One of the main attractions of Dublin is also the Guinness brewery. The Irish are very proud of their beer and also of the factory. It’s one of the few buildings that you need to pay for entrance, but it’s money well spent. The guide welcomes you at the entrance and explains it’s designed in the shape of the Guinness beer jug. Also you get the electronic guide and you can see from the glasses and bottles through the years, you can see commercials for their beer and to make it even better, you’re rewarded with a tall jug of Guinness at the end. It’s a great way to conclude an interesting tour with great view of the city. Personally, I haven’t developed the taste for it. But to describe it, it’s bitter and strong and a must try if you visit Ireland.
You should not pass a chance to visit Dublin’s museums, for there are many of them. I visited the national history museum and can’t believe that admission is free, for it is really a great museum. OK, you can leave a contribution if you want to, which I did upon exiting. We see the entire history of Ireland, from first found bones of the first human settlers, through coins and religious artefacts; we follow the path of people who lived on the island throughout history. The items we see have also visual and audible aids which explain every item. And apart from that I also visited the museum of Irish writers – Dublin Writers Museum, with such treasures as the facsimiles of the Book of Kells, Medley’s oldest edition of Molly Malone and even the recording of Joyce reading his works. They also have a collection of writing desks of the famous authors with their signed manuscripts of many works. The antique style of the museum gives it a special charm.
The city has many parks which are perfectly tended to, but are usually separated from the buildings by walls. There we can find creeks, ponds and even lakes. But above all, you’ll always find people coming there to relax at a picnic or the playground. But since the parks were not enough, I went to the suburbs of Dublin, where I visited the Zoo and then headed off straight to nature. To see the path surrounded by green pastures was great. On the trail it is marked, that continuing further down, I’ll get to the presidential suite – the so called Irish White house, for it is the same type of residence as with the American presidential estate. I’ve searched and searched, but gave up in the end, after a kind elderly gentlemen pointed me in the direction from which I came. I guess it was not meant to be, but I’m glad I’ve seen this part of the city, for it’s gorgeous and only half an hour from the centre, but so different from the colourful buildings.
On each step you’ll notice colours, at pubs with folk music and laughter. Apart from Guinness and other drinks you’ll also get the fish and chips and typical Irish cuisine. But for the real feel of the pubs you need to get away from the main street, which are typical tourist traps. But only a few streets away you can get to hear a colourful local tale and get a few more experience.
I’ll remember Ireland for its good and kind people, for its beer (which I personally didn’t like so much), and above all the energy it’s radiating. The strong national pride is felt on each step, although I was surprised by many polish shops, which opened up with many immigrants. Irish music and shamrocks with green leprechauns that bring you luck are common companions all along the way. I’ll always remember a singing security guard in the souvenir shop, who merely asked you how you’re doing with a happy smile while singing on the job. And I’ll never forget the cute guys who worked at the reception desk of my hostel. The second I left Dublin I started planning my return to the green country. I’m thinking Cork, Limerick, Galway, for they say, you haven’t seen real Ireland until you’ve travelled the countryside.
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