Regardless of whether we went to Dublin for work or tourism, our adventure with the Green Island should not end with visiting the capital.
Ireland is fashionable with us. Many Poles associate them mainly with trips to work. The popularity of the Emerald Isle is also due to the fashion for Irish tradition: music, dance and art. On St. Patrick's Day, the patron saint of Ireland, when crowds of Irish people are having fun and celebrating, Poland also organizes numerous events and games, modeled on Irish ones. So Dublin's popularity continues to grow. More and more airlines have already introduced cheap flights to the capital of Ireland.
Regardless of whether we go to work or for tourism, our adventure with the Green Island should not end with visiting the capital. Although Dublin is undoubtedly a beautiful city, full of tourist attractions, wonderful monuments, parks, famous for its unique atmosphere of pubs, its location creates an excellent opportunity for one-day trips outside the city. And in the vicinity of Dublin, everyone will find something for themselves. From breathtaking landscapes, beautiful coastal beaches and mountain routes, through picturesque towns with colorful houses, to impressive historical monuments.
We go up the hill
To the south of Dublin are the Wicklow Mountains, which are visible from many points in the city. Although they are not high (the highest peak of Lugnaquilla is 926 m above sea level), there are many interesting routes here. The most famous of them is the 130-kilometer Wicklow Way, but there are many routes that can be covered every day. We can take advantage of the offer of organized tours in the Wicklow Mountains (information, among others, at www.discoverdublin.ie, www.hostelireland.com).
One of County Wicklow's greatest tourist attractions is the historic Glendalough Monastery complex. We can also easily get here from Dublin. There is a daily sightseeing bus from the city center on this route (www.glendaloughbus.com). Glendalough is not only remarkable historical monuments, incl. the famous cathedral, which dates back to the 10th century, St. Kevin's Church (called St. Kevin's Kitchen), dating back to the 6th century, with an 11th-century bell tower. A characteristic, round, pointed tower from the 10th century towers over the complex. The character of this place is determined not only by historic buildings,but also a picturesque location among mountain slopes, in the valley of two lakes, Górne and Dolne. The beautiful surroundings provide an opportunity for hiking, during which we can admire the panorama of the historic complex.
We are visiting the residence
While in Glendalough we feel the "Irish spirit" at every turn, the later British influences are reminiscent of the lavish, neoclassical Powerscourt residence. Particularly interesting are the manicured gardens surrounding the residence, including, among others, stylized Japanese Gardens, a cemetery for animals and the Pepper Pot Tower. Another must-see is the impressive Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland's largest waterfall, located a few kilometers from the property.
We collect shells
Those who prefer beaches and the sound of the sea to visiting monuments should go to the famous, picturesque seaside resort of Bray. Beautiful beaches and walking routes along the seashore can also be found in other places, such as Bray, located on the DART route. Many celebrities have built their mansions in the exclusive towns of Killiney and Dalkey. From Killiney Hill there is a beautiful panorama of Dublin Bay. If we feel like walking on the beach, we can go all the way to Bray, collecting shells or… lost golf balls from the golf courses stretching over the beach.
The DART train will also take us to one of the most beautiful places just outside the city, Cape Howth. It's best to start your walk by visiting the port. With a bit of luck, you will be able to spot seals coming close to the pier. Then, you can go hiking around the headland. Cliff Walk, i.e. a walk on the cliffs, right by the water, provides an unforgettable experience. Rocks, ferns, heaths, and above all, spectacular views from the cliffs are typical elements of the Irish landscape.
Glendalough, Bray, Howth are just some of the many suggestions for a day trip. The Dublin area offers plenty of opportunities for relaxing outside the city, relaxing among beautiful landscapes or visiting monuments. In addition to getting to know the obligatory items from the guides, we will quickly find picturesque routes, charming nooks in small, a bit fairy-tale towns, where we will feel the unique atmosphere of the Emerald Island.