Dublin, Ireland
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, I've decided to take a nostalgic journey back to my time studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland. Though I may be aging myself a bit, it was in June 2017 when I studied at Trinity College. Studying abroad was the highlight of my undergraduate years. As a somewhat budget-conscious college student, these experiences, facilitated by my school, provided an invaluable opportunity to explore different corners of the world and naturally connect with new people.
Fortunate enough to engage in academic pursuits across four distinct universities through the University of Hartford (I'll share the secret to that in another blog post!), my experience in Ireland left a memorable mark. Below, I share snippets from my study abroad experience in Ireland, along with my top recommendations and favorite pubs to enhance your visit.
Best Time to Visit
Ireland is known for its frequent rainfall, making it advisable to pack an umbrella regardless of the season. Weather-wise, the period from June through August is considered an ideal time to visit, offering relatively warmer temperatures. During my visit in June, I enjoyed generally warm weather, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 70s. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to experience minimal rainfall throughout the entire duration of the trip.
Getting To Ireland & Around While There
At the time, I was studying at Uhart and the university is conveniently close to Massachusetts. I chose to fly from the Boston Logan International Airport to Dublin Airport on a non-stop flight costing me a total of $666 roundtrip! The main international airport in Ireland is Dublin, making it a common choice for booking your destination ticket. The flight duration was 6 hours and 20 minutes.
During my stay in Dublin, most of my transportation needs were covered by the university, alleviating concerns about getting from point A to point B. I stayed at Trinity College, situated in the heart of Dublin's City Center. This central location allowed for convenient exploration of many of the city's attractions, as the City Center is a walkable area. Dublin also has a reliable public transportation system, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). Alternatively, getting around is easy with the availability of taxis or ride-sharing services.
How Many Days Did I Stay & Where I Stayed?
As previously mentioned, I participated in a study abroad program in Ireland and stayed on the Trinity College Dublin campus. The program lasted for 10 days, providing me with ample time to explore various cities across Ireland.
EXPLORE Dublin (Must See Sites)
Guinness Storehouse
Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Trinity College Dublin
The Book of Kells Experience
Cliffs of Moher (the idea behind my blog post title) - Remember to exercise caution and avoid getting too close to the edges
Dublin Castle
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Phoenix Park
Ha'penny Bridge
St. Patricks's Cathedral
Grafton Street [Link] - A place where various performers come to showcase their talents and musical passions with the public
Eat in Dublin
Iconic Pubs / Bars to check out
The Temple Bar
Brazen Head
Gravity Bar (located at the Guinness Storehouse)
The Quays Bar
“A mind that is stretched by new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” Be sure to follow @experiencedbymy to stay up to date on the latest travel reels!
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