I’ve come to enjoy writing these blogs every week. It’s like keeping a journal of my time in Dublin that I can look back on years from now. It makes me sad knowing that there’s only one more blog to write after this. I genuinely don’t want this trip to end. Technically, I’m still here for another two weeks since my family is coming to visit, but it won’t be the same. Usually when I write these blogs I look back at all the photos I have taken in the past week and this time around, I was shocked to see how few I had. I guess I was caught up in the moment this time.
On Thursday, I had a day off, so Erin, Nathaniel, and I went shopping in upper Dublin. We wandered around the stores and picked up a few things. We also tried to see if we could fit into the toy cars at the mall and definitely did not fit. I ended up accidentally sitting on Peppa Pig’s brother George. I wanted to grab a salted pretzel from Auntie Anne’s and maybe I’m just unlucky, but it’s an impossible find. All they ever have is cinnamon sugar and if you know me it is my worst nightmare. I despise cinnamon. So instead, we headed to lunch at a buffet called Wingz. That night, a bunch of us went out to Dohenys and Nesbitts and I think it’s become my favorite pub in Dublin. While we were there, we met a waitress who was our age that lives in America, but spends her summers working in Dublin. We wrapped up the night at Diceys and for the third time the bouncer I know let me in for free. He’s saving me some serious money.
I enjoyed this weekend trip a lot and was surprised to find out we had the same tour guide from one of our previous trips. What’s the chance! What made this trip stand out were hearing about all the stories and legends behind the sites we visited. I enjoyed learning about the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), which was believed to roar if the rightful king or queen touched it. Trim Castle was my favorite place. I just love looking at all the castles in Ireland and am also amazed at how they are still standing even though they were built so long ago. I think that the stairs at Trim Castle might have been worse than the ones at Blarney Castle. When going on our next stop, I was not expecting that walk up that big hill. Kate had to listen to me complain the whole way up (sorry Kate), but I stopped complaining once I saw the view at the top. It’s impressive how people in the past created this tomb that would light up during the equinox. The walk down was definitely much more enjoyable. Our last stop didn’t have as many monuments as I would have hoped, but we saw some cows on the walk, which kind of made up for it.
On Sunday I did a bit of solo traveling, which is something I’ve started to enjoy. I branched out and tried another matcha place that was recommended to me called Mr. French and it did not disappoint. I loved how they decorated the small place. I kept walking around and stumbled upon the Market Arcade. It was packed with small shops selling clothes, jewelry, and handmade items. I grabbed lunch at this place called Dash Burger (10/10), walked back across the River Liffey, and headed to St Stephens Green where artists were selling their artwork on the street. That night, Colin and I saw the F1 movie. I’m not too familiar with racing, but the movie was amazing! I recommend seeing it if you haven’t already.
The next day I was not feeling the best, so I did not go on the Howth trip. I wasn’t too upset about missing after I heard about the hike, but I plan on taking a trip to Howth sometime soon. To help with my cough, I headed to my favorite ramen place, Nomo, then made my way to the National Gallery of Ireland. This week, I’m hoping to try the Matcha cookie with white chocolate and macadamia nuts from the shop called Cookieboy.
Image 1: Me realizing I don’t fit in the car and sat on Peppa’s brother
Image 2: Me and Kate walking back from Loughcrew Passage Tomb
Image 3: One of the shops inside Market Arcade
Image 4: Really blurry photo of us
Image 5: Artwork outside of St Stephens Green
