We kind of really like Ireland, and have been there several times. Everyone is so happy in Ireland (maybe it’s the Guinness or the whiskey). Ireland seems to be one of our repeat bucket list locations. Rather than stay in hotels this time since we were traveling with three other couples, we decided to rent a house through VRBO. We were able to rent a four-bedroom, 3 bath, full kitchen house which averaged out to be just under $200.00 a night per couple for the nine nights. The house was located near Stephens Green and was close to public transportation and grocery stores. As we had been to Dublin several times, we played travel guide throughout Dublin and around Ireland. Visiting Guinness, Kilmainham Gaol, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, Temple bar, we traveled out of town to see the Carrick A Rede rope bridge, Giants Causeway, Wicklow and Blarney Castle and even attended a Riverdance performance. We purchased the LEAP Card in advance online, it’s the card needed for the public transportation. Also, while in Dublin a co-worker of mine suggested we go to Johnnie Fox’s Pub a traditional pub located on the top of a mountain. It offers live music and entertainment seven nights a week. We took in the Hooley Show which included a wonderful dinner. You don’t want to miss this place. We also traveled up to Belfast to see the Titanic Museum. Some in the group decided to do the Black Cab tour around Belfast and said it was very good. While in Dublin here are couple of our favorite pubs to stop in and enjoy: Gogarty’s in Temple Bar, they have the best mussels and Baileys Irish Cream cheesecake and live music most all day and night, Open Gate Brewer, located around the corner from Guinness Storehouse an experimental taproom, home to the small batch beer creations from innovated brewers at Guinness, Brazen Head Pub, the oldest pub in Dublin dating back to 1198, and one of our favorites is Fitzgerald’s Pub just off O’Connell bridge, which offers great food and live music sometimes from our favorite Irish band Totally Wired. If you’re not a drinker but want to go to a pub try Ireland’s first ever alcohol-free bar now open in Dublin called The Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary is located on Capel street and serves a delicious range of wines, beers and cocktails all free of alcohol.
