es, Spain and Barcelona! 🇪🇸
So, I went there — but why exactly? Well, there were a few reasons, but the main one was simple: I had never been to Spain before. And for someone like me, who’s constantly itching to explore new corners of the world, that’s more than enough of a reason to go.
Another, slightly more practical reason was the great flight connection from Ireland. Since it usually takes me around six hours to reach the airport, I always look for flights that depart in the afternoon — ideally after 3 p.m. The Dublin–Barcelona route fit perfectly: afternoon departure, evening arrival, smooth check-in, and still enough time to get a quick first look at the city. A flawless combo.
But this wasn’t your typical “lying on the beach sipping sangria” kind of Catalonia vacation. If you’ve read my previous blogs, you already know my travel style isn’t about sunbathing — it’s about movement. Action, discovery, and finding places most tourists just walk past. And that’s exactly what this trip was: a journey in motion, where every day meant a new city, and every two days — a new flight.
Departure Day
That morning started like any other travel day — wake up, pack up, and get ready for the long ride to the airport. I took the bus, the same way I’d arrived in Ireland months before (if you’ve read my earlier post about how I actually got here, you know what I mean).
First, I had to get from the village of Lough Rynn to the nearest town, Carrick-on-Shannon. I left while it was still dark — around 7 a.m., late February. Outside it was quiet, freezing, and so dark you wouldn’t send a dog out there.
I walked about an hour to the small town of Mohill, where I caught Bus 564. For roughly €4, it took me to Carrick-on-Shannon, where I had a quick 15-minute transfer. From there, I hopped on the Expressway Bus No. 23 heading straight to Dublin Airport — and all that for just €10! Yep, you read that right.
Sometimes they run discounts, so instead of the usual €24, you can catch it for less than half. Totally worth it, especially when you’ve got half a day of flying ahead. The ride took just over three hours — a few traffic jams, endless Irish fields, and cows looking perpetually confused, as if they were late for something.
When I finally reached Dublin Airport, I went through security and, as tradition demands, made a stop for a pint of Guinness. I had a bit of time before the flight, so honestly — I didn’t stop at one. Let’s just say I had a proper Irish farewell. 🍻
The Airport Hustle ✈️🌧️
Of course, there was a delay — because what would a flight from Ireland be without a bit of rain? Luckily, it was just a few minutes, enough for safety checks and a smooth takeoff.
After almost two and a half hours in the air, I was floating above nighttime Barcelona. From above, the city looked like a living organism — glowing streets, the harbor shining below, and wide boulevards glowing like veins of light. Barcelona at night from the sky? Pure romance, even for a solo traveler.
After landing, I went through the terminal and stepped outside. The first mission: get to the city center. Before the trip, I’d made sure to book accommodation near bus and metro connections, just so I wouldn’t have to wander around aimlessly in the middle of the night.
For transportation, I’d already bought the Hola Barcelona Travel Card through the app — a digital pass that gives you unlimited rides on the metro, buses, trains, and trams for 72 hours. The best part? It only activates after your first use. So I had it ready on my phone, confident that I’d just flash it at the scanner and be good to go.
Reality Check: Welcome to Barcelona 🇪🇸🚌
But as usual… theory and reality don’t always match. When I reached the bus heading to the city center, I proudly showed the driver my shiny digital pass in the app — and he just shook his head, pointing toward a nearby ticket machine.
Apparently, “no, ticket, ticket there.”
So yeah, I had to buy a regular one-way ticket on the spot — for €7.25. Not exactly what I expected, but hey, my first “Welcome to Barcelona” moment right there.
I hopped on the A2 Airport Bus, which runs directly from El Prat Airport to the city center, and after about 30 minutes, I got off at Gran Via – Comte Borrell. From there, it was just a short walk to my accommodation near the Urgell metro station.
The Ride and Check-In
First things first — I headed to my accommodation. I had to check in before 10 p.m., so it was a close call, but I made it just in time. After a quick rest, I realized I still had some energy left, so why waste the night?
I went down to the Urgell metro station, where there was a ticket machine waiting for me. That’s where I could finally activate my 72-hour travel pass — by choosing the “redeem” option and entering the code from the app I’d bought before the trip.
And… it worked! 🎉 At last, I could explore Barcelona legally and stress-free, with unlimited rides and a smile that said, “now the adventure really begins.”
Plaça de Catalunya
After a few metro stops, I got off at Plaça de Catalunya — one of the most famous squares in Barcelona and basically the heart of the city, where the old town meets the new.
On one side, it connects to La Rambla, Barcelona’s liveliest street packed with shops, bars, and street performers; on the other, it opens into modern boulevards like Passeig de Gràcia, home to architectural gems such as Casa Batlló.
At night, the square was beautifully lit — the fountains were changing colors, and even though it was already late, the place was still full of life: tourists, local skaters, couples on benches… Simply put, Barcelona never sleeps.
Arc de Triomf
Since I still had some energy left, I hopped back on the metro and rode just a few stops further — towards the Arc de Triomf. This is Barcelona’s very own triumphal arch, built in 1888 as the main entrance to the World Expo held in Parc de la Ciutadella.
Unlike its Parisian cousin, this one is made entirely of red bricks and decorated with reliefs celebrating progress and cooperation among nations — a very typically optimistic Spanish touch.
At night, the place looked magical — the arch was glowing, people were sitting on the grass, music was playing, and even though it was past 11 p.m., the streets were still alive. The main promenade that stretches from the arch leads directly into Parc de la Ciutadella, a huge city park with a lake, palm trees, and a grand fountain. Of course, it was closed at that hour, but the nighttime walk around it had its own charm.
The hum of the city, the warm air, and that laid-back atmosphere instantly made me feel it — Spain moves to a different rhythm: slower, yet somehow so much more alive.
Wrapping Up the Night
Slowly but surely, I started heading back to my accommodation — the next day was going to be a big one. I had plans to explore a huge part of Barcelona on foot, but where exactly? Well, you’ll find out in the next chapter. 😉
Before calling it a night, though, I treated myself to the ultimate traveler’s ritual — a proper kebab and a cold beer from a random spot right next to my place. A small but glorious reward for surviving day one in a new country without a scratch. 😄
Only then could I finally lie down with that satisfying feeling that I’d made it through my first day in Spain. If you want to know what I managed to see in Barcelona and where my journey took me next, make sure to follow me on Instagram and subscribe to the newsletter — you won’t want to miss the next chapters!
Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden.
Flying Easterner
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