Welcome to my story style travel blog, featuring my adventure through Ireland in the spring of 2026.
You can read the blog in order, or about whichever destination intrigues you! Within my stories, I’ll offer some recommendations and some tips and tricks for a smooth journey. When I travel, I mostly do group tours and the reasons are:
* As a solo woman traveler, it is much safer especially if traveling long distances or to countries that can be dangerous in some places.
*The itineraries are amazing and usually include all of the things you’d want to see and do…and if not, there is free time to do as you wish
*You don’t have to worry about booking transport, finding hotels, etc. Sometimes that can contribute to the adventure, but it’s also nice to sit back and relax and let your Tour CEO be in charge
* And finally…the new people you meet on your tour become your family, and I’ve made lifelong friends in these journeys. For myself, this has equal importance with exploring new countries.
I used Expat Explore again – the tour is called Irish Explorer. This is my third time traveling with Expat, and their European itineraries are really awesome and not super expensive. Also, transport is by coach bus which is nice because the buses offer a comfy ride with air con, WIFI, charging ports, etc.
Ok, now let’s begin!
I start my journey with a plane ride to Dallas with American Airlines, where I have a 5.5 layover. I know, not ideal.
I had trouble getting the flight I wanted through Toronto with Air Canada/Aer Lingus; one of the flights wouldn’t confirm with AL and booking directly through AC was too pricey. I make the most of it, and sit at Hickories for a long lunch and a cold beer.
I have to say I have a really enjoyable flight with AA, so don’t feel concerned about booking with a US based airline! I nap off and on during the 8+ hour flight. I arrive into Dublin on Saturday morning; the first thing I do is buy a LEAP card for public transport. In hindsight, I probably didn’t need it but oh well!! If you’re staying outside of the city centre, I would definitely recommend buying one . I’m feeling adventurous and I’m a seasoned traveler so I forgo the comfort of an Uber and take the airport coach bus over to Red Cow Luas station. My hotel is outside of the city centre, so this is the closest stop. I decide to walk to the hotel from here, and holy shit, it is WINDY!!! There have been some crazy windstorms here in Dublin this weekend, and a lot of flights were cancelled or delayed. I guess I flew in at the perfect time!
I lug my giant suitcase along the sidewalk down the highway; not quickly though because the wind is just that strong. No joke. I finally arrive at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel; I chose it because it’s where my tour starts and this makes everything much easier.
Also, it’s a reasonable price.
NOTE: accommodation in Dublin is really expensive. Yikes! In the summer months, you can actually stay at Trinity College in one of the dorm rooms. I would have absolutely done that but I am here when this option isn’t available. How cool though!
I can do an early check in but it’s 10 euro per hour and I’m 4 hours early. No thanks!! I drop off my luggage and walk my ass back down to the train station and make my way into Dublin city centre. It takes around 20 minutes but it’s an interesting ride.
Dublin is a city where history feels woven into everyday life. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century along the River Liffey, it grew into an important medieval trading centre before becoming deeply shaped by English and British rule. The city has been at the heart of some of Ireland’s most important moments, from the 1798 rebellion and the Easter Rising of 1916 to the fight for independence that eventually created the Irish Free State. You can still see those layers everywhere—from medieval streets and Georgian architecture to historic pubs, churches and landmarks that have witnessed centuries of change. And somehow, despite all that history, Dublin doesn’t feel stuck in the past; it feels like a city that has carried its story forward while still knowing how to have a good time.
It is one of those cities that just kind of pulls you in. There is music coming from pubs, people everywhere, and gorgeous old buildings mixed in with the everyday stuff. There’s something about Dublin that feels really alive and friendly and is such a fun city to wander around because you really don’t need to have every minute planned out. But of course, I always have a plan……
After arriving into the city centre, I have a quick stroll along the River Liffey, with determination to find a place where I can get a tattoo. I end up at Ink City, and book an appointment 2 hours from now so looks like I’ll be doing a bit of exploring until then!
I walk over to the National Museum of Ireland, because it’s free!!
There are a few branches; this one features archaeology. It has mostly Irish historical objects, and looking back now, it seems like I missed some cool things like all of the jewelry and the bog bodies(mummified in a peat bog, likely sacrificed). Dammit!!
A short walk from here is the National Gallery of Ireland, and it’s also free! It houses lot of western European art, with a bit more focus on Irish and Italian art. I was never really an art person, but after visiting galleries in Australia and Spain last year, I’ve discovered I love it!!! I had researched some key pieces to look for, so I do a quick jaunt around the gallery to find them, while enjoying everything else along the way.
And this gorgeous staircase leading up to the galleries
After this I walk over to the famous Sweny’s pharmacy.
It was an operational pharmacy in the Victorian era, but now it serves as a bookstore. It was made famous in James Joyce’s novel, Ulysses. In the book, the character Leopold Bloom buys a bar of lemon soap as he waits for his prescription. Today, you can still buy the lemon soap as a souvenir, so of course I do! It’s usually a really busy place but I just happen to stop in when it is empty so I have a chat with the guy that works there and he tells me a bit of the history so that’s really cool.
I stop at Keoghs cafe for a coffee and a quick bite. They are famous for their yummy scones, so I try the pear and vanilla one.

And now it’s time for me to return to Ink City to get my tattoo!
My guy is Fausto, and we have a laugh at how typical my tourist tattoo will be. He’s still happy to do it, and we have a nice chat over the next hour. If you decide to get a tattoo here in Dublin, most places only accept cash. Mine sets me back 110 Euro and I love it!!
I debate on whether I want to stay in town and have dinner and drinks, or head back to the hotel because I’m so tired. Haha. So I decide to hop on the train back to the hotel
The first room they give me is clearly for someone who is handicapped, judging by the bathroom. Plus the toilet is making a horrible sound, so it’s time to move. Like seriously though, why do they even put me in this room in the first place. So stupid. Anyways, my new room is much better
I settle in for a much-needed nap, and then when I wake up, I figure I’ll just go to the gas station next-door and grab something easy for dinner. Out of curiosity, I stop into the hotel restaurant and I recognize Pat, who will be on the tour with me starting tomorrow. I sit with her and enjoy a nice leak and potato soup for dinner. When I return to the room, of course I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep and all of the awesome downfalls that come with jet lag. But I’m very excited to start the tour tomorrow!
To be continued…..
Everywhere On Earth With Erin 