Tasting room at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland

A Photo Essay: Dublin, Ireland

Oh, Ireland. You were the first country I had a deep desire to visit as a child. Sure, there were others in my mind before you, but none that held a grasp so tight that I would have put them at the very top of my must see list. I was an indecisive child, but one thing was for sure–I was going to make it to Ireland one day–I had my heart set on it. Perhaps it was the family connection; part of my dad’s side of the family came from Ireland, but whatever the reason, when I heard one of my 4th grade teachers tell tales of her Ireland adventure, I was hooked. She brought me and my classmates each a pence, and I actually still have mine to this very day. Even though we didn’t make it to kiss the Blarney Stone or to see the Cliffs of Mohr, like I had dreamed of, the hospitality and warmth of the people mixed with the beautiful landscapes and charming city made this trip one to cherish. I finally made it to the place that has been calling me for so many years, and you can bet that I will be back! In the meantime, here are some photos of Dublin, the place we did get to experience in this amazing country:

Dublin Castle, Dublin Ireland

The Dublin Castle is in the heart of Dublin’s historic center and it stands on what is called the high ridge, which is the highest ground in the area.

Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin, Ireland

The Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin is no longer an operating distillery–you will have to visit Cork to find that, but you can still take a tour of the old building in Dublin. You will learn all about the history and production of the famous whiskey, and at the end of the tour you will have a chance to taste it too!

Seán O'Casey Bridge, Dublin, Ireland

The Seán O’Casey Bridge is a link between the north and south sides of the city. Spanning the River Liffey, the bridge has two arms that swing open to let boats pass through.

River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland

Running through the center of Dublin, the River Liffey has many beautiful bridges that span its waters.

Dublin, Ireland

After almost a week of rain, we lucked out with a gorgeous sunny afternoon on our last day in Dublin!

View from the Clarion Hotel in Dublin, Ireland

Thanks to our Choice Hotel reward points, we booked a room at the Clarion and lucked out with a wraparound balcony overlooking the River Liffey.

Street Art in Dublin, Ireland

We always love spotting funky street art when wandering around.

dublinbikes, Dublin, Ireland

The shared bike service, dublinbikes, has become quite popular, but I hope people aren’t starting to share apples too!

Street Performer in Dublin, Ireland

Street performers were drawing quite the crowd on a busy, sunny day in Dublin.

Saint Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland

Taking a break and relaxing in the sun at Saint Stephen’s Green Park.

Parks in Dublin, Ireland

There are numerous parks within Dublin and they provide a great nature escape from the city.

Parks in Dublin, Ireland

The city comes alive when the sun comes out–St. Stephen’s Green Park was packed!

St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland

St. Stephen’s Green Park is 22 acres and one of the larger parks in Dublin. It wasn’t until the 1860’s that the park became public–prior to that, the park was only accessible to residents who owned land around the park.

Dublin, Ireland

We loved all the fun pubs and restaurants throughout Dublin–there seemed to be one after another every time we turned a corner.

River in Dublin, Ireland

We walked along this river every day on our way to the travel conference we were attending–it was such a pretty walk!

Dublin, Ireland

An inviting Spanish Tapas Bar next to one of the colorful doors of Dublin.

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland

Make sure to look up when you visit the Guinness Storehouse–you will find all sorts of interesting sights.

Guinness Hops, Dublin, Ireland

Hops at the Guinness Storehouse. Guinness uses double the amount of hops than is used in most other beers, which give it a more intense aroma and flavor.

Tasting room at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland

If you want to learn how to properly taste Guinness, you should make a stop at the tasting room for a unique experience.

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland

In 1759, the owner of the Guinness Storehouse signed a 9,000 year lease on the property. This lease is no longer valid, however, as the company has purchased the land–the brewery now covers over 50 acres.

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland

The Guinness Book of World Records does have a connection to the Guinness Storehouse–a former Managing Director of the company came up with the idea during an argument while at a hunting party.

Guinness Storehouse TBEX conference, Dublin, Ireland

Grand entrance at the Guinness Storehouse for the opening night of the TBEX conference in Dublin, Ireland

Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland

More fire craziness at the entrance of the TBEX conference–they know how to throw a party!

Jameson Distillery, Dublin, Ireland

The tour at the Jameson Distillery gives an inside look at the different steps of the whiskey making process.

The Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

The Temple Bar area is Dublin’s creative and cultural hub. WIth the charm of the old city, the area comes alive with exciting shops, pubs, restaurants and exhibits.

Dublin, Ireland

The colorful streets of Dublin come alive on a nightly basis–you are sure to find music almost everywhere you go.

River Liffey, Dublin, Ireland

The River Liffey looks so pretty and bright lit up in the evening; a walk along the banks is a perfect end to an evening.


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