Dublin, Ireland
Guinness, harps and history.
Dublin wasn't really on my radar of places to visit but I managed to score a good deal flying British Airways out of London Heathrow. Through my Revolut card, I purchased lounge access prior to my flight. It cost AU$37, as my Revolut card defaults to Australian dollars.
I found this delightful 4 star boutique hotel on the outskirts of the city, right on the river which was delightful.
Growing up, the only thing I saw on TV was about the IRA and the bombings that followed but I didn't really take much notice because I didn't understand. But actually being in the country, and putting it all into context, learning the history and why there was conflict there in the first place has made all the difference to my understanding and appreciation of the conflict and the drive for Irish independence.
I met one or two of the locals who helped me fill in the gaps of the history of their country which was helpful. I always find that breaking the ice and just speaking to a local during my travels helps tremendously. Even if they're another tourist, that's part of the thing I love about travel, it's meeting the people along the way, sharing stories and learning a lit bit more about the world than I did before.
The Lounge, Terminal 5, Heathrow
A$37 for up to 2 hours
It wasn't anything special. The food was limited but there was an open bar. Some lounges put limits on the quantity of drinks you're allowed. Remember, this isn't the business class lounge but a generic lounge found at many airports. It looks pretty shabby but it did the job and I had a little privacy prior to my flight.
The Mayson
I stayed here for 2 nights @ 150EUR/night. The rooms, while small, were tastefully decorated, warm and comfortable, ideal for the single traveller.
The hotel featured a steakhouse on the top floor, a bar on the ground floor but the highlight for me was the semi-outdoor steam, spa and pool area in the basement.
Exploring Dublin
When I arrive in a new city, I really quite enjoy just wandering...and getting lost. I can always find my way back to my hotel, but when you walk, you discover things you wouldn't if you were in a car or on a bus. That's why I made the hour long trek to the Guinness Storehouse on the other side of the city. En route I discovered some of the most interesting facts about Ireland.
And then, I found the highlight of my visit to Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse.
The former brewery turned museum describes the whole story of this famous, worldwide brand; from the creation of the first oak barrels, to the process of obtaining their distinct flavour. It's truly a fantastic experience and you can even drink a pint with a selfie they take of you printed by a 3D printer on top of the head of your beer.
A short film was playing about how the original oak barrels were made for Guinness. The displays were also in oak barrels. It was quite a skill to make an oak barrel....more than you'd realise. Fascinating to watch that. That's on the first part of your tour through the old Guinness brewery, now museum.
