Life is all about the people we meet and the connections we make. This journey has been a rush of fleeting experiences that leave lasting impressions. From reconnecting with an old friend in Dublin to meeting like-minded individuals in Galway to interacting with genuine locals, Ireland is a country brimming with positive intention.

I start my journey in Dublin, where I meet up with an old friend from Hawaii. She graciously allows me to crash at her place for a few days while sending me off into the city with a list of things to explore. On my walking tour I get my first feel for Dublin. The city center feels new, with fast food chains crowding the street corners. The Spire, a 398 ft stainless-steel pin needle, becomes the landmark I’ll always refer to in the next few days. Outside of the city center, red-brick houses compliment the brightly painted cement buildings.

As a part of the tourist experience, I visit the Guinness Factory. In all honesty the Guinness Factory feels too commercial, and for the price (18 euros) I would rather just go to a local pub and drink a few pints. The best part was drinking the ‘free’ Guinness at the top of the factory, where you can enjoy a pint with sweeping 360 degree views of the entire city.

After the commercial buzz of the Guinness Factory, Kilmainham Jail was a sobering and interesting experience. Built in 1796, the jail not only housed political prisoners and revolutionaries, but was also home to young women and children. The youngest child imprisoned was seven, sent to jail for two weeks for stealing food. The jail was notorious for overcrowding issues and terrible living conditions. Hangings and executions by firing squad occurred all the way up to the early 1920’s. Seen as a site of oppression and suffering, the jail was decommissioned in 1924.

After three full days in Dublin I head west to Galway. Galway, the city of tribes, feels like the quintessential Irish experience. The city (more like a town considering its size) is a 2.5 hour bus ride from Dublin. While it rains for the majority of the time, it is quaint and beautiful. The city consists of bars, restaurants, cafes, and a local shopping mall. There’s a huge student population and the locals are fun and friendly. Every night there is a plethora of live music to chose from. This ranges from traditional Irish music to Pink Floyd and everything in between. The city is vibrant, creative, and youthful. Every night there is something to check out or new music to explore. The city itself is pretty small but it’s a great home base for trips to other parts of Ireland.

I stay at Kinlay Galway Hostel during my time on the west coast, voted the best hostel in Ireland for 2014. While I believe that any hostel charging 2 euros for a towel is a rip off, the free breakfast is great and the rooms are clean and comfortable. The common areas help to facilitate interactions with staff, long-term guests, and backpackers. I befriend the girl working behind the front desk and meet fellow backpackers from all over the world (but mostly Australia).

While I wish I had more time to explore the rugged and beautiful west coast, I was able to explore the Cliff of Moher, but more about that in my next post.

The Spire, Dublin

Streets of Dublin

Kilmainham Jail

Walking the streets of Galway

Galway

Words of wisdom from Kinlay Galway Hostel