The capital of Ireland, Dublin, is a surprisingly cosmopolitan city. People from all over the world share the streets with the Irish. You can even hear Brazilian Portuguese. One shop was advertising “coxinha and Guraraná”. But there is a culture that is steeped in pubs and beer. It is a pleasant combination of tradition and openness to the world in a capital that has retained all the charms of a small city. All in all, there is no shortage of reasons to visit Dublin. Here are the three attractions that you just cannot miss.
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The Guiness Storehouse
I was somewhat undecided before arriving in Dublin. Would the Guinness Experience be unmissable, or would it be an uninteresting “show”? There was only one way to find out.
I arrived at the enormous Guinness building without a ticket. Happily, the queue wasn’t too long and I didn’t have to wait much. Inside, the idea was to explain to visitors how Guinness is made, from the raw materials to the final product. It is all very professional in what is very probably one of the most successful marketing campaign experiences I have ever been involved with.
That said, it was a well thought out and well-presented experience with moments of fun, pleasure, and learning at each person’s own pace. Was it worth it? Absolutely!
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Trinity College Library
I’m not afraid of words: Trinity College’s historic library is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the world! It was one of the highlights of my trip to Dublin. Here I found the Book of Kells, a valuable 9th-century manuscript that is the jewel in the library’s crown. I then visited the Long Room, the old library, which was truly magnificent. There is nothing like the smell of ancient books mixed with old wood decorated with busts of figures from the world of arts. It is beautiful, magical, emotional.
You really must set time aside for the Trinity College Library when planning what to do in Dublin. It is Ireland’s largest library and a must-see on any trip.
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Kilmainham Gaol
Another place you ought to visit in Dublin, in addition to Trinity College Library, is Kilmainham Gaol. I like to be confronted with harsh realities; because history often reveals its darker tones. This is what you find when visiting such places as the Auschwitz concentration camp, Robben Island or Tarrafal.
In the official words, Kilmainham Gaol “symbolizes the militant and constitutional nationalism from the 1798 rebellion to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23”. Many of the leaders were held and executed within the walls of Kilmainham Gaol, including members of the Irish Republican movement during the 1919-21 war with Britain.
Best of all, the guided tour was highly informative and interesting. It began with a video for historical context before going on to a tour of the building – the corridors, cells, internal and external courtyards – where the silence was absolute.
Culture
I arrived at the enormous Guinness building without a ticket. Happily, the queue wasn’t too long and I didn’t have to wait much. Inside, the idea was to explain to visitors how Guinness is made, from the raw materials to the final product. It is all very professional in what is very probably one of the most successful marketing campaign experiences I have ever been involved with.
That said, it was a well thought out and well-presented experience with moments of fun, pleasure, and learning at each person’s own pace. Was it worth it? Absolutely!