Vacationing in Dublin: Alleyways, Guinness, and Power Ballads

When you think about Ireland, a few things might come to mind: St. Patrick’s day, the colour green, beer, and famine so terrible that it caused a million people to migrate to North America. However, if you think Ireland is still the same place your grandparents talked about, you’re in for a surprise.

If you decide to vacation in Dublin, the country’s capital, a high portion of the population is under 25 – a long way from the days when the country’s youth flocked to all corners of the world in search of a better life.

Grafton Street is also where you’ll find the bronze statue of Molly Malone – a fishmonger by day and a prostitute by night – the subject of a popular song (and unofficial anthem) in Dublin. This is a testimony of Dublin’s rich history as a port city, albeit one marked by poverty and scarcity. This is why, as you might’ve already guessed by all the ballads echoing through the streets, Dublin can be both melancholy and bohemian at the same time.

Finally, no matter how the city changes or the time goes, it’s impossible to vacation in Dublin without venturing into that old Irish institution known as ‘the pub’ – which is as popular now with the city’s youngest residents as ever. The south bank, known locally as Temple Bar, is filled with centuries-old cobblestoned alleyways lined with pubs housing gregarious locals enjoying a pint. At the end of the day, sitting at a pub, talking with friends or with new acquaintances…it’s the quintessential experience to understand Dublin’s spirit.

For fans of Guinness beer, you can also visit the Guinness Storehouse while you vacation in Dublin (the tour takes around 90 minutes, but you can stay for as long as you like). It’s one of the most popular attractions in Dublin and it’s recommended you pre-book your tickets online to save you both time and money (up to 25% off!).