Today in 2017 I was waking up to celebrate Paddy’s with some of my best Study Abroad friends in Dublin and our entire experience between Ireland and Northern Ireland did not disappoint. Ever since I’ve been itching to get back to the Emerald Isle and as a way to reminisce have put together this travel guide for you!

Kilmainham Gaol– Actually the first thing we saw when we visited, the Gaol (pronounced Jail) has informative tours where you can learn more about Irish history, especially in reagards to their fight for independence and overthrowing the English.

Note: When I took my trip to Ireland it was part of a spring break trip that went as followed - Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland then England. By the end of everything I was pretty over the English and their colonizing BS. If you travel in this same order, or perhaps mostly focusing on how awful the English were/are in terms of colonization, oppression and disenfranchisement of others.

Guinness Factory – Hands down THE BEST brewery tour I have ever done, and I don’t even like beer. While going on Patty’s IS the busiest day of the year, there are extra special things going on like additional samples, dancing, even louder music and more fun festive bits and pieces that made the experience even more amazing. Be sure to book your tickets in advance and get to the Storehouse on time! If you’re in to shopping - or even if you aren’t - give yourself time to explore everything in the gift shops. It’s amazing.

The Book of Kells / Trinity College Dublin– Beyond being just a beautiful College, checking out the world famous manuscript is a must. We just briefly walked around the campus and it was stunning - talk about wanting to transfer immediately!

Temple Bar – Getting in will be almost impossible and it is (kinda) overrated but you should definitely pop around to at least snag some photos and see it for yourself!

Christ Church Cathedral - Founded almost 1000 years ago, the Cathedral crypt is one of the biggest in all of the UK and Ireland. You can even see here the 14th century copy of the Magna Carta.

Dublin Castle - Something beautiful to stop by to see some timely architecture. It’s easy to have blend in while you’re exploring the surrounding area so be sure to keep an eye out!

Poolbeg Lighthouse - Supposedly the first lighthouse in the world to run exclusively on candlepower, this is a cute place to visit for more of a coastal feel on Dublin Bay.

Cork City - While we only stopped here for lunch en-route to Blarney Castle I would absolutely go back and spend more time here. There are countless cute shops, amazing bites and often referred to as the “real” capital of Ireland. Whether you’re stopping by like we did or actually coming here as your main place to stay give Cork a chance - you won’t regret it! P.S. Be sure to stop by the English Market that connects Princes Street and The Grand Parade.

Blarney Castle - A short five mile drive north of Cork, Blarney Castle is on nearly any travelers itinerary to Ireland. It is best know for the famous Blarney Stone- something visitors (like myself) kiss and is supposed to give you the gift of gab. It is quite a wait to get to the top but it’s totally worth doing! It can be a bit strange - you lay on your back and workers help guide you back to kiss it (you’re on your back and kiss it upside down). Be sure to hold on to the rails (and the assistants) so you don’t fall!

Jameson Distillery - Even though now Jameson has relocated to a more modern facility nearby, this Old Middleton Distillery draws huge numbers! The home of Irish whiskey is definitely something I would add to our next trip over to Ireland whether I drink it or not! From what I’ve gathered from those who HAVE done the tour, the beginning starts with an informative presentation sharing the whiskey-making process used throughout Jameson’s history. You then are taken to the old distillery, passing water mills, barrels and antique cars, where you get to enjoy a glass of Jameson. Additionally, you can have a comparative taste of Irish Whiskey, Scottish Whiskey and American Bourbon to taste the differences. TIP: If you’re like most of the world stuck at home right now, try doing the taste test yourself with those you live with! You’re bringing part of Ireland to your bar cart!

The Ring of Kerry - As Ireland’s longest circular route, you can see some incredibly beautiful sites including lakes, glens, ruins, island, mountains and so much more! Again, this wasn’t something I was able to see when I visited but I plan on renting a car whenever I do get back to Ireland and making this gorgeous trek.

Killarney - While this is 100% a tourist town, it does have something for everyone and is on most folxs itineraries when touring Ireland. If you’re around this area, especially if you rent a car, be sure to stop in and check out all the shops!

Rock of Cashel - This beautiful rock covered in beautiful green luscious grass is one of the most iconic visits in Ireland. This was one of my first stops on the tour we took when abroad and it was MAGICAL. Constructed nearly a millennium ago, the fort still stands tall and is actually quite well preserved. First used as a base for Welsh invader then Kings of the region, the rock has been associated with St. Patrick for quite some time. Since then many different groups have occupied the area, including the Church.

Tintern Abbey - Throughout Ireland and many parts of the UK you will come across countless Abbey’s and IMO they are SO cool! Tintern is one of these owing its heritage to Wales. Despite the change in years from its founding in the Thirteenth Century, it remains the same name it was given when founded!

Copper Coast GeoPark - Given UNESCO status as of 2004, this park earned its name from generations of the metal-mining industry. It still retains all of its geological diversity with loads of trails and access to some of the most breath taking sites of Ireland. This is certainly on my return bucket list - I just love being outdoors here!

The Cliffs of Moher - I’d be shocked if you hadn’t seen a photo of this place or heard of it - it’s one of Ireland’s most known and frequented attractions of any tour offered across the country. Nearly 203 meters tall, these cliffs hold off the Atlantic ocean below. While I personally haven’t been, I’ve heard sticking around for sunset is one of the most beautiful sites ever seen!

Kylemore Abbey - Beyond being an incredibly beautiful building, it is also the home to the Sisters of the Benedictine Order in Ireland. Despite being founded in 1920, the building still operates as a working Abbey.

Galway City - City of the Tribes is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. With it’s traditionally European streets, super friendly locals and its rich history I’m not surprised how tourists are so captivated by it. Pubs are brightly painted and often are filled with traditional folk music, oh - and some of the best festivals take place here every year. Another bucket list location in Ireland for me (also mentally hearing Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl while I write this section)

Downpatrick Head - Just North of Ballycastle, Downpatrick is a special heritage site that gives guests a unique view of the Atlantic. Right next to the Dun Briste sea stack, Downpatrick holds the ruins of a church founded by St. Patrick, a well and a stone circle where sea birds nest.

Bluebell Woods - Also known as Dereen Woods, this beautiful spot is a magical place in the spring I can not wait to visit! The woods are filled with Bluebell flowers and supposedly being there in the morning is one of the most unique views in all of Ireland!

Belfast City - Before heading to Scotland we all made a stop up North to check out Belfast and it did not disappoint! As Northern Ireland’s capital, over the years it has gone through and seen a great deal of change. Once sworn to be avoided due to conflict, tourists visit here frequently to enjoy this modern and cosmopolitan area.

The Giant’s Causeway - Hands down this was my favorite place I’ve visited in Northern Ireland and absolutely would go back! According to Gaelic mythology, the causeway was built by the giant Finn MacCool se he could reach Scotland and fight with his rival, Benandonner. Here you can explore the views, walk down to the water and even get on the uniquely shaped rocks themselves. Be careful here, it’s extra slippery and more than a few visitors have severely hurt themselves when not being careful.

Titanic Belfast - The unique building is home to the Titanic Experience that shows the transformation of the Titanic from conception to it’s historical legacy in popular culture. Whether you’re big on history or not, this museum is incredibly well done and really is an experience I highly recommend for anyone visiting!

Murals of Belfast - While Belfast’s history stretches and shifts across a century, many know it from it’s time during the Revolution. In the early 1980’s these iconic murals gained prominence that make them so well known now. Especially today, the messages shared on these murals are moving and something I do recommend taking a look at.

Carrick-a-Rede - This fun old bridge is conveniently right between The Giant’s Causeway and Ballycastle. While I was one of the last people able to get on the bridge when I visited, it was so worth it! You can also observed from afar - you do not have to go on! That being said, you don’t actually cross the bridge, you just get to stand on it. This is for your safety and so many, many others can continue to enjoy the bridge!

Dark Hedges - Possibly known best now from Game of Thrones, this avenue of beech trees along the road are both beautiful and mysterious. (I’m one of a handful of humanity who has never watched GOT - I think it’s way too triggering personally - so I’m not sure if this is significant to the show overall or perhaps just a place a scene is at once?) Whether you watch or not it is a seriously beautiful spot that is so interesting to walk and drive down!

Boxty - This yummy fried potato pancake is a traditional Irish breakfast that is cheap and delicious!

Colcannon - A combination of mashed potato, kale or cabbage and butter, milk and seasoning, this is a traditional side dish.

Barmbrack - One of my favorites, this sweet Irish bread is made with a sweet white raisin and is especially popular during Halloween. During the holidays, the bread will have coins and rings. Whoever gets these in their piece of the bread will then be considered lucky for the coming year.

Coddle - Basically a dish filled with leftovers is a Dublin take on a leftover casserole made up of potato, onions, sausage, and bacon are mixed in a pot. Even though I’m vegetarian and can’t really have this, it sounds amazing.

Irish Soda Bread - A staple Irish dish made of bread (but with baking soda instead of yeast) is delicious warm with some extra Irish butter slathered on! (P.S. Even though it sounds like it may be the same, Irish Butter is different and is super rich and yummy in comparison especially to American Butter)

Cockles and Mussels - Even though I might not be big on sea food, this is an apparent staple if you’re visiting. Typically paired with chips (fries to us Americans) this is a quintessential dish!

Guinness - I’m pretty sure by now you could have guessed having a pint of Guinness is a must when in Ireland! I don’t even like beer and made sure to have a few sips (just to be sure!) and have the Irish experience! TIP: If you take the Guinness Storehouse Tour you will get a sample AND learn how to pour the perfect pint (it’s a real thing and not the easiest!) When you’re officially certified as a “Perfect Pourer” you can enjoy what you served!

Black N Black - If you want to try Guinness but aren’t a fan of how porters have a bite to them, your bartender (or you) can add a shot of blackcurrant! I haven’t tried this but have heard from many this is a good way to get to enjoying Guinness and other porters!

Poitin / Craythur - Known as Irish Moonshine this booze is actually illegal in Ireland so you won’t find it at the bars. Made from potatoes, this incredibly strong drink has a quirky history said to once be used to ensure the dead were actually dead by putting some under their noses.

Bailey’s - One of my FAVORITES. You can put this in coffee (and Irish Coffee) or just drink it straight. An adult’s dessert of sorts is super creamy and delicious.

Baby Guinness - Typically served as a shot, this mini drink has Kailua topped with Baileys to create what looks like a baby Guinness with a very different taste!

St. Patrick’s Day Tips

If you’ve decided or coincidentally find your self in Dublin on Patty’s you really ought to prepare to get the most out of your visit, and of course, manage your expectations for the visit! As you can imagine, it’s quite busy on Patty’s given the Irish’s affinity for celebrating it!

Flights - As soon as you decide (or realize) you’ll be in Dublin for Patty’s it is essential you book your flight! When some study abroad friends and I went we booked our flights about 4 or 5 months in advance, however, if you can do so even sooner that is even better! While I flew in directly from Prague since I was living there at the time, I know of friends who have flown between a few cities, different airlines or even took the ferry from London to help save money or get a spot at all. Essentially, do what you gotta do to get into Dublin for Patty’s. I will say, my absolute favorite airline overseas is AerLingus and if you can take them I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Where to Stay - While we were in Dublin we actually stayed at a wonderful Airbnb outside of all the madness and honestly, it was perfect. It was SO fun to be in the city, but, it was equally as nice to be able to escape it when we were ready to. That being said, I highly recommend trying for an Airbnb if you are looking for a bigger group or if you book a little too late for the hotels. Additionally, the hostels are another wonderful option but do fill up incredibly fast! Regardless of where you stay, book ahead as much as you can - it really will make a difference!

Transportation - If you are staying in towards the city center you should be able to walk to all the events, sight seeing and so on! However, if you’re out further like we stayed, Uber is always a great option and can be helpful in getting bigger groups into the city center for all the things. A lot of streets will be closed off so be aware some Uber’s or Taxi’s won’t be able to get you directly to where they usually may be able to!

To Do -

Saint Patricks Day Festival: Taking place from March 13th - 17th (these dates change from year to year), this five day event has a little bit of everything to celebrate the holiday. If you do want to see things on the 17th I recommend getting to Dublin the night before as the parade is very early in the morning. If you’ll be in town the days after, I highly recommend those for sight-seeing days!

The Parade: Kicking off around 11 am or, its a good idea to get to your spot and into town early - the parade begins in Parnell Square. If you want the day to be a marathon and not a sprint, stick to beers at this point and not enough to make you need the restroom. Getting your spot back will be basically impossible if you step out.

Greening the City: This is a special moment when the entire city lights up green at 6pm. This is a perfect time to walk around, grab bites and pints at different places and take it all in!

What to Wear- Green, DUH! But seriously, dressing here is about the same as it is in the States but perhaps a bit less tacky and a bit more local (think wearing Guinness or Jameson gear, Rugby gear, etc.) Don’t have green or the perfect Patty’s option? There are tons of options all over the place - and at every store there are loads of affordable options!

Buy Booze BEFORE - If you will be in Dublin for Patty’s, be sure to grab your alcohol (at least) the day before St. Patricks. I don’t remember the exact rule/laws but stores don’t sell alcohol in shops on St.Patricks until later on in the day.

Interact with Locals! - This might seem pretty common sense as you will be visiting with and around many of them, but seriously the Irish are some of the most, if not the most kind people I have ever met in all my travels.

Flag Down your Bus! - In Dublin, the busses don’t stop just because they see people waiting at the bus stop. Be sure to stick your hand out and wave them down to stop like you would a taxi!

ATMs - Super easy to find in the cities but not so much in the countryside. If you know you’re headed out where there are less, be sure to snag cash before you get out that way. Have some left over? Buy a round of drinks - make some friends and spend the cash!

Layer Up! - No matter what time of year you visit, it is best practice to wear layers for when the sun comes out (or doesn’t). Additionally, while downpour isn’t always a guarantee, bringing along a raincoat or rain boots is advised (these ones I’ve linked are my literal favorite for travel!)

Specify When you Order Beer - In Ireland I’m sure you can guess they love Guinness. That being said - if you don’t, or just want something different, be sure you specify when you order. If you just ask for a pint you WILL get a Guinness.

Tipping - You SHOULD tip 10% or so when you have a sit-down and dine-in meal. Beyond that though, is not necessary unless you feel the service went above and beyond.