Dublin
Travel Advice for Seniors: Dublin
Ireland….land of leprechauns and rainbows, breathtaking views of the Atlantic, lush green hills with grazing sheep as well as stark craggy cliffs, Irish stew and Guinness beer. It has everything! Including frequent direct flights from the US!
The best place to start in Ireland is in Dublin, the capital.
Your first stop should be historic St Stephens Green which centrally located, serene and peaceful but known for its role in the Easter Rising of 1916, where Irish Republicans faced off against English rule. St Patrick’s Cathedral, Church of Ireland, is also a great stop. Steep yourself in over 800 years of history at the Cathedral while enjoying the gorgeous stained-glass windows and sculptures.
Another must-see is the Book of Kells at Trinity University, but fair warning…it’s popular so get a timed ticket online at least a few days in advance. The Book of Kells is a colorful illuminated manuscript of the four Christian gospels, created over 1200 years ago. It is truly a marvel and worth the time.
As we make it a habit never to miss art galleries, we couldn’t miss the National Gallery with its fine collection of classics. Don’t miss Da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks and take time to enjoy Irish artists’ works, particularly those of Frederick William Burton and Daniel Maclise. Nearby Merrion Square is also a nice respite. The area around the Square was home to many of Dublin’s finest including Oscar Wilde and WB Yeats.
After all this culture, you may wish for a bit of a break in the way of a stop by the Guinness Storehouse. There is nothing as delicious as tasting a pint right from the source. But be prepared…it’s more like a meal than a beer! And for those Irish whiskey drinkers, the Jameson Distillery is located in Dublin and offers a great tour.
If you want to linger and do a bit of people-watching the Temple Bar area is a great hang out spot and if you want to mix your history with a pint, stop by The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest Pub, established 1198.
Other sights include the immense Phoenix Park with its wild deer, Dublin Castle and the bronze statue of Molly Malone and her well-polished appendages(!).
While there is plenty to do in Dublin, if you have time, a visit to Blarney Castle, home to the famous “Blarney Stone” is a nice day trip. It is said that if you kiss the stone, you will receive the gift of eloquence in return. Caution here: You must lay on your back and hang your head backward over the edge to kiss the actual stone. There are people to help, but it may be a challenge for some. It was also a bit germy for my taste, so we skipped it!
Blarney castle was home to the McCarthy Clan for centuries off and on and the term “blarney” or flattery and beguiling talk, arose from the McCarthy chieftain’s lavish letters to Queen Elizabeth in the 1500’s.
The gardens around Blarney Castle are the best reason for coming for a visit. The grounds are sixty acres of vignettes and specialized gardens including the Poison Garden, the Fern Garden, the Rock Close and more. There are also other period buildings on the grounds, though none as old as the Castle. It makes for a nice afternoon of strolling, even if you don’t kiss the Blarney stone! The castle is not accessible due to tight stairways, however, the gardens are accessible.
Other day trips from Dublin are readily available for travel to the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Belfast and much more. In fact, you can base a great trip to Ireland just by staying in Dublin and taking day trips out!
Find out why Ireland is such a popular destination and experience Ireland’s “craic” or enjoyment of life yourself!
Where we stayed: Hampton by Hilton Dublin, breakfast included. Accessible entrances, parking, and rooms.
How we got there: Arrived by bus from Tralee, a 3.5-hour drive. This was the last leg on our fifteen-day small group tour through Scotland and Ireland.
General Accessibility Information: Dublin is generally accessible, particularly at major hotels and tourist sights. Some transport hubs and most sidewalks are accessible. Call in advance to verify and make specialty arrangements. See our sections on specialty apps and accessible travel for more on accessibility assistance.
