Discovering Ireland

BY A. INHARJANTO

Dublin is no doubt a touristic, multicultural and vibrant city. When going around Dublin city centre, you will enjoy its brilliant atmosphere and will meet numerous people of different nationalities. You will also find lots of lively hubs, say, pubs, cinemas, theatres, clubs, sport centres, music halls, etc. It is a city with a jam-packed calendar of festivals and events.

However, if you are keen to further explore this Emerald Isle and move outside Dublin, the following places might interest you. Do not miss visiting them while living in Ireland as they can easily be reached by public transport especially by bus or train.

Glendalough and the Wicklow mountains

The glens of Wicklow by B. Trope

Located in County Wicklow, the scenery of Glendalough and its old monastic site are certain to create enduring memories. Glendalough is an Irish name, meaning ‘the valley of the two lakes’. From the visitor centre, it is best to hike so as not to miss the lovely views. After walking for about 15 minutes you will arrive at the Lower Lake. Do not spend too long here as there are plenty of other beautiful spots not to be missed. By following the signs, you will easily reach the Upper Lake.  This area has plenty of space for picnics, playing games, sitting around, etc. Nobody will be bored by the natural beauty of the Upper Lake calmly lying at the foothills and between two deep narrow valleys.

 

If all this is not enough and you want more adventure, feel free to go hill-walking. Hikers are well catered for in and around Glendalough and the surrounding area with an abundance of signposts leading the way. You would need to prepare for this, say, by taking some water and wearing good shoes as it can be  challenging at times and needs extra care along some parts of the routes.  

Furthermore, adjacent to the tourist centre and the car park, there is the site of St. Kevin’s monastic city. It is believed the monastery was established in the 6^th century and survived attacks from the Vikings. An 11^th century 34-metre round tower, high crosses and monastic ruins are still there as witnesses to the monastery’s remarkable history.

Besides Glendalough, if you have seen films like Braveheart and P.S. I Love You, you will enjoy panoramic drives through the Wicklow mountains, where those films were shot. There is Glenmacnass Waterfall famed for its splendid view. Travel to the Wicklow mountains during spring, summer, and autumn is obviously best. You are advised not to drive there in winter due to snow and icy roads.  

Galway and the Cliffs of Moher

The lovely ambience of Galway city by A. Inharjanto

Fancy going to the west? Galway and the Cliffs of Moher are recommended destinations for many tourists and recently arrived international students are no exception. The two are famed for their rolling hills, rugged cliffs, astonishing forts, historic castles, quaint towns, fabulous food, vibrant nightlife and many other things besides. You will notice Galway is the best combination of the modern Ireland of the Celtic Tiger with the easy-going ambience and cultural richness of its Gaelic heritage. Moreover, in visiting Galway’s harbour where fishing boats are moored to the stone quays, you will get some idea of its people’s activities. 

If you prefer discovering Galway city more seriously and plan to visit other tourist destinations the next day, do stay in Galway. Student hostels are available, priced around €15 a night. Do not worry about getting lost as tourist information centres are easily found. You might fancy enjoying an afternoon in Eyre Square or at the Spanish Arch, which offer good craic. The impressive Galway Catholic cathedral is among such places of interest.

The breathtaking cliffs of Moher by H. Tulp

Further, the breathtaking cliffs of Moher (214m) should not be missed. Apparently, they are the most amazing cliffs in the world and Ireland’s finest natural attraction. You will surely gaze in awe at this majestic scene. Besides the Cliffs of Moher, Paddywagon Tours for example, offer a good price for students (€40) including the burren, Corcomroe Abbey, Dunguire Castle, Poulnabrone Dolmen, the beautiful fishing village of Doolin and Bunratty Castle in one-day tour. For further information, please check these websites: Day Tours Ireland and Paddywagon Tours. So, from the limestone and fossil lunar-like rock formation of the Burren to the rugged Atlantic shoreline and sheer splendour of the cliffs, you will be awe-inspired.

Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway

Despite being part of the UK, they are still on the same island of Ireland and worth exploring. If you can travel to the UK without a visa as a EU citizen, do not hesitate to do so. However, some international students are not automatically allowed to travel across the border without a UK visa. You have to make sure this matter is first considered because it really matters.

Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city, has impressive attractions for many visitors. Firstly, a warm welcome can be expected by the time you have arrived in the city where the famous Titanic was made. Then, you will finally get a fun-filled holiday experience in this second biggest city on the island. If your visit is well planned, your experience will be fantastic since the city offers its unique vibrancy and ambience. It is a region packed with fabulous restaurants, hotels, great shopping opportunities, visitor attractions such as the city hall, cathedrals, concert halls, the Titanic’s building yard. 

Last but not least, the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim is always on a tourists’ itinerary. Seeing the mostly hexagonal, basalt colums making up the Giant’s Causeway, you could tell how magnificent and unbeatable they are. When you get there, people may tell you a myth about how it was built. In fact, volcanic action formed those columns but old generations could hardly understand that process so they told the story of the great Irish hero Fionn MacCul who built the causeway to bring his love, a female giant living on the Hebridean island of Staffa, to his home in Ulster.

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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.

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