DUBLIN TOURS

In Dublin, we participated in two tours: a Viking Splash tour and, of course, a walking tour. Both tours gave us the perfect amount of information to help us better understand Irish history and culture. 

Our first tour was a Viking Splash tour (which Dad signed us up for) on our first afternoon in Dublin. The Viking tour was in a car that can also go into the water. Overall, it was just okay. We got onto the vehicle and received Viking hats which we were instructed to wear the whole time. I did not, but many people were geared up! 

We were prepared to learn a lot. In reality, we learned very little because it was incredibly difficult to hear and understand our guide. He had a microphone that he held right to his lips, so his voice was muffled. He had a very thick Irish accent and he talked very, very, fast. Additionally, the vehicle made a lot of background noise. 

The part I was most excited for was to go into the water, but it was very underwhelming. We looked at the back sides of buildings for 10 minutes. Yay. 

The next morning, we participated in our usual walking tour. Our guide, Peter, was very knowledgeable about Irish history and taught us a lot. He first taught us about the namesake of Dublin. When the Vikings first settled in Dublin in 841 AD they pulled their longboats into muddy Dublin harbor. Because the water was dark and muddy, they called it “Dublin,” which strictly translates to “dark waters” in Irish. 

Many or all of you have probably heard of the potato famines throughout Ireland. These famines had a major impact on Ireland's population and economy. Before the Great Potato Famine (lasting from 1845-49), the national population was 9 million people. During the famine, more than half of their population emigrated to the U.S. and Europe, particularly Great Britain. This is why so many people around the world have Irish ancestors – including me! But this emigration brought Ireland’s population down to 4.5 million people. They are still recovering from their loss of population, only at 7 million today. 

I thought Dublin was a nice, chill, city with LOADS of friendly people! We learned a lot and we enjoyed hanging out with Nana and Chappy especially!