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Delving into Dublin, my Irish cultural pursuit
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To do Dublin due diligence, take in a typical Irish pub -- someone's local and the place in which a hectic day ends with Irish wit and a bit of beer to wash away lingering worries.
However, if you -- like me -- don't drink daily but want to experience the ambiance and cultural nuances of said Irish pub (translation: rationalize your decision), opt for a Dublin literary tour. These walking excursions lead to establishments once frequented by famous writers like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. Before entering, accomplished Irish thespians perform short yet perky readings outside each entrance to put you in the mood for that particular drinking den.
Meanwhile, if architecture and art suit, visit The Merrion. This former quartet of Georgian edifices, with their timber sash windows and plain exteriors, has become a fine hotel. But, checking in isn't necessary (though certainly a treat) to get a sense of these now-merged buildings. A seemingly seamless transition from one to the next, each grade one townhouse was carefully restored to effect the original feel of an 18th-century manse.
Next to the rococo plastered lobby, entered by a subtle ramp joining the two rooms and lowering into the next house, is the drawing room. Created by Alice Roden, a local designer and weaver, and done in period colors, Irish fabrics and fine antiques, the lounge
effects the look and feel of an exclusive parlor -- but without so much formality that you can't have a good time. So that I did, taking high tea there with friends.
After soaking up my Merrion brew, a glance into the swimming pool, drenched in miles of tiles (photo above), and the hotel's vast 19th- and 20th-century private art collection (one of Ireland's most respected), I strolled around central Dublin. I enjoyed the familiar scenery, thinking that even though I had been to this city many times, like with my hesitance to try the national drink, I had been wary to really delve into Irish life.
So, I did.
And by going through this intense cultural process, I came away with a better understanding of Ireland -- and I had a lot of fun, too. 
One way into the groove was by taking a traditional Irish dance class at the Temple Bar Gaelchultur , Dublin's cultural center. I learned from a young hoofer who insisted the most senior in our group (me) try the traditional jig. My performance wasn't magnificent, but I did get through the basic steps.
Another aspect of Ireland that doesn't come in the shape of a building or a monument, but does help im
merse you into Irish life, is to learn a bit of Gaelic. I did that too, also at the Temple Bar Gaelchultur by way of a singing lesson from a very patient teacher, ever encouraging despite the fact that our class desecrated traditional Irish songs like nails on a blackboard.
An intrinsically artistic nation, Ireland offers some of its most enjoyable entertainment for free -- or, at the very least, for the cost of a gratuity. This opportunity comes straight from famous Grafton Street. Stop by and listen to a child protégé playing bagpipes or a boy band emulating the Beatles. On this pedestrian-only thoroughfare, buskers are everywhere, trying out acts that run the gamut -- and then some.
Nearby, on any random sidewalk, chalk artists create elaborate works, their masterpieces only to be washed away with the next rain. And so it goes.
For anorther article about Ireland, click HERE.
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