[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ometimes it’s the things we take for granted which surprise us the most, and our fair city of Dublin is no exception. For many students attending DCU, this is their first time to live away from home. Ellen Donohue is in her second year at DCU, but reckons compared to her hometown of Cavan, there are an endless number of things to do in the big smoke, and offers up some quirky ideas.
SPORT
If your County is like mine (Cavan) and isn’t capable of getting to a final in the stadium, you can adopt a new county and sing along. There are also skyline tours and a GAA Museum, bookable at €13.50.
NATURE
Stephen’s Green is a great location on a dry, sunny day and there is plenty of space to sit and watch the world go by. With a limitless number of surrounding cafes and restaurants to choose from, even on a budget. There are places to grab picnic supplies, and the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre is only a skip away. For those with a bit more energy, there are jogging and cycle tracks to keep you occupied.
HISTORY
Kilmainham Gaol has held many famous political leaders down through its colourful history and gives visitors a realistic idea of what it was like to be a prisoner there. The punishment for stealing food or committing murder didn’t differentiate much in that the prisoners waited in the jail for a long period of time to be transported to Australia.
The Viking Splash tour is €20 for students when you book online. During the tour, you will receive lots of fun facts about the history of Dublin city and you also get to wear a great Viking hat and it won’t break the bank.
FUN
Dublin Zoo now has a Wild Lights event from the 3rd of November until the 7th of January. The night-time event will feature giant colourful lanterns and bright animal sculptures. There will be a Chinese craft market, performers, and food and drink available. A spectacular event.
If you feel the need to belt out a song, the Workmans on Wellington Quay hold one of the best karaoke nights in Dublin every Sunday night. So whether you want to sing Bon Jovi or Beyoncé, they have the cheesiest songs available.
Dublin’s Laughter Lounge, on Eden Quay, has hosted many amazing comedy acts, including the great Michael McIntyre and Jimmy Carr. Tickets are relatively cheap and you get a free cocktail before the show. Thursday night’s shows are dedicated to charity, so be a good Samaritan and get a giggle.
FOOD AND DRINK
The Guinness Storehouse is located in St. James’s Gate Brewery. It is one of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions and though you may get caught up in a crowd of ‘tourists’ you get to see the history behind one of Ireland’s most famous exports and learn how to pull a pint of the black stuff.
Amy Donohue