nice and helpful.
Farmleigh in the Phoenix park is open from the Spring to October. It's the old guinness extate and it's FREE. They do have house tours or you can book lunch in the small restaurant adjacent overlooking the poond. This year Bar Italia seems to be running it. I only went there for the first time this year and its beautiful. You can bring a picnoic and have it on the grounds and bring some wine. They often have a farmers market as well that you can add to your picnic. This is a real hidden Gem in Dublin and I can not reccommend it enough on a nice day.
Go salsa Dancing - I think its around 10 euro for a class and the evening after on Harcourt street Thursdays in the Garda club. Cheaper than a club and you learn something new!
Have lunch on a saturday and talk to the stall Holders in the Temple Bar Food Market. They are more than happy tp talk about thie food etc and what/why they are selling. You can have anything from Oysters from clare to Sushi/burritos/Tapas/venison burgers etc. Its free towander and cheaper than a restaurant lunch with a fun vibe.
Nice and cheap...we went to bar italia in the Quartier bllom and had a beautiful meal with twine starters and desserts for far less than anywhere else for Italian in Dublin (and it was real Italian!) After we paid and 2 more pals showed up we were served Grappa...even for those who did not eat there and after the bill and normal tip.
Chester Beatty Library - Behind Dublin Castle.
Inside is the Silk road cafe that serves FRESH cooked (No frozen stuff here) food and you get heaps for the price. I love the strong coffee. Its cafeteria style and great to chill outside in the Garden next to it on the weekends
The museum itself....is FREE and has the largest collection of Asian art and artefacts in Europe I am told...maybe its just artefacts. There is always a special exhibit sometimes from the collection sometimes from another country like Korea 2 years ago. Its not highbrow stuff just nice and interesting...kids love the samauri costumes wtc. They do FREE tours as well and certain weekends have kids programmes that they love. All the people working at the museum and cafe are extremely nice and helpful.
Farmleigh in the Phoenix park is open from the Spring to October. It's the old guinness extate and it's FREE. They do have house tours or you can book lunch in the small restaurant adjacent overlooking the poond. This year Bar Italia seems to be running it. I only went there for the first time this year and its beautiful. You can bring a picnoic and have it on the grounds and bring some wine. They often have a farmers market as well that you can add to your picnic. This is a real hidden Gem in Dublin and I can not reccommend it enough on a nice day.
Go salsa Dancing - I think its around 10 euro for a class and the evening after on Harcourt street Thursdays in the Garda club. Cheaper than a club and you learn something new!
Have lunch on a saturday and talk to the stall Holders in the Temple Bar Food Market. They are more than happy tp talk about thie food etc and what/why they are selling. You can have anything from Oysters from clare to Sushi/burritos/Tapas/venison burgers etc. Its free towander and cheaper than a restaurant lunch with a fun vibe.
Nice and cheap...we went to bar italia in the Quartier bllom and had a beautiful meal with twine starters and desserts for far less than anywhere else for Italian in Dublin (and it was real Italian!) After we paid and 2 more pals showed up we were served Grappa...even for those who did not eat there and after the bill and normal tip.
Mar 22nd, 2005 | 07:10 AM
#52
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 0
bllom os BLoom and twine is WINE 
Late night snacks - Try Sufi's on Stephen Street Lower near Break for the Border just past Drury Street. They are open late and have pizza/kebabs/ potato skins etc but more cafe/coffee shop atmosphere. There are waitresses and it is NOT a kebab shop. The pizza is more arabic style pizza and very nice. You can even get wine here and its open late in the night. I have been going for years to the pizza place next door and they still remember me after long spells away.
DiFointaines Pizza, Temple bar - NY style pizza openened by the Fun Lovin Criminals (NYC Band). It's 3 euro a slice and for a huge NY piza 22-26 euro. They are massive and tasty. No tables so you can take a pie away or eat a slice the the side counter with chairs.
La Mer Zou, Chapter One, and many other places are starting to do early bird menus and they are top notch places with excellent service.
Epicurian food hall is massive value for a family for lunch on the run. It's a food court on Liffey syreet past the Hapenny Bridge on the north side. They have fish and chips, Mexican, Indian, Irish, pannini and real Italian coffee, pasta you name it even Sandwiches with H&H bagels from NY! You just have to grab a table when one is free quickly.
There are reasonable places with good service and like anywhere there are a few duds...I talk with my business and do not go back places that are not great...been to Planet Hollywood or TGI Fridays in Dublin...shocking food and prices but they are chains and pretty crummy food....I always think of turkey twizzlers these days (From Jamie Olivers School Dinners)when I eat in these types of places...I worked in some many years ago as a student and most of the chain style food is frozen or processed.
Hope this helps some of you...gave a few of my spots away but there is plenty to go around these days!
Late night snacks - Try Sufi's on Stephen Street Lower near Break for the Border just past Drury Street. They are open late and have pizza/kebabs/ potato skins etc but more cafe/coffee shop atmosphere. There are waitresses and it is NOT a kebab shop. The pizza is more arabic style pizza and very nice. You can even get wine here and its open late in the night. I have been going for years to the pizza place next door and they still remember me after long spells away.
DiFointaines Pizza, Temple bar - NY style pizza openened by the Fun Lovin Criminals (NYC Band). It's 3 euro a slice and for a huge NY piza 22-26 euro. They are massive and tasty. No tables so you can take a pie away or eat a slice the the side counter with chairs.
La Mer Zou, Chapter One, and many other places are starting to do early bird menus and they are top notch places with excellent service.
Epicurian food hall is massive value for a family for lunch on the run. It's a food court on Liffey syreet past the Hapenny Bridge on the north side. They have fish and chips, Mexican, Indian, Irish, pannini and real Italian coffee, pasta you name it even Sandwiches with H&H bagels from NY! You just have to grab a table when one is free quickly.
There are reasonable places with good service and like anywhere there are a few duds...I talk with my business and do not go back places that are not great...been to Planet Hollywood or TGI Fridays in Dublin...shocking food and prices but they are chains and pretty crummy food....I always think of turkey twizzlers these days (From Jamie Olivers School Dinners)when I eat in these types of places...I worked in some many years ago as a student and most of the chain style food is frozen or processed.
Hope this helps some of you...gave a few of my spots away but there is plenty to go around these days!
Mar 22nd, 2005 | 09:47 AM
#53
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 0
As a satisfied visitor to Dublin, I would add the following:
Writer's Museum
Abbey or Gate theatre performance
Say hi to Molly Malone and stroll around St. Stephen's Green
Evensong at Christ Church
Moore St. Market plus Post Office because of its role in history
And I second Trinity College because of Book of Kells, also Kilmainham Gaol for the history. Also musts out of Dublin:
Glendalough, Newgrange/Knowth.
Bill in Missouri
Writer's Museum
Abbey or Gate theatre performance
Say hi to Molly Malone and stroll around St. Stephen's Green
Evensong at Christ Church
Moore St. Market plus Post Office because of its role in history
And I second Trinity College because of Book of Kells, also Kilmainham Gaol for the history. Also musts out of Dublin:
Glendalough, Newgrange/Knowth.
Bill in Missouri
Mar 24th, 2005 | 12:36 AM
#58
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 0
Leeson street has seen its better days. It used to be that several of the Georgian houses on the street had after hours (Illegal back then) nightclubs as the pubs closed early. they only served wine and Champagne (champers!) at a HUGE mark up but by then most people were happy (pissed) to pitch in and share a bottle of the equivalent of lighter fluid. I.E Cheapest wine Blanc de Blanc £2.99 in Tesco £20ish in the club. Also full of dodgy older married men. I havent been in 2 years so I am sure its still the same but they are funny places. Where else in Dublin could you go dancing on a Tuesday night till 3-4am drinking champagne with your work colleagues??? I don't think I could manage that anymore!
I don't think I could manage that anymore!
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