St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle!

Yes, it’s true I spent the Irish holiday in no other than DUBLIN! After rushing to the airport on Friday morning, we found out that our flight was going to be delayed about an hour but when we got into Ireland, I couldn’t be happier. I was wearing my green attire but I wasn’t prepared for the frigid weather since it has been in the upper 60s here in Toledo, but we found our way to Trinity College where seven of us were staying for the night. We stayed with Beth, a friend of Pat’s, who is studying in Dublin, so her and her friends showed us around and took us to see the Book of Kells. Then I promised Kristen I’d help her find her hotel, which was supposed to be in the city center but turned out to be in Howth, a little town 30 minutes outside the city. Once we trekked through the bitter cold and got back to city we celebrated St. Patty’s at a pub called O’Sullivan’s. Throughout the night more and more Notre Dame kids showed up, there was about 100 at one point! Anyway, we returned to the flat and just hung out with Beth and her friends for the rest of the night because we had an early start Saturday. We decided to hit up as many museums and sites as possible. We started with the Dublin Castle, which houses the Library that had great exhibitions, and then we went to the National Museum of Archaeology and Culture, and the Natural History museum. Then we were famished so stopped by a pub where they were watching rugby and ate some hearty Irish stew. After our feast, we decided it was time to take a trip to Ireland’s biggest tourist attraction: The Guinness Storehouse! We have to see all the intricacies of the brewing process, including the taste testing, advertising, and production! The best part was our complimentary pint on the top floor in the Gravity Bar, which has a 360° view of Dublin and since it was 8pm we got to see all the city lights and because it was the day after St. Paddy’s there was a band too which played great Irish music! This was definitely the highlight of my trip and Dad, I wish you could’ve of gone with me, I know you would of enjoyed it! Saturday night Shannon and I decided to stay with Kristen at her hotel, which was very cold, but we had a pleasant Irish breakfast before going to an authentic Irish-Catholic mass in the city. Then we caught the bus back in time for our flight back…I really am glad I have a little Irish in me, and would love to return to the Emerald Isle!

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