Howth

Sunday, a bunch of us decided to get away from the city to explore more of the area outside of Dublin and head to the coast. It took about an hour and a half to get there by bus with the traffic, but when we finally turned off one street and saw the glorious near-sunset dazzling off the water, the rest of the wait wasn't too terrible to endure.

We had landed in an area called Howth, a beautiful seascape complete with sunset, wide open sky, sailboats, docks, far off greenery, and wafts of fresh fish and chips awaiting. It was breathtaking; the water, the rocks, we walked all around the docks (and saw sea lions bobbing around! They entertained us until they realized we didn't have food.) and out onto these rocks that jutted out into the water. The whole sky grew pink with the setting sun, topped off with a bagpipe player down below who set the perfect mood. Won't deny it- I teared up a little it was so beautiful.

After walking and taking it all in for over an hour, we all teared up a little more when we saw how much it would cost us to sit for dinner in any of the restaurants lining the main street. But luckily we passed a place called Beshoffs, and it wasn't sit down but it was the best fish and chips I have ever experienced in my entire life. I have become a huge fan of the salt and vinegar on chips (fries) which I wasn't expecting! And the fish was the freshest I have ever tasted.

I cannot wait to go back to that area when it's warmer out. Next time I'll bring sardines or something for the sea lions, too.