This past weekend in Dublin, we visited Blarney Castle, and it was quite an experience. I was not expecting the line to be so long. I don’t typically have a fear of heights, but it was slightly daunting being up that high. I was also too scared to kiss the Blarney Stone. However, the architecture of the castle was beautiful and well worth the visit.
After, I got a ham and cheese quiche, and later, Riley and I went to McDonald’s. I enjoyed European McDonald’s— it uses healthier ingredients than American McDonald’s. I could definitely tell the difference. I got a chicken sandwich on a pretzel roll with fries, and it was amazing. I also thought that the seating are we were in didn’t feel like a McDonald’s. There were ornate designs on the ceiling. Unsurprisingly, the McDonald’s location was pretty busy when we arrived, which makes sense for a Saturday evening.
We also visited Trinity College Dublin and walked around the campus. It was difficult and took a bit for us to find the campus, but we found it after a bit. Unfortunately, the harp and the Book of Kells were not available at that time. There were many buildings on the campus, and as we walked around, we also saw the quad area, we were unable to go into the library as well though unfortunately. There were some students and other people roaming around the campus as well, but it was relatively quiet when we visited.
Before heading to the Guinness Storehouse, my roommates and I did a bit of shopping at a couple of stores and walked around. We went to a couple clothing stores, a makeup store called Space NK, a chain store that does not exist in the United States, and Butlers Chocolate Café. At Butlers cafe, a few of us got drinks, and they gave us complimentary chocolates with our beverages.
At the Guinness Storehouse, I enjoyed the tour. The exhibition was very cool. After the tour, Riley and I tried a pint of Guinness, then headed to the bar downstairs to see if they had Guinness shots, but they weren’t available, so instead we went to another bar nearby to have them. Afterwards we went to Boeuf and Frites for dinner, which was a great end to the day.
I had heard of the restaurant before, but it was my first time going, and I’m really glad I did.
Blarney Castle
View from Blarney Castle
Building at Trinity College
Parliament Square
Start of Guinness Storehouse Tour
I remember the woman in front of us to kiss the Blarney Stone was judging us for wanting to try McDonalds in Ireland but she just doesn’t get it! I was a bit disappointed that the Guinness store didn’t sell Guinness shots. I know it’s not actually Guinness but it’s in the name so I feel like it counts! Boeuf and frites definitely made up for it though!