How long for? 3 and a half days – 4 nights.
Who: 4 friends.
How: Fly and Drive
Distance: about 600 km.
Overnights: 4 nights in Temple Bar – Dublin.
When: in April with its colours and blossoms.
Sightseeing
Trim Castle
Newgrange, a Neolithic monument in Brù na Boìnne
The fishermen village of Howth
Powerscourt Waterfall
Glendalough Monastic Site
Rock of Cashel
City of Dublin: National Gallery – Trinity College & its Old Library – St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Day one
We choose to see the medieval Trim Castle with its central tower and its Barbican, a perfect lookout to see enemies moving forward; back in summer 1994 ‘ Braveheart’ the movie was shot here re- creating some places like the Tower of London. The castle village is very cute with coloured houses on the main street and green fields all around which give such a relaxed atmosphere to this place.
A beautiful country road with thatched roof cottages and made of stone fences leads us to Brù na Boìnne; we visit the Neolithic tomb of Newgrange, one of the oldest sites on earth. Our local guide, Lisa, tells us a lot about the monument and its perfect position for the sun light going through it at dawn during the Winter Solstice, weather permitting.
We are happy with this cloudy sky today, this green colour all around us and a yellow rapeseed field in the distance
On the way back to Dublin we stop at the harbour of Howth, not far from Dublin, you can even cycle here from the City. Perfect to smell the sea air.
Day 2
Our first destination is Powerscourt where an aristocratic mansion from the past and a waterfall can be visited. The waterfall area is a pleasant surprise and seems to be fairy in the sunshine today. This can also be a perfect picnic spot thanks to the wooden tables and benches. In the past the gardener, who was inspired by his Cherry, had been taking care of the beautiful Gardens which still surround the mansion.
This day trip is completed with the visit to the Glendalough Monastic Site with the remains of churches, the round tower and Celtic crosses everywhere for those who love them. This site is between two lakes and is perfect for walking.
Day 3
Rock of Cashel or Rock of St Patrick, you will not be disappointed by the remains of this Rock, by the Cathedral with the Chapel next to it and by the Celtic crosses scattered everywhere overlooking the county all around. The Rock dominates also a very nice village with lots of B&B where to spend the night.
Day 4, Last day
Before leaving for home today, we visited the National Gallery, it was a shame that few rooms in here were closed; we walked around the Trinity College waiting for the Old Library to open and see the Book of Kells. After entering the Library, we were just speechless. We said ‘Bye’ to the city visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Our tips
If you love Guinness or drinking be aware that you cannot drink any alcohol on Good Fridays in Ireland and this means the Pub can be closed.
If you happen to spend more than one day in the City, do not miss the chance to see what it’s all around; we gave you some tips about where to go.
Do not leave Dublin without visiting the Old Library at the Trinity: we recommend you to book in advance to jump a long queue.
The most lively area, Temple Bar, has higher prices than other areas for drinking and dining so just bear this in mind.
Meat lovers should try the Irish Beef and Guinness stew.
Remember you do not pay to access museums (temp exhibitions excluded) but you do to access churches and cathedrals.
Have a walk around the Trinity College where you can see the students’ houses and facilities to imagine their college life.
Our special thanks to Betta, a fantastic guide.
Ale & Gale