After more than half a year in the amazing city of Krakow, Poland, it was time to move on. The decision was clear – we were moving to Dublin, Ireland! The preparations for leaving were fairly easy, and our flight was booked for early November.
3rd November 2015 – We had the whole day for final checks and cleaning. It’s amazing how your entire life can fit into just two bags, or let’s say 30 kg! In the evening, we took a taxi to the airport, which turned out to be a better deal than the newly opened train connection from Krakow to the airport (for about 30 zł, and no hassle of running around with suitcases and heavy bags).
Our flight was at around 21:30 CET (UTC+01:00), and after about 3 hours in the air, we landed in Dublin with a 1-hour time difference (Greenwich Mean Time, UTC±00:00).
From the airport, we took a shuttle bus to the Clayton Hotel, about 2 km away, where we spent the night. It was a cool experience – great reception, lounge bar with a library, all beautifully designed. Unfortunately, everything was closed by the time we arrived after midnight. Maybe next time! 🙂
In the morning, we had to return to the airport to find Zone 17, where the coaches to the city center depart (it would’ve been helpful if there were signs showing where Zone 17 is… but there weren’t). The blue AirCoach bus took us to the city center in about 40 minutes for 7 euros, dropping us right next to the famous Temple Bar and the River Liffey, which divides Dublin into the northern and southern parts (a good point of reference).
Public transportation in Dublin, based on my experience, is a bit of a chaotic mess! There are several bus companies, the main one being the yellow-blue double-decker Dublin Bus, which you can’t miss on any street – but it takes some time to figure out the stops and routes.
From the center, we walked to our new apartment, which we had rented only for November. It was on Bride Street, right next to the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The area, in Dublin 8, is fantastic – just a 10-minute walk from the river. Finally, we got rid of our heavy bags and set out to explore the city center.
Our first day in Dublin couldn’t end any other way than by visiting the most touristy spot, which every local would probably tell you to avoid at night (yes, it’s packed with tourists!) – The Temple Bar pub on Temple Bar Street. This street is full of life and has plenty of lively (and often overpriced) bars with a great atmosphere! If you’re in Dublin for the first time, you absolutely must try a pint of Guinness, or at least a cider if you’re not into Guinness (I love it!).
So, that was our first day in Ireland. 🙂 New city, new country, new adventure!
