Lots of folks travel to Ireland. Whenever I’ve asked them what they enjoyed the most, they invariably say “the pubs”.
Now don’t get in my face about this, because I don’t think there’s anything wrong with going to pubs, but they just don’t appeal to me. When I was planning my trip, HOB said “If you try a Guinness in Dublin, you’ll probably say ‘Hmmm…I can see what other people like about it'”.
So, I did in fact go to a pub in Dublin and…well…I can see what other people like about it.
I like pubs best from the outside.
Even in late fall, they were covered with baskets of flowers.
They have names like The Hairy Lemon.
And Foggy Dew.
If you’re like me and you don’t want to go inside a pub, it is still fine to feel like you could and find convivial shelter from the rain.
Pubs look coziest at dusk.
I don’t think you should visit Dublin for the sights: you should go for the charisma.
So if you ask me what I enjoyed most about Dublin, I would also say the pubs—not going in them, but being drawn to their crusty magnetism, of the pleasure of walking the city knowing there would be another pub around the corner.
How I got to Dublin: flight from Chicago.
Where I slept: Wynn’s Hotel. Price: €178 for a single. Recommended: yes
Picnic at the Cathedral 
I liked the caption, “I like pubs best from the outside,” as well as the one about charisma! I loved the photos,
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Thanks, that mean a lot coming from a super photographer like you!
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How sweet! That nice complement brought tears to my eyes! Bless you for making my day! And thanks for enjoying my photography!!
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Those were some super photographs…..but i am intrigued by that trolley outside ‘The Foggy Dew’…..Teambuilding? Hen and stag parties?
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Not sure, but I think if I were to be looking for a Teambuilding activity in Dublin, I would choose one of those ship-shaped open air buses where everyone is forced to wear Viking horns. Nothing builds a team like shared humiliation.
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Hi, Mrs WOB
Lovely photos of Dublin pubs’ exterior! Indeed they exude a certain charm. I don’t drink and always avoid getting into bars on my trips, I wonder if these days it’s normal enough to enter a pub/bar, order something else nonalcoholic and just be there for the atmosphere….
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Thank you, Yanti. That is what I did—I just had a bowl of chowder and a non alcoholic drink.
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I can see why some folks will visit some Dublin pubs. I don’t drink much because I am allergic to alcohol (I turn red fast…after ie. 6-7 sips..) and hence, I don’t quite fit in well re pub culture anywhere. Not even in Canada.
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Yeah, sometimes people make a big deal about it in Chicago too. I was at a really fun party last week with some interesting people and they kept asking why I wasn’t drinking “Are you driving?” and I get worried they think I’m judgey or a wet blanket.
Happy New Year!
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That’s why my allergy excuse is so handy. Happy New Year 2024, Year of the Dragon!
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