MORNING: Hang out with wild deer in one of Europe's largest parks
8:00am Wuff
is the perfect place to stop for breakfast on our next day in Dublin.
First, they do a traditional Irish breakfast with tasty pork and leek
sausage (there’s a veggie version, too).
9:00am Second, we taxi over to Phoenix Park, our destination if the weather is lovely this morning. As the former royal hunting grounds—there’s still herds of wild deer that roam around— it’s one of the largest public parks in Europe. We can rent electric bikes near the entrance and explore, watching locals play cricket or polo along the way. We’ll pass by several gorgeous gardens, but a favorite is the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, which grows fruits and vegetables for the nearby eateries. The best of these is the Phoenix Park Tea Rooms, a charming place to relax after a morning of pedaling around.
If you'd like to walk, there's a Phoenix Park Walk mapped out for us on the left. Check out downloads for two fairly entertaining Phoenix Park Youtube videos.
9:00am Second, we taxi over to Phoenix Park, our destination if the weather is lovely this morning. As the former royal hunting grounds—there’s still herds of wild deer that roam around— it’s one of the largest public parks in Europe. We can rent electric bikes near the entrance and explore, watching locals play cricket or polo along the way. We’ll pass by several gorgeous gardens, but a favorite is the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, which grows fruits and vegetables for the nearby eateries. The best of these is the Phoenix Park Tea Rooms, a charming place to relax after a morning of pedaling around.
If you'd like to walk, there's a Phoenix Park Walk mapped out for us on the left. Check out downloads for two fairly entertaining Phoenix Park Youtube videos.
AFTERNOON: Suggestion: Smithfield’s proper chippers. If you’re looking for a proper “chipper”—Irish slang for a fish-and-chips stand—you can’t do better than Fish Shop in the Smithfield neighborhood. It’s a bit more upscale than most, so you can enjoy a glass of wine with your beer-battered fish filet. Even if you’re not a fan of tartar sauce, the homemade version here will make you a believer.
12:00pm Dublinia
A visit to Dublinia takes you right back to Viking times in the capital. We will see what life was like onboard a warship and how treacherous their long voyages were. Try on a helmet, handle their weaponry and pick up some of the skills involved in being a Viking warrior. You can take in the sights and sounds of a bustling Viking era street scene, and glimpse what their version of urban life might have been like. You’ll leave Dublinia with the mythology of the Viking legacy ringing in your ears.
1:00pm Christ Church Cathedral, then walk to St. Patrick's Cathedral for a tour at 2:30
Sitric Silkenbeard, the Viking King of Dublin built the original place of worship where Christ Church now stands. A gift to the Irish church from the Vikings, it’s become a focal point for worship, quiet contemplation, education and community events. Though it’s much changed since his day, you can delve into the oldest and largest crypt across Ireland and Britain, marvel at the intricate interior tile work or lose yourself in the stone labyrinth. The Treasures of Christ Church exhibition is well worth a visit, to see old religious relics including priceless silver and Ireland's first copy of Magna Carta. Additionally, the heart of the Patron Saint of Dublin, Laurence O'Toole resides in the Cathedral. To gain some background knowledge, pick up an audio guide and listen to tales of the cathedral’s history, from its Viking beginnings to today’s spiritual hub. Then it's just a 7 minute walk to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Since Saint Patrick baptised Christian converts nearby over 1500 years ago, this holy site has been a place of spiritual encounter for countless generations. There are Self-Guided Visits at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. As you walk through, you will notice that it is filled with natural light, glittering mosaics, and paintings adorning its gorgeous interior, and the stunning floor. A self-guided visit lasts approximately 40 minutes. A free guided tour begins at 2:30.
3:30pm
Wood Quay Dublin’s main Viking excavation site came to the nation’s attention in 1974, thanks to building works that uncovered valuable insights into the past. We learned that the Vikings brought us into the monetary economy of Europe with King Sitric’s penny coins, and furthered our knowledge through finds of pottery, armour and weaponry. Remains of Norse and Norman villages were unearthed alongside thousands of artefacts, many of which are on display in the National Museum of Ireland and Dublinia. Wander the footpaths to view the Wood Quay sculpture by Michael Warren and bronze plaques by Rachel Joynt. You can also step inside the Dublin City Council offices to see the remains of the Hiberno Norse City Wall. As Fin Dwyer of the Irish History Podcast explains, the Vikings left an indelible legacy, and “The outline of the city is their mark.” The Wood Quay discoveries also underline the era’s thriving international trade, and show how Dublin took part.
Wood Quay Dublin’s main Viking excavation site came to the nation’s attention in 1974, thanks to building works that uncovered valuable insights into the past. We learned that the Vikings brought us into the monetary economy of Europe with King Sitric’s penny coins, and furthered our knowledge through finds of pottery, armour and weaponry. Remains of Norse and Norman villages were unearthed alongside thousands of artefacts, many of which are on display in the National Museum of Ireland and Dublinia. Wander the footpaths to view the Wood Quay sculpture by Michael Warren and bronze plaques by Rachel Joynt. You can also step inside the Dublin City Council offices to see the remains of the Hiberno Norse City Wall. As Fin Dwyer of the Irish History Podcast explains, the Vikings left an indelible legacy, and “The outline of the city is their mark.” The Wood Quay discoveries also underline the era’s thriving international trade, and show how Dublin took part.
4:00pm (last visit 5:15) No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to Dublin Castle,
or at least a relaxed stroll in the castle’s Dubh Linn Gardens. The
original medieval structure was built in 1171 on ground that was a
Viking settlement, part of which survives to this day. Under the castle,
the River Poddle flows through a large brick tunnel, which you can walk
through with restricted access. Running all but invisible throughout
most of the city, the waterway helped to inspire both the name of the
nearby gardens and the city itself. The Vikings named the place where
the Poddle and Liffey rivers meet as ‘Dyflin’, meaning ‘black pool’.
Later, this took the Irish form of Dubh Linn
5:45 The Steine of Long Stone, or Ivar the Boneless’ Pillar, is a replica of a carved pillar erected by the Vikings in the 10th or 11th century. Ivar the Boneless is of course the same notorious Ivar you may know from the History channel’s Vikings series. You’ll find it at the junction of Pearse Street and College Street. The original Steine stood 12 to 14 feet high and was designed to prevent longships from running aground. Today’s sculpture, which features Ivar, was carved by Clíodhna Cussen.
EVENING: End your trip to Dublin with a night of “trad” music
Winding Stair restaurant which overlooks the Ha'Penny Bridge, is a favourite restaurants in Dublin and offers mouthwatering traditional Irish recipes with a modern twist. Diep le Shaker is a great Thai restaurant in Pembroke Street, and is close to Fitzwilliam Square. The Ha'penny Bridge is right in the middle of Dubln anyway, and is hard to miss.
Post dinner, it’s time to take in a show. A favorite place for live music is the nearby Cobblestone,
a family-owned pub where traditional music draws a mostly local crowd.
Some of the best players in town turn out for the nightly jam sessions,
which means the place is often standing room only.