A Scoop of Dublin with Sprinkles of Limerick!

Passport in one hand and my bag in the other, I stepped out of Dublin International Airport, blinking into the unfamiliar light like a lost puppy. After fumbling my way to the nearest taxi stand—one of many options including rental cars and buses within the cozy airport—I finally slid into the leather seat of a high-end BMW taxi (yes, quite the norm here).

The ride into the city was serene. Lush greenery lined the roads, and my silver-haired driver, polished and articulate, doubled as my first local guide. With an easy charm, he shared tidbits about the city’s must-see spots. The journey to the city centre took about 35 minutes, though traffic, especially during rush hours, can be a bit of a menace.

After parting with 26 euros, I arrived at a charming little boutique hotel called Kilronan House. Nestled in the heart of the city, it’s surrounded by everything a traveler could need within walking distance. The rooms are reasonably priced—options include shared bathrooms for budget travelers or private en-suites ranging from 55 to 80 euros. I settled into my pretty little room, freshened up, and set off to explore Dublin.

What struck me immediately about the city was its skyline—or the lack of it. There are few skyscrapers here. Instead, the cityscape is dotted with low-rise buildings, most dating back to the British era. Sloping roofs, dreamy windows, and a whimsical charm define the architecture. Some of the old homes have been transformed into offices, while others are now cozy restaurants or lively bars. The most delightful detail? The doors—painted in bold reds, greens, yellows, and blues—add a splash of colour and personality to every street.

As I wandered through the town, I stumbled into my first bar. It was Friday night, and the place was packed. After a lot of “excuse me” and “sorry,” I finally elbowed my way to the counter and ordered my first glass of the famous Irish whiskey: Bushmills Black Bush. The bar, an old structure resembling a former courtroom, glowed with sparkling lights and warm wooden interiors. The music, the people, the energy—it was all contagious. After soaking it all in, I left Dublin House and continued bar-hopping.

Dublin’s transport system is impressive—organized, economical, and well-connected. Trams, buses, and taxis make getting around effortless. My next destination was the Jervis Shopping Centre, a grand palace-like mall that’s a haven for brand lovers and foodies alike. After some window shopping and navigating its maze-like corridors, I picked up a little snow globe as a souvenir.

Next on my list was the iconic Temple Bar area. Ironically, it's not just one bar—it’s an entire district dedicated to good times. Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, this cobbled, narrow street is alive with music, laughter, and overflowing pints. Bars line both sides, each with its own charm, but the star of the show is The Temple Bar itself. A striking red-brick building, it’s every bit as lively as you'd imagine. Inside, the energy was electric—traditional Irish musicians played heartily as I danced, shouted over the music to place my order, and soaked up every second of authentic Dublin nightlife.

The next morning, chilled to the bone by Dublin’s brisk breeze, I tucked into a hearty breakfast before heading out for Day 2. The main streets twist and turn, revealing charming roadside cafés and restaurants that seem to radiate warmth. The aroma of coffee and pancakes wafted through the air, a delicious wake-up call. With comfy boots and a curious heart, I set out on foot—still the best way to explore this city.

Eventually, I stumbled upon a quaint little spot called Di Luca. With a tight but tempting menu of pastas, bruschetta, and hearty chicken dishes, I chose the pasta, since looking at my confused face, the lady next to me, signalled stating that I'm going to surely love it. So there went my order into the kitchen along with a glass of their house white wine. For just 6 euros, it was a steal. Moving on, I headed to St. Stephen’s Green, a beautifully landscaped park in the heart of the city. Fountains, flowerbeds, serene lakes, and charming stone bridges make it an oasis of calm. I lingered a while, drinking in the peace before ducking into a nearby café for something warm.

Soon, it was time to pack up and head to my next destination—Limerick. Buses between Dublin and Limerick run regularly and are budget-friendly. The journey was straight out of a Yash Chopra film—lush green meadows, grazing cattle, quaint cottages, and an endless blue sky. In under four hours, I arrived.

Limerick welcomes you with the graceful River Shannon, its bridges perfect for a scenic stroll or a moment of stillness at sunrise or sunset. The first major landmark here is King John’s Castle, an 800-year-old structure that feels alive with stories. Inside, I wandered through well-preserved stone walls and winding corridors, each step echoing with history. Just a 15-minute walk brought me to the city centre and my first stop: The Buttery. True to its name, everything was soft, warm, and delicious. I sipped on a creamy, dreamy coffee paired with a buttery croissant that melted in my mouth.

Limerick’s main stretch is bustling yet balanced. Tourists and locals—suited businesspeople and casual wanderers—share the space harmoniously. On one side, camera shutters clicked; on the other, serious meetings unfolded over lunch. Though smaller and more relaxed than Dublin, Limerick has a charm of its own. It’s the perfect counterpart—a tranquil pause after the buzz of the capital.

As I boarded the bus back and prepared to return to India, I couldn’t help but smile. Ireland had been everything I hoped for—and more. With one more country crossed off my bucket list, I’m already dreaming of the next adventure.