4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

I love Dublin. 4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

I love the character, the history in every cobblestone and the unique energy that buzzes down every street. A city for all seasons, Dublin is a pedestrian’s best friend with a vehicle free Temple Bar district and a taxi/bus only city centre. Although often associated with rain, Leprechauns and four leaf clovers, Dublin is rich with a passion and celebrated culture unlike any I’ve felt in a city. Dublin has matured over the years: From under the thumb of British rule to their famous fight for independence, the respect for the old while embracing and exploring the new is felt in every facet of this city’s livelihood. Castles, storehouses and cathedrals tower alongside the European headquarters for companies such as Google, LinkedIn, Pinterest and other tech start ups. 4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

This diverse city is a MUST visit. Here are my reasons why:

The Food

This one may surprise you: Dublin is more than potatoes. From the inventive and delectable Sophie’s at the Dean (trendy rooftop with the best soup I’ve ever had) to Dollard & Co, Dublin is focused on revolutionizing their food offerings. Food tour Fab Food Trails showed us how Dublin is using local sheep and cows for fresh and succulent milk, cheese and meat. Bakers are sourcing grains from local farmers to bake fresh Irish soda bread and young chefs are experimenting with Irish classics and foreign flavours to create new and exciting meals. 4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

Sheridans cheesemonger is one of the most famous cultivators of Irish product, providing local restaurants and homes with Irish sheep, cows and goats cheese. They have even imported buffalo to Ireland in order to use their milk for cheese. 4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

Through these experimental and resourceful food movements, Dublin is well on its way to becoming one of Europe’s top culinary hubs. 4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

The Drink

There are 7000 pubs in Ireland for 4 million people. This is an indicator of how much booze this country consumes.

And yes, they do drink a lot of Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is an amazing attraction whether you drink stout or not.

Pouring the perfect pint of Guinness is indeed an art, one that I thought I had mastered in my time as a barmaid in England but even I was schooled in our ‘pouring lesson.’

Up spiral floors in the shape of a pint glass, guests of the Storehouse experience an interactive history of Guinness itself, the process of making Guinness, Guinness’ worldwide exports, the many advertising campaigns and of course, how to pour the perfect pint. It all culminates at the Gravity Bar, a  glass rooftop bar with 360 degree views of Dublin and the hills beyond. Everyone is poured a pint while enjoying the epic views.

But beer is not the be all and end all of Irish drink: Don’t forget Irish whiskey (only spelled ‘whisky’ if it is from Scotland). Distillers such as Jamesons and Teeling both have factories in Dublin that offer interactive, immersive and unique guided tours. Tours always end with a sample- of course.

The History

Dublin is rich with history boasting sights such as the famous Trinity College, Dublin Castle, the writings of Oscar Wilde & James Joyce, The Book of Kells, Bono and EPIC Museum.

The entire city is dripping with stories to be discovered and stories to be told, all exploring what it means to be Irish through a mix of the old and the new. Ireland has gone through a long fight for independence and a throughout that, a search for identity like an angst ridden teen. There was a time when Irish culture was outlawed and with independence came a forceful implementation of traditional Irish culture, language and education.

Now, however, the traditional Irish community is sharing knowledge with a modern Irish culture influenced by immigration, globalization, and a need to redefine what it means to be Irish. The city is jovial, affable and warm, the emotion and depth of its past running hot beneath the surface.

The Music

Irish bands are a huge part of music worldwide. We all know and love bands like U2, The Pogues, The Dubliners and The Cranberries. Their songs are so irrevocably Irish, full of emotion, pride and passion, often lamenting the past while looking forward with strength.

Traditionally, the Irish instruments are harps, Uilleann pipes, tin flute, fiddles and guitar, creating an infectious 3/4 count ditty sung in Gaelic. 4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

Over time, English lyrics have become more prominent but the heartfelt message is still the same. This greater awareness of where Irish music comes from has helped the music evolve into what it is today, easily accessible to new generations. 4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

Music in Ireland is very social. It isn’t unusual for strangers to bring a fiddle, accordion or guitar to the pub, form an impromptu band and start playing music. The crowd will sing along and a few patrons will jig away, chatting with old friends and making new ones. 4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin

Music is a way to come together, pass on stories and celebrate life. I danced constantly in Dublin, energized by the lust for life that everyone seemed to possess and share. Whether it is in a pub, a concert venue or on a street corner, Irish music is something to fuel, inspire and excite everyone.

Air Canada flies into Dublin 7 days a week in the summer months and 4 days a week throughout the rest of the year. Whether you are looking for a foodie destination, a venue to discover new music, explore history or a place to make new friends, Dublin is the city to visit. Dublin has never been more accessible.

4 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Dublin