By Abbey Hayden
The limited perimeters of the ‘Durham bubble’ are no secret, and the restrictions of regular term-time programming can take a toll on avid travellers. With lectures Monday to Friday, mid-Michaelmas deadlines, and meagre student loans, exploring new places can seem out of the question. To those students who are losing hope, let the following guide be your sign that it is in fact possible.
In the depths of last year’s final term, a friend was frustratingly trawling through Skyscanner, in a desperate (if somewhat dramatic) bid to escape the country amid revision season. Initially, we left him to his own devices, believing the sudden search would soon end and the books would reluctantly be reopened. That was until he found £20 flights to Dublin, leaving from Newcastle airport the following day. What ensued was a scene of mild hysteria, but after establishing that none of us had been to Dublin, and that we were all able to spare a twenty, it was decided. In a moment of madness, the trip was booked.
The only catch was that the return flights were 24 hours after the outgoing journey – we had one day, and one night, to get a taste of all that the city had to offer. Therefore the following template outlines a spontaneous (yet slightly under-researched) tour of Dublin’s highlights.
We had one day, and one night, to get a taste of all that the city had to offer
Landing at 9am, our first port of call was brunch at the well-recommended Lemon Jelly, a large, friendly cafe in the heart of the city. After being greeted by a friendly waitress, we were quickly rejuvenated with a matcha and a hearty English (Irish) breakfast. The menu was extensive, and thankfully accommodating of our student budgets, while situated only 10 minutes from the famous Trinity College. If anyone needs any further convincing, it’s been months since our trip and this brunch is still talked about like an ex who we never got over. Highly recommend.
The walk from Lemon Jelly takes you past some quirky boutiques, appropriately (and overwhelmingly) green-themed, decorated with shamrocks and Irish flags. We meandered in and out of shops, admiring the Irish treats, trinkets, and tacky t-shirts. I will unashamedly admit that some of those tacky t-shirts did in fact leave the shop with us, as mementos of our manic trip.
Minutes later, we arrived at our aforementioned, anticipated destination. For lovers of academia, or of Sally Rooney, a tour of Trinity college is vital on a trip to Dublin. A kind of awe-inspired hush presides over the courtyard that sits beneath the grandeur of the Gothic buildings, and the Trinity library is one of the oldest and most impressive in the world. A top tip for any Normal People fans: there happens to be an app called ‘Normal People Locations’, that drops pins all over the college, identifying key scenes from the BBC miniseries that you can visit. Some readers may argue that this seems excessive, but as a group of English Lit students, we simply couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to spot the renowned filming locations.
Next on our whirlwind jaunt around the capital was Dublin Castle. This historic landmark is a monumental symbol of Ireland’s independence, having been powerfully reclaimed from British administration over a century ago. The impressive structure houses various historic and artistic exhibitions throughout the year, as well as playing host to the beautiful Castle Gardens – an ideal spot for relaxing in nature (or having a nap before a night on the town).
For lovers of academia, or of Sally Rooney, a tour of Trinity college is vital
Having missed the opportunity for a tour of the popular Guinness factory during the day, it was decided that this regretful omission could only be rectified with an extensive night-time bar crawl. The Stags Head on Dame Court is an unmissable heritage pub, founded as a tavern dating back to the 1780s. Today, it is a bustling venue with leather-clad, dimly-lit rooms that stretch throughout the building. We were drawn from the streets by the live music drifting out of the upstairs windows – and singing along to Dreams by The Cranberries in a crowded room full of strangers was a highlight of the whole year.
Last, but by no means least, is possibly the most notable attraction of all: Temple Bar. The crimson exterior sits on cobbled streets, dripping with fairy lights and laden with flower baskets. Photos of the pub had been firmly occupying my Pinterest boards for years, and our previously mentioned “I heart Dublin” tourist t-shirts made a grim, unabashed appearance for the occasion. The bar plays host to local bands and singers, and the atmosphere was electrifying (though our spirits were swiftly brought down to earth by the staggering prices of a €10 Guinness).
Following a night of high spirits, exceptional music, and an impressive step count, we boarded our flight back to Durham. Exhausted, yet elevated, we returned with an abundance of photos and fresh experiences, astonished at our newfound capacity for spontaneity. Whether you’re looking for your next destination, or simply trying to fill an otherwise uneventful weekend, Dublin is alive with opportunity and awaiting your arrival.
Image Credit: Abbey Hayden
