HNL-LAX-DUB(LIN)

May 31, 2025

Having lived overseas for 17 years from 1994 to 2011 in four wildly different areas of the world, I think I must have become a little blasé about travel abroad. I was delighted and surprised at my mounting excitement about traveling to Ireland. I was so excited about the departure this week I could hardly sleep!

3AM at Honolulu International AirportAer Lingus boarding pass to Ireland

This study abroad trip with seven students (of which I am technically one) and our English instructor from Windward Community College is a 10-day educational tour with the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland. In preparation for the trip, we took ENG 272: Literature and Poetry of Ireland this spring semester. 

June 1, 2025

After over 15 hours in the air, we landed at 2:30 pm in Dublin tired but bubbling with anticipation. A local warned us on the bus from the airport to City Centre to be careful of our possessions, and one of us was nearly pickpocketed on the walk to the hotel. No lasting harm done, and it put us on guard to be more watchful of each other and our bags.

We had a 6:00 pm reservation at Gallaghers Boxty House, featuring traditional Irish food with a fancy presentation—a delicious introduction to the country. Though most of us were in bed fairly early, a fire alarm called everyone to the lobby about 9:00. Someone smoking in their room set off the alarm for the whole hotel!

Dublin Castle's last remaining towerThe giant organ that no longer works but provides parts for other organs, giving it the nickname of "Organ Donor"

June 2, 2025

Next morning we headed to Dublin Castle for a fascinating historical tour and a bonus treat: an exhibition entitled "Casimir Markievicz: A Polish Artist in Bohemian Dublin (1903-1913)." Once the castle was no longer needed to protect the city, it became a hub for the elite to meet for lavish parties.

Portrait by Casimir MarkiewiczArtistic Life in Dublin

In the afternoon a group went to the Guinness Storehouse, while others checked out the National Leprechaun Museum, napped (jet lag!), or visited Hodges Figgis bookstore for some Irish Literature.

Enjoying the Guinness Storehouse Books by Irish Authors from Hodges Figgis in Dublin

We separated for dinner, and a few of us went to the Brazen Head pub for - you guessed it - more traditional Irish food. Established in 1198, it is supposedly Ireland's oldest pub. Irish food tends to be very meat and potato heavy, but we've found lots of vegetarian options. In fact, we ate lunch earlier in the day at the The Saucy Cow, a little vegan place with delicious breakfast burritos.

The Brazen Head pubWeather Forecasting Stone


Tomorrow: 

  • Irish Museum of Modern Art
  • Music Under the Bridges Kayaking Tour
  • Dinner at Mister S



Location: Dublin, Ireland

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