Top Ten Experiences in Ireland So Far

As it’s summer now, I took an unexpected break. To be fair it was refreshing not having to worry about a post a week, but I did miss the schedule of it all.

I’ve officially been here ten months, wohoo!

That means I have lived in Dublin longer than anywhere else in the past five years.

Here are my top 10 photos that I’ve taken in the past 10 months. I’ve selected a mixture of travel destinations and just pictures of great memories.

The Beginning

After nearly 8 years I finally returned to this gem of an Isle. This was the first picture I took of Ireland from the plane heading down to Dublin airport.

A Halloween Like No Other

Did you know that Halloween actually originated in Ireland? Neither did I until this past year.

Howth

This side of Dublin Bay has become one of my most frequented travel spots and I plan to go back to this place right outside of city centre. It's a quaint town that's right on the water, and, on the weekends, there is a great market there filled with delicious treats.

The Cliffs of Moher

This is seriously one of the most breath taking scenes I have ever visited. I'd love to go back out west and complete the entire cliff walk someday.

The Festive Season

With all of its small alleyways and narrow streets, Dublin was ripe with opportunities to decorate for the holidays. I loved just going out at night and walking aimlessly around.

Paddy's Day

No it's not St. Paddy's, or is it ever really called St. Patrick's Day. I spent my time watching the parade with my friend Steph from Australia- I hadn't seen her in nearly two years. A lovely member of the garda- policemen- took this photo of us and everyone around was buzzed with happiness.... and maybe a bit too much of alcohol, but who am I to talk.

The Giant's Causeway

I loved learning about the formation myth of this landmark, and I highly recommend going there and taking a tour of it. 

Pentatonix

After years of watching them come together as a group on The Sing Off and then all their youtube videos, I finally was able to see them live in Dublin. If you ever get a chance to see PTX live I would recommend going. They sounded amazing, if not better, live than on their records.

Dublin Zoo

Even though it's summertime and many of my friends have gone home, we were still able to plan a day trip to the zoo. Although I can't say it compared to the zoo in Dubbo, Australia or the Tarangire in Tanzania, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I especially loved that the peacocks were allowed to roam freely all over the zoo grounds, plus good company always makes for an amazing day no matter what.

Home

After living here for 10 months I can confidently say that I am feeling Ireland is home. I really can;t describe what drew me here, but now that I am, I really do not want to leave. I've made some incredible friends here and I can only hope to make more and gain more fond memories.

xxKim

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Normally I would put a music recommendation here but I've been listening to such a variety that I can't choose.

-Olly Murs: just feel good music, especially his earlier material

-Fleetwood Mac: I was never a huge fan, but they have some great summer tunes

-DNCE: I can't stop listening to Cake by the Ocean

-The Beatles: summer becomes my time where I put on the White Album or 1 over and over again.

In Crashes February

To say the past two weeks were turbulent would be a huge understatement.

You know those moments when something unexpected hits you in the face, well multiply that by one hundred and maybe you’ll be able somewhat imagine how I feel.

University has reconvened once again, so last week was spent traveling and spending as much time as possible with new and old friends.

Dream cars <3

 On Monday I went to the bar on campus and played some pool- the Irish rules are quite different than back home. Even though I hadn’t played since I was probably ten, I still managed to pocket a few balls over the course of the night. Definitely no expert by any means, but with some practice who knows!

I spent Tuesday wandering Clontarf, but the wind was so breezy that I didn’t stay long. Spring has sprung here in Dublin and there are daffodils blossoming all over the county. Also I had to take a picture of these two old cars spotted while on my walk- for you to enjoy father, maybe one day we'll restore the bug!

Howth Harbour

On Wednesday Lisa and I finally made in out to Howth with a couple of friends. Once again we just walked around and took in the sight of the harbour. If you ever want good fish and chips, definitely come here sense there seemed to be a shop on every corner. We walked up this little hill just in time to spot a giant rainbow- double rainbow actually. The colours were so vivid and stunning that it made up for the wind and the rain we suffered.

By the time we walked back to the harbour, we all wanted something warm to drink and ended up in The Dog House. We spent almost two hours in the place drinking different kinds of teas and sweets. I want to go back just for this place alone.

Before taking the Dart- train- back into the city, we stopped by the Bloody Stream since my friend recommended it. Cheers, Liam!

Back in city centre I ended up going to a comedy club in the International Bar. Some of the acts were fantastic, but I definitely have to praise the MC, he was great- even though he may have called me a baby. I look young, I get it. Everything was in good fun though and you should go there if you want to have a laugh, plus at the end of the show you can make your way downstairs for a pint or two.

And then I slept for two days…

The Dog House

Not really, but I was surely lacking quite a few hours by Friday.

Lisa had a couple of friends over for Japanese curry- it was delicious thanks Lisa and Leni!- and then a few of us went out to celebrate our last Friday before university.

On Sunday Lisa and I went out to town to try and find another housemate. Yep. Due to circumstances I’m going to withhold, Lisa and I are frantically looking for a new place to live. Hopefully by next blog I’ll be settled into a new home...hopefully...

Anyway, Sunday.

We treated ourselves to Coco Bó while meeting up with a possible flatmate. We all clicked right away and stayed in town finding places to live and generally trying to get to know one another.

Monday was straight back into university- had to spend 10 hours straight there… but I hope that is going to change. It was so good to be back surrounded by people again, and also to be on a schedule.

Well this was longer than expected, so until next time!

Xx kim