We’re taking the train to Dublin today, a much simpler and easier way to travel the 165 km between the two cities than a bus or renting a one-way car. Our Uber driver picks us up right on time and is adorable. We chatted about what we did here and how much we liked the city. When he found out about our “Troubles” tour (as we called it)., he says, “As a life long Belfast Catholic, f*ck the British!” OMG – too much this city. Just too much! He did though give us more insight too – like how he’d never go to the Protestant side, but that Protestants and Catholics do mix in the town. There are what he called “neutral” areas – like bars and restaurants – where everyone goes. But no one, he emphasized the no one, every talks politics! Yeah, probably safer that way.

We picked up our tickets at the station, proceeded to stand in line, then boarded the train and stowed our luggage. We managed to find a 4 seat table at the outset – but at each stop the train keeps filling up. It ends up being absolutely packed, but we luck out and have the table all to ourselves until the second to last stop. Works!

And just like that, we’re in Dublin. Easy Peasy! Our Dublin cabbie was just as adorable as the Belfast guy, only with different information. He was a font of food, entertainment and sights recommendations! I took notes the entire way to the hotel.

Checked into the Jury’s Inn in the Christchurch area, its a nice hotel, decent room, but they don’t have a plug adaptor, and ours has serious issues. The sweet desk clerk told us to go next door to the convenience store, that they have the cheapest adaptor around, which we do, and now we are all set for our Ireland stay.

We reconnoiter our area, get our bearings then walk over to the Epic Immigration Museum which is a fascinating place full of all things Ireland and immigration. It was a nice way to spend a couple of hours getting familiar with Irish history that didn’t have anything to do with the Troubles! Oh, and there was a totally cool steel boat/ocean sculpture that we couldn’t’ get enough of – as you can see from the pictures.

After the museum, we went around the corner for a beer and wine at Urban Brewing, then back to the hotel for bit before walking around the corner to Burdock Fish and Chips.

This is one of the places our cabbie recommended for the best fish and chips in the city. They have this smoked fried fish that is supposed to be amazing. So – when in Dublin…

It’s a take out joint, as are most fish and chip joints, so we order our smoked fish and take it back with us to the room. Holy cow! This thing is absolutely massive and weighs about 5 pounds! Of course there are french fries and onion rings in there too, but still! But it is oh so good and well, why not!

After dinner, we go to the downstairs bar for a drink, then head back up to the room for a good night’s sleep before the next “day on our own” in Dublin.