Exploring Dublin with Mom: Churches, Nature, and Surprises Around Every Corner

We checked into our hotel and started exploring Dublin right away.

Keavan's Port Hotel, Dublin

We stayed from September 24th to 29th.
The price was around 8,393 NOK for five days, and the hotel was located right in the heart of Dublin, so it was very central.

We had a large, comfortable hotel room with two single beds and a bathroom. The fun part? The hotel was built inside a pub, which made the stay feel extra unique.

We began our trip by strolling through shops, walking in the shopping streets, visiting parks, markets, and more.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Admission was about 113 NOK for adults and 102 NOK for students. Inside, we used audio guides that looked like telephones, you press the button for each numbered area and listen to the history as you walk around.

A little history:
St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland and has stood witness to nearly 800 years of Irish history. It's said to be built on the spot where St. Patrick baptized converts. The cathedral is also famous for its stained-glass windows, marble statues, and medieval floor tiles. Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver's Travels, once served as dean here and is buried within its walls.

Food and city walks

We explored more of Dublin and enjoyed a delicious pizza one evening. We also visited shopping centers, including The Arcade Shopping Center.

Guided Bus Tour with Paddywagon

We booked a bus tour that included stops at Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough (Valley of the Two Lakes), and Medieval Kilkenny.

We arrived very early to the bus stop, so early that the bus hadn't even arrived yet. Luckily, there was a cozy café nearby where we sat down. I had a croissant and a soda while we waited.

Once on the bus, the guide talked non-stop, sharing fun and interesting facts about Ireland. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my motion sickness tablets, and the ride was horrible, sweaty, dizzy, and nauseous. It was such a relief to finally get off the bus and breathe fresh air!

Glendalough (Valley of the Two Lakes)

Our first big stop was Glendalough, a monastic settlement dating back to the 6th century. The area is known for its fascinating history, Celtic crosses, medieval ruins, wildlife, and the two lakes. Movies like Braveheart and the TV series Vikings were filmed here.

We only had a short amount of time, so we rushed towards the lakes and only managed to see the first one. We didn't make it to the second, which was a little disappointing. Still, the scenery was beautiful, with nature, ruins, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Wicklow Mountains

Next, we drove through the Wicklow Mountains, often called the "Garden of Ireland." The landscape was breathtaking, dramatic valleys, streams, waterfalls, bogs, and views of the Irish Sea. It's no wonder so many films were shot here.

Medieval Kilkenny

Our final stop was Kilkenny, once the medieval capital of Ireland. We had two hours of free time to explore.

We chose to visit Kilkenny Castle for a self-guided tour. Other highlights in the city included historic churches, abbeys, breweries, and cozy pubs. The medieval streets were full of charm and history.

Tips and Tricks for Family Travel

💡 Plan together: Make sure everyone has a say in the activities. Some may prefer culture and history, while others enjoy shopping or food experiences.

💡 Balance the schedule: Don't pack the days too full. Mix active sightseeing with breaks at cafés or in parks.

💡 Bring small essentials: Motion sickness tablets, snacks, and water can save the day, especially on bus tours or long walks.

💡 Split up when needed: It's okay if family members want to do different activities. Just agree on a meeting point and time.

💡 Enjoy the little things: Sometimes the best memories aren't from big attractions, but from sharing a meal, browsing shops together, or laughing on the bus.

Final thoughts

All in all, it was a wonderful trip with sightseeing in Dublin, beautiful nature in the Wicklow Mountains, and medieval charm in Kilkenny. But above all, it was special because I shared it all with my mom.