36 Hours in Dublin

Attending such an international university can oftentimes make us forget to visit the absolute gem that is just a short (and very cheap) flight away: Dublin. The city offers a respite from small-town life with the added backdrop of a rich, literary history. While Dublin has excellent public transportation, I prefer urban exploration by way of my own two feet. So lace up your shoes, queue ‘Dreams’ by the Cranberries, and start your wee jaunt through Dublin.

DAY ONE 

Meander down Grafton Street, one of Dublin’s most iconic walks with many quirky shops and buskers (Ed Sheeran allegedly got his start here, as indicated by the lyrics of ‘Galway Girl.’). Once you’ve reached the end of the street, you’re dropped off right at the entrance to Dublin’s city-centre sanctuary: St Stephen’s Green. Take a seat, watch the swans, and maybe even crack open a book. James Joyce’s Ulysses might be a bit on the nose. 

DAY TWO 

Sally Rooney fans should be sure to visit her alma mater Trinity College Dublin. Even if you still haven’t read Normal People, Trinity also houses the Book of Kells — a Celtic Gospel book dating back to AD 800. Entry is discounted for students and includes passage through the College’s iconic library (which you’ve probably already seen on Pinterest). When you’re done, make the three-minute walk to Ulysses Rare Books, which contains the most beautiful books that this English student’s eyes have ever seen. Come with self-restraint if not for a well-endowed wallet — I recall a copy of Alice in Wonderland that almost seemed worth its arm-and-a-leg cost. 

DAY THREE

You can’t leave Dublin without visiting either the Guinness factory (obviously) or the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, which was voted ‘Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ for three consecutive years. But if you’re also looking to leave the city and get a taste of what more Ireland has to offer, there are a number of fantastic day tours that do just that, like those to the Cliffs of Moher or the nearby Howth. 

Photo by Hannah Shiblaq