80 lines
4.1 KiB
Markdown
80 lines
4.1 KiB
Markdown
# Dublin, Ireland
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> **Type:** City destination + confirmed event anchor
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> **Confirmed dates:** August 30 (college football), August 31 (possible Bon Jovi concert)
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> **Recommended stay:** 2–3 days at end of trip
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> **Best for:** End-of-trip anchor; culture, pubs, events
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## Confirmed Events
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### College Football — Aviva Stadium, Saturday August 30
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The Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Notre Dame vs Navy at Aviva Stadium (capacity 51,700), Lansdowne Road.
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- **Book tickets early** — this sells out and is a major event drawing American visitors
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- Stadium is in Ballsbridge, 3km from city centre; Luas Red Line or taxi
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- Pre-match atmosphere in the pubs around Baggot Street and the city centre is excellent
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- [aerlinguscollegefootballclassic.com](https://www.aerlinguscollegefootballclassic.com)
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### Bon Jovi Concert — Sunday August 31 (possible)
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Verify venue and tickets — likely Aviva Stadium or a major outdoor venue. Check [ticketmaster.ie](https://www.ticketmaster.ie).
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## Must-See
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- ⭐ **College Football — Aviva Stadium** — The Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Notre Dame vs Navy at Aviva Stadium (capacity 51,700), Lansdowne Road.
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- ⭐ **Trinity College & Book of Kells** — Ireland's oldest university (1592). The Long Room of the Old Library is one of the most beautiful rooms in the world — barrel-vaulted ceiling, 200,000 ancient books, marble busts. The Book of Kells (9th-century illuminated manuscript) is displayed here.
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---
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## Why Via Dublin (Arrival)
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Arriving from the Wild Atlantic Way (coming south from Donegal/Galway/Kerry), Dublin is the natural end point. The Wild Atlantic Way terminates near Cork/Kinsale; from there it's 3h north to Dublin for the Aug 30 fixture.
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**Timing:** Build your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary backward from August 29 in Dublin (day before the game). That gives you ~3 weeks of cycling/driving from a Belfast/Donegal start around August 7–10.
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---
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## Must-See
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### Trinity College & Book of Kells
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Ireland's oldest university (1592). The Long Room library is one of the most beautiful rooms in the world — 65m barrel-vaulted ceiling, 200,000 ancient books. The Book of Kells (9th-century illuminated gospel) is displayed here.
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- Book ahead: [tcd.ie/visitors](https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/)
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### Kilmainham Gaol
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The prison where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed by firing squad. Essential to understanding modern Irish history. Guided tours only — book well ahead.
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- [kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie](https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie)
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### National Museum of Ireland — Archaeology
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Free. World-class prehistoric gold collection and the Iron Age bog bodies (Clonycavan Man, etc.). Worth 1–2 hours.
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### Temple Bar
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Dublin's cultural quarter. Cobblestones, pubs, galleries. Touristy but genuinely alive at night. Skip the Temple Bar pub (overpriced) — try Mulligan's on Poolbeg St or The Long Hall on George's St for a proper pint.
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### Phoenix Park
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1,750-acre park with wild deer, the US Ambassador's residence, and the Irish President's house. Good for a morning run or cycle.
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### Guinness Storehouse
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Nine floors in the original fermentation plant; complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar with city views. Book ahead.
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---
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## EV Charging in Dublin
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Dublin has solid rapid charging infrastructure.
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- **ESB ecars** network is widespread across the city (app: eCars)
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- Rapid chargers at Merrion Road, Ballsbridge (near Aviva), and most major car parks
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- **Aviva Stadium area:** ESB chargers on Serpentine Avenue and Merrion Road
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---
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## Practical Info
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- **Currency:** Euro (EUR)
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- **Driving:** Left side
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- **Getting around:** Luas tram (Red and Green lines), Dublin Bus, cycling. City centre is walkable.
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- **Accommodation:** Book months ahead for the Aug 30 weekend — the college football game fills the city
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## Onward: Return to Walldorf
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See `08-return-via-france.md` for the Dublin → ferry to France → Walldorf leg (target: home by Sep 2).
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## Links
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- [Visit Dublin](https://www.visitdublin.com)
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- [Aer Lingus College Football Classic](https://www.aerlinguscollegefootballclassic.com)
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- [Ticketmaster Ireland](https://www.ticketmaster.ie)
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- [ESB ecars charging](https://www.esb.ie/ecars)
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