24.9.19

Dublin With MarcoPolo Guides


Ireland may only be around a 45 minute flight from most places in the UK, but it was a country that I had never ventured to before. Ireland has untouched coastlines, stunning cliffs, luscious green fields, and some heavily dosed in beautiful lavender and flowers. Dublin itself, is essentially on the east coast of Ireland, but the city doesn't boast any sea views, the city is predominately surrounded by the marina and lots of water sections, a large river, the River Liffey runs through the heart of the city, where you can find bridge after bridge, and multiple Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. With my trusty Marco Polo Guide in hand (I've used Marco Polo in Athens and Corfu!), I decided to check out the sites and I was armed with all the information I needed. Ps. Marco Polo even have a touring app on your phone which makes things even more accessible.



Halfpenny Bridge (Pixabay)

Packed and ready to go! Marco Polo guide - perfect size for travel! 
Dublin has such a continental feel, the culture is very British in essence but you can feel the European edge which seems to have infiltrated the city, and this makes it so intriguing. Lots of outdoor cafes, and plenty of modern architecture, strolling down the river is reminiscent of somewhere such as Rottderdam or more closer to home, Liverpool. It is a colourful, happy city, with a large bustling shopping centre. If you're only in Dublin for a short amount of time then here are some places you should see and some handy hacks for your time in the city.




Travel easily into the city centre from the airport for €7.00 on the frequent bus service, the number 747. The bus tells you over speaker where you are so you know where to get off, but you will have a sense of when you're at the right place. All the public transport you need is also ready to hand in your guide. Before I went, I decided to flip through my Marco Polo Guide to make some notes as to where I wanted to go: they were right about one thing, Dublin really does have heart and soul!



Dublin Castle

Be sure to take a trip to Dublin Castle. It is a fabulous beacon of royal history and has the most incredible pieces and interiors. It is a must on your trip here.

*The first Wednesday of every month, entry to the castle is free* - usual price is €4.50 
Booking.com
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
The Halfpenny Bridge

This can't really be missed when you're strolling around, but as cliched as it sounds, you should take a walk over it to tick off the bucket list. It was built in 1816 and is a popular sweet place for photos and is the landmark if you're a little lost walking down the river. To read a little more about the bridges of Dublin for any architecture loves, click here.

The Guinness Storehouse

If you're only in Ireland for the good booze, then the Guinness Storehouse is going to be on your stop.   Ticket prices start at €14 for adults. If you want to find out about how the drink is produced, the history of the drink and much more then this trip is definitely worth it, but Dublin's pub scene is plentiful and bustling and there are many places to find a good glass of Guinness.

Eating

There is an abundence of restaurants, so, finding something to suit your taste should be relatively easy. A little place I stumbled upon was a The Lotts Cafe/Bar, with beautiful decor, a laid back vibe with good food, good prices and friendly staff.  Marco Polo pick out only the best places to grab some good food and of course on the cards had to be a Guinness!

Lotts Cafe & Bar
Dublin Spire

Athough this may not be the oldest piece of art in the city, it is one of the most incredible. The spire is a must see, and you can't miss it, at its height of 120meters. It is known as the Monument of Light, a piece of art meant to inspire and display Dublin's artistic, colourful and multicultural way of life. Some of the Dubliners have mixed views on it, with one taxi driver believing it was a waste of money and a complete eyesore, but it is quite a magnificent piece of architecture, especially for people who enjoy modern art. Take a look here for some interesting pieces of the spire.
TIPS

Hire A Bike

Simple and may seem like a no brainer if you're limited to time in the city, but this truly would be the best option to explore the quaint backstreets without staying on foot, and you are able to cover so much more ground.

Enquiry About Taxis First

Just like in any city, this is a good rule of thumb. Before jumping into a taxi, ask them how much it is likely to be, and this way they shouldn't charge you aymore than this. In big cities, it can often happen that people try and make a quick buck, especially from tourists. This is a good hack in every city.

Use Your Marco Polo Map

You can pick out landmarks, but it is easy to get lost, many streets look similar and there are a lot of  streets designated to offices, so it can make you feel like you are quickly out of the hustle of the city. There are usually shops around to guide you but making sure you don't walk around in circles is important! Marco Polo guides come with a street map which is very comprehensive.


HAPPY TRAVELLING!!! For more information on Marco Polo Guides click here.

*This post was written in collaboration with Marco Polo Guides
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