Planner’s Travel Series
About the series: Welcome to our ongoing travel series. These are all posts written by planning students and professionals about what to do in a given city when looking for Brunch, a Brew, or a good idea on a Budget. To cap it all off, we include a fun planning fact!
By Jo Kwon
About the visit: At the beginning of this fall, I visited Dublin for the 35th International Geographical Congress conference. I got to present my work and hear about so many different research projects. On top of that, I got to visit new places!
Brunch
Irish brown bread is a traditional staple. The bread is dense and slightly sweet. It pairs with every meal. While in Dublin, don’t miss the opportunity to try the classic combination of Irish brown bread and seafood chowder. This creamy and flavorful soup, typically made with a variety of seafood, is a comforting choice, especially on Dublin’s frequent rainy days.
Brew
While Guinness Brewery might be the top destination for beer lovers, tea is another essential part of the Dublin experience. During my visit, I couldn’t resist trying a traditional Irish tea. I went for the Cream for Two, which came with scones, small cakes, clotted cream, jam, and two kinds of tea. The black tea options, ranging from Irish Breakfast to Afternoon tea, offered a variety of flavors. The warm scones and jam together are a great combination! The warm scones and jam were a great match! The cafe even offers tours on Saturdays because of their art and stained glass.
Budget
The Cliffs of Moher are another must-see in Ireland, located about 3.5 hours from Dublin, near the village of Liscannor. This scenic area frequently appears in films that showcase Ireland’s beauty. O’Brien’s Tower offers a chance to go a little higher to enjoy the breathtaking views and experience the strong winds. However, it’s crucial to take photos only in designated areas, as many people have risked their lives or even died while wandering off the trails. It was so windy that I even bumped into a stranger!
Fun Planning Fact
While I was in Dublin, my Uber driver mentioned that traffic was very bad due to a new transportation policy banning private vehicles in the city center, effective August 26, 2024. This policy aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. However, certain vehicles, such as taxis and emergency vehicles, may be exempt from the ban.
It’s been a month since the new transportation policy was implemented in Dublin, and the results from this past month have been published. There has been a 60% decrease in private car use on the quays, while public transport usage has increased by 11%. Moreover, foot traffic in the city center has risen compared to last year. However, the impact on retailers has been mixed, as some have experienced increased footfall while others report decreased sales. Retailers and disability groups have expressed concerns about the policy’s effects on business and accessibility.
Featured Image: Dublin’s skyline. Photo: Jo Kwon.
Jo (Joungwon) Kwon is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of City and Regional Planning, driven by a deep interest in exploring the applications of visualizations in planning. Since joining CPJ in 2019, she has worked actively as an editor. With a diverse academic background in Statistics and English Literature, she holds an M.A. in Computational Media from Duke University. In her free time, she enjoys watching indie films, attending live performances, pursuing climbing adventures, and drinking a good cup of coffee.