Day One in Ireland. Finding Our Way and Falling Into Christmas In Dublin

I’ve been dreaming of Ireland since I was 14. As a kid, I would lose myself in books about castles, rolling green hills, and the rich history of a land I could only imagine. Back then, I never imagined that someday, I’d be standing on Irish soil, traveling with my own unique set of challenges. But here I was finally, after all the years of planning, dreaming, and figuring out how to travel with my disabilities I was in Ireland.

As someone who encourages others to travel, especially around the United States, it’s surreal to think that now, I’ve made traveling my job. And this? This was my first official travel blog, my first real adventure outside the States. I’ve been to plenty of places, but nothing compares to this moment. There’s something indescribable about stepping foot into the country that’s been in my books, in my imagination, for so long. Castles, cliffs, history I was going to experience it all.

But the excitement wasn’t the only thing I felt as the plane touched down in Dublin at 8:40 AM. The jetlag was already creeping in, but the awe I felt was stronger. I had dreamed of this for so long, and now it was finally happening. My heart was racing with excitement, and yet, there was a mix of exhaustion that hit me, too. Landing in Ireland after a long overnight flight felt a bit like a dream, a dream that was finally coming true.

And yet, nothing quite prepared me for the reality of navigating Ireland in a rental car. A small hiccup on the horizon that quickly turned into a life-or-death moment. But we’ll get to that...

Our Irish adventure begins at Cassidy Hotel

First Lessons Learned

My first lesson in Ireland came quickly: cell service is not a given. Even though some of us paid extra for international service, only one person in our group had coverage. My phone only worked when connected to Wi-Fi, as my Consumer Cellular plan didn’t support much international use. Kyle, on the other hand, had Mint Mobile, which worked with a small additional fee. Glenda’s Verizon plan charged a daily rate, and Austin’s T-Mobile also needed Wi-Fi to function.

We had planned to get SIM cards at the airport, but the man pushing my wheelchair didn’t know where the kiosk was, and even when we walked through Dublin’s shops later, we still didn’t find one. This experience made me accept that I might have to unplug at times during this trip. And honestly, that wasn’t such a bad thing.

The second lesson involved the rental car. I was thrilled to find a rental for less than I would have paid in the States, but the excitement quickly faded when I learned about the extra costs: insurance and fuel charges.

Here are some things I had to consider:

• We would be driving on the opposite side of the road.

• U.S. car insurance didn’t cover rental car damage.

• The rental company would hold a significant deposit on my credit card as a safeguard.

• If we had an accident, we were responsible for handling it before leaving the country.

• The cheaper insurance option came with a $2,000 deductible, which we’d have to pay upfront if something happened.

• Ireland’s rental cars tend to be smaller, so with my rollator and all our large suitcases, we needed a larger vehicle.

• Gas prices were around $9 per gallon, but if I let the rental company fill it up, it would cost $2 less per gallon.

• We wondered if there were gas stations near the airport like in the U.S. to fill up before returning the car.

We didn’t want the hassle of a long day on the return trip, so I paid for the extra insurance and had them fill up the car.

Austin took charge of checking everything, and after we loaded our bags, we hit the road. Here’s where I learned my next lesson: driving around Dublin is chaotic, especially when you're tired and trying to navigate unfamiliar roads on the opposite side. The roundabouts came up fast, lanes changed quickly, and the signs seemed to pop up out of nowhere. Austin did great, but it was a stressful start to our journey.

We made it from the airport to our accommodations at Cassedy’s, but it wasn’t a calm ride.

A wet welcome to the heart of the city.

We parked a few blocks away and walked in the rain to find the hotel. Although I was told there was paid parking, we couldn’t find it. Austin had to wait until later that evening to move the car. Parking on the street in downtown Dublin is paid, so we had to keep paying until we could relocate it. Figuring out who to pay and which app to use was confusing, but my kids handled it.

If I could do it again, I would not rent a car on the first day, or even at all, until we left Dublin. Parking is scarce, and we ended up paying for a car that sat unused for two days. Dublin is a walking city with plenty of options for getting around: buses, taxis, Ubers, and even hop-on-hop-off buses to visit major sights. The city also has a smooth-running train system to take you to other parts of Dublin and beyond. A rental car is more trouble than it’s worth in the city center.

Traveling Companions With Medical

The third lesson was a big one: everything you pack must be carried, hauled, and unpacked everywhere you go. I’m incredibly grateful to have had my two sons as travel companions. When you have medical conditions, you absolutely need someone to help.

Traveling with medical needs, mobility challenges, and a group of adults means you end up packing a lot. Along with my CPAP machine, medications, a refrigerated insulin holder with freezer sleeves, and a rollator, we also brought specialty chargers. Even with everything clearly labeled and organized, it felt like managing a small army of items. In many ways, it reminded me of traveling as a young mom, except instead of strollers, diaper bags, and snacks, I had medical gear, adapters, and mobility devices. But the feeling was the same: you have to think ahead, keep what you need within reach, and be prepared for anything.

My sons were incredible every step of the way. They assisted with my carry-on and suitcases, handled the rollator bag, and carried everything over long distances. From the airport to the car, from the rented farmhouse to the hotel near the airport, and even onto the bus that took us back to the airport, they were there. After a 15-hour flight, they helped me with everything, getting it to the Uber, loading it into the car waiting at my mother-in-law’s house, and finally unloading everything when we got home.

I truly don’t know how I would have managed without them. Their support was what made this trip possible.

Holiday magic in every corner of the Cassidy Hotel.

A Magical First Day in Dublin: Exploring the Christmas Spirit in November

Our first day in Dublin was all about soaking in the city’s charm at a slow pace, adjusting to the time zone, and starting to experience the magic of Christmas in November. With no set plans, we decided to keep it light, just enough to get a feel for the city and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Wandering Dublin's Festive Streets

We spent the early afternoon exploring the area near our accommodations, walking through local shops that were already dressed up for the holidays. Everywhere we looked, there were Christmas decorations, glimmering lights, wreaths on doors, and garlands hanging from every corner. The shops themselves were filled with the warm, cozy energy that only comes with the holiday season.

It felt like stepping into a living Christmas card. Even though it was still November, Dublin already had that unmistakable holiday spirit, and I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy. I found myself smiling at the lights and the decorations, appreciating the contrast of seeing them in this new, exciting place.

Irish charm served with our meal and a pint at Ryan's Pub.

Lunch at Ryan’s: Old-World Charm and Delicious Food

For lunch, we found ourselves at Ryan’s, a classic Dublin pub with a rich history. As we walked through the doors, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the place, wooden beams above, intricate woodwork throughout, and stunning black wrought-iron details. It was an older, charming pub, and the craftsmanship was something you’d expect to see in a place with so much history.

I ordered the fish and chips, and let me tell you, it was as good as I’ve ever had. But it wasn’t just about the food; the ambiance of Ryan’s made the meal feel like a special occasion. The pub felt timeless, and I could easily imagine the generations of locals and travelers who had sat in the same spot before me, sharing stories over a pint and a plate of hearty food.

The Gate Theatre's "Christmas Carol" starts the magic of Dublin's holiday spirit.

A Christmas Carol at The Gate Theatre

In the evening, we headed to The Gate Theatre to see A Christmas Carol. After a long day of travel and exploration, we wanted a quiet, peaceful way to end the night. The theater, with its soft lighting and old-world charm, was the perfect setting. It was like stepping back in time, a beautiful, intimate venue with a warm atmosphere.

The performance itself was exactly what we needed: warm, heartfelt, and full of holiday spirit. Watching the familiar story in a new setting, with Irish actors and accents, felt incredibly special. It was as though we were experiencing Ireland’s version of Christmas, with its own unique take on the traditions I’d grown up with.

Christmas Lights and Dublin's Festive Energy

After the show, we stepped outside to find the streets of Dublin alive with Christmas lights. The city was sparkling. Everywhere we walked, there were glowing decorations, festive displays in windows, and people out enjoying the early holiday cheer. Even though we were tired from our long travel day, Dublin’s Christmas magic wrapped around us like a cozy blanket, making it impossible not to feel at home.

Final Thoughts

By the time we returned to Cassedy’s, I felt incredibly grateful for the day we’d had. Despite the inevitable challenges, like adjusting to the time zone and navigating a new city—everything felt like part of the adventure. We hadn’t rushed, we hadn’t tried to do everything at once, and the result was a day full of meaningful moments.

It was a perfect start to our journey, and a reminder that travel doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments, the unexpected experiences, and the simple pleasures that make a trip truly unforgettable.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore more of Dublin and uncover even more Christmas magic. But for now, I’m thankful for a peaceful first day, and for the chance to begin this adventure in one of the most enchanting cities I’ve ever visited.

Explore More. Where to Look for Travel Ideas

You don't have to travel around the world to have your own adventure.

Here are a few simple ways to break the routine:

• Local tourism websites for holiday events and city festivals

• Hop on and hop off bus routes for stress-free sightseeing

• Community boards that list seasonal shows and theater performances

• Travel forums where people share Christmas experiences in different cities

New experiences don’t have to be expensive; they just have to be different. Curiosity is enough to get you started.