A day in Dublin ~ Campervan Castaways

A day in Dublin

It’s a freezing cold January day and we’re in Dublin for the first time with the campervan. After arriving last night, we chose a parking spot on Park4Night, by the War Memorial Gardens, from where we’re setting off on foot this morning. We’re in full winter gear for a day in Dublin, but the cold is still cutting through the layers.

Our walk into the centre passes some of the big name sights of the city. So, we’re taking our time, stopping and starting as we go, taking in the buildings and looking out for anything of interest.

One of the first iconic finds is the huge Guinness complex which takes up large areas of the city. Its massive black gates with well known logo and long brick walls surrounding the perimeter are quite something.

It takes us some time to walk the streets surrounding it, this place is simply so big. There is a tour you can do, but we decide to crack on exploring the city on foot. This is mainly because although the weather is cold, it’s actually really sunny and dry.

The districts of Dublin merge along our walk, making it an easy city to visit. From its incredible architecture, impressive buildings and castle to Trinity college and so much in-between, it’s a place we take time to stop and gaze.

Bars and shopping

No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Temple Bar area, where we come across an array of colourful pubs.

The narrow streets give way to the sound of live music playing from these wonderful Irish bars. More on those later, but for now we’re heading into the shopping areas.

Here we’re immersed in some fine shops, from local gifts to woollens and food, there’s something for everyone.

There’s plenty of options for eating and coffee stops too, while lovely green spaces like St.Stephen’s Green provide a brush with nature.

Opposite side of the river

Dublin sits between the River Liffey, offering two sides and with it different areas to ensure the socks are completely worn off!

We cross a bridge emerging on a waterside walkway where we come across the Emigration Museum. There’s a poignant memorial to the Irish famine on the water front here, which is haunting in its depictions.

Also along this stretch of the waterfront is the incredible Custom House building, stretching in all its glory overlooking the river.

A little further on we arrive at another shopping district, which has a slightly more modern feel. It’s really busy here with people but less touristy in feel. The wonderful old Post Office building is another great piece of architecture to see though, before we make our way back across the river on a different footbridge.

A pint of Guinness – A day in Dublin

By the early evening, we’re feeling the need for a reward in our visitation efforts! This comes in a reliable source, by way of a pint of Guinness.

It’s hard to choose which bar to enter, so we choose two! The first being the most well known Irish bar of them all – The Temple Bar.

This is an experience in itself, it’s still got the Christmas decorations up and is absolutely brimming with all the Irish charm you can imagine.

As singers serenade the crowd of punters, our window seats provide a cosy corner to watch the goings on.

The thick padding of the bar stools are a welcome rest, as is the atmosphere spilling from the walls, ceiling and floor of this wonderful bar.

So, not content with one pint of Guinness, we decide to try another. This time we move bars, walking up the street to another well known favorite – The Oliver St.John Gogarty bar. Here we enter to the sound of more live music and plonk ourselves on a bench to enjoy every minute.

We’re getting a tad peckish, so order an Irish stew, yes, we’re embracing this Dublin visit with gusto.

After being fed and watered, it’s time to walk back the way we came to the campervan. Re-tracing our steps we find ourselves back where we began in what seems like no time at all.

War Memorial Garden visit

Before leaving Dublin, we wake to a very frosty morning and decide to take a look inside the War Memorial Garden. It’s only next door to the parking area, so it’s an easy walk.

This area has beautiful gardens, impressive ponds, mature trees and walkways. It’s frozen today, but crisp and somehow more moving to see the monuments here. These are in memory of the 49,000 Irish soldiers who lost their lives during World War l.

Finally, we return to the campervan and drive the short distance across the road into the massive area of Phoenix Park. Its location on a hill is a haven for walking trails, picnics and herds of deer.

There’s plenty of parking areas amongst its 709 hectares, so we pull in, have a coffee and a stroll. In fact, this is one of the biggest parks in the world, a mighty impressive area in itself.

Our time in Dublin has come to an end. Now we’re leaving this Irish city and driving slowly towards the ferry port at Rosslare. From here we’ll be catching a Brittany Ferries sailing to Bilbao in Spain before returning to Ireland in the Spring.