For the History Buffs

Dublin has so much to offer when considering "the sites". Many of these sites, are places of remembrance for various events throughout history. Some of my favorites have included:

The National War Memorial Gardens

The gardens are gorgeous, you will find the most beautiful roses here of all colors, giving off the sweetest aroma. Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this garden to commemorate Irish soldiers who gave their lives fighting in World War I. This site is visited by many daily as a place to reminisce and to celebrate beautiful weather.

 

GPO

The General Post Office is one of the most important buildings in Irish history. Its significance lies in its involvement in the Easter Rising--- an event which inedibility lead to the beginning of Irelands fight for Independence. While visiting today, you can still see the bullet holes that mark the buildings front columns.

More to come...

Howth

One of the most breathtaking day trips, and well worth the hike is undoubtably to Howth. On my second or third day in Dublin we had a day tour schedule to travel to Howth. At this point in time I was so jet lagged, a hike of any sorts was almost inconceivable to me. Thankfully Howth did not disappoint. It’s a seaport, where today you can find some of the best fish restaurants and fresh markets in Dublin. As we climbed Howth’s cliffs we were all astonished to see just how beautiful Dublin is. The paths lead around the coastline revealing views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains. 

As we climbed, we came across historical homes such as the Balscadden House, home to poet W.B. Yeats during the years of 1880-1883. Today Howth is the home to a variety of notable residents. 

PB&J

Life is expensive here! For every euro I spend, that’s about 1.45 dollars… Such a bummer when you’re on travel and want to return home with some memorable pieces! So you learn to be savvy and some times you’ve just got to eat PB&J!

One of my favorite ways to “spice” lunch up a bit is to eat at different places around the city. A few of us like to go St. Steven’s Green during our break and people watch. There is a lot to be learned and what better way then to learn through the behaviors of others already immersed. Trinity is another place favorite; just yesterday we sat and ate our PB&J’s while watching people gather in their gowns as they mingled with family before a ceremony to receive honorary degrees! 

The Lovely's

Amazing shops and eateries are to be found throughout Dublin. As you can imagine I have only nearly begun to uncover these lovely places. My favorites so far includes a café called The Lime Tree Café, located on the North Side of the Liffy, by Kilmainham Gaol--- which is a must see all on its own. The café has such a warm house feel, serving a variety of sandwiches, soups, and freshly brewed coffee and teas. The service was wonderful and all the ladies working spoke with such delight when welcoming you.

The South side has quite a large selection of shopping options. Whether or not you fancy more of the mainstream well trafficked shops such as River Island, BT2, Topshop, and Dunnes… or rather love to meander through small boutiques such as Carousel, Costume, and Smock… OR sift through awesome second hand shops such as Oxfam and Harlequin, the South side is the place to go!

So far Om Diva has been one of my personal favorites. Located right outside of George’s Street Arcade, this store offers the best of all words. On the bottom level you will find consignment items, all second hand finds needing an even better home the second time around! The main level offers cute reasonably priced less known brands, offering both accessories and clothing on uniquely beaded hangers. Upstairs…ughhh upstairs! I could hang out for hours upstairs--- the walls are decorated with original sketches and photographs, just one of the best little places to get inspired. This is the home to the designer pieces, each more special then the last! You can find intricate headwear as well is asymmetrical designs and homemade jewelry. Needless to say I will be making a few trips back!

Ends of the Spectrum.

There is something to be said about coming into a country almost completely blind, the findings to be found are completely unwarranted and met with an open mind. Dublin is on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to a communal city in comparison to many of the cities found in the US. As has been ingrained in my head--- sitting through five hours of class four days a week, Ireland has gone through its fair share of hardships. To my surprise, although both the age and the composition of the society suggest otherwise, the community is very closely knit and well aware of its roots. The people share ethical similarities and work together to make strides towards an even “greener” country, if you will.

From day one pressure on American students to be more conscious have not only been verbalized, but made clear in a completely tangible way.  We were all allotted 4 “energy cards”, a system that works similarly to pay as you go. Its essentially a way to rationalize the amount of energy we use and make us all aware that once its gone, its gone. Turing off lights, turning off hot water, as well as turning off our appliances is a must if we plan to take hot showers by the end of our trip week five.

In addition to energy conservation, plastic bags are a rare find. Everyone here shops with reusable bags, if you need a bag there is a cost attached. Despite efforts for this in the States, Dubliner’s do a much better job at sticking to this idea. Even if you are in need of a bag, because I don’t know… lets say you forget to pack it along with your essentials for the day i.e. an umbrella, chances are you’ll be given a paper bag, which if there is one thing to be learned- paper bags are hopeless when it rains.  Perhaps that’s the reason reusable bags have caught on so well here? 

Dublin Welcomes Me!

Welcome to Umbrella Weather! My name is Kristia and I am currently studying in Dublin, Ireland. My time here is fairly short so I hope to write as much as I can to report on all of the amazing aspects that this small city has to offer.

A little about me, I am going into my forth year at Drexel University studying Design and Merchandising and am ecstatic to be abroad. My program is unique in that it is a dual city study program so I have to opportunity to study at the Dublin Business School in Dublin, Ireland and take classes as an FIE student in London, England. I will be spending equal time in each country with trips planned to see more of Europe.

At this point in time I have a trip planned to France as well as a plan brewing to visit Spain!

My first week has been jam packed with historical information and sight seeing. Venturing on different excursions has allowed us to understand not only Dublin, but beyond the city as well.

The dual city program has attracted in total 15 American students, 14 of us are girls and one sole boy. This alone poses as an interesting and fun experience all on its own. Thankfully we live in an apartment complex or student housing known as Blackhall Place with other foreign students. Thus far we have befriended French students, and are looking forward to meeting the incoming Austrian and Portuguese students.

Despite what my fellow classmates might think our location has been a learning experience in disguise. We live on the North Side, which is in reference to the central division of the city known as the River Liffy. The North Side is commonly thought of as the less endowed side, providing a home for many low-income homes. However this side of the city has a lot to offer as well. It is the home to Kilmainham Gaol or Jail and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. The main attraction on this side of the river however is Henry’s street. It is the central shopping location, cheaper then the South’s Side equivalent, Grafton Street.

The people of Dublin have welcomed us with a hundred thousand welcomes, “Cead Mile Failte”. The society overall in general is much friendlier then any you will find in the states. When asking for directions, people are more then happy to take the time to explain in detail the best way to get there. In all the public here is very knowledgably and extremely reliable when pointing you in the right direction.

My home for the next few weeks!