Dublin and its surroundings

BY B. VYSOKY

The famous Molly Malone statue near Grafton St.

by B. Vysoky

Dublin is a great, vibrant city. It offers various opportunities for having fun. There are a great number of attractions and events. Despite the city’s pleasure spots, you may be a lover of nature, who cannot stand the busy city all the time. If you are seeking for peaceful and quiet places, there are some tips, you may find helpful.

Dublin is a large city located not far from the foothills of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. For those who fancy hiking there are a few places where you can get plenty of fresh air. The Sugar Loaf is a 500 metre high hill, situated some 15 miles outside the city. It takes its name from its shape, which closely resembles a sugar loaf with the top leaning slightly to one side.

It is easily accessible by city buses. In fact, one does not have too much to climb, but stronger better quality shoes, a waterproof jacket, a bottle of water, and maybe some snacks would be the basics. The climb is not too difficult; even beginners can easily manage. The entire walk should not take more than three hours. The view from the top is spectacular because you can enjoy a 360 degree view with the sea to the east, Powerscourt and Enniskerry to the west, Wicklow to the south and Dublin city to the north.

The Liffey River by B. Vysoky

Dublin Bay also offers us some wonderful places to explore: Howth, Malahide and Bray are just the three of the places along the coast. Passionate ramblers would enjoy a day trip to Howth. Howth is a small peninsula which can be reached by bus or train. It rises from a flat coastline to a moderately high hill and when you reach the summit it gradually falls down to the nearby harbour. The most popular walk for ramblers is along the coastline. Should you decide to go that way, you will make a loop starting at ground level and likewise finishing at ground level. Along the way, it might be good to stop occasionally to take the air and look around. The view from the summit is splendid, taking in the lighthouse, Dublin city and Dublin Bay.

 

When you reach the harbour you should definitely go and take a look at the seals which will certainly be there. They are the number one local attraction. People usually stand next to the fishing boats on the side of the pier and feed them with fresh fish bought from the local fish markets. In the weekends there are markets with various kinds of food and frequently crafts as well. As the local village is renowned as a fish centre, you should definitely taste some sea food. Popular specialities are the Seafood Chowder or the local fish and chips. They are very tasty and very nourishing and moreover it is pleasant change from mediocre student cooking.

Rambling in Howth by B. Vysoky

Howth is located to the north east of Dublin, but one should also go to the south side. The journey by the city´s train called the DART is spectacular. The DART goes all round Dublin Bay. You can get on in the city centre and get off in the town of Bray. Bray has its own atmosphere. It is only a few kilometres out of the city but you would think you were in the country. You can either take a nice walk along the beach or climb to the top of Bray Head. Bray Head is a small peninsula with moderate and steep slopes. At the top there is a cross erected by the locals. From here, you can see Bray village below with Dublin in the very far distance as well as the top of the Wicklow Mountains. Rambling along quiet desert path of Bray Head or walking along the beach would help anybody to chill out and clear their head. If you still have time to spare it is worth visiting the local Aquarium with its amazing sea creatures.

Dublin´s convenient location and the size of the city allow us to escape the monotonous of daily life. Apart from daylong journeys around the city, you can enjoy your favourite sport activities outside it. The great number of Dublin parks allows you to cycle, roller skate, jog and walk in almost any part of the city. The biggest one in Dublin and probably Europe’s biggest is the Phoenix Park, in which deer wander. Furthermore, the Botanic Gardens are a place where you can renew your energy. Wandering among its trees and plants which come from all over the world can be a wonderful relaxation.

These are just a few hints and ideas how you might spend a day outside without too much hassle or at no great expense. On one such a day, after you leave your accommodation, you will be able to forget about exams, deadlines and all your worries. The journey of just a few hours will give you the feeling that you have been away for weeks.