My day started in Swords, on the outskirts of Dublin near the airport. This is the location of the only Premier Inn that Dublin has to show for itself, and whilst the renovations in Reception were a tad annoying, the atmosphere of the hotel was great, and the room was well maintained. I enjoyed my time in this hotel, although I didn’t much spend much time there anyway.
I caught the number 41 bus into town and hopped off at O’Connell Street, the widest street in Dublin and the city’s main thoroughfare. The first thing you notice about O’Connell street is ‘The Spire’ – a gigantic metal rod that extends well into the sky. No surprise that this is a well-known meeting place – you simply can’t miss it.
Not long afterwards I ended up at the world famous Ha’Penny Bridge (yes, the bridge that can be seen in a touching scene of Mrs. Brown’s Boys D’Movie). The bridge is beautiful, and much smaller than you’d imagine. If you’re tall you’d likely need to duck your head to fit under the tops of it. It’ spans the River Liffey and it’s known as a romantic place – I noticed the first rows in a wall of love locks reminiscent of those in Paris.
Next I ventured a few minutes down the river towards Tara Street station, where I would catch the DART (Dublin’s commuter train service, similar to the Overground only cleaner – they have a 50 Euro penalty for putting your feet on the seats). Leap Visitor Card in hand, I was soon on the platform and waiting only a few minutes for the train to Killiney, a scenic beach on the outskirts of Dublin.
Just 15 minutes into the journey and it’s clear why this humble commuter route is pegged as one of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys. The line runs right along the coast, and at times you feel as though you’re actually travelling on the ocean. Sprawling harbours and quaint little towns create a picture which you feel wholly immersed in – something I’ve rarely felt when travelling by train. I almost didn’t want it to be over, but I knew the beach had more to offer.
Killiney was recommended to me by one of my Dublin friends. He was right: my gob was well and truly smacked when I walked through the tunnel under the train tracks and ventured out onto the beach, which was a mixture of stones and sand. It felt almost untouched, and other than a few dog walkers it was deserted.
The waters were a stunning crystal blue, which you rarely see in Blighty, and the cliffs were astonishing. The beach at Killiney is small and you can easily walk the entire length quite quickly, but that only added to the charm. Walking along, hand in hand with my partner was a treat that resulted in many Instagram opportunities.
Eventually I dragged myself away from the beach and took the DART back to Tara Street, where I met the friend with all the local knowledge. After a good catch-up and a Starbucks, I was outside the Irish Life Centre awaiting the bus back to the hotel. It had been quite the day, a day of stark contrasts, but all of it was much more relaxing than the East London we would soon be heading back to.
