March 31, 2014

Dublin, Ireland: Grafton Street + Bewley’s Cafe & Restaurant + Statue of Molly Malone; things to do + restaurant review

Grafton Street  

Dublin 2.  

Dublin’s main shopping area--Grafton Street--runs right through the city center.  Now a pedestrian-only zone during business hours, this red brick-paved street stretches for several blocks and is home to international stores as well as local gems.  Though crowded with shoppers on Saturdays, it is always a fine place to stroll and be entertained by street performers or to peel off for a side-street restaurant. 




coffees and sweets at Bewley’s Cafe & Restaurant in Dublin, Ireland

Bewley’s Cafe & Restaurant  

78-79 Grafton St.  

Dublin’s oldest and biggest cafe, this place has been around since 1927 and is famous for its architecture and Harry Clarke windows.  Check out the bakery section in front as you enter so you know what you want to order when you sit down; then find a seat in the small cafe area in front or in the larger open room in back.  You can also go upstairs to the third floor and sit on an open-air balcony overlooking Grafton Street.  In addition to house-roasted coffee, huge scones, sticky sticky buns, and glittery frosted cupcakes are on the menu.  So is stew and shepherd’s pie, and take-out is an option. 

Bewley’s Cafe Theatre presents afternoon shows and evening entertainment on the second floor.


Statue of Molly Malone on Grafton Street in Dublin, Ireland

Statue of Molly Malone  


This 18th-century street vendor is nicknamed “the tart with the cart” and “the dish with the fish.”



More things to do in Dublin.

More information about Ireland.

More ideas for exploring Europe.


video and images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

March 28, 2014

Dublin, Ireland: Parks--Merrion Square Park + St Stephen's Green; things to do

Merrion Square Park  

Merrion Square, Dublin 2; +353 1 222 5278.  Hours vary seasonally. 

The Georgian garden square that is Merrion Square Park dates from the late 1700s.  One of the city’s finest parks, it is lined with red-brick Georgian townhouses on three sides.  The remaining side fronts some government buildings, the Natural History Museum, and the National Gallery.  Noteworthy features include many sculptures, a collection of old Dublin lamp posts, a central floral garden, a heather garden, and a playground. 

entrance to Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland
entrance to Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland


path in Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland
path in Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland


swans on lake in St Stephen’s Green park in Dublin, Ireland
swans on lake in St Stephen’s Green park in Dublin, Ireland


St Stephen’s Green  

South end of Grafton St., city centre, Dublin 2, +353 1 475 7816.  M-Sat 7:30am-dark, Sun 9:30am-dark.  Free. 

This Victorian public park is maintained in the original layout, with trees and shrubs planted on the perimeter and Victorian beds that bloom in spring and summer.  To escape rain, visit the Victorian lakeside shelter or in the Victorian Swiss shelters in the park’s center.  Well worth a visit are a waterfall and Pulham rock work on the western side, an ornamental lake that provides a home for waterfowl, and a garden for the visually impaired.  Sculptures are found throughout, and a children's playground is a popular attraction.  Lunchtime concerts are scheduled in summer.


More things to do in Dublin.

More information about Ireland.

More ideas for exploring Europe.


images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

March 26, 2014

Dublin, Ireland: National Museum of Ireland--Archaeology; things to do

National Museum of Ireland--Archaeology  

Kildare St., Dublin 2.  Tu-Sat 10-5.  Free. 

Opened in 1890, this Victorian Palladian museum building includes a domed rotunda in the entrance hall along with classical Irish-marble columns.  The interior features mosaic floors and beautiful majolica door trims.  Seven galleries make up the National Museum of Ireland--Archaeology that traces the development of Irish civilization.  Treasures include the bell of Armagh--a bronze-coated iron hand bell that is believed to have belonged to St. Patrick.  

interior of National Museum of Ireland--Archaeology, in Dublin
National Museum of Ireland--Archaeology, in Dublin



More things to do in Dublin.

More information about Ireland.

More ideas for exploring Europe.


image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

March 24, 2014

Dublin, Ireland: Guinness Storehouse tour; things to do

Guinness Storehouse tour  

$19. 

This site has been producing the "black stuff" since Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease in 1759.  A former fermentation plant, the Storehouse is now a visitor center that tells the history of Guinness.  It is Ireland's number one visitor attraction.  The story unfolds as you walk up this 7-story building shaped like a giant pint glass.  When you reach the Gravity Bar at the top, your reward is a 360-degree view of Dublin and a complimentary pint.  Consider buying tickets ahead online—you’ll save a bit of money and you won’t have to wait in line.  And keep in mind that according to Denis O'Reilly of Wild Wicklow Tours, “You’re a real Guinness drinker when at the end of the drink the foam that began at the top is in the bottom of the glass.”

pouring tastes at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland
pouring tastes at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland





March 21, 2014

Dublin, Ireland: Ha’penny Bridge; things to do

Ha’penny Bridge  

Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland
Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland



















When this single-span structure with white cast-iron railings and decorative lamps was built in 1816, it was Ireland’s first iron bridge.  Prior to its construction, most pedestrians took a ferry across the River Liffey.  Though the fee was only a half penny originally, it has been free since 1919.  When you cross, take note of the many “love locks” that you will see mid-span.  It is a fad now in many European countries for young lovers to place a lock on a bridge and throw the key in the water, symbolizing their never-ending love. 


love locks on Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland
love locks on Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland


More love lock stories:

Love locks in Paris.

Love locks around the world. 

Love locks in trouble. 

March 19, 2014

Nairobi, Africa: Giraffe Manor; travel bloggers name their dream hotels


Giraffe Manor


When you ask bloggers to name their bucket list dream hotel, you get some interesting answers.  My own choice is Giraffe Manor in Nairobi.  Someday I hope to make it to Africa and stay here to personally witness the Rothschild giraffes sticking their heads right through the windows. This luxurious, historical lodging is near Nairobi National Park and also to the home of Karen Blixen, who wrote “Out of Africa.”



image courtesy of venue

March 17, 2014

Introduction to Dublin, Ireland

Introduction to Dublin, Ireland


Situated on the Irish Sea, Dublin is Ireland’s capital city.  About 40% of the country’s population lives within an hour's drive.  The Mexican Gulf Stream flows along the coast and keeps the temperature mild enough to grown palm trees, but you can also count on rain almost every day from October through February.  Flat and compact, it is a great walking city, and public transportation is good.  You won’t need a car.  And consider yourself forewarned that Dubliners say everything is just across the street and use pubs as landmarks.  And speaking of pubs, let’s get in the mood for this upcoming series of posts about Dublin and surrounds with this uncut clip of live Irish music from O'Neill's pub in Dublin.






More things to do in Dublin.

More information about Ireland.

More ideas for exploring Europe.


video ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

March 14, 2014

Photo Gallery of people working around the world

Recently I entered a photo contest and actually WON (winning image is below)!  The theme was "working."

umbrella making, Borsang Village, Sankamphaeng, Thailand
umbrella making, Borsang Village, Sankamphaeng, Thailand


Background on the travel photo contest and all entries (be sure to scroll all the way down). 

My original blog post about Borsang Village in Thailand.

More photo galleries.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan trips. 

image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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