City I (still) love: Dublin

When talking about Dublin, I have to admit, I am very biased. I used to live in Dublin for almost five years when I studied there and Dublin to me means home. Home with relaxed atmosphere but great buzz combined with good pubs, cafes and restaurants. And lots to do too. If you visit the city for the first time it’s not bad idea to do all the touristy things. The Guinness Store House, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle and Temple Bar just to name a few. But there is so much more and here is my top three, most of them doable if you have a baby or little ones in tow, like we do have these days.

Swimming at the Forty Foot.

Take a dip in the Irish Sea at the Forty Foot like Dubliners have done for 250 or so years. What used to be gentlemen’s only swimming spot and a popular among nudists, is now open to women and children as well, all year around. The spot is especially busy on Christmas Day when the locals go for the annual plunge! Forty Foot can be found south of Dun Laoghaire, between the Sandycove and Bullock harbours and it’s accessible for buggies. Whether or not your little one is up for a dip in the cold Irish Sea is another matter, altogether!

White water rafting.

I used to kayak on the Liffey, the river that flows from the mountains and through the city centre before disappearing into the sea. Even though we now live in the white water paradise of Norway, I have to admit, sometimes I miss the Liffey and its mean and vicious, “ready to attack a kayaker” kind of beautifully peaceful swans. If you are not a kayaker, I would recommend you to hop on a raft and experience the river first hand. You will see and experience so much more than by just strolling the city’s streets. Need more persuasion? This is the only rafting opportunity in Ireland, hence truly unique experience in the country and not to be missed!

Wicklow Mountains.

This is not quite in the city itself but so easy to do while in Dublin that I highly recommend it and it really should be part of a city stay in Dublin. If you rent a car you can easily explore the county and its mountains to your heart’s content, as Wicklow is only one hour’s drive away from Dublin. But with public transport you can also get to the mountains with no problems. Very popular scenic spot among the mountains is Glendalough with its walking trails suited for all abilities and spectacular scenery.

Even though the student days are way behind me I still return to the city I love, Dublin, one or two times a year. In fact, the next trip is coming up in less than two months and I can’t wait!

This is my submission for the ‘3 Things in the City’ I Love contest by Velvet Escape, Traveldudes and Wimdu.co.uk.