A Whirlwind Day in Dublin: Mada & Hugh's Irish Layover Adventure

Dublin, Ireland—What's better than combining a musical journey with a spontaneous city tour? Not much, if you ask Madalina, an accomplished pianist, and her partner Hugh, as they found themselves in Dublin for a layover on their way to Bottrop, Germany, where Mada was scheduled to perform a solo recital.

Arriving in Dublin

Their journey began with a flight from Philadelphia to Dublin. Upon landing, they realized they had a full day to explore the city due to a long layover. Their first mission? Finding a place to store their heavy bags. For those traveling through Dublin Airport, Mada and Hugh recommend heading to Terminal 1 for "smart card baggage" services, despite their initial confusion of needing to switch terminals and navigate the European floor counting system.

Discovering Dublin’s Charms

Once free from the burden of their luggage, the duo was ready to dive into the heart of Dublin. Their adventure started with a mix of amusement and surprise as Madalina noted that, in Ireland, cars drive on the left—a fun fact she knew but had never witnessed firsthand.

Their exploration led them through the bustling city streets. Despite a brief, humorous debate about visiting the Disney Store, they decided to soak in more culturally rich experiences. They managed to enjoy a “true” Irish breakfast featuring the local delicacy, Oakberry, a testament to the city's vibrant food scene.

A Missed Opportunity and a Campus Stroll

A highlight was supposed to be visiting the Book of Kells at Trinity College, but unfortunately, they found the tickets were fully booked. Disappointed but undeterred, they wandered through Trinity College’s stunning campus, which Mada likened to Princeton, full of historic architecture and youthful energy.

Exploring Dublin Castle

Their next stop was Dublin Castle, where they planned a quick visit due to their tight schedule. Luckily, they managed to secure tickets for a self-guided tour, avoiding the wait for a guided one. Inside, they marveled at the castle's majestic simplicity, impressive artworks, and the presidential displays in the State Apartments. Hugh was particularly struck by the historic and architectural beauty of the castle, which has stood since the 13th century and is currently undergoing significant restoration.

Culinary Delights and Departure

Before heading back to the airport, they couldn't resist trying some local flavors—Tayto, a version of Irish potato chips, which Hugh found delightfully oniony and cheesy, perfect with a pint of Guinness.

Reflecting on Dublin

As their layover came to an end, Mada and Hugh were filled with appreciation for Dublin’s rich history, lively culture, and the unexpected adventures they encountered. They boarded their flight to Dusseldorf, hearts and minds enriched by their brief but memorable layover in Ireland.

This impromptu day in Dublin was a reminder that sometimes, the journey can be just as thrilling as the destination, especially when it’s shared with someone special and filled with discoveries at every turn. Mada's upcoming recital in Germany might be the main event, but their Dublin layover will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory.