Dublin in the Rain

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• Sony A7R III
• f/3.5
• 24mm
• 100
• 1/125 sec

We landed in Dublin over Memorial Day weekend, greeted by weather that couldn’t quite make up its mind. One moment it was damp and gray, the next a patch of sunlight promised warmth—only to vanish behind another bank of clouds. Rain jackets became as essential as umbrellas, though we quickly realized neither was truly up to the task.

First Impressions: Parks, Streets, and Music

• Sony A7R III
• f/4.5
• 53mm
• 100
• 1/250 sec

Despite the drizzle, we strolled through Dublin’s leafy parks and wandered down Grafton Street, the city’s main shopping artery. The air was alive with music—buskers strumming guitars, fiddles singing, and voices rising above the steady patter of rain. Dublin is famous for its Guinness culture, but not being beer drinkers, we happily skipped that side of the city’s appeal and focused instead on its history and atmosphere.

Trinity College and Book of Kells

• Sony A7R III
• f/10
• 24mm
• 100
• 1/160 sec

Our next stop was Trinity College, a historic university founded in 1592. The centerpiece attraction is the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels created by Celtic monks around 800 AD. The ongoing “Book of Kells Experience” combines the manuscript, the Long Room library, and a temporary virtual exhibition during renovations.

• iPhone 15 Pro
• f/2.2
• 2.2200000286119mm
• 400
• 1/50 sec

The Long Room, with its soaring shelves and carved wood, felt like stepping into a cathedral of knowledge. The Book itself, while extraordinary in age and artistry, is only displayed in fragments—impressive but limited. The virtual experience was well-produced but leaned toward tourist spectacle; I wouldn’t recommend it as a standalone visit. For many, simply strolling Trinity’s campus, with its stately architecture and cobblestone paths, might be just as rewarding.

A Day Trip to Malahide

• Sony A7R III
• f/6.3
• 24mm
• 100
• 1/800 sec

After a full day in Dublin, we ventured out to Malahide, a coastal town about 30 minutes away by train. The rail system felt slow and a little antiquated, but it carried us reliably enough. Malahide Castle, dating back to the 12th century, offered a glimpse into Ireland’s medieval past. The guided tour was pleasant, if not particularly unique, but the surrounding gardens stood out. The Butterly House and landscaped grounds are especially good for families with children, offering space to explore.

• Sony A7R III
• f/7.1
• 240mm
• 500
• 1/250 sec

The weather teased us with bright sunlight during our visit, only to turn to pouring rain twenty minutes later—classic Irish skies.

Reflections on Dublin

We left Dublin with mixed feelings. The city has undeniable charm—its music, its history, its unpredictable skies—but compared to other European capitals, it feels smaller and more limited in scope. Still, for a brief stop on a larger Irish adventure, Dublin provides a lively introduction to the country’s culture and character.

As we learned, even in the rain, Dublin shines best when taken in stride, with a sense of humor and an umbrella you don’t mind replacing.

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