Welcome to the Emerald Isle: Allen’s Ireland Road Trip

Viber Allen shakes off the Guinness induced haze to give us a recap of his recent Paddywagon Tour of the Emerald Isle, Ireland. 

DAY ONE: Dublin

Ciad Mile Failte (100,000 welcomes to you)!

A drizzly morning greeted 22 dreary-eyed Antipodeans as we piled onto a garishly green bus, ready to set off on a 6 hour trip out to Holyhead in Wales. From there, a ferry across to The Emerald Isle.

After a great bus ride getting to know our travel companions, we had worked up quite a thirst, so we hurriedly scampered up 5 floors of stairs from the belly of the ferry to the art deco decor of the ferry saloon. Taking prime position at the front of the boat, we proceeded to savour the dark delights that are Guinness and Murphy’s Stout.

Four hours later (and slightly inebriated) it was time for a quick bus ride into the hostel in Dublin’s city centre. With a whirlwind attitude we dumped our bags and set off for the closest pub recommended by our ever-bubbly Irish bus driver.  A night of Jameson’s and Guinness in a pokey pub with the Spire in sight… what more could you ask for?

Noel is the larger-than-life owner of the finest establishment in town, The Celt. He was the consummate host too, looking after his patrons by shouting drinks all-round! Things really warmed up around 10pm when the banjo band, having belted out countless classics, was taken over by Noel with his drum and makeshift drumstick: a wooden cooking spoon!

DAY TWO: Derry (aka: Londonderry, Derrylondonderry)

After a few sore heads were fixed by the trusty Ibuprofen, we piled back on the bus for a quick trip out to see a monastery ravaged by Vikings and the largest High Cross in the World.

A day of Irish history was dished out by our new tour guide, T-dawg (no-one could pronounce his Irish name). Ginger-T (or any variation of T) regaled us with history on our way to Derry for a walking tour to appreciate the Irish conflict that ravaged northern cities like Derry and Belfast.

That night, it was off to a local pub again and this one owned by the IRA leader’s brother! After sampling some Mini Guinness’ (Tia Maria and Baileys) and the local Harp Lager, we sat back to cheer on some Irish football and be entertained with the iconic Irish live music.