It’s lovely to see some nice words about our capital city in one of the biggest media outlets on the planet.
Lord knows Ireland has received enough bad press from within the country and from outside our borders in recent years so it’s good to hear a few positive things said about us from time to time.
In terms of its reach and reputation you couldn’t really ask for a better place for positive coverage about Ireland than the New York Times and they’ve published a really nice piece in their travel section about Dublin, the latest location for their ’36 hours in’ series.
You can read the article in its entirety here and check out a nice video package at the bottom of the page, but we’ve included a few standout snippets (forgive the Americanised text in places) from the piece by Nell McShane Wulfhart’s piece, which might help make Dubliners and those who reside in the city a little prouder about where they live.
On the new Dublin…
“Today, signs of economic recovery are emerging, but it’s a more refined wave of affluence than what the flashy boom years had to offer. The city is finding a new way to exist — neither ostentatious with wealth nor bowed down under debt.
“A hugely popular bike share program has replaced the “beamers,” craft beer is gaining precedence over elaborate cocktails, and Dublin restaurants are undergoing a creative renaissance that prioritizes imagination and Irish ingredients over heavily stylized and overpriced dishes. Throughout it all, from its centuries-old pubs to its Georgian architecture to the stately Trinity College at its center, the city has retained its glorious sense of history.”
On the National Museum…
“The National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street (free admission) is worth multiple visits, thanks to a well-signed archaeological collection that provides an excellent background for a visit to Ireland.”
On the Guinness Storehouse…
“The best part of visiting the storehouse comes near the end, when an employee supervises visitors in pulling a proper pint of Guinness (it’s a strictly adhered-to method involving holding the glass at the correct 45-degree angle and waiting 119.5 seconds before topping it off). Take it up to the top floor Gravity Bar, where the 360-degree view of Dublin is worth lingering over.”
On the GAA…
“Gaelic football, which has the highest attendance of any sport in Ireland, is played with a ball similar to a soccer ball that can be picked up as well as kicked, while hurling, possibly the fastest field sport in the world, uses wooden sticks called hurleys and a small leather ball that can reach speeds of 100 miles per hour. The atmosphere at a Sunday afternoon match — matches are played March through September; admission 10 to 15 euros (standing and seated) — spent cheering on teams from all over Ireland in the company of their passionate fans, is unbeatable.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
