Study Abroad Day 7: Free day with fresh mountain air and pub fun!
After six packed days of exploring cities, coastlines, castles, and culture, today was our much-needed free day—a chance for everyone in the group to chart their own course through Dublin and beyond. For me, it was the perfect opportunity to slow down, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the city at my own pace.
I started the morning with a leisurely walk along the River Liffey, winding through the cobbled lanes and quieter corners of Dublin. After a week of being constantly on the move, the slower pace was a welcome change. I eventually found my way to a cozy café for brunch, where a proper Irish breakfast and great coffee set the tone for the day.
Later in the afternoon, Sean and I decided to take advantage of our location and escape the city with a pub tour in the Dublin Mountains—and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
Our guide picked us up and took us to three legendary mountain pubs, each with its own charm and story:
The Merry Ploughboy: Owned and operated by traditional Irish musicians, this pub has a strong reputation for its nightly dinner shows and authentic live music. While we didn’t stay for the evening show, the pub had a welcoming rustic atmosphere, hearty food, and plenty of character. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Johnny Fox’s Pub: Touted as Ireland’s highest pub, Johnny Fox’s is perched in the hills of Glencullen and offers not just panoramic views, but an unforgettable atmosphere. The walls are filled with antiques and curios, and we were lucky enough to catch some traditional Irish music while we were there. Fiddles, flutes, and foot-stomping rhythms had the entire room smiling—and tapping along.
The Blue Light Pub: Our final stop was The Blue Light, another gem nestled in the hills with stunning views of Dublin Bay. It’s popular with hikers, musicians, and anyone looking for a relaxed, authentic Irish pub experience. We arrived just in time to catch a local band playing an upbeat set, which gave the pub a real neighborhood vibe. The pint was cold, the fire was warm, and the music was spot on.
Our guide was not only knowledgeable about Irish pub culture and local history, but also had a great sense of humor. On the drive back into Dublin, he led a sing-along, complete with Irish ballads and pub favorites. It was a fantastic way to wrap up the mountain pub crawl and brought the whole van together in laughter and song.
On the way back to our hotel, Sean and I weren’t quite ready to call it a night. We stopped by a few more places in the city to listen to more live music, including a visit to The Brazen Head, widely considered the oldest pub in Dublin, dating back to 1198. The stone walls and wooden beams made it feel like stepping back in time. The live band playing traditional tunes made it all the more magical.
Eventually, we made our way back to the hotel, full of music, laughter, and memories from a day well spent.
Tomorrow is our final day in Dublin, and while we’re not quite ready to say goodbye, we’re determined to make the most of every last moment in this incredible city. Stay tuned!
