Visited once, back soon with any luck... (Dublin in General)

Member Name: richmills

Product:	Dublin in General
Date:	10/08/01 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The people, The city, The clubs

Disadvantages: The weather

I've always wanted to visit Ireland, I must have some Irish blood in me somewhere as I love the music (traditional and new) and have some affiliation with the country.

So when I heard that a group (about 7) of different work collogues were going over to the Emerald Isle for a long weekend I decided to jump on board when asked. Luckily I had known a few of them beforehand and were on good terms with the rest.

The flight over cost about £90 (it was all we could get) from Gatwick and was a 1h30m job which was fine, apart from sitting next to a person who was scared of flying, poor girl.

Embarking and finding our luggage was simple and we walked virtually straight out of the airport into a rain deludge. Something that few of us were anticipating. As we waited in the vast taxi que we noticed that the English football team were winning so that made the weather easier to handle.

After a 20 minute trip virtually into the heart of the city we arrived at our lovely hotel called Othello House at 74 Lower Gardiner Street. Dumping our clothes and jumping in the shower we were at a club/bar in about an hour. We seemed to strike gold as well because for around 9 punts (about £7) we got three bottles of Bud! Well we stayed till closing and stumbled home (virtually a straight line luckily enough) and got some good sleep, well some of us who didn't get dragged off to a party did anyway.

Upon awakening a hearty breakfast was had (by most - some looked like death warmed up) and the rest morning was there to explore the fair city, see the sights and do some shopping! In the main shopping street there is a little tucked away T-shirt printing place, it has some brilliant designs and should be sought out. I got myself two there - one of which is a dope Pokemon rip off which some of the characters looking a little dazed "gotta smoke em all, Tokemon".

After a light lunch and some more shopping we headed out to th
e town again and for a few beers and more sight seeing. More items of clothing were brought and more money exchanged hands. Then back and we found a O'Shae's pub/guest house just up the road which served excellent food for a good price, recommended.

Off to a club again, hint - don't wear much because the clubs that we went too were hot - even if it's raining leave your jacket as you'll dry off very quickly - and after that we managed to find the sausage place. This place serves the largest sausages with anything you want on them. Lovely. Back home form more needed sleep.

The next day which was Sunday we went out of Dublin and explored a shopping mall, much like a smaller version of Bluewater, more clothes brought, more money exchanging hands. Back to Dublin and while others went out partying some stayed and watched a traditional Irish pub play in the O'Shae's up the road.

In the every early morning we left for the airport and arrived back in London around 11am.

First, things first, the place is lovely. The hotel was nice, adequate facilities and basically a drop off/sleep/change clothes point of service - and at around 90 punts each for three nights not bad value either. The central city itself is busy and busseling with people everywhere (much like Regent Street in central London) almost all day. The clubs are even more packed so get there early!

Secondly, the people are brilliant, only one dour face all weekend, the most prettiest women on the earth and such a nice laid back atmosphere. Be warned though if you have a thick accent they may not understand it, it took me three attempts with one barmaid for her to understand my order, and I wasn't hammered, well not then anyway!

Thirdly, you can't spend money over there, I went out with about 375 punts and came back with about 120 left, everything is cheap over there. Taxi's are cheap as well and we made good use
of them.

Lastly, the weather there isn't great - why do you think it's called the Emerald Isle for? Make sure you take some protection from the elements, although if your going out at night forget that coat, or you will roast.

So all in all an excellent trip for me, I felt as if I had arrived home and at one point of the holiday I did mention that I could live in Dublin, I'll definitely be returning as soon as I can.

If your looking for somewhere nice, cosy, friendly and most definitely fun then Ireland has to be on your final list.

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