Roy Willoughby has been a teacher at English Studio Dublin for two and a half years. Here he is our guide to some of the best things to do in Summer on the Emerald Isle…
“During the Summer in Ireland I like to go fishing, I like to go out in boats and go walking. My family have a house in Waterford, so we go there a lot. Here in Dublin I don’t get the chance to fish, but I really like to go walking in the Dublin Wiclow mountains, and in the city as well. In the evening you can get particularly good views of Dublin when the sun is setting.
On the north side of Dublin, you have Malahide where you will find some beautiful spots. You can go to Howth by Dart or bus and there you can get a wonderful view of Dublin. On the south side, you can go to Glendalough (the valley of two lakes) there is a lot of history there and the valley is a beautiful place, and if you have a few hours to spare, you can walk through the valley and up into the mountains.
You don`t have to travel far to have a good time. The Phoenix Park is close by, and I always tell my students if you go to the Phoenix Park, you should go to the Visitors Centre. You can get lots of information there and watch a video about the history of Phoenix Park. You also have many other parks in Dublin, like the Garden of Remembrance, St Stephen’s Green and Marlay Park which is in the south of Dublin.
In terms of food, there is also a great variety, but one that I really like to cook myself is tagliatelle with mussels which is cheap and absolutely delicious.
At the weekends the students should try to visit the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Clifden and Galway. If it`s possible, spend two days travelling and you will have more time to see these beautiful places.
I don`t usually go to pubs, but one I used to go in the suburbs is The Dropping Well because you don’t have to shout to have a conversation. The Cobblestone Pub is a good place to listen to Irish music, and if you play an instrument, you are welcome to go and play. O’Donoghues is famous for music as well.
My favourite memory from Summer is when I was about 12 years old. My friend`s father took me sailing and fishing in Dunlaoighre and because of that I became interested in being on the water. That is why I love the sea.”
We suggest you listen to the full interview with Roy and get more good suggestions about things to do in Ireland, practice your listening and learn. You will also discover a delicious recipe to make tagliatelle. Don’t miss this chance and make the best of this amazing Summer!
You can find all that on our English Studio Dublin Facebook page along with upcoming activities. You can also see photos from our recent trip to Belfast! If you want to come and join in the fun then you are more than welcome!