The Curious Connection Between Ireland and Home


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Europe » Ireland » County Dublin » Dublin
January 14th 2010
Published: April 11th 2010
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Before Keith and I left for our trip, my grandmother told me that Ireland was her favorite place she had ever visited. She said being in Ireland, "felt like coming home." I believed her, to an extent, because the Irish are known for their hospitality. But I didn't know exactly how true what she said would be.

Aside from the fact that "coming home" was significant since Dublin is the last stop before we head back to Chicago, Dublin as a whole felt so much like home. It wasn't European the way we have experienced Europe so far. The colors were gone, the Italian fountains and French squares were not to be found, the air of majestic grace was certainly not here. It was a working city, with smoke stacks and brick and crosswalk signs (Naples: take a hint). It was more like Chicago and New York than Italy or France or Spain could ever dream of being.


But Dublin was beautiful, if only for its people. I have never been in a place where more people have gone out of their way to talk to me, or help me, or invite along on a tour. From the moment we arrived, the people we met were incredibly nice. If the French aren't as snobbish as they're purported to be, the Irish certainly hold up to stereotype of famed friendliness. No one in Italy would swerve through traffic on his moped and drive up on the sidewalk just to ask if you need help (and then point to a delicious tea cafe). Our hostel front desk man in Rome could barely talk to us about getting a taxi early in the morning, much less come up to us and ask: where we're from, what we're doing, and where we've been (and then recommend a great Irish whiskey, made in his hometown in the country). Language similarities (or dissimilarities, depending on how thick the accent!) aside, when you're in Ireland the Irish will make you feel like you're at home.

Outside of our personal experiences with the loveliness of Ireland, I hadn't thought too much about the Irish-American connection. Of course, I knew there was a strong tie between the two nations and that there are many, many people of Irish descent in the States. But it wasn't until we got to the Brazen Head, the oldest pub in
My first GuinnessMy first GuinnessMy first Guinness

It is so much better in Ireland than in the States.
Ireland, and saw just as much America in the pub as we saw Ireland that I realized how friendly the US and Irish are with each other. Sure it was a touristy place, being a "landmark" and all (though I think there happened to be more Irish countrymen in it that night, not foreigners), but the place was papered with 1 dollar bills. Every now and then, there was a Brazilian Reais or Philippine Peso, but it was like being in a weird American bank who decided to buy the money wallpaper. To drive the point home even more; on another wall, there were nothing but American police patches stapled into the bar. There was even one from Naperville, my hometown!

The best part about Dublin was that even though we had been on the road for almost 3 weeks, trudging along with half of a Moroccan medina's worth of goods in tow, Dublin was so easy. It was so laid-back. We walked everywhere; there was no need to take any sort of bus to get to any place. It was very leisurely and fun. Granted there were a lot of things on our list to do in Dublin that we didn't even get close to, we didn't feel rushed at all. It was a great way to wind down and relax before heading back home.

We did get to experience two very special Irish occasions: Guinness and the pubs. We had a lot of great food, music, and brews. The Guinness Storehouse was pretty cool too, it definitely exceeded my expectations. Keith was still a little ill from his sick-time in Morocco, so our pub night was cut a little short; however, we got to go to some interesting pubs. In the brief 36 hours that we had in Dublin, I'd say we got to know the city a little bit and will definitely be coming back, and exploring more of this wonderful country!

Overall, this trip was amazing. We got to see so many different places and cultures. We're very sad to be leaving; we could easily spend another few months sitting in Parisian cafes, drinking tea in Morocco, sipping espresso in Italy and pouring the perfect Guinness. But, all good things must come to an end sometime, and it was great to end in Dublin. We'll be back soon though!




Additional photos below
Photos: 31, Displayed: 25


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Our first pub in Dublin - O'Shea's Merchant QuayOur first pub in Dublin - O'Shea's Merchant Quay
Our first pub in Dublin - O'Shea's Merchant Quay

Upon arrival, we needed some good Dublin eating. Our awesome hostel front desk guys recommended this one for some nice, easy food. Of course we had to order a few beers too!
Temple BarTemple Bar
Temple Bar

We didn't go in it.
Keith wanders into the Brazen HeadKeith wanders into the Brazen Head
Keith wanders into the Brazen Head

Purportedly the oldest pub in Ireland. We had some great Irish fare and I had my first Guinness. We also got to listen to some wonderful music.
Dublin getting ready for a Friday night!Dublin getting ready for a Friday night!
Dublin getting ready for a Friday night!

Okay, so they're probably all empty; but I wouldn't put it past some Irish bars to go through this much Guinness!


11th April 2010

The sights in those photos are familiar. I used to live near the Guinness Brewery. :)
11th April 2010

Great to see Ireland on the front page! Cool blog. Thanks for being kind to us in it!!
12th April 2010

Great Tour
It is really a very interesting event to share, I really like the way it is explained. www.yahootouris.com
12th April 2010

Ireland The Beautiful...
Ireland is a welcomming place for all.. The people and very nice and hospitable... u will always feel like going back to Ireland once u go there... Swabi

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