DUBLIN, Ireland — Dublin is Ireland's largest city, but at roughly half the size of Seattle, it's best seen on foot.
Just remember to “look left.”
"We drive on the correct side of the road,” joked tour guide Brendan O’Donahue.
The River Liffey runs through the center of the city, but O’Donahue said if you fall in, don't panic. Just stand up. It's only about 5 feet deep.
Just steps away is the neighborhood known as Temple Bar, where narrow streets are lined with 300-year old cobblestones and pubs. Modern crowds come for the colorful shops and nightlife at places like famous speakeasy Vintage Cocktail Club or The Temple Bar - where an inconspicuous camera streams a shot of the entrance live online every second of the day.
The city is also home to ancient landmarks like Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College and the Bank of Ireland building.
The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum is built on the idea that we all come from somewhere. It contains 20 interactive galleries that walk visitors through the history of Ireland – specifically, why so many people left for better lives and the ripple effect it had abroad.
Spokane native Bing Crosby is featured in one section because his great-great-grandfather was an Irish immigrant. A surprising number of American presidents also had Irish heritage.
"Twenty-two. Which is mental, it's nearly under just 50%,” said guide Daniel Sinnott.
For lunch, Nancy Hands Bar and Restaurant is a classic Dublin eatery with a vintage Victorian bar.
The menu boasts authentic Irish fare like beef stew, and "red lemonade" - a sweet soda popular with kids.
The drink of choice for those 18 and over can be found behind the big black gates of Dublin's Guinness Storehouse. Designed to be an immersive experience, visitors can learn about everything from vintage advertising to the brewing process - which includes hops imported from the Yakima Valley.
A tasting room features samples of lighter brews, and the servers occasionally break out into traditional Irish dance.
But the big pay-off is on the upper levels, where guests can learn how to properly pour a pint of Guinness or enjoy panoramic views from the seventh-floor Gravity Bar.
Ending the day with a musical pub crawl is a way to experience two beloved Irish pastimes.
"It's all about chilling, having a nice time, having a beer or two, and enjoying the music,” said musician Pól O'Ceallaigh.
Traditional Irish music is an informal art rooted in native culture - and celebrated by anyone willing to join a singalong.
"I hope they go away with a great sense of fun, that they've enjoyed themselves, but also that they take away a little history of the music, a little bit of the knowledge away,” said musician Sean McElwain.
This story sponsored by Adventures by Disney. KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.
