Without a doubt, what strikes tourists most at first glance in Ireland is the charm of the landscapes: green hills, mountain villages surrounded by pastures, and secluded sandy beaches. Places of such breathtaking beauty that they look like straight-out-of-a-postcard!
But once the initial awe has subsided, it’s definitely worth immersing yourself in Irish life, especially in the capital: let yourself be drawn in by the friendliness and warmth of the locals, experience the pub as a gathering place, just as the Irish do, where you can sip a pint of beer (strictly stout!), and visit the many clubs where you can listen to excellent music (for which, especially in recent decades, a veritable cult has developed in Ireland…just think of U2!).
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is increasingly chosen as a destination for study vacations or even as a place to work, thanks to both its quality of life and its elegant beauty!!
The capital offers countless attractions: the world-famous Trinity College, the Guinness factory and, even more delightful for us, the light rail ride that took us to visit the villages in the bay, the best of which was Howth, which seemed to have stepped straight out of the pages of fairy tales about gnomes and fishermen, with a sky worthy of the country it’s in, blue and filled with large, fast-moving clouds.
This town, situated in Dublin Bay, was originally a fishing village: its seafaring heritage is still very much alive, thanks to a thriving, bustling harbor. In its waters, you can spot many friendly seals coming to forage near the moored fishing boats. There’s a lovely atmosphere, with colorful boats, sailors unloading crates of fish, and vibrant shops. You’ll be captivated! The leaden sea and the gusty wind make for the perfect weather for a romantic, if somewhat strenuous, stroll along the pier to the lighthouse jutting out into the sea, from which you can enjoy a splendid view of the bay.
The final stop on our journey was Belfast, an elegant city with two distinct personalities, possessing an elegantly English charm, certainly less festive and more understated yet distinguished. The walk to the murals in the area dedicated to the famous “walls” was moving, and the blend of the modern and the ancient was intriguing. Here we were able to admire, albeit from a distance, the world-famous shipyard that built the Titanic.
