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7 walks to do around Dublin

April 14, 2017 by Meg 19 Comments

7 walks to do around Dublin7 walks to do around Dublin. Along the river, or the canal. All walks are easy to moderate7 walks to do around Dublin; and all free to do, all year round!7 walks to do around Dublin - plus you can get to them using public transport!

Dublin walks/trails to do this weekend!

Since arriving in Dublin we have made it our mission to do all the Dublin walks/trails we can get our hands on! We both come from families who love to hike and walk in forests. Since we are trying to conserve our money, while I wait for a job! Getting out and going for a walk doesn’t cost a damn thing! Plus, we love to pack a picnic and it is a great way to really see the city from all angles.

Since we rely on public transport, I thought I would share some of the more obvious Dublin walk options first, the ones that are easy to get to. Then later, I will write a post on the harder to get to walking/hiking trails. If you are keen to get out this weekend, here are some great walks you can do, in and around Dublin this weekend:

  1. Poolbeg Lighthouse (11 km)

We are very fortunate that this is right at our doorstep. I might be a bit trickier to get to for others. It is an 11 km from our door to the lighthouse and back. I suggest you park along the Sandymount beach promenade and start the walk from there. It is such a varied walk, starting along the promenade, then into Sean Moore’s park, bit of a hill through some forest bit, out onto a service road, along the beach and then out onto the pier. There is a guy in a coffee van most weekends which is a great place to stop for a coffee either before or after the walk along the pier. Just a word of warning that at high tide, and bad weather the pier gets beaten with the waves. I tried to run out there on a windy day, and ended up having to turn around. It was a big NOPE! cold, windy, and wet? I did not sign up for that. But on a good day, I imagine the pier may be busy with others taking in the good weather, and the stunning views. It is well worth it.

poolbeg lighthouse

  1. Sandymount Beach Promenade (5km)

If you are not keen on a full-on trek, you could just walk from one end of Sandymount Beach to the other end and back. If you do both ways it is a nice 5km walk, plus it has the most incredible sunset views.

sandymount beach

  1. Ringsend to Ballsbridge Canal Walk (4km)

There are some great walks along parts of the river or canal around Dublin. We are lucky to be very close to Aviva stadium, so we often walk along the river to and from Lansdowne train station. It is also a great to cycle or run, if walking is not your vibe. From Ringsend church, you can follow the river all the way past the stadium, under a bridge and all the way to Ballsbridge. You could even extend this walk and cross over to Herbert Park.

dodder river walk

  1. The Dropping Well to Bushy Park River Walk (5km)

Truthfully, this is a bit further away from us. We took bikes from grand canal docks along the canal/river all the way to the dropping well restaurant before starting this section on foot. The dropping well is in such a cool spot, however, on Sundays it is quite a popular spot for the elderly and families (they do a good roast special!) We grabbed a drink and sat outside on the deck. The great thing is there is a smoking and non-smoking part to the outside deck, so you can still enjoy the views without getting smoked out.

Bushy park dublin

Then if you hop onto a train, you can do anyone of these walks too:

  1. Dun Laoghaire (from 3km)

Take the DART from town to Dun Laoghaire (Mallin) station. There are two piers walks to do in Dun Laoghaire (east and west), but you could also walk along the promenade to forty foot (and go swimming, if you are brave!) Plus, it is an excuse to grab a teddy’s ice cream, which is a great day out in my books! You can read more about Dun Laoghaire here.

  1. Killiney/Dalkey Hill (2km)

Take the DART from town to Dalkey station. As you come out of the station, keep left and follow the signs up to Killiney hill. You could walk up, catch the view, and walk back to Dalkey, or you could walk up from Dalkey and back down to Killiney. There is a DART station in both little towns and the full loop is around 2km, so not too far too walk at all. You can read more about Dalkey here.

  1. Howth (2km – 6km)

Take the DART to Howth. Here you will have plenty of options, including grabbing a mandatory fish and chips. You could walk along the pier, along the short promenade in front of the harbor. Or if you are feeling very active, you could do the cliff walk. Some parts are a bit tough (uphill), but for the most part, the views distract you and it is a great loop. You can walk along the cliffs, and then when you get to the top, reward yourself with a pint at the Summit Hill Inn. The cliff walk is 6km. If you are lazy after the walk (or after too many pints), you can grab a bus which is right outside the pub, alternatively, it is a downhill trek back to Howth station.

howth cliff walk

  1. Bray to Greystones (6km)

Technically not is county Dublin (it’s on the border), but not to be missed. Grab the DART and get off at Bray. You can then walk up Bray’s Head, which is short in distance but all uphill, but the view of Bray is amazing. Then you can come back down and do the bray to Greystones cliff walk. This walk is 6 km (one way), and not at all strenuous. It’s pretty flat. But the views are amazing. You can also watch the train go by, and grab the train from Greystones back home. Just a word of warning, the train doesn’t stop at Greystones very frequently, especially on Sundays, so you may need to wait a bit for the train. You can read more about what we did in Bray here.

Which walk have you done? What have you got planned this weekend? With the long weekend upon us, it is a great opportunity to get out the house and get a bit active! I know my main reason is to try work off all the creme eggs I intend on shoveling in my mouth this weekend!

Unlock the simple life,

~Meg~

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Filed Under: Travels Tagged With: declutter, discover dublin, discover ireland, dublin, Happiness, ireland, irish travel, irishlife, travelling, travels

5 Tourist Things to do in Dublin

March 3, 2017 by Meg 5 Comments

5 things every tourist needs to do in Uublin. save this post for your next travel trip to Ireland.5 things every tourist needs to do in Uublin. save this post for your next travel trip to Ireland.

5 things every tourist should do in Dublin this weekend

Rob and I are not the conventional tourist types. In fact if it screams obvious, we generally avoid at all costs. But when your good friends decide to come through for a visit, you make a plan and you go full cheesy tourist with them. It was a great excuse to go and tick off the things you have to see when in Dublin, but it also made me realise that I can’t wait till they come and visit again – so that we can share the local flavour, the hidden insider tips and tricks, on places to go and see (that isn’t an overpriced, tourist fest!).

For the most part, I actually enjoyed our weekend trips, and in hindsight, although I sound super nonchalant about it – I would recommend going to these places if you are ever in Dublin. But I also do have some tips to share that will help you get the most for bang for your buck!

1. Guinness Storehouse:

This is an obvious Irish must see if you are ever in Dublin. The home of the black stuff, or if you go to the Storehouse you will learn, its actually ruby red.

Guinness storehouse story

Some tips to consider:

  • Entrance fee is €20.
  • Book your ticket online – saves you from having to wait in line to buy at the storehouse.
  • Weekday is different to weekends (for example; on the weekend we first went they had a promo where you could use your ticket to sample 3 beers; but during the week this was not available).
  • Know the facts about the voucher: you can use your voucher in a few places throughout the museum:
    1. As a tasting board of 3 beers (only available on weekends)
    2. Learn to pour your own pint
    3. At the 360 viewing bar on the top floor

*we used one voucher for the tasting board; and the other for a pint at the bar with a view; which meant we got the best of both worlds. The pouring your pint section is a fun idea, but we both knew how to do that already, and there is no view to drink your beloved pint afterwards.

Guinness storehouse tour

Having been to the Storehouse twice in two weeks, I would say its worth a trip – but once is enough. I am sure we will have to go again when more friends or family visit, which is cool – as long as it is not soon.

2. Temple Bar Food Market:

temple bar food market

This is such a gem of a find, it is a small version of Neighbourgoods Market back home but has a heap of potential. Plus, you can get a cheap (yet super tasty) breakfast at a fraction of the cost of some of the restaurants around. I know Temple Bar district is where you go for a pint or ten; and party the night away. For me, it screams overpriced and a total jock fest – which is so not our vibe at all. But the food market is not so commercialized and I really had a great brekkie roll and the best coffee, so I will definitely be keen to make this a regular place we visit.

Tip: Although most places accept cards, bring cash if you want a breakfast roll!

3. Dublinia & Christ Church Cathedral

Dublinia is such a cool interactive museum, which tells the story of Dublin through the ages. Really fascinating, its a great place for adults or kids, and I really enjoyed it. Make sure you walk up to the tower and take a look at the view too! I found this place when I was walking (trying to get my fitbit steps up) and I especially love the architecture.

dublinia

You can also pop into the garden and surrounds to view Christ Church Cathedral, which is just over the road from Dublinia.

Entrance fee: Dublinia costs €9.50 for adults; €6 for kids under 12years; and €8.50 for students and pensioners.

4. The Brazen Head

Brazen Head Dublin

I wasn’t going to mention this, because I think every person and their mother has been to Brazen Head (atleast the one in Johannesburg). But then I realised that I have insider info. You see, the Brazen Head in Dublin, claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland, so naturally the tourists flock to it. But I have been to Sean’s Bar in Athlone, which also claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland. So now, who is telling the truth? Both have a letter from Guinness world of records. the difference is done to the dates.

Sean pub Athlone

Brazen Head was established in 1198, whereas Sean’s Bar was built in 900A.D. Interestingly enough, Sean’s Bar has a piece of the original wall framed inside the pub, made with wattling sticks and mud. So you see, as a tourist coming to Ireland, you probably would be forgiven for thinking there was only one pub with this claim, but you are only truly a local if you can say you have been to both.

Either way, Brazen Head, is pretty rad. They have Irish music playing in the evenings, nice areas where you can drink and chat, and the food is not too bad.

Tip: Get there early if you want a table. But know that it is just a tourist trap for tourists, and most certainly, not the best pub we have been to since we have been here. There are plenty of pubs to go around in Dublin, so I suggest you try a few out!

5. Irish Whiskey Museum

irish whiskey museum

The Irish whiskey museum is the perfect place to start, if you are interest in learning about the history of Irish Whiskey making. The great thing about the Irish Whiskey Museum, is that you learn all about Irish Whiskey, but you also get to sample different Irish Whiskey brands, along with different types of Whiskey.

Tip: You could pay €26 for the blending experience (gets you 4 whiskeys and you can blend them into one 30ml bottle you can take home) but the best value for money is the premium tour for €19, (4 whiskeys, no little bottle).

Other Whiskey spots to try out:

  • The Jameson Distillery. Currently the one is Dublin is closed for renovations. But if you head to Cork, you could visit the Old Midleton Jameson Distillery.
  • Teeling Distillery. An independent Irish Whiskey Company in the heart of Dublin.

I have other little gems of things to do and see in Dublin, and as we go – I am sure this list will grow. So stay tuned for more travel must-sees and things to do in Dublin!

What would recommend is a must-see in Dublin for tourists?

~ Meg ~

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Filed Under: Travels Tagged With: discover dublin, discover ireland, dublin, irish travel, irishlife, travel tips, travels

10 Crazy Facts About Ireland

February 20, 2017 by Meg 3 Comments

Ten crazy facts about Ireland!

Ten crazy facts about Ireland!

facts ireland
Since moving to the Emerald Isle, I have learnt a lot about Ireland and some things I found rather crazy/weird. I thought it would be fun to share with you, all the things I now know about Ireland.

Here are a few crazy facts about Ireland:

    • Ireland is it’s own COUNTRY! Seriously, everyone seems to think we are part of the UK. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, but the Republic of Ireland, which is where we live, is separate to the UK.
    • Ireland is the only EU country where abortion is still illegal. It blows my mind. {EDIT: in May 2018 Ireland voted to repeal the 8th Amendment, paving the way to legalise abortion in some circumstances. This is a huge move in the right direction for the country, and I felt it only fair to update this post with this news}.
    • There are 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland; and 6 counties in Northern Ireland.
    • The capital of Ireland is Dublin (but don’t tell anyone from Cork that!)
    • There are a little under 4.8million people in Ireland (compared to 55 million in South Africa)
    • Phoenix Park is bigger than all the parks in London put together and twice the size of Central Park in New York.
    • Halloween is IRISH! It dates back to a Celtic harvest festival.
    • Ireland is crazy small. The furthest distance would take 8 hours to drive from the top of Ireland (Malin Head, county Donegal) to the bottom (Mizen Head, county Cork)
    • South Africa is 17 times bigger than Ireland! Literally, Ireland is smaller than one of our provinces, KwaZulu Natal – can you even imagine?!
    • There are no snakes in Ireland!

What random crazy fact do you know about the country you live in?

~ Meg ~

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Filed Under: Irishlife Tagged With: dublin, ireland, travel tips, travelling, travels, vacation ideas, wanderlust

{Travel}: Day Trip to Dalkey

February 4, 2017 by Meg 2 Comments

A day trip to Dalkey, county Dublin, Ireland.

A day trip to Dalkey, county Dublin, Ireland.

A day trip to Dalkey, county Dublin, Ireland.

Dalkey

Dalkey is a very small coastal town. It is quaint, and with narrow roads filled with restaurants and shops. Even better, it is home to a few celebs – Bono and Enya to name a few. Since moving to Ireland, I have gotten this obsession with trying to spot a celeb. No such luck yet, but I will happily explore more of Ireland until we do!

Dalkey

How to get there: Catch the DART to Dalkey is probably the easiest way (22minutes from Lansdowne).

We arrived in Dalkey mid morning on a Saturday, but found a lot of places were closed. Regardless, we decided to start our exploration off with a pit stop to fuel our bellies. we found a very trendy spot around a corner, called Wanderlust. I loved the casual dining, and the very hipster vibe of this restaurant. They offer a brunch, lunch and a dinner menu. Just a bit of a warning though, the restaurant seating is small and at times, gets a little cramped.

dalkey burger

I had the Wanderlust burger, which was super tasty!

After a satisfying lunch, we missioned up the street, and followed the signs going to Killiney Hill Park. It is a little over 1.5km walk, and the views are spectacular – and well worth the uphill walk.

killiney hill park

Rob actually suggested that it would be good hill training to run and up – it kind of reminded me of Westcliff stairs back home. So perhaps we will be back to tackle this hill in running gear!? For now, I am just happy we got to experience these great views!

killiney dalkey hill

After we did several pano’s (Rob is slightly obsessed) we walked down the other side of the hill and park and walked towards Killiney, to catch the Dart and head to Bray for the rest of my Birthday trip.

killiney

Along the way, we spotted what looked like a part of a wall/tower – and would you believe, someone actually lives here!? 

Although I know we definitely have not explored all that both Dalkey and Killiney have to offer, it was a great taste for these two little towns and we can’t wait to go back again to explore some more! Who knows, maybe we will even bump into Bono!

Have you bumped into a celeb? Tell me where!

~ Meg ~

 

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Filed Under: Travels Tagged With: dublin, ireland, irishlife, travel, travelling, wanderlust

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Hey! My name is Meg. I blog about the life I share with my hubby, Rob; our furbaby, Jack and the newest family member, our daughter Riley. In 2016, we moved to a new country, cut down on clutter, and started focusing on unlocking a simple life, filled with travel and adventure. Read my story here

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