Dublin, Ireland: Where the grass is always greener.
Ireland is incredibly green no matter what the season, its no wonder that they use this colour a lot in ads, businesses, products and tourism.
The majestic cliffs that run into the ocean on just about all sides of this country are reminiscent to the Transkei coast in South Africa that’s a few hours drive from where I live but in Ireland it has all these old vintage castles scattered, I loves places like this that yields that gone back in time feeling with sights from the likes of Game of Thrones and Highlander.
Why Ireland: Its an EU destination and Visa free ( on arrival) for SA passport holders. Just tell them upon landing at immigration you here to tour and get the green stamp and proceed simple as that.
Ireland is also very cost effective to fly into on most carriers who regularly have sales. I chose Etihad and local carrier Air Lingus.
The hotel.
I chose Doubletree by Hilton in Burlington Road as its conveniently suited on the bus route. Conrad would have been my 1st option but the prices were crazy as I seem to have chosen to roll into town on one of the busiest weekends they have as there was a huge horse race event happening. Hilton Hhonors has had an increase in reward redemption at this hotel recently so free rooms are now 30,000 points per night. Cash rates varies.
Dedicated HHonors carpeted counter for elites.
The room.
Due to the busy weekend I was only given a one category upgrade, all the suites were sold. This is the smallest room I’ve had all year outside of South Africa.
The executive lounge.
The lounge was pretty neat and was always stocked up with sweets and treats.
Complimentary snack time in the Executive Lounge.
The breakfast.
This hotel is busy, airline staff seem to be here all the time as this is the hotel they get to stay at inbetween flights.
Exploring the city.
TIP: When you land at Dublin international, buy a visitor Leap card at the kiosk. Its 19.50 EU and will save you a fortune for unlimited 3 day usage of transportation to explore the city and surrounding areas via double decker bus or tram / train. You can use this immediately from the airport and back within the time frame.
Cruising past Stephens Green. I think this is Dublin’s version of Central Park.
Dublin’s famous Liffey River.
The school kids on this bus ride had a field day laughing at this stores name.
At the base of the Spire of Dublin.
Spire of Dublin had a cost of EU 4,000,000 and stands 398ft ( 121.2m) tall.
Train to Howth.
Gaelic dialect sounds so cool.
This is a famous fish joint often visited by many celebrities.
Kelp presence tells me this waters as cold as Mouille Point in Cape Town.
The island directly opposite Howth Harbour.
Dublin Castle.
Etihad Gold has certain perks with Air Lingus. Onward to the next destination…
Dublin, Ireland. Travel the TraveLoyalty way.
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