Through New Eyes

It only took me three years, but I eventually got to go on my trip to Dublin. Many cancelled flights and gigs later, we eventually got on our flight from Newcastle Airport. Ryanair really have some bargain flights to Dublin and other places if you have a search around, so we ended up flying there for less than a taxi home from Town.

Newcastle to Dublin

The flight itself is only an hour long, so if you’re only going for a few days it’s the perfect flight time. There is a few different flights to chose from and days, so you can make it work around very little holidays off work. We went Sunday to Tuesday, but that was mostly due to our gig being a Monday. Otherwise I’d have loved a Saturday night there!

Getting from Dublin Airport to the city centre

I knew it wouldn’t be difficult to get into the city centre from Dublin Airport. But also didn’t realise there would be so many different choices. You can get yourself an Uber, which is about €22. There is a shuttle bus which is €20 return. You can also get the normal public bus for about €7. So you will have plenty of options when you arrive, so no need to panic or prebook.

Finding the best place to stay

If you’re looking for accommodation in Dublin it won’t come cheaply. There is quite little that is generally really good quality for a moderate price. Little shock to the system after looking at Zadar and Gdansk hotels not too long ago. We bagged a bargain staying at the New Mills, but it wasn’t the closest to the city centre. We just booked on Booking.com to find the best deal for the dates we were there.

Spending whilst in Dublin

Food wise, I wouldn’t say you had the best of choices around. You have your general chains, and a Hard Rock along the Temple Bar. But nothing like some of the amazing food we found in Prague. The food will also set you back quite a bit, depending on where you eat. Baring in mind it’s around €7 for a cheese and ham toastie!

Things to do whilst you’re there

One thing you have to do is the Guinness Storehouse. I actually enjoyed this way more than I imagined, as I wouldn’t say I was a Guinness connoisseur. Another thing which is again alcohol related, the Jameson Experience. We didn’t have time to squeeze this in because we were there for a gig, but I definitely would next time I go. There is the Old Library Exhibition too, which Ashton has done before and loved. If we had taken the clothes for it, you can also canoe along the river and see the sights. Little gutted we couldn’t do this. You also generally just need to experience Temple Bar, there is some lovely bars along there with live music to enjoy.

Getting around Dublin

Dublin is quite easy enough to get around on foot, as it isn’t too hilly. However there is a lot of different buses to grab should you need one, and also a tram. We only used the tram and bus to get to Malary Park for the gig, otherwise were ok. There is also Ubers should it be raining, like it did to us on the last day!

Is Dublin something you have wanted to visit before?

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I have so many places I’m desperate to see but always put off. The thought of solo travel has always terrified me. But no one will prove me otherwise there’s good people out there. So many it’s about time I just bit the bullet. My bucket list always just seems to get longer seeing all the new places. Or even watching the Travel Man on tv has added another 10!

Even if you do or don’t have a significant other to travel the word with. There is so many options instead of going completely solo. The likes of Travel Talk Tours might as well be on my speed dial. I scroll the website so often living in hope I’ll book one. But always wuss out. At least on an organised tour though, you’re all in the same boat. I always fear getting somewhere solo and hating it!