Our last day in Ireland was supposed to be spent admiring Waterford crystals and touring their factory down in Waterford (about a three hour train ride from Dublin). But thanks to a certain crazy snowstorm up in Northern Ireland, this plan was derailed.

So instead, we decided to just spend our time checking out places that weren’t originally part of our schedule, such as:

The Brazen Head – opened in 1198, this is one of the oldest pubs in Ireland. I didn’t get a chance to go inside but will definitely make it a stop if/when I come back to Dublin!

Phoenix Park – one of the largest walled city parks in Europe. I like to think of it as the Central Park of Dublin

Wall of Fame – a wall of photos featuring Ireland’s most notable musicians. Seems a little cheesy. We actually couldn’t even find it at first until we stumbled upon it, turned around, and said, “This is it?”

Temple Bar – looks a lot different in the daytime (and when you’re not being pickpocketed).

Temple Bar Food Market – runs every Saturday from 10am – 4.30pm in Temple Bar’s Meeting House Square. I’m not sure if the same vendors are there but if they are, make sure you try the oysters! They’re freshly shucked right in front of you. For 12 Euros, you get half a dozen oysters, a slice of brown bread, and a glass (or I should say plastic cup) of wine. You won’t find that deal anywhere else!

Grafton Street/St. Stephen’s Green – HUGE shopping area. You’ll find everything here, from high-end labels to thrifty finds. It would be pretty impossible for you not buy a couple of things.

Trinity College – Ireland’s oldest university. The Old Library on campus is where the Book of Kells is kept.