Dublin - Where The Grass Is Greener And The Beer Is Colder

Ireland is one of those places that just doesn't have a counterpart. Ireland is a multifaceted city: 35% of people in the population are 25 or under, meaning the party scene is always going, but these aren't stereotypical Rio or Cancun sorts of parties. Parties are more cultural here, with ancient pubs and music venues all around town hosting them. While the nightlife is a great reason to go, the beautiful natural landscapes are amazing, too. Just make sure you have your United States passport to get your trip started.

If you're aiming to be a world traveler, don't forget that you'll need a passport. Passports are now available for purchase online, and this new technology, long lines in the post office become obsolete. These safe and secure services are easy to use, too. Just go online, fill out an application, pick your delivery date, and you're done. You can also access urgent passport renewal, which can get your passport to you in as little as a day.

The history of Ireland is incredibly long, and Dublin stands as a testament to that. Experiencing Dublin's history is a good way to get your trip started, so consider visiting a few museums. The National Library, the National Gallery, and the National Museum are all located near each other, and they cost absolutely nothing to get in to. Also be sure not to miss the castles.

Set aside some time to just walk around the city. Walking gives you a perspective of the city that quick traveling cannot. Strolling along the cobblestone avenues, grabbing a little lunch at a small cafe, and seeing for yourself the grand, characteristic architecture of Dublin is an experience that just cannot be copied. Pick a couple attractions you'd really like to see and walk to each one instead public transit. Getting there might even be more interesting than the destination itself.

If you like beer, you're going to love Dublin, as beer is a large part of the culture. The Jameson Distillery is a great place to sample some free whiskey, and the Guinness Storehouse is a must for beer lovers. At the storehouse, you can take a self-guided tour and learn a little about the history of Ireland's famous beer. Once your tour is over, you can head to the seventh floor Gravity Bar for a pint on the house. This floor also has a spectacular view of the city.

As said before, beer is definitely an important part of Irish culture. Kehoe's has the best cold mug of Guinness you could hope to find, and visiting this particular pub is an experience in itself. The walls and floors are wooden, and the people are friendly, laughing, and talking about their day. The Porterhouse brews its own beers and stouts and is the oldest microbrewery in Ireland. If you're feeling brave, try the Oyster Stout, a brew actually made with oysters. Apparently, it's delicious. The oldest pub in Ireland is the Brazen Head pub, said to be 1000 years old.

If you like to eat, then Dublin can feed you. Bobo's is a restaurant famous for their juicy, delicious hamburgers, and you can find the best Italian food in town at Dunne & Crescenzi. Aqua is the place to go for seafood, a staple of Irish cuisine. Speaking of Irish cuisine, Gallagher's Boxty House is the place to go for a menu of authentic Irish dishes. Chapter One is the gourmet stop in town, and The Bald Barista is a place to visit during the day for a snack, lunch, or coffee in a trendy atmosphere.

Dublin is a city that has its own life. The amount of things to see and experience are innumerable. If you're planning to travel here, just make sure to have your United States passport, and don't forget about urgent passport renewal that can get you a renewed passport as soon as you need it.