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Ireland… What Have You Done To Me?

By Julie Miche 24 Comments

Ireland… What have you done to me? And, why did you call me back so soon?

My first trip to Ireland was in February. I spent 12 days in Dublin, and 2 in Galway… It was not enough. I was officially addicted, and wanted more.

Accepting my new addiction, I decided to skip summer in Santa Barbara, California and head to Ireland. I felt pretty good about my decision! All addictions aren’t bad are they? I thought of it kind of like really good chocolate, or a fine wine. I’m quite ok with both of those, so what’s one more?

After landing in Dublin, I jumped on a bus to Galway for my first few days.  I felt like I hadn’t spent enough time there on the first trip, plus I also wanted to explore other areas of Ireland. Dublin would have to wait for later in the trip.

So off I went to explore Ireland…

I was in Galway for the International Arts Festival, Galway Fringe, & Race Week.

In the Claddaugh looking at Galway
The River Corrib in Galway, Ireland

I surfed in Bundoran.

Tullan Strand in Bundoran, Ireland for surfing, traveling in Ireland
Heading to Tullan Strand with the surf crew

I went in search of Fungi the Dolphin in Dingle.

I toured the Wicklow Mountains and visited an Medieval monastic settlement in Glendalough.

Glendalough, Ireland Monastic Settlement, traveling in Ireland
Touring the early Christian monastic settlement of Glendalough.

I had some of the best Irish Stew in Kilkenny.

Kyteler's Inn in Kilkenny Ireland, Best Irish Stew, traveling in Ireland
Best Irish Stew at Kyteler’s Inn

I took a black taxi tour in Belfast and signed the peace wall.

Northern Ireland, Peace Wall, traveling in Ireland
I signed the Peace Wall!

I walked across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Ballintoy, County Antrim , Northern Ireland.

County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, traveling in Ireland
I did it!

I checked out the Giant’s Causeway, and wondered if the legend was true.

The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland, County Antrim, traveling in Ireland
Checking out The Giant’s Causeway!

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I saw an improptu Irish Broom Dance at a very traditional pub in Ennistymon.

I hiked and soaked in the pure beauty of the Cliffs of Moher.

Hanging out at the Cliffs of Moher in Liscannor, County Clare, Ireland, traveling in Ireland
The reward after the hike!

I partied like a rock star in Lahinch.

Lahinch Ireland pub for a stag party, traveling in Ireland
How did we end up part of a stag party?

I traveled the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal to Dingle.

I learned how to pour a perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse.

Learn how to pour the perfect pint at the Guinness Connoisseur Bar, traveling in Ireland
Pouring the perfect pint at the Guinness Connoisseur Bar

I achieved the status of Irish Whiskey Taster at the Jameson Distillery.

Old Jameson Whiskey Tasting tour, Dublin Ireland, traveling in Ireland
Got my official Whiskey Taster Certificate here!

I traveled through 12 counties in Ireland, including: Dublin, Kildare, Westmeath, Roscommon, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, and Kerry.

Traveling in Ireland, all the places of been, traveling in Ireland
All the places I’ve traveled to in Ireland!

It was quite the adventure. I had seen a lot of Ireland, and wanted to continue to the south. None of my airbnb accommodations. however, were working out. The south would have to wait for another trip. Ahhh… A reason to come back! Did I really need one?

As I tried to figure out where to go next, one place kept tugging at me to come back. It was Galway.

It had quickly become my favorite. I had to ask myself… Why Galway?

Somethings can’t be explained. Sometimes it’s the things you just feel… Sometimes you’re not even really sure why.

Perhaps it was…

The avante-garde vibe that just is…  Artists, dreamers, and free spirits will feel right at home there. I felt more at home in Galway than where I’ve lived in Santa Barbara for the past 6 years… How is that even possible?

Live music is everywhere… My favorites were the daily Trad Sessions at multiple pubs around town. The best part is that most have sessions starting at around 5:00 pm & 9:00 pm. You could make it an early night and see the 5:00 session, but most likely you’ll still be out and about for the 2nd round. And while bouncing between pubs, there are plenty of buskers on the street that are very talented, and worth a listen.

The singing in the pubs… Everyone sings! And, they know all the words… Even the American songs. I don’t know all the words, and I grew up hearing them! The funny thing is, it made me think of my Grandma. She was part of a huge German family that settled in Chicago, and back in the day sang in the neighborhood pubs with her brothers and sisters. She would have loved this place! Nobody sings in American bars… I refuse to count karaoke! It’s not the same.

The many Irishmen that gave me Irish dancing lessons in the pubs. I should be better at it by now, but I think I spent more time laughing than learning any steps… Good fun!

It’s a festival town. Who doesn’t like a good party? Galway does it right.

Watching the world go by, laying on the grass along the River Corrib on a sunny day… Yes, they do exist! Everyone comes and hangs out by the Spanish Arch alongside the river on sunny days!

Walking through the Claddagh  in the morning, heading for coffee and crepes at my favorite place in the Latin Quarter… The simple everyday things that make you feel like you’re at home.

The people… I traveled solo this time, and no matter where I went, I never felt alone. The people are amazingly friendly.

The Craic… Oh, the craic! I love it! Don’t know what it is? Guess you need to go to Ireland!

So Ireland, what have you done to me?

I have decided not to question it anymore. Sometimes you really don’t need an answer.

Somethings I do know, others I’m not so sure of.

For whatever reason, you have weaved yourself into my heart, and that’s a good thing!

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Filed Under: Bundoran, Dublin, Galway, Ireland Tagged With: Ballintoy, Best Irish Stew, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge walk, Cliffs of Moher, County Antrim, Dingle Ireland, Donegal to Dingle, Ennistymon Ireland pub, Galway Ireland a festival town, Glendalough Monastic site in Ireland, Irish Stag parties, Irish Whiskey Taster at the Jameson Distillery, Kilkenny Ireland, Northern Ireland, perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse, Searching for Fungi the Dolphin in Dingle Ireland, Signing the Peace Wall in Belfast, Solo travel in Ireland, Surfing in Bundoran Ireland, the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way, Traditional Irish Broom Dance, Visiting the Giant's Causeway, Wicklow Mountain tours in Ireland

Guinness Storehouse

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

A day in Dublin requires a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. 

Guinness tour in Dublin Ireland
Taking the tour

The tour of the Guinness Storehouse is a self guided interactive museum exhibit where you can learn the history of Guinness, and all about the brewing process. There is quite a bit to see, so plan about 1 1/2 hours.

Barrels for beer at Guinness
Check out those beer barrels!

Make sure to stop by the Guinness Academy where you can learn to pour the perfect pint. You’ll even get a certificate for it!

In Dublin Ireland, The Guinness Academy
The Guinness Academy

I recommend taking the Connoisseur Experience.

The Connoisseur Sessions are held at a swanky private bar, and limited to 14 people at a time. It’s worth upgrading your ticket for this intimate experience!

Once you’ve finished the Guinness Storehouse tour, you’ll head over to the private Connoisseur Bar to taste what Guinness has to offer. Get ready… You’re in for a treat!

I had no idea how many different beers they made! You’ll learn all about them as your bartender guides you through the variations, plus you’ll get to taste them too!

Tasting Guinness at the Connoisseur Experience in Dublin Ireland
Yes… I tasted them all!

Once you’ve been introduced to all the varieties offered, you will be guided back to what Guinness is known best for… It’s iconic stout.

Next up, you will get to learn how to pour the perfect pint. They even let you behind the bar for this one! What a fun experience. I’m pretty sure I could get a job as a bartender now… After all, I’ve been trained at Guinness!

Learning to pour the perfect pint at Guinness Storehouse
And this my friends is the perfect pint!

As you sit and enjoy the perfect pint that you’ve just poured, the bartender announces that you can bring home one of your favorites from the tasting. I really enjoyed the Dublin Porter, and was more than happy to take a bottle home.

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The fun doesn’t have to end yet! Make sure to head up top to the Gravity Bar. Grab another pint while enjoying the 360° views of Dublin. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Gravity Bar at Guinness
The Gravity Bar
Gravity Bar at Guinness

If you need some food in your belly after all the beer, swing by Brewers’ Dining Hall. They menu is huge, and the food delicious.

*A Special thanks to the Guinness Storehouse for their Sponsorship. I had a grand time and can’t wait to do it again!

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Filed Under: Dublin, Ireland Tagged With: Connoisseur Experience, Gravity Bar for best views in Dublin Ireland, Guinness Storehouse, Guinness Storehouse tour, Ireland Tourism

Ireland… I’m Back!

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Back in Ireland… As I step off the plane and into the Dublin Airport, I realize I am grinning like a lunatic that has escaped the asylum. I don’t care what anyone thinks. My soul is happy. I am back in Ireland, and adventure awaits me.

back in Ireland and happy by Julie Miche

So happy to be back in Ireland!

I continue to walk through the airport in search of the bus which will bring me to Galway. I have been on 3 planes, and traveling now for 19 hours. I still have a 2 1/2 hour bus ride to my destination, but I don’t feel tired at all. In fact, I’m invigorated. I wonder when the jet lag will kick in… The thought is fleeting.

I find my bus to Galway, making sure it is the Express Route. I took the 5 1/2 hour scenic route the last time. I don’t want a repeat.

I take my seat, and begin to dream my way through the Irish countryside. The ride flies by… Hmmm, perhaps I dozed.

I arrive in Galway, and make my way through Eyre Square. I’m amazed at how quickly I find my way around. Before I know it, I find myself in the Latin Quarter.

Galway, Ireland Buskers by Julie Miche

Buskers in Galway, Ireland

Everything is so familiar. I feel like I’m finally home.

Filed Under: Dublin, Galway, Ireland Tagged With: Buskers, Dublin, Galway Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Solo Travel, Street Performers, Traveling in Ireland

Swept Up In A Dublin Water Protest

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

How Did We End Up In A Dublin Water Protest?

It was day two in Dublin, and we were ready to start exploring. We went in search of the Dublin Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. We thought it would be a fun way to get a feel for the city, and grab some photos along the way. Off we went, directions in hand. As we neared the River Liffey, we quickly realized something was up!

Thousands of people carrying signs, and chanting were converging onto O’Connell Street from all points. What was going on? We decided to check it out, and somehow ended up in the middle of a Dublin water protest!

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water protest in Dublin Ireland Julie Miche travel blogger
Maybe I should have had a sign!

So, what exactly were they protesting? We started talking with the people, and they were more than willing to explain the issue.

Unlike the USA, the people of Ireland have never had their water usage metered. Up until now, water services have been paid through taxation.  They consider water a human right and a public good, not a commodity. What a concept! What if we did this worldwide? After all, who really owns water?

Water protest in Dublin Ireland by Julie Miche Travel blogger
Sold out by the government!

I was impressed by the passion of the people, and quite amazed by the amount that came out to protest this issue. It was estimated over 30,000 people participated!

Dublin Ireland water protests by Julie Miche travel blogger
Pure passion!

Where have I see that guy in the mask? He looks familiar…

Protesters in Dublin Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
No EU Rule In Ireland!

The water protest continued through the streets of Dublin, ending at Leinster House where the Garda (Irish Police) stood ready and waiting for the protesters.

Garda and dogs waiting for Water Protesters by Julie Miche travel blogger
Garda and dogs ready to pounce!

The entire protest had been peaceful… No violence anywhere, so I wasn’t sure what to expect once we saw the Garda with the dogs. What did they think was going to happen? Did they know something we didn’t? We didn’t have to wait long for action… Flares started going off, and there was a jumper! Over the fence he went, and he was running… But, not for long! Garda took him down!

It was reported that he fell inside while trying to get a photo… Hmmmm, don’t know about that. I think if that was they case, he would have been sprawled out on the ground, and not running! However he ended up on the other side didn’t matter much, he was promptly taken away and arrested.

As I was shooting the video on my iPhone, the Irish Times was capturing everything as it unfolded… Was I ever surprised to see I had made it into the Irish Times! That’s me on the other side of the fence, right before the protester was taken down!

Exciting times in Ireland!

I made the Irish Times! Photo Credit: Eric Luke/Irish Times Julie Miche travel blogger
I made the Irish Times!
Photo Credit: Eric Luke/Irish Times

If you’d like to learn more about water charges and get involved, you can find information through Right2Water.

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Filed Under: Dublin, Ireland Tagged With: Dublin, Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Leinster House, protesting water charges in Dublin Ireland, right2water, travel in Dublin, travel in Ireland, Water protest in Dublin Ireland

Temple Bar and TRADFEST

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Temple Bar Tradfest

Ahhh Temple Bar… So much fun to be had in this area of Dublin! It did not disappoint! To be clear… There is an actual Temple Bar Pub in the Temple Bar neighborhood of Dublin. We were in Temple Bar for Tradfest, however there was much much more to check out than just that.

The actual neighborhood is an eclectic mix of many pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and hostels. We kept hearing that this area is where the tourists go, and I’m sure to an extent it is. We encountered many Europeans on a weekend holiday, and hey… We were there too! You will, however, find plenty of  Irish people also go to Temple Bar! It’s just a fun area to hang out in!

The drinks tend to be pricier in that part of town, however I found it to be comparable to California, New York, Chicago and Las Vegas prices… In other words, I wasn’t shocked by it, and it did not deter me from hanging out there.

Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too! Read more here.

Temple Bar Pub in Dublin Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
The actual Temple Bar!

It’s most lively from Thursday through Sunday.

The Temple Bar neighborhood also hosts TRADFEST! It’s an annual music festival, now in it’s 10th year,  where many venues play host to Traditional Irish Music Artists. It’s good fun, and not to be missed if you are lucky enough to be in Dublin when it’s happening! We saw many amazingly talented artists, and I am now hooked on Trad!

One of my favs was Mundy at Fitzsimon’s in Temple Bar.


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Filed Under: Dublin, Ireland Tagged With: Dublin Ireland, Fitzsimon's, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Mundy, Temple Bar, Temple Bar TRADFEST, Traditional Irish Music

Ireland… Where Do I Begin?

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

All stories have a beginning… There are just so many that occurred in Ireland that I struggle as to where to even begin. I guess I’ll start with signs from the Universe… Yes, I’m a big believer! The day before our flight, we were running around getting all our last minute trip essentials. While we were out, we decided to grab a pint to launch our trip, and headed over to the Press Room in Santa Barbara. It’s a small pub where you can find expats from the UK & Ireland enjoying a pint over a football game. It seemed appropriate.

Press Room Pint in Santa Barbara by Julie Miche travel blogger

Pint to launch the trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sitting at the bar, we struck up a conversation with the only other person there besides the bartender… As luck would have it, he was from Galway, Ireland! We were pretty excited since that was the only other city besides Dublin that we had planned to stay in. He gave us a list of his favorite pubs, restaurants, names of people to ask for, and things to do while we were there! And just for good measure, we grabbed a photo of him to show his friends!

Guy from Galway, Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger

Galway Guy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once we got back home, we scheduled our taxi for our 4:00am pickup, finished packing, and attempted to sleep…

Imagine our surprise when this taxi arrived…

Luck of the Irish, Sign from the Universe, Lucky Cab, Ireland trip transportation by Julie Miche travel blogger

It’s a Lucky Cab… Shamrock and all!

This was not who we had scheduled with! We scheduled with Rose Taxi! We giggled and got in! It seemed right! All was good with the Universe!

Fast forward to our Dublin arrival… How many hours had we been traveling? It seemed like forever… We were lucky enough to arrive an hour earlier than expected! Yay tail winds! We found a bus for 6 Euro that dropped us a couple blocks from our hotel. Our hotel’s entry door was sandwiched between a pizza place and another business. We walked by it several times, wondering if we had been duped!

Can't find our hotel, Dublin Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger

Where’s our hotel???

 

After thumping our luggage up a very steep, narrow staircase we were more than ready for a nap! We were hoping for an early check in, but that was not to be had! Instead we were greeted, and I use that word lightly, by a very unfriendly woman that wouldn’t even make eye contact with us! (SHE WAS NOT IRISH!) She pointed to an area, which was not secure whatsoever, where we could leave our luggage, and told us to come back at 2:00pm. I will elaborate in a later post with a scathing review on this hotel, which I wouldn’t recommend to a cockroach… But, I digress…

We had several hours to kill before we could check in, so we set off to find breakfast. We had our first proper Irish breakfast with tea at the Queen of Tarts. It’s small, quaint, cozy and full of delightful treats! Good luck getting a seat! This place packs!

Queen of Tarts, Dublin Ireland, Tea by Julie Miche travel blogger

1st Tea in Dublin!

After breakfast we wandered around the Temple Bar area in Dublin, which was where we were staying… We still had lot’s of time to kill before check in and seriously needed to sit. We had now been up for 24 hours! We stumbled upon Peadar Kearney’s Pub and had to go in… How could you go wrong when the Chef’s Special was Guinness! Our first pint in Ireland was before noon… But, hey that’s 4:00am according to our time zone…

1st pint in Dublin, Ireland at Peadar Kearney's Pub by Julie Miche travel blogger

1st pint in Dublin!

The people and bartender were extremely friendly here! The pub is just outside of the Temple Bar area, and the prices are easier on the wallet too! They host live music during the week… Check it out!

Coming next… Temple Bar & TRADFEST.

Filed Under: Dublin, Ireland Tagged With: Dublin Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Peadar Kearney's Pub, Pubs in Ireland, Queen of Tarts, Temple Bar

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