A Day in Dublin...

Woke up this morning ready for my adventure with Jacs to begin! I stepped outside to check on the weather and was greeted by this! "Why hello beautiful rainbow!" So far every rainbow I've seen out here has been a full one! I LOVE it!

Today was the day we were heading into Dublin! Only a 2 hour train ride so why not? We took the Metro bus (which happened to be a bit early! Glad we got to the stop early too!) into the Belfast City Centre. Had about an hour to blow so of course being the typical American women we are - we stopped to get some Starbucks!

We then headed off to find the Grand Central Station which actually proved to be rather easy. Arrived at the station quite early however we almost missed our train cause we lost track of time waiting!

I spent the bus ride resting while Jacs read her book and mapped out our trip. Total opposite from the norm. Usually I am the self-ordained tour guide and Jacs just comes to enjoy the adventure! This time she decided to take the reigns and I thoroughly enjoyed taking a back seat for a change :)

Jacs was smart and brought some snacks in the likes of apples, clementines, and almonds - already a better guide than me!

I was determined to get some random snaps while on this trip so here is my first. . . 

Looks like Auntie Em stole Dorothy's shoes! I couldn't help but take a picture!

Finally arrived in Dublin! The train station was so intricate and beautiful! We were ready to begin our adventure and our own self-given tour (compliments of Jacs).

We headed off to O'Connell Street. I spotted 2 gingers in the first 5 minutes upon our arrival. . .ohhh so this was where they were all hiding! I was beginning to think Owen was the only one!!

I was loving Dublin already! The shops, the culture, the bustle of the city. . . excitement hung in the air!

We were both pretty hungry after about 15 minutes and began asking around for a good authentic Irish restaurant. Flannagan's became the place of choice so we headed there. We each ordered a meal and split it - both equally delicious! Definitely the perfect choice!

After lunch our adventure continued. We went into a Nordstroms type department store and instantly were drawn to the fancy hats. Haha we couldn't resist trying some on!

After that we headed over to Trinity College. From the architecture of the buildings to the cobblestone streets - it was breath taking and instantly took me back in time!

The Library there was built back in 1593! We didn't want to pay the £9 to explore it further but Jacs snuck a picture thru the exit...

It reminds me of the library in Ever After, or better yet; Beauty and the Beast! (Sigh) I am such a film addict.

We then ventured into a random mall. All we did was walk around it but I LOVED the intricate details of it! And the massive clock that hung overhead.

Then we went off to St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful park in the middle of the city. Though I haven't been yet, I told Jacs that it reminded me of Central Park.

Being in Northern Ireland for so long I've grown accustomed to seeing the British flag - it was a different change of pace to see the Republic of Ireland flag. Because it is such an international city there are numerous countries flags hanging everywhere. I saw the American flag about 8 times on this trip. It's crazy how a flag can bring such patriotism out of a person. Well out of me anyways :)

We then headed to St Patrick's Cathedral. It was massive and stunningly beautiful! Of course we had to stop for pictures!

As soon as we left a storm came in. Hoods went up as the rain fell in sheets. Off in the distance you could hear bells from a cathedral, reminded me of The Sound of Music when Captain Von Trapp and Fraulein Maria were married.

We ran to find cover from the storm, but before we knew it the rain had stopped just as quickly as it had begun and the sun was out again!

It seemed as though every door in Dublin was colored. I loved it! And thus began my search to find my favorite one. . .

My favorite!

We stopped for a snack - I opted for some Starbucks while Jacs chose a crepe at a nearby cafe she had heard about. Sitting for a wee bit felt amazing! I don't think either one of us realized how much walking we'd done!

RANDOM NOTE: One thing you may not know about me is my LOVE for clocks! Any shape, size, color. . . they are all so exquisite! My favorite are vintage looking ones. I had no idea that the streets of Dublin were full of them! I must've snapped a dozen of them throughout the day, here are a couple of my favorites. . .

We spent the last little bit of our day walking aimlessly around the city just taking in the sights around us. Haha the man below definitely caught our attention as he walked by in his nice business suit accentuated by a pair of running shoes!

We arrived at the train station tired, but with a new adventure under our belts! So glad we decided to go! Can't wait for my next trip back! Glad to be heading home though. . . my bed awaits me! Belfast here I come!

-J