A Weekend in Dublin!

Over Veteran's Day, Dan and I, along with two friends, sneaked off for a long weekend in Dublin.  We left at a ridiculously early time on Thursday morning and stayed until really late on Sunday night.  It was a perfect amount of time.

One of the best things about living over here is how inexpensive it is to travel.  Our flights from Manchester to Dublin only cost around $70/person!  Thank goodness for Ryan Air!  The only downside to Ryan Air is their really strict carry-on policy.  The only allow one carry-on period.  That means only a bag.  No purse, no jacket in your hand, no bottle of water or sandwich for the plane.  Only what is physically on your body and one item.  And they come around with a little cardboard box to make sure that your one item fits their size restrictions.  If it doesn't, you have to pay £40!

Luckily, I am an excellent packer :)  Here's what I packed for our four day trip.  Inside the bag I have my big purse, a guidebook, two pairs of shoes, enough shirts for two a day and several other items.  That's my friend Brandon's bag next to mine to help you compare.
 

We had two and a half days in the city, and we spent another day driving outside city limits to Kilkenny  and Cashel.  Kilkenny is an adorable little town where Kilkenny beer originated.  There's a great castle and a few beautiful cathedrals and abbeys.

Kilkenny Castle

St. Mary's Cathedral in Kilkenny

Cashel was gorgeous too.  The Rock of Cashel is the main highlight and it was definitely worth the trip.

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel at sunset

We were able to see a lot of Dublin too.  We went to see the Kilmainham Gaol, the book of Kells at Trinity College, Dublinia museum, Christchurch Cathedral, the national museum, and of course the Guinness Museum and Jameson Distillery.  Everything was so interesting, but I was most surprised by the Guinness Museum.  It was really well done and very interactive.  And, it turns out that the beer tastes different here.  It has something to do with the chemicals they use to when serving it in a bar.  I like it much better here!

Overall, we had an action-packed few days.  And, we were blessed with some great weather for at least half of the trip.  Here are some of the highlights:

Enjoying an Irish Hot Chocolate (with Baileys)

Downtown Dublin

Great dinner with great friends