2025-07-06T12:44:01Z
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A number of issues shocked me about visiting Dublin for the primary time.
The Irish metropolis was cleaner, kinder, and extra vegetarian-friendly than I imagined it will be.
I used to be shocked how lax native tipping tradition differed from what I used to be used to within the US.
I’ve felt a reference to Dublin nearly my total life — and it is not due to ancestral historical past. My final identify (Dubin) is only one letter away, and most of my mail comes misspelled within the identify of the town as an alternative. True story.Regardless of that similarity, and the truth that I’ve flown all around the globe in my function as a journey author, I would by no means really been to the Irish capital metropolis till this 12 months. Once I lastly obtained the prospect to go to, I used to be impressed and felt impressed to go to once more. Here is what I used to be shocked to find throughout my first journey to Dublin.
Locals I encountered appeared extremely heat — however not in a performative manner.
I encountered many type locals all through my journey.
Alesandra Dubin
I’ve heard many individuals rave about Irish hospitality, and Dublin did not disappoint on that entrance. Nonetheless, what actually stood out to me was how real the friendliness from locals felt. It wasn’t the sort of overly rehearsed, customer-service-polished vibe you typically discover in touristy cities.Folks I encountered felt type, useful, and humorous in a pure, unforced manner. Our driver cracked jokes and gave us tons of journey suggestions that had wealthy native taste, however did not really feel like a shtick.The entire metropolis gave off a low-key, welcoming vitality that stayed with me lengthy after I left.
Extra eating places had vegetarian choices than I anticipated.
Many on-line menus did not appear vegetarian-friendly — however I used to be capable of finding choices as soon as I requested in actual life.
Alesandra Dubin
As a vegetarian, I got here in with fairly low expectations for the number of meals I would get to eat when it got here to eating out in Dublin. Native delicacies tends to rely closely on meat, from Irish breakfasts to pies and stews. Many menus I browsed had a lot of meat dishes and it initially appeared like plant-based choices can be few and much between. Nonetheless, as soon as I requested restaurant workers in particular person, I used to be shocked by how accommodating most locations had been.Some servers introduced out full vegetarian menus that weren’t printed and solely accessible to prospects who requested them. Others fortunately supplied to have one thing particular ready from the kitchen or make vegetarian-friendly menu swaps.
Native tipping tradition felt extra low-key than what I used to be used to again residence.
It took me a bit to regulate to the native tipping tradition in Dublin.
Alesandra Dubin
Within the US, tipping feels necessary. In Dublin, it simply did not seem to be the norm.Like many People, I am conditioned to tip generously (typically even going manner above what’s instructed) in eating places or service settings. Apart from tossing down just a few additional euros, tipping did not appear to be anticipated at informal cafés or bars. Even at sit-down eating places, tipping our server 10% appeared ample, whereas 20% appears like the everyday minimal again at residence in California.The extra lax tipping tradition positively took some getting used to, however as soon as I adjusted, it felt refreshingly stress free.
I used to be shocked by how clear the town felt.
I could not imagine how shortly Dublin cleaned up after its St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Alesandra Dubin
Dublin’s streets had been a few of the cleanest I’ve seen in a serious European metropolis. This was an particularly spectacular feat, on condition that I visited the town throughout St. Patrick’s Day.Although it had hosted a large parade and beers and crowds spilled out of each pub the cleanup was surprisingly swift and civilized.I used to be anticipating a bit extra grit — particularly in high-traffic areas across the metropolis middle or Temple Bar — however even these appeared remarkably tidy.Sidewalks had been freed from litter, public trash bins weren’t overflowing, and I by no means as soon as encountered the sort of mess that may be frequent outdoors of crowded, late-night spots. For a metropolis with a lot foot visitors (and so many pubs), it was actually spectacular.
Town feels cozy and cosmopolitan on the similar time.
It was enjoyable to step away to spots like Avoca Mill.
Alesandra Dubin
Dublin hits that uncommon candy spot: it is a capital metropolis with actual cultural and historic heft, nevertheless it nonetheless feels approachable and simple to navigate.With a better space inhabitants round one million (and a Dublin metropolis inhabitants considerably smaller), I by no means felt overwhelmed by crowds or visitors. Plus, many main sights had been walkable. Even when the town middle was packed for the vacation occasions, it was simple to navigate in and across the space. I had no hassle making my technique to a number of sights outdoors the city space, from Avoca Mill (the nation’s oldest working hand-weaving mill) to Kildare Village (a luxurious purchasing outpost). There is a sturdy artistic vitality within the air — from bookstores and galleries to avenue musicians — however the general tempo is slower and extra relaxed than what I’ve skilled in greater European capitals.
