Doing Dublin

The best decision on planning this trip was to fly Aer Lingus to Paris.  Much like flying Iceland Air they offer a free stopover in Dublin (likely anywhere in Ireland) for up to 7 days.  Lo and I had a total of 11 travel days, and I knew that would be too long for me in Paris.  I love London and Amsterdam so looked up doing either of those in combination with Paris.  The cost was double what we would pay for Paris.  For those that know me, I love travel planning and spend a significant time on it.  Searching out places and deals, followed by reading reviews.  After about 10 pages of notes and 20 open tabs I found Aer Lingus and couldn't believe how affordable it was.  Plus the flight times and connections were excellent, and it was on an air bus, which for long flights I find more comfortable.
We left Seattle around 8pm and took the 9 hour flight to Dublin arriving the next morning in Dublin. Super easy waisting no time.  The only downside (which there was none) was their onboard service was so good I hardly slept.

One thing I always heavily research ahead of time is airport transfers and the best way to do it.  I like affordability if it's easy, like the tube in London, otherwise a cab or Uber it is.
Per the recommendation of a friend that had just been in Dublin a few month before she suggested the Do Dublin card.  If I haven't mentioned yet, the Irish are amazing, so kind and helpful.  We followed the signs found the bus line, and asked how it worked.  I believe my ticket was 35 pounds (Ireland's currency is still the pound, except Northern Ireland which is the Euro) and Lo's should've been as well but the salesman gave her the child's price of 17 pounds.  This card was our transfer to our hotel as well as a 72 hour hop on hop off bus tour, which any new city I recommend!  Per another friends recommendation we stayed at Temple Bar Hotel.  This was a fabulous place to stay.  As the name states it's located in the Temple Bar area right on Fleet street. If you want to experience Irish music and nightlife this is where it's at.  The hotel does provide ear plugs because it's pretty noisy but I slept so go it didn't matter.

Around the corner was Trinity College.  Seeing the Book of Kells was high on my list as well as the long room.  This doesn't take long at all and very much worth the stop.  Buy your tickets online and avoid queuing up!

A short walk from here was Molly Malone's statue and of course you can't go to Dublin without grabbing a pint at the oldest bar.

This is all for part one of Dublin.  In the next blog I'll got over Kilmainham Gaol , if there is one must in Dublin this is it.  From this tour and jail you will truly understand why the Irish are so proud of the hard fought independence, and how relatively new it is.  I'll also post on the Guinness family and of course when in Ireland, it is a must to drink Irish whiskey.

Ok and having an awesome travel partner is the best!