1.The city of Dublin is divided into two by the Liffey river – Northside and Southside. Hence, there are a series of small bridges across the river.The most famous of them, Ha’Penny bridge has an interesting history. It was commissioned as a compromise to replace the ferries that were used by Dubliners to cross the Liffey river. The ferry owner chose to build a toll bridge instead of replacing his aging ferry fleet. At one point, the toll fee was penny-ha’penny (11/2 pence)and that became the identity of the bridge itself.

2. I was never much of a beer person but I absolutely fell in love with Guinness upon  sampling it at the Guinness Storehouse. The entrance is pricey and the museum itself can feel like an informercial but they have made a genuine effort to present the science behind beer making in an engaging way. The original Guinness brewery at James Gate was established by Arthur Guiness in 1759 and apparently was chosen due to its excellent water supply.During its first 18 years, the brewery didn’t even sell porter but has only brewed porter beer since 1797.

3. Trinity college was found as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth by Queen Elizabeth I to be in the same league as colleges in Oxford and Cambridge but it never grew beyond that one college. Today, it is now the most prestigious educational institution in Ireland with an illustrious alumni list and known to tourists as the home of book of Kells.The book of Kells is very significant in Christian history as it contains the four gospels in Latin and has survived since 348AD. I was awestruck by the long room despite the crowds. It was like stepping back in time. About 2,00,000 of the Library’s oldest books displayed with busts of famous philosophers laid out along the edges of the room with antique wooden panels, I was ready to make it my future workplace.

4. Ireland seemed unusually green to my eyes. For a leisure day, Phoenix park is a great bet. It is Dublin’s answer to big city parks like Central Park, Golden Gate Park, Hyde Park. As we hopped on the bus to Irish countryside, the quaint manor houses always caught the eye.

5. Irish cuisine is known to be hearty but they certainly have elevated the humble porridge.  Brother Hubbard’s version was outstanding, one of the best porridges that I had ever had. Porridge is an Irish staple along with soda bread. Soda bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast. The low gluten “soft wheat” that grows in Ireland is typically used to make this bread. I thought it had a bit of funny after taste but with a dollop of bright yellow Irish butter it didn’t seem to matter as much. The yellow color is an indication of the quality of Irish butter. Thanks to the abundance of green grass and consequently happy cows.