Dublin and Barcelona

[sarcasticgirl]

I am taking DH on his first Eurotrip this fall. We've got Dublin, Barcelona, Paris and London on the agenda. 

Paris and London are covered... however I've never been to Dublin or Barcelona. Wondering if anyone has suggestions  for those cities. Activities, restaurants, areas of interest. 

[imawino]

Feb 12, 2016 13:30:52 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

I am taking DH on his first Eurotrip this fall. We've got Dublin, Barcelona, Paris and London on the agenda. 

Paris and London are covered... however I've never been to Dublin or Barcelona. Wondering if anyone has suggestions  for those cities. Activities, restaurants, areas of interest. 

First of all, you should be taking me instead.

Second of all, that's a lot of places!  How long do you have each place?

I've never been to Dublin, so I got nothing there, but I think movingforward was in Ireland in the last few years.  How do you tag people??

I was in Barcelona briefly.  Loved seeing La Sagrada Familia, and just wandering down La Rambla, eating and drinking and going into the big market.

Imanangel was in Barcelona in the last couple years, she probably has tips. 

[Apple]

When we were in Dublin, we went to St. Patrick's Cathedral and the National Museum of Ireland (all I really remember there are the bog bodies--they are set up in a conch-shell-like exhibit, so you can't accidentally see them if you don't want to).

The only pub I remember by name was The Duke, and it had really good food (I guess it's fairly famous, either the start or end point for "the literary pub crawl", we didn't know that when we went.  We were just walking around town, lost as usual, and walked by when we were hungry.)

They also have the Guinness Factory tours if you're into that.

[souldoubt]

It really depends on your tastes.  Searches on Barcelona always mentioned Las Ramblas which in my experience was everything I don't want in my vacation - tourist trap, crowded and you really need to watch your valuables.  We met multiple locals all of whom told us for better food and experiences to not spend much or any time there so we took their advice, walked through once early in our trip and decided we didn't need to go back.  We spent most of our time at restaurants and shops on or near Avenida Diagonal which was closer to where we stayed and came across some great food (paella is a must) and drinks.  Shop wise there's high end shops you'll find in major cities along with some locally owned places.  

As far as sites to see I'd recommend Sagrada Familia which is a church designed by Gaudi that is still undergoing a long running renovation after parts of it were destroyed in the Spanish Civil War.  Gaudi passed before it was completed so other architects have been interpreting his models and designs that survived the Spanish Civil War.  You can do tours but I'd recommend just buying tickets online, picking them up onsite and getting the headsets to walk around on your own.  The Picasso museum was worth a visit and there's other museums you can look into if that's your thing.  If you want to get away for a day you can take a tour or even the train on your own which is reasonably priced to surrounding areas.  We did a tour that took us to the Freixenet winery and then to Sitges which is a beautiful little town on the coast.  Looking out at the water from Sitges is picturesque and what I envisioned the views would be like while the water views we saw in Barcelona were more built up with grand hotels.  I'm sure you could spend a month in Barcelona and not run out of things to do but when we go back to Europe we'll aim to spend more time traveling to smaller areas or cities outside of bigger cities.     

 

[sarcasticgirl]

Feb 12, 2016 14:25:55 GMT -5 imawino said:

Feb 12, 2016 13:30:52 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

I am taking DH on his first Eurotrip this fall. We've got Dublin, Barcelona, Paris and London on the agenda. 

Paris and London are covered... however I've never been to Dublin or Barcelona. Wondering if anyone has suggestions  for those cities. Activities, restaurants, areas of interest. 

First of all, you should be taking me instead.

Second of all, that's a lot of places!  How long do you have each place?

I've never been to Dublin, so I got nothing there, but I think movingforward was in Ireland in the last few years.  How do you tag people??

I was in Barcelona briefly.  Loved seeing La Sagrada Familia, and just wandering down La Rambla, eating and drinking and going into the big market.

Imanangel was in Barcelona in the last couple years, she probably has tips. 

our trip is 16 days total- we'll be in Dublin and Barcelona 4 days each... time is paris is less, our reason for going to France is for a DDay tour for DH. I am one of the few american girls who has no burning desire to spend much time in the city of love.  after France- we'll be staying with one of my best friend's outside of london. 

[sarcasticgirl]

Feb 12, 2016 14:35:25 GMT -5 souldoubt said:

It really depends on your tastes.  Searches on Barcelona always mentioned Las Ramblas which in my experience was everything I don't want in my vacation - tourist trap, crowded and you really need to watch your valuables.  We met multiple locals all of whom told us for better food and experiences to not spend much or any time there so we took their advice, walked through once early in our trip and decided we didn't need to go back.  We spent most of our time at restaurants and shops on or near Avenida Diagonal which was closer to where we stayed and came across some great food (paella is a must) and drinks.  Shop wise there's high end shops you'll find in major cities along with some locally owned places.  

As far as sites to see I'd recommend Sagrada Familia which is a church designed by Gaudi that is still undergoing a long running renovation after parts of it were destroyed in the Spanish Civil War.  Gaudi passed before it was completed so other architects have been interpreting his models and designs that survived the Spanish Civil War.  You can do tours but I'd recommend just buying tickets online, picking them up onsite and getting the headsets to walk around on your own.  The Picasso museum was worth a visit and there's other museums you can look into if that's your thing.  If you want to get away for a day you can take a tour or even the train on your own which is reasonably priced to surrounding areas.  We did a tour that took us to the Freixenet winery and then to Sitges which is a beautiful little town on the coast.  Looking out at the water from Sitges is picturesque and what I envisioned the views would be like while the water views we saw in Barcelona were more built up with grand hotels.  I'm sure you could spend a month in Barcelona and not run out of things to do but when we go back to Europe we'll aim to spend more time traveling to smaller areas or cities outside of bigger cities.     

 

Winery tour! oh, i hadn't thought of that! A few of these are on my list already... and i've heard similar things from friends regarding Las Ramblas. Mostly... I can't wait to EAT EAT EAT in barcelona! 
Thanks

[justme]

From photos I've seen the beaches in Barcelona look beautiful, especially with the old architecture.

[Gardening Grandma]

Haven't been to Barcelona, but loved Dublin. I would say don't miss the Kilmainham Gaol ( historical prison, now a museum). It will be more meaningful if you read the book Trinity by Leon Uris (very good read - historical fiction. Good book to read on the flight)

I thought the Guiness "brewery" (no brewing done there) was a waste of time and a tourist trap.

We stayed in Howth and took public transportation into the city. Loved Howth. 

Thouroughly enjoyed our stay. 

[sarcasticgirl]

Feb 12, 2016 17:18:22 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

Haven't been to Barcelona, but loved Dublin. I would say don't miss the Kilmainham Gaol ( historical prison, now a museum). It will be more meaningful if you read the book Trinity by Leon Uris (very good read - historical fiction. Good book to read on the flight)

I thought the Guiness "brewery" (no brewing done there) was a waste of time and a tourist trap.

We stayed in Howth and took public transportation into the city. Loved Howth. 

Thouroughly enjoyed our stay. 

Good to know! I actually have a day trip to Howth on my list! I'd love to hear your favorites there if you have the time. 

[Gardening Grandma]

We stayed at a B&B (Ann's of Howth) on the pier.  Next door to a pub where we listened to Irish music, restaurants within walking distance.  Spent a lot of time just walking around the harbor.  Very scenic.  Didn't need a car; it was close to the bus and rail stations.  Dublin was our last stop in Ireland so we returned the rental car the day we arrived and took the train to Howth.  Easy peasy.

Loved the atmosphere of Howth.  Jonathan told us what bus to take into Dublin (Howth is the start of the route, so we got the front seats on the double decker bus). It was great for just sightseeing as we went into the city.
On our last morning there, Jonathan (the proprietor) asked us what we were planning.  "I thought we'd go into Dublin and do some sightseeing" I responded.
He said, "There's a parade right here in Howth this morning, music in the pub this afternoon".  We spent our last day right there in Howth - it was great.



You can read reviews on tripadvisor.  Howth is where Dubliners come on the weekends to relax.

[Ombud]

Spent a week last April in Dublin. Wasn't that impressed with Howth but honestly the Dart (their version of Bart) goes everywhere. Here's a few of my tips:

Dart not organized tours (Howth is 1 stop fairly modern compared to rest, Malahides is another city -- Medieval, great castle / gardens there walking distance from Dart)
Prepare for wet weather & soggy soil
Small pubs better than large ones
Grafton St musicians
Trinity College is at the end of Grafton St -- WORTH IT
St Stephens Park is gorgeous!! (Stayed at a small hotel bordering it)

Haven't been to Barcelona since 2006 but vividly remember farmers market / bones house / monestary on hill

[sarcasticgirl]

Feb 16, 2016 11:24:05 GMT -5 Ombud said:

Spent a week last April in Dublin. Wasn't that impressed with Howth but honestly the Dart (their version of Bart) goes everywhere. Here's a few of my tips:

Dart not organized tours (Howth is 1 stop fairly modern compared to rest, Malahides is another city -- Medieval, great castle / gardens there walking distance from Dart)
Prepare for wet weather & soggy soil
Small pubs better than large ones
Grafton St musicians
Trinity College is at the end of Grafton St -- WORTH IT
St Stephens Park is gorgeous!! (Stayed at a small hotel bordering it)

Haven't been to Barcelona since 2006 but vividly remember farmers market / bones house / monestary on hill

Thanks for the info- I have been to europe half a dozen times and I don't really do organized tours... Exception- We are doing a private DDay tour in Normandy, but that is DH's bucket list and logistically the best option for us. Great to know about Malahides. I will look in to that, for sure! 

[Ombud]

sarcasticgirl, note on Malahides : yes 2 of their houses would fit in my garage, yes the animals lived underneath to keep the house warm, yes they are as wide as a sedan car (narrower than an SUV) and 1.5 times as long ... Interesting view on how people used to live & many still do .... in the shadow of a castle

[saveinla]

Feb 12, 2016 17:18:22 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

Haven't been to Barcelona, but loved Dublin. I would say don't miss the Kilmainham Gaol ( historical prison, now a museum). It will be more meaningful if you read the book Trinity by Leon Uris (very good read - historical fiction. Good book to read on the flight)

Thanks for reminding me about Leon Uris. Loved his books - I read Trinity and Mila 18 a long time ago. I need to go back and read them again. 

[sarcasticgirl]

Feb 16, 2016 11:50:47 GMT -5 Ombud said:

sarcasticgirl , note on Malahides : yes 2 of their houses would fit in my garage, yes the animals lived underneath to keep the house warm, yes they are as wide as a sedan car (narrower than an SUV) and 1.5 times as long ... Interesting view on how people used to live & many still do .... in the shadow of a castle

Yes- so very true. I am always so aware of how HUGE everything is in the US, compared to most of europe, where housing is concerned. I hope DH gets a little insight, it might help up downsize and get rid of STUFF. he loves his STUFF!


I am excited for all the castles. My euro travels haven't really taken me to too many castles! 

[murphath]

Barcelona is a fun city to just walk around.  Las Ramblas is touristy but a very long street with a lot of restaurants and vendors.  La Sagrada Familia is well worth seeing.  The inside is gorgeous.  There is also a little village-y kind of place high above the city that has structures designed by Gaudi.  Can't remember the name--but it, too, was interesting.

I suggest taking a bicycle tour of both Barcelona and Paris!  They were so fun and took you to some well known places, as well as, others not so well known.  Fat Tire bike tours operates in Barcelona, Paris and London.  Can't speak to the London one as we did not do that one.  If you do the one in Paris, ask for a French bike tour leader.  They are usually Paris born (speak great English) and can give you great advice on where to eat, etc.. They also know the city's history much better than the American guides.  The evening bike tour there is nice, as well.  You end up on a bateau mouche on the Seine River drinking wine.  Cost when we did them in 2013 was @ $29.  And you don't have to be an avid bike rider to do them--if you've ever ridden a bike in your life, you'll be just fine.

The beach is also very nice.  Barcelona was our last stop after London and Paris so it was nice to simply relax on the beach for a day.  The water was lovely.

As for Dublin, we will be in Ireland this September, too!  Only in Dublin 2 days but will be doing a bike tour there (barring too much rain).  Otherwise, we might get the on/off bus tour.

[simser]

My mother still talks about the Guinness stew she had at the Guinness factory. So she would say it was worthwhile to go just for that.

I loved staying at Trinity college (we went in the summer).

Honestly, wasn't a huge fan of Dublin, but that probably had more to do with my overprotective parents making sure I wasn't out of their sight (I was 30 and they go to bed at 8pm) than the city itself. I never quite got the lay of the land like I normaly do in cities I visit.

[yogiii]

Barcelona has excellent falafel!

[sarcasticgirl]

Apr 20, 2016 6:38:52 GMT -5 yogiii said:

Barcelona has excellent falafel!

never would have thought that!