My last week in Dublin began like any other with the cry of seagulls, the tolling of bells, and the brilliant sun streaming through my window. Nothing had changed except for the sinking feeling in my stomach, the feeling reminding me that time was running out, that I would be getting on a plane in a week even though all I wanted was to stay.
Regardless of this sense of melancholy, I was determined to make the most of my last few days in Dublin. I still had to squeeze in my final assignments but the call of the sun and the breeze was strong, drawing me to places I hadn’t visited in months.
Dun Laoghaire
The first of these places was Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe. I walked here with a few of my roommates during my first week in Dublin and hadn’t been back since. At the time, the walk felt far, the street stretching long ahead of us, the obelisk in the distance almost taunting. This time, although the distance itself hadn’t changed, I had. The walk was short, beautiful. I went deeper into the park than I had before, past ancient trees, majestic buildings, even the famous deer. Taylor Swift in my ear and grass beneath my feet, my only thought was: If I don’t come back, it was the fairies.
The next day, a group of us took the DART out to Dun Laoghaire. It’s a gorgeous little beachside town and, on Sundays, there’s a market in the park. It’s full of stalls selling baked goods and little crafts, people lying in the grass smiling and talking. To my shock and joy, I found a stand selling gluten-free baked goods and bought an entire apple tart. It was probably bigger than my head, but I regret nothing. The crust was flakey and the apples were perfectly tart. Plus, it has become a bit of a tradition to eat apple pie during finals.
After exploring the market, we headed over to 40 Foot and Sandycove–an extremely popular swimming spot. It doesn’t matter how cold the water is; a bracing jump in the Irish Sea is never a bad idea. We jumped off the cliff (don’t worry–it’s not actually 40 feet tall) and swam in the crystal blue waters. I’m gonna miss such easy access to the seaside.
Later in the day, we walked over to Phoenix Park and had a little sunset picnic. We had meats and cheese and honestly, it was lovely.
Dun Laoghaire
Of course, during that last week, I still spent plenty of time in my apartment doing homework. Finals don’t stop for anyone even if you are in Europe. Still, I made the best of it and prioritized taking walks in the beautiful weather.
A little PSA… Don’t listen to anyone who tells you Ireland is all rain. Ireland is the world’s greatest place! 🙂
Anyway, let’s fast forward to my final day in Dublin–the one in which I went on my final solo date. The day began bright and early because I am literally unable to sleep in. (Obnoxious but it is what it is.)
I went out to breakfast at this teeny restaurant called Goose on the Loose (if you’re ever in Dublin, go there for breakfast because it’s delicious). I drank a massive cappuccino and had a strawberry-nutella crepe.
Leaving the restaurant, I wandered my favorite little spots, read a book in St Stephen’s Green, and said goodbye to the places that had become home. I popped into the Dead Zoo (aka Museum of Natural History) and into the National Museum of Archeology. From there, I went up and down Grafton Street, listening to live music and window shopping. I wandered through the winding cobblestone streets and popped into my all-time favorite store Sostrene Grene. I’m gonna miss that place so much.
My last afternoon was spent with my roommates cleaning the apartment. We had to leave it spotless of course and honestly, it was fun to go through spices and everything together.
And then it was time to go to the airport, time to head back to the US. Writing this, I’ve been home for about a week and it’s so weird. I miss Dublin constantly and I think there will always be a part of me longing to return.