This time, we find ourselves with Rolo (check out his IG Here) at a moment when our legs were begging for mercy after a full day of exploring the Irish capital. So, what did we do? We headed straight to the iconic Vico Bathing Place. Who cares if it’s freezing cold and the wind is blowing so hard it shakes the Dubliner Guinness in your stomach – it was absolutely worth it.
Picture this: rugged coastline, the vast sea, and a view that makes you feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world. It’s the kind of place you’d see on a postcard. Locals often come here for a swim, and you’ll even find groups braving the icy waters together for a bit of cold-water therapy.
The Way Back: Hunger and the Craving for Rest
They say hunger is the best chef, and we got a solid reminder of that on our way back to the accommodation. After an entire day of exploring, we realized we were still quite a trek away from our bed—about an hour and a half, to be exact. Luckily, we stumbled upon River Bar in the city center, a restaurant that seemed tailor-made for ending a long, tiring day.
A massive building with a glowing Heineken sign, lit up like a Christmas tree, offered an atmosphere straight out of a proper Irish pub. The food? Absolutely top-notch, enough to impress even the pickiest of foodies. Guinness was flowing like a river, football matches played on every TV screen, and we indulged in hearty portions of steak and burgers. The best part? It only set us back just over €20.
And then it happened—the surprise of the night. Need to use the restroom? Sure thing, but get ready to be led straight into an underground club. Yep, you heard that right! Restaurant upstairs, disco downstairs. The music’s thumping, lights are flashing, and you’re standing there thinking, “Is this really Dublin? Feels more like a Dutch nightclub!”’ Nothing will ever top that moment when you accidentally stumble into a party in the middle of dinner. Who knows? If we’d stayed a little longer, we might’ve ended up tearing it up on the dance floor.
Sacrificing sleep for experiences? Absolutely!
After a hearty dinner, we were hit with a harsh reality: rest would either be a fleeting episode or just a brief commercial break—if it even happened at all. Why? Because our flight was scheduled for around 6 a.m. A quick calculation revealed we needed to be at the airport by 4 a.m., which meant setting the alarm for 2 a.m. While ordinary mortals might lament the lost hours of sleep, we simply shrugged it off, reminding ourselves that every minute spent in this incredible city was worth it. Sleep? Who needs it anyway? That’s what traveling is all about.
Sunday morning, Dublin is still sleeping, but we’re already sprinting to catch the bus. And we hardly slept at all, because, well… sleep didn’t seem to be on the agenda. Luckily, the night bus brought us back to the city center, where we transferred to the Aircoach 700 heading to the airport. These airport shuttles run frequently, and you’ll always get to the airport on time. It’ll cost you around 10€, if you’re asking.
Ironically, we found ourselves back at the River Bar, but this time without food and with only faint background music. We were surrounded by young people still heading home after a Saturday night out. The atmosphere was lively even at 3 a.m., and we briefly wondered if we should’ve just stayed at that nightclub. Either way, we’d hardly slept and would’ve been closer to the bus stop!
Airport, coincidences, and a short flight home
At the airport, we had an expected encounter – we bumped into our teacher, who was in Dublin at the same time as us. We quickly recapped the weekend together, and all agreed it was an experience worth remembering. The flight home was quick and comfortable. As with most short, early flights, many people didn’t show up, so we got to move around and sit together. If you ever travel, don’t worry about reserving a seat – save that money for museum entry or a proper pint of Guinness😉.
In just under three hours, we were back home in Košice, tired but happy. Dublin was exactly as we had imagined – vibrant, full of history, and with people who surprise you with their openness. Even on the plane, we were already asking our teacher about more travel opportunities through the Erasmus program. Whatever happens, we know this won’t be our last trip. And it wasn’t. By now, we knew where we were going for Erasmus, and roughly when, but we still didn’t know exactly what we’d be doing or what we’d discover together. Our teacher shared a little bit with us, and we couldn’t wait to find out more. Turn on Instagram notifications and sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss anything!
Tips and Tricks for Traveling to Dublin
Dublin is a city that has something for everyone – from history buffs and foodies to those just looking to have a good time. If you’re planning to visit the capital of Ireland, here are some tips that could come in handy:
1. Clothing: Dublin’s weather is unpredictable, so bring everything – from a windbreaker to swimwear. You never know when you’ll feel like diving into the chilly Irish sea, or when it might start raining out of nowhere.
2. Payments: Both cash and cards are widely accepted. If you’re a coin collector, pay with cash – you might just get some unique pieces, ones you don’t often see in Slovakia.
3. Transportation: The public transport system is reliable, but be prepared for delays (Busses) – let’s face it, which city doesn’t have them? There’s no metro, but buses and trams will cover all your needs.
4. Food: Visit traditional Irish pubs and try the Guinness. If you’re not into crowded spots like Temple Bar, check out other pubs – the atmosphere will be just as great. Definitely stop by River Bar if you want a meal and a bit of nightlife, or head to The Brazen Head, the oldest restaurant in the city with fantastic atmosphere. For a perfect evening pint, try Jackie’s.
5. Trains: If you want to head outside the city, trains are quick, comfortable, and affordable. For example, a trip to the coastal town of Dalkey is a perfect way to spend a day.
Must-see spots
Dublin is a city full of history and culture, so it’s hard to pick just a few places. Here are my recommendations:
• Guinness Storehouse: The home of the world-famous beer, where you’ll learn all about its history and brewing process. You’ll even get to taste two samples, and on one of them, they’ll make your photo on the foam. The entire tour takes about 2 hours. Did you know that 10 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide every day? Don’t fall for online tickets for almost 100 €, buy them on-site and get in right away for 34 €.
• The Liffey River Area: A stroll along the Liffey is magical at night when bridges like the Samuel Beckett Bridge and Ha’penny Bridge light up the city.
• Dublin Castle: The original castle was built in 1204 and served as the seat of British rule until 1922 when Ireland gained independence. Today, you’ll find art galleries and a museum here. The tour lasts about 1-2 hours.
• Old Town: Take a walk around the streets near O’Connell Bridge and admire monuments like The Spire – a 120-meter-tall spike in the middle of the street – and the O’Connell Monument.
• Cathedrals: Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are stunning places that will captivate you with their architecture. Definitely check them out from the outside, and if you’re not running late, make sure to step inside too.
• The Brazen Head: Dublin’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1198, where you can enjoy traditional Irish food.
Why return to Dublin?
Dublin is one of those places where everyone will find something to love. From friendly people, rich history, to modern attractions. You might think one weekend is enough, but the truth is, each visit offers something new. So, next time, turn on notifications, sign up for the newsletter, and follow my adventures – you never know where I’ll head next.
What’s next? Dublin was just the warm-up, and I’m slowly getting into the groove. I can already tell you that soon we’ll embark on another adventure together, but this time it’ll be a whole new level. I’ll tell you about the Erasmus project, what it is, and how much you can experience through it—things you probably didn’t know. Where will I take you next? That will remain a secret for now. You might have a hint if you’re following me on Instagram. But I can promise you, it’s going to be a ride, full of unpredictable events, places, and experiences that will keep you from sitting at home.
Don’t miss out on any updates and join me on my travel adventures! Sign up for the newsletter and follow me on Instagram – there, you’ll find photos, tips, and quick snapshots to brighten your day. Stay tuned, I’m still picking up speed and constantly raising the bar higher and higher!
Flying Easterner
Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden
