The Dubliners

During my trip to Dublin many events occurred:

1. Unfortunately Snookie is pregnant

2. My one year anniversary 

3. I got to see many a round sheep up close and personal

I have a few pictures to show of the place I didn't want to leave.  The people are some of the nicest you will ever meet, the food and beer was amazing, and I have never seen a more beautiful and green countryside.  If there's one place that I have absolutely adored in Europe, Dublin has now become number one, beating out Paris.  First of all, I highly recommend the hotel we stayed at.

The Waterloo House Dublin

This was the view from our hotel room.  It was romantic, and cozy, settled in a charming neighborhood. It's about a 15 minute walk from the city center but it's great exercise and a pleasant walk.  It normally took us about thirty minutes due to all the intriguing antique shops.  Although it's a little far from the center you get a full nights sleep with out noisy interruptions from the street.

Also, breakfast is included!  You have the choice between a full Irish breakfast, fresh waffles, fish, and breads.  It is amazing and you get to serve yourself at a yogurt and juice bar.  The staff was incredible and made sure to get to know us.  This four star bed and breakfast will run you about 40 euros a night per person, but it includes the delicious breakfast.

Three Places You Have to Visit in Dublin

1. St. Stephen's Green

Located in the heart of Dublin, St. Stephen's Green is the perfect place to be on those rare sunny Dublin days.  It is absolutely gorgeous, and you can get a taste of the Irish culture.  You can sit by the main fountain, ret near the pond, or lay on the vast, lush, green lawns.  If you are there on a bright, sunny day, GO.

Just a few pictures from the park:

2. The Museum and University Scene

Another good thing about Dublin is that every national museum is free, and still really nice and educational.  We visited the National Museum of Natural History, and loved it.  You do not have to have an appointment and most of the museums are located in the same neighborhood, and conveniently next to Saint Stephen's Green and the major shopping area.

Walking into the building, your eyes immediately set upon the awesome ten foot tall ancient deer bones, and you are surrounded by the history of Ireland's natural history.  On the left, one sees aquatic creatures and molds of deep sea fish.  There's even jars comprised of real fish from the 19th century.  The right and center is filled with mammals and bugs, and it's entertaining for everyone.

Next, the Trinity University campus also is filled with free exhibits.  Their science center has a new exhibit every couple of months and is all real research from the students.  We came during the time of food studies, looking at the future of food and the importance of our sense of taste.

Finally, we came to the wall of answers.  We were asked what our last meal would be, a question I ponder a lot with friends. Some answers were good…

…others were…interesting to say the least.  My choice?  Fried chicken and waffles!

3. Irish Countryside/Newgrange

On word: breathtaking 

I could not believe how beautiful and green the hills and plains were.  Newgrange is the perfect place to go to get a dose of ancient history and a much needed view of happiness.  The burial is out in the middle of nowhere but dates back to the time before the Pyramids or Stonehenge.  A shuttle picks you up at the the Dublin tourist office, and for 15 euros you can have a nice day trip.  It was an incredible experience and my favorite part of Dublin.  I will definitely go back.  Next week I'm off to Istanbul, but I'll leave ya with more pictures of the gorgeous hills.