Ireland

From August 2012 - August 2013 I lived in the wonderful Irish capitol of Dublin.

Dublin is a must-visit incase you like street artists, nice pubs and a beautifully rugged architechture.

I started out in Blanchardstown, about 10km Northwest from City Centre. After a while I moved onwards to Ashtown/Phoenix Park, about halfway from Blanch towards city, and finally I ended up in city centre - on the north side.

North side/South side is really a thing there. And it's easy to know which is which - the magical border is the river Liffey. North is considered the poor side, and the rich bastards are on the South side. Don't be surprised if you grab a taxi on one side wanting to go to the other side and the cabby has no clue where you are heading. Specially if you are going to a pub, make sure you have decent information about where you want, a lot of the pubs might have the same or similar names.

Of course, Dublin is a great culture city, but take time to head away from the capitol. I'm still upset that I didn't explore the small island more. If you are there just for the weekend, grab a train to Howth, about a 30min trip, to enjoy the sea and the brilliant seafood. I usually take the train there and the bus back just look at everything from the buswindows.

I'll add on to here stuff whenever I remember something. And of course, if anyone is planning a trip to Dublin, go ahead and ask for advice.

But a few hints.

• If you're a smoker, pack cigs with you (unless you're Norwegian). In fall 2013 the cheapest packs started from about 8 euros.
• Don't panic if you can't seem to find a restaurant. Pubs usually have a good food menu as well. One of my favourites is Carr & O'Connell at Bachelors Walk, on the northern riverbank. Warning: Fridaynights is Karaokenights. As for restaurants, Pacino's on Suffolk Street, D2, a really lovely italian with great food and brilliant service.
• Be prepared for rainshowers. It rains in Ireland. Always. Every day. But usually it's a light rain and you can manage around without drowning.
• Don't take the Irish too seriously. They love to banter and make fun of you. Just make fun of them in return and you'll be alright.
• Find a comedy night. There's a pretty active and good standup comedy scene in the town. For instance The Black Sheep usually has comedy event on Thursdays. 
• Speaking of Black Sheep... Yes, you have to have a Guinness in Dublin, but when you get tired of it, head out to The Black Sheep on Chapel Street. They only have beers and ciders from the smaller breweries and an amazing menu of them. Also good food!
• Guinness. The Guinness factory is a bit on the expensive side as only a tourist attraction can be, but if it's a clear nice day the view at Gravity Bar is absolutely worth it.
• Sunny weekends are nice to walk along the shopping streets, Henry Street on the north side and Grafton Street on the south. Lots of really good buskers and a nice wibe.