Each one of our trips is focused on connecting with the locals, understanding their challenges. During our time in Dublin, we discovered that the Dubliners are extremely friendly. As we explored their city, we were welcomed with many hellos and smiles making us feel included, comfortable and at ease. We loved our conversations with people in Dublin.
On this trip, we spent hours walking the Temple Bar neighborhood speaking with the vendors and employees in the area. No cars are allowed in this area; pedestrians walk over some cobbled stones street enjoying quirky boutiques and crafts by local designers. This neighborhood has many pubs which host live folk music. It is hard to miss if you’re visiting Dublin.
Our travels are about getting the message out about our free language website?
In this age of technology, personal communication is changing and evolving, but we must realize that nothing can replace a face to face encounter between two people.
Therefore, we set out to speak with people face to face while traveling. “We love to hear peoples stories,” says Philipp, “we enjoy sharing the gift of communication.“
We recognize that learning to communicate in a second language provides skills that can open doors and create a stronger self.
Meanwhile during our downtime, as usual, we relaxed at a park. St. Stephen’s Green park, filled with lush green grass, a variety of plants and flowers and some marvelous bodies of water. If that’s not enough, there were monuments scattered to become familiar with some local history. We love meeting people at parks which is a friendly environment to have candid conversations.
Never pass up the opportunity to be immersed in a culture
Our goals are different than most travelers, but if the chance arises to get a peek at a new culture, we never pass up the opportunity.
Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. It is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey.
Dublin Castle stands proudly on the highest ridge. With over 800 years of Irish memories encapsulated within its walls, spanning an area of over 11 acres. Above all the outside of the castle certainly was impressive.
A unique white-picketed beauty, the Ha’penny Bridge is famously known as the first pedestrian bridge. It spans over the river Liffey. Its name was derived from the price pedestrians had to pay a “halfpenny” to cross the bridge back in 1816. Today, you do not have to pay, but it has become one of the main monuments that identify Dublin.
Trinity College Campus is green and lush with incredible architectural wonder. The Trinity College Library a room most bibliophiles would only dream to visit. It is the home to the famous Book of Kells – an ornate, beautifully-illuminated manuscript containing all of the four Gospels of the New Testament that’s over 1000 years old. The Long Room resembles the Jedi Archives in Star Wars, as a result, Star Wars fans like to visit.
We were lucky to be in Dublin on the last Sunday of the month when the huge indoor flea market was open. The flea market is beloved in Dublin and has many treasures to be found. It gave us an opportunity to speak to vendors understanding their challenges communicating with tourist who does not speak English.
Another incredibly unique and fun way to experience the true Irish culture and heritage is to watch a Gaelic Game. You can generally find a game at Croke Park stadium located just 10 minutes away from Dublin City Center. It was fascinating seeing this sport live. During our travels, we love to walk and we stumbled into Cassidy’s 42.
Located at Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, Ireland, this awesome pub is away from the tourist traps. Cassidy’s is worth visiting especially on Sunday night. Let me start with Cassidy’s buzzing atmosphere and a top-quality Guinness. Above all the traditional music after 10 pm, (only on Sunday) was a blast. The patrons taught us some lyrics so we could sing with them becoming part of their family while celebrating their music. It was a beautiful evening with beautiful people. Have you tried Irish coffee? we hadn’t yet, either. You should in Ireland.
Before heading to the pub, enjoy a meal at Pickle a restaurant right next door to Cassidy’s 42. Pickle an outstanding Indian restaurant. Make sure you make reservations it is a small establishment, and the locals love it. The waiters are very well versed with their menu and provide outstanding suggestions on what to order. Thank you Aayush, our fantastic waiter for giving us an experience we will never forget.
These were the seven things we chose to do in Dublin. What will you do?
If you are planning a trip to this part of the world, don’t miss visiting Ireland. Where the people make you feel at home and where we felt the luck of the Irish was with us.
To sum up this trip we would like to thank all who made us feel like we belonged in this beautiful culture.
Next stop Edinburgh Scotland…..