Adventure 2025 continued with a visit to Dublin, Ireland. This was my third visit to “The Fair City.”
It’s been eight years since my last visit. To say the city has changed would be an understatement. During this Dublin Adventure, I ventured beyond the familiar tourist trails to seek out some lesser-known gems.
One of the highlights of my escapade was solving a thrilling murder mystery that had me feeling like Sherlock Holmes, but that’s a tale for another time.
GETTING HERE
Flying to Dublin was the only option I considered. I spotted a sweet Aer Lingus ticket at a price that made my wallet sigh in relief. But, thinking I was some kind of travel ninja, I decided to wait a few hours to book.
Big mistake!
In those few hours, the morning flight I wanted to book was sold out. Luckily, Lufthansa had a morning flight, though it cost $85 more than the Aer Lingus flight. Talk about a lesson in timely booking and being slightly less indecisive!
The flight was smooth and I arrived in Dublin — and what a surprise — it was raining. No worries. I jumped on the AirCoach and soaked in the views, even with droplets splattering against the window.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, DUBLIN
The Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre played host for my first night in the city. Overall, it was a nice one-night stay.
The Good: Customer service was phenomenal, and breakfast was good and plentiful. My Standard Room was acceptably clean and the bed was comfortable. I loved the firm and soft pillow choices — firm for the achievers and soft for the dreamers. Additionally, showering felt luxurious, thanks to its great pressure and hot water. The location was prime for city exploration, practically begging me to step out and seize the day.
The Bad: Getting to my room felt like navigating a labyrinth designed by a rogue Minotaur. I’d turn left, then right, and somehow end up in Narnia. Not to mention that the room showed its age with stains on the carpet and curtains that could tell their own stories. My view? A delightful sight of a business restaurant—perfect for both culinary inspiration and aversion.
The Ugly: The hotel’s interior resembled a set from a horror movie. Seriously, I was tempted to call the health and safety office and mention that I could literally hear ‘The Undertaker’ theme music playing in the hallways. Trash was strewn about like confetti at a bad birthday party, and the smell in the elevators? Let’s just say I was grateful for my sense of smell being an acutely tuned instrument.
Yes, the hotel is a popular one among tourists due to its location, but that’s not an acceptable excuse for the disgusting hallways, stairwells, and general nastiness.
ST STEPHEN’S GREEN
Among the places I wanted to explore this time around was St Stephen’s Green, the serene garden square and public park that offers a tranquil oasis of verdant beauty amid the vibrant hustle and bustle of the city.
With its lush greenery, vibrant flowerbeds, and meandering pathways, this picturesque retreat beckons for leisurely strolls and moments of quiet reflection, allowing visitors to escape into nature’s embrace without leaving the urban landscape behind.
As I told my friends, I don’t often commune with ‘The Nature,’ but when I do, it’s in St Stephen’s Green on a lovely day in the Fair City.
There are moments when even this spirited adventurer must pause to take in the breathtaking beauty that surrounds me — especially if that beauty involves a lovely bench inviting me to sit and people-watch.
OSCAR WILDE’S HOUSE
I couldn’t resist! Strolling through Merrion Square Park, I found myself gaping at the stunning art pieces like a tourist who’s just spotted a celebrity.
After snapping a million photos of the Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture — okay, it was only ten — I suddenly felt a powerful pull to cross the street. I had to check out the charming house where Wilde grew up. I mean, if I stood there long enough, maybe some of his genius would magically transfer to me, right?
The €12 price tag is a tad on the high side — but the majority goes to a charity, so I can live with the price. The 10-minute video provided a charming crash course on Wilde’s life, packing in enough facts to impress even the most persnickety trivia buffs.
As for the house itself, well, it’s more ‘imaginative exercise’ than ‘museum experience’; visitors will need to channel their inner Wilde to picture how the rooms looked in his day. Not exactly a time-travel saga, but if you can spare 40 minutes without your phone, it’s not a complete swipe left. A little more insight into Wilde’s daily life would have been the cherry on top!
ILLUSIONS MUSEUM DUBLIN
What a wonderful experience offered by illusions Museum Dublin. I stumbled upon this attraction and was surprised by the similarities to the illusions Museum Brussels.
The illusions were not only fun but also mind-bending and thought-provoking. The customer service was phenomenal.
I genuinely appreciated the staff who practically turned into my personal paparazzi, helping me snap some unforgettable photos. The ‘hanging around’ illusion was the highlight of my visit! Sure, the €15 price tag made me blink a couple of times, yet I still had a mesmerizing experience.
CITY LIFE
My traditional ‘City Life’ Photo Safari took up the remainder of my first day in Dublin, a day filled with unexpected encounters and double-takes at stunning architecture.
Oh yes, this ‘Four-Leaf Clover’ Adventure was a rollercoaster of unexpected twists and turns. Each moment was filled with enchantment, leaving a lasting impression on my mind. It was an experience that I will cherish more than my collection of shot glasses.
And yes, I know you’re asking yourself, “Why do you collect shot glasses when you don’t even drink?”
I let you ponder that one.
Until next time …
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