Last year during our European adventure we visited Dublin, Ireland. Now, this was probably the part of the trip that I was the most excited about. I had always wanted to visit Ireland, and our family on our dad’s side is Irish. We have those four leaf clovers running through our veins. Sadly we did not find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but we did have a cab driver that I’m convinced was a leprechaun in another life. He was truly a gem, and one of my favorite parts of Dublin. We stayed at the Hampton Hotel which we highly recommend. We spent most of our time there to be honest. We spent a short two days in the city, but we feel like we did the things we wanted to do.
Our first day we went to the Guinness Storehouse. It was such a fun experience. This was the first brewery I had ever been too, so it was a learning experience all around. We also became certified as Guinness Pourers. There is an art to pouring the perfect pint. One of my favorite things to do now is to see how a bartender pours Guinness. More often than not, especially in the states, they are doing it wrong. Sometimes I want to whip out my certificate and show them how its done.
We spent the majority of our day there learning, eating, and taking in the views from the rooftop bar. We then headed off to the city center to walk around and explore. To our excitement we stumbled on a store called “Dunnes Store”. A.) We didn’t want the extra “e” right dad? B.) We are technically famous in Ireland right!? Walking into the store, Allix kept saying she felt like we were the Kardashians walking into Dash. We aren’t that cool, but it was still fun to see. Maybe the owners are one of our long lost relatives? A girl can dream right?
We then decided to just call it an early night and hang out at the bar in our hotel. There was live music, and a fun atmosphere, also very convenient that it was inside of the hotel. It seemed to be a spot where the locals hang out which made it even better. The next day we got up early for a tour at Trinity College. The campus was absolutely breathtaking, and the sunlight over Dublin dubbed our inside joke of #dublinlighting. It was the perfect selfie lighting, and you know we cant resist a good selfie. The main attraction though was the Long Room library. We waited in line for about an hour, but it was totally worth it.
To finish off the day we went to see Riverdance, which was unbelievable let me tell you. I honestly never thought I would see Riverdance in Ireland, but it was an experience I will never forget. We of course had to play around in the Disney store, and found Frozen cupcakes, and our favorite apple juice from Marks & Spencer to celebrate Ashley’s birthday. We had a pub dinner as the Irish do and then set off back towards the hotel. I’m actually quite jealous she got to celebrate her birthday in Ireland. That lucky four leaf clover!
We ended the night back at the hotel bar with some Irish coffees for dessert. We also might have watched Sophia Grace & Rosie’s Royal adventure. You will never convince us that we are actual adults. We just love Sophia Grace and Rosie alright! (Coincidentally, we heard they are actually finally back on Ellen today! We can’t wait to watch!)
Overall we had a fantastic time, but Dublin as a city was not necessarily our favorite. I really want to go back and do a road trip around the whole of Ireland. I’m just trying to find someone who is willing to drive on the other side of the road… Here’s to hoping that I will one day get my road trip.
Have any of you ever been to Dublin or Ireland? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments below.
-Shelby xx