We travelled to Dublin in Ireland with our 15-year-old Teensetter.
Dublin is a city where history and high-energy culture seamlessly intertwine. First things first, we wanted to commence our Irish capital visit with exploring the historic Trinity College Dublin, where walking through the cobbled front square feels like stepping back in time.
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, making it the oldest surviving university in Ireland and one of the seven historic “ancient universities” of Great Britain and Ireland. We came across some University students relaxing playing a game of football which our Teensetter loved watching.
Nestled within the Old Library is the city’s crowning medieval treasure: the Book of Kells.
Gazing at the intricately illuminated 9th-century manuscript, you cannot help but marvel at the exquisite artistry of the ancient monks.
Both myself and Teensetter particularly enjoyed the second part of the exhibition. The Book of Kells 360 experience is a breathtaking, fully immersive digital exhibition that uses spectacular 360-degree projections to bring medieval manuscripts to life.
Just steps away, we visited the magnificent Long Room during it’s major restoration project. It transitions from a traditional sanctuary of literature into a striking temple of human knowledge, art, and cosmic wonder.
Despite approximately 90% of the 200,000 ancient volumes being carefully cleared from the chamber for preservation, the air remains thick with the unmistakable, glorious aroma of centuries-old oak and aged paper.
Floating suspended in the centre of the long, empty hall is “Gaia”, 7-metre internally lit 3D sculpture of the Earth designed by artist Luke Jerram. Created using detailed NASA imagery. Our Teensetter and I found this an out of place location for the Earth.
We much preferred the forty marble busts of great philosophers and writers that line the hall. A reminder of their scholarly reverence and timeless wisdom that have left their mark on the world.
Leaving the academic tranquillity behind, a short stroll leads you toward the vibrant, cobblestone streets of the Templar Bar area. This bustling cultural quarter is alive with the sounds of buskers and the chatter of locals and travellers alike.
Next, we visited The Merchant’s Arch, situated right at the edge of this district, a classic pub where the rhythms of traditional Irish music pull you inside.
Here, we experienced a thrilling performance of traditional Irish dancing, where the thunderous, rhythmic footwork perfectly matched our guitarist named Gary’s beautiful melodies. It is the quintessential Dublin atmosphere—warm and welcoming.
To cross into this energetic hub from the north side, we strolled the iconic Liffey River (poetically captured by James Joyce as the “Lifty” or “Lithy” river), its waters reflecting the city’s arched bridges and shifting skies.
We were a little surprised to learn that although The Merchant’s Arch is a pub they do not offer food during the show. Our Teensetter was beyond hungry and we came across The Wild Duck. Admittedly it looked lovely from the outside tucked away on Sycamore Street in Temple Bar.
The décor is a unique aesthetic embracing dark, quirky, and distinctly gothic-horror fairytale vibe. Inspired by Bram Stoker who was born in Dublin and wrote Dracula in 1897. We enjoyed a Guinness and a hearty meal whilst playing Uno chatting about our Dublin adventures.
To end a fabulous Dublin visit we treated ourselves to a Cloud Nine ice cream. Indulging in their creamy, decadent flavours while watching the evening settle over the city is the perfect, delightful finale to an unforgettable Dublin journey.
