I was in Dublin a few years ago, and I have to say, I wasn’t blown away by it. This is going to sound harsh but, what actually is there to do in Dublin? I don’t like beer, so a 30 minute line-up for a 1 hour tour followed by a 15 minute tasting at Guinness isn’t for me. Last time we tried to see the Book of Kells at the University of Dublin, but the exhibit was closed that day. But really, was that a loss? I mean, isn’t that kind of like going to see the Mona Lisa: great long queues, crowds jostling, and a 30 second glimpse of a masterpiece. Wouldn’t it just be better to sit down at your computer, with a cup of tea, and spend 30 minutes reading up about and closely viewing the same piece of art? (I know I sound like a philistine here. I think it has more to do with my dislike of queues and crowds than a disdain for original masterpieces. I happily spent two hours in the Crawford in Cork, looking at tapestries, staring into the eyes of portraits, and admiring the ‘cloth folds’ in Grecian sculptures., and I would go again and again to the National Gallery in London.) But I’ll pass on the Book of Kells, so no visit to Trinity College.
Yes, there are cathedrals and castles that are most likely worth a visit, but as with many European trips, by the last day you feel you’ve seen your fill of antiquities so those weren’t much of a draw either. We took the bus from our B&B into Dublin and went to the Tourist Info Bureau where were given some good advice: skip Guinness, pass on the boat tour up the LIffey, and instead take the local Hop On Hop Off, and don’t miss The Little Museum of Dublin. We did as we were told, and had a lovely day. The rain mostly held off, our bus driver was pretty good (we ignored his recommendation to avoid Temple Bar and ended up having a delicious Boxty lunch as a result), and after a wander about the town, we beelined straight to the coolest, quirkiest Dublin-centric museum, The Little Museum. It was odd, and informative, and entertaining, and I would recommend it to anyone going to Dublin. Loved it!
It turned out to be a very nice day, but as far as I’m concerned, the jury is still out re Dublin. Maybe I need to visit with a local (I know I really enjoyed Boston mainly because I was with a friend who lived there, and my opinion of Calgary did a complete 180 once I knew locals) or maybe it’s just too expensive, too touristy, and won’t every be my first choice. That’s cool – we had a great time last week, and that’s what matters.