When I was studying in England, Ireland was my first stop outside of the country. Even though I visited many countries afterwards, I still remember Ireland as being one of the highlights of my entire stay in Europe. I have to say, the landscapes in Ireland are breath-taking. I have never seen such vibrant colors and lush and vast lands. The whole time I was there I kept thinking how lucky Irish people are to get to witness such beauty every single day. It certainly makes up for the high cost of living!
Ireland certainly is PRICEY. In England, as a student, I could regularly get a pint of beer for 2 pounds. In Ireland, you're lucky to find a pint for 5 euros. So if you buy 4 pints of Guinness (and of course you are!) you are spending at least 20 euros. Ahh, but Guinness in Ireland is sooo worth it!
There is no lack of culture. All the stereotypes are true: the beer is abundant, people do sing and clink mugs in pubs (after a few pints you will find yourself doing this too!), Irish dancing is everywhere, festive old people are everywhere, and the good times go on all night.
Highlights of my trip were the Guinness factory, traveling to the Wicklow Mountains (where scenes from PS I Love You and even Braveheart were filmed), and chatting all night with a sweet old Irish man at a little pub. Ireland is expensive, but worth every single penny. I savored every second being there.
I gather that you did quite a bit of drinking while in Europe... : ) I had no idea Ireland was so expensive. But your descriptions definitely make me want to visit someday, no matter the cost!
ReplyDeleteDid you get to visit the Blarney Castle while you were there?
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit Ireland. It's is top on my list of places to see...
You are very lucky to have spent so much time in such a beautiful part of the world!
Since I like Irish authors like Yeats, Synge, and Joyce, I have some kind of fantasy about Ireland. In the movie "P.S. I love you," I saw the beautiful landscape of Ireland. I envy you. I wish I have a chance to visit the beautiful country!!
ReplyDeleteJ.J. - I actually got to visit the bridge where the two meet in PS I Love You. It is just as beautiful in real life as it is in the movie! I hope you get around to visiting one day. If you do, make sure you take a Wicklow Mountains tour. That's where you can visit all the places PS I Love You was filmed, plus other films.
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