Dublin City Walk

Walking along the River Liffey in Dublin is a mix of the city’s vibrant energy and historic charm. The river, flowing gently through the heart of the city, is lined with a series of iconic bridges, each with its own unique character (see my post earlier)

On one side of the river, you might see the historic buildings of Temple Bar, with its cobbled streets and colorful facades.  As you continue along the quays, you'll pass the Custom House, a grand neoclassical building with its impressive dome. Across the river, the modern financial district contrasts with sleek glass buildings like the Dublin Convention Centre, their contemporary designs standing tall against the skyline. 

Noticeable Landmarks are: The Spire of Dublin (the Monument of Light); The Famine Memorial; Liberty Hall; The Custom House; Jeanie Johnston tall ship; International Financial Services Centre. On O'Connell street after cross the O'Connell bridge: The O'Connell Monument, The Spire of Dublin (also know as the Monument of Light); Dublin Portal and James Joyce Statue.  In the morning, I also saw homeless people's tents set up along parts of the river.

Dublin's Colorful Bar Streets and The Temple Bar

Just as Starbucks is on every corner in Seattle, bars are everywhere in Dublin. You can’t miss them—they’re all colorfully decorated, both inside and out. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see while walking around the Temple Bar area.

Bars in Dublin open early in the morning and stay open until late at night. I visited three of them: The Bank on College Green, The Oliver St. John Gogarty's and Temple Bar.  During the day, you might find a seat for a drink, but in the evening, it’s much harder. I had heard that the Irish are fond of beer, but it wasn’t until I saw the number of empty bottles on their tables that I truly understood.

I enjoyed a classic martini at The Bank, which is said to be the most beautiful and elegant bar in Dublin, and a Guinness at The Oliver St. John Gogarty's during the daytime. There was a two-man band playing at Gogarty’s, and I managed to find a seat at the inside bar area. While sipping my Guinness, I chatted with a couple visiting from England who were in Dublin to support their daughter in a tournament.

I visited the Temple Bar early in the morning just to take some photos of its many mini bars and colorful deco and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.  At 11 am, there were people drinking and band playing. Life is good.

The Oliver St. John Gogarty Pub

The Bank

The Temple Bar

The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher, located on the western coast of Ireland in County Clare, are among the country’s most iconic and breathtaking natural landmarks. Stretching for about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) along the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, reaching heights of up to 214 meters (702 feet) at their highest point.

Like many tourists, I embarked on a 13-hour day trip from Dublin to see the Cliffs of Moher. The tour bus departed from a stop right outside Trinity College at 7 a.m., and after a 4-hour journey, including a bathroom stop, we arrived at the cliffs. We were given 2 hours to explore the trail and take in the stunning views. Unfortunately, two hours was barely enough to walk one way (towards the south), leaving the other direction unexplored. This limitation is why I’m not fond of organized tours—I prefer the freedom to explore at my own pace rather than adhering to a strict timeline. Despite this, walking along the trail and taking in the cliffs was a special experience.

On the bus ride, I was seated next to a 24-year-old young man from Georgia who was on his first vacation to Dublin. We talked almost non-stop and ended up walking the trail together. This is another reason I love traveling: you always meet people from different countries who broaden your perspective. I learned a lot from him, and although I was traveling alone, I never felt lonely.