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The Irish capital is an eclectic, yet intimate, city where the cuisine is exceptional, the theatres are of world class standards and the pubs are renowned for their ale and hospitality.

In the past decade or so, Ireland’s fair city has become something of a haven for tech mega-corporations like Google and Twitter; however, it still retains much of its legendary Irish charm. Visitors to the city are often surprised at the brisk pace of life here, and the city centre is filled with elegant, Georgian architecture, shops, restaurants, museums and the friendliest watering holes on either side of the Irish Sea.

Enjoy this city guide to Dublin and be sure to check out our recommendations!

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Photo by Unknown, Public Domain

STAY

A relative newcomer to Dublin’s hotel scene (having opened just four years ago), The Dean is both understated and unashamedly hip! Each room in this boutique abode is given funky monikers, like the 12.6 square meter ’Punk Bunk’ (a bunk room for grown-ups), the compact (but super-cool) ’Mod Pod’ and the ’Dylan’ and ’James’ suites. Situated in the heart of the South Side’s party quarter, but also within walking distance of the lush St. Stephen’s Green, The Dean has everything style-conscious travellers need. With its adjoining bar, Sophie’s—an exclusive rooftop restaurant—features some stunning views over the south side of the city and is worth checking out.

The Dean – 33 Harcourt Street, St Kevin’s

www.deandublin.ie

Photo by Dronepicr, CC BY 3.0

EAT AND DRINK

Over the years, the coffee house scene in Dublin has really exploded; and whilst it’s hard to single out just one, Urbanity Coffee definitely clinches it. This minimalist cafe has taken Nordic coffeehouses as its inspiration, and it’s a masterclass in pared-down, industrial chic. The exposed ceilings and clean wooden tables give this former working building a bright and airy feel. Naturally, the grub and coffee are top-notch, and the owners even roast the coffee beans on site.

Urbanity Coffee – 11 Coke Lane, Smithfields

www.urbanitycoffee.ie

Photo by Unknown, Public Domain

If you’re after a modern spin on traditional Irish fare, lunch at Delahunt is what you need. This refurbished, traditional Edwardian pub has some of the tastiest and most imaginative dishes in the city. Particularly appealing are the roast rump of beef (with potato cake, shallot, onion rings and bone marrow) and the coddle—a traditional Irish broth flavoured with homemade sausages, cabbage and bacon. Delicious!

Delahunt – 39 Camden Street Lower, St Kevin’s

www.delahunt.ie

Let’s face it, it wouldn’t be a trip to Dublin if you didn’t indulge in a tavern tour, and the Stag’s Head is the place to start. This classic ’Dublin’ pub is filled with Victorian-era charm, with its chandeliers, wood-panelled nooks and famous stag’s head. According to locals, it’s also the best place in the city to grab a Guinness. Each floor in the Stag’s Head has its own vibe; ground level is elegant and secluded, the first floor is a classic pub and the cellar bar hosts an immensely-popular comedy club.

One of the highlights of any tavern tour in Dublin is O’Donohughes Bar. This traditional Irish pub stands on a historical site dating back to the 18th century and is an important fixture in the Irish contemporary music scene.

The Stag’s Head – 1 Dame Ct, Dublin 2

www.louisfitzgerald.com

O’Donohughes Bar – 15 Merrion Row

www.odonohughes.ie

Photo by KGlavin, CC BY

Photo  by BKP, CC BY 3.0

VISIT

Offering a more unusual take on typical museum exhibits, the Little Museum of Dublin is situated in an unassuming Georgian town house on the edges of St. Stephen’s Green. Telling the story of Dublin in the 20th century through its unique collection of donated memorabilia—like models of Nelson’s Pillar and even a room dedicated to the legendary U2—Little Museum is the brainchild of food critic Trevor White and really brings to life those ordinary things that most museums would pass up.

The Little Museum of Dublin – 15 St Stephen’ Green

www.littlemuseum.ie

Situated within the Long Room in the Old Library at Trinity College is a 9th Century illuminated Celtic manuscript: the Book of Kells. But this is not the only antique literary treasure to be found here. The Long Room houses 200,000 of the library’s oldest manuscripts and books within its two-story, 65 metre long archive. Its main walkway, with 48 marble busts of some of the world’s most eminent writers and thinkers, may also look familiar to Star Wars fans; it was the inspiration for the Jedi Archive in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones!

The Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College – Leinster

www.tcd.ie/library/old-library/

Photo by Jean Housen, CC BY 3.0

Photo by Diliff, CC BY 4.0

 

 

Photo by: Lindbergh Paimalan on unsplash.com

While it’s no secret that the Philippines is home to great many tourist destinations, from pristine, white sand beaches, to gorgeous hills, there is one, in particular, that’s been catching the eyes of tourists from far and wide. Vigan, Ilocos Sur is one of the top destinations you don’t want to miss. Sights such as Calle Crisologo and Vigan Heritage Site are all found in Vigan City. Before you drive out to explore the city of Vigan, be sure you have an IDP when driving in the Philippines to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey in this Ilocos Sur city. 

The thought of all the fantastic destinations you’ll encounter when you explore the city of Vigan can sound a bit overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time in the city. Situated in the North, Vigan is home to many hidden gems that you don’t want to bypass when you visit. Apart from the super-popular Calle Crisologo, you have to visit other equally impressive tourist destinations when you explore the city of Vigan.

National Museum of the Philippines

The best way to better appreciate your destination is through knowing the history of the place. The National Museum of the Philippines, situated in Vigan City, can offer you a one-of-a-kind trip back in time through the artifacts it holds and the architecture it presents. The National Museum of the Philippines contains historical items and sections such as Padre Burgos’ House, now home to his belongings, and President Quirino’s museum that houses the former president’s memorabilia.

Make your Vigan trip memorable and hassle-free by obtaining an IDP from the International Driver’s Association. Having one makes driving in the Philippines so much smoother, faster, and safer. 

Bantay Church Bell Tower

No visit to Vigan would be complete with a visit to the Bantay Church Bell Tower, an ages-old brick belfry with a staircase you can climb to reach the top and get the best view of the horizon. For a bit of a background regarding the Bantay Church Bell Tower, this bell tower was once a vantage point during wars, allowing native forces to watch and anticipate the enemies. Nowadays, it’s a fun destination if you’re looking to take pictures of the scenery.

When you explore the city of Vigan, be sure to have an IDP with you. Driving in the Philippines can be daunting for any tourist, but with an IDP, you’re sure to have a grand time as it makes your journey legal, safe, and convenient. Get one now!

Photo by Chin Villanueva on unsplash.com 

Pagburnayan Jar Factory

Visit the Pagburnayan Jar Factory when you explore the city of Vigan and see first-hand how this jar factory makes some of the best jars in the nation, not to mention one of the very few factories left. Perhaps what makes the Pagburnayan Jar Factory special is it gives tourists a hands-on experience in pottery, which will develop a heightened appreciation for the pottery craft and flex those artistic muscles while learning about the culture at the same time.

Marvel at the products and enjoy the process at Pagburnayan Jar Factory. Drive to this destination and more with an IDP and experience convenient driving unlike any other!

Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone

The name says it all-Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone is the zone for adventurous types and thrill-seekers. A 15-minute drive from the city, Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone offers thrilling outdoor activities such as a zip line that passes by the towns of Santa and Bantay. Other activities in this area include kayaking and rock climbing.

Don’t miss out on all the enjoyment and excitement when you explore the city of Vigan! Have an IDP secured when driving in the Philippines for a more convenient and spontaneous getaway in Vigan City? 

Photo by: Rhea Claire Gomez on unsplash.com 

Explore all the tourist spots Vigan has to offer and experience a culture unlike any other! A city such as this, with rich history, vibrant culture, and astounding natural sights, is worth visiting. Make plenty of memories in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur by obtaining an IDP from the International Driver’s Association and freely exploring this unique city!

References

Top 13 Vigan City Tourist Spots Including Calle Crisologo and Churches

https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/vigan-ilocos-tourist-spots

Author’s BIO:

John Michael Wilson is an aspiring writer and is not afraid to learn new things to improve, he loves challenges and solves problems together with the International Drivers Association.

As a self-starting professional, entrepreneurial growth exacts a heavy toll on your available time – a tough balance to manage when you have a family at home. It is all-too-easy to find that pursuing professional growth has whisked you away from family, and personal growth with your children. With your kids approaching adolescence, it can seem as if they’re getting old enough to handle themselves more independently – but they still need nurturing, and without your direction could find themselves going off the deep end.

But there is a way to do both. By simply putting a little time aside each week with the purpose of spending it with your children, you can give them the parental ear they still need and bolster a mature relationship with them as they continue to grow. What follow are some simple suggestions for approaches and activities you can try with your kids, in order to build a positive relationship even during times of intense professional demand.

Teach Them How to Drive

Driving is a life skill that can hugely benefit your children going into adulthood, and an excellent opportunity for bonding. Sorting out learner driver insurance and scheduling some time each week to head out to a quiet industrial estate or car park is a brilliant way to engage with your children. With a simple and clear goal in mind for all concerned, this activity can be an incredibly focusing one – and by that same virtue, can provide a safe space in which to explore other aspects of your relationship.

Cook Together

In a similar vein, setting out to cook regular meals together can be a unifying experience, but all the more impactful by virtue of its regularity. In scheduling one or two nights a week to cook with your kids, you are making a promise to be present that evening, away from your work and cooking and eating with them. This can be revolutionary to your relationship, and provide valuable time for catching up – as well as a golden opportunity to teach life skills for their future independence.

Establish Trust

Usually, the burden is on the parent to demonstrate that their children can trust them. You are their foundation and guiding light all at the same time, especially through the tumult of early adolescence. But less explored is the other side of the coin, which becomes all the more prescient as your kids get older: your trust in them. 

Where spending a lot of time growing your business may have removed you from their lives a little, this can be made a positive experience; by letting it be known to your children that you trust them, their time away from you can become a learning experience in maturity and growth. 

1. So many people across the country had to adjust to working from home last year. From using the kitchen table as a desk to commuting to the lounge – people had to work with what they had. It’s so important to have a dedicated area for working in your home, as it helps keep your personal and professional life separate. No matter the size of your space, there’s plenty you can do to create a home office.

Get Creative 

The less space you have, the more creative you have to get. Don’t think of it as a hindrance, think of it as a challenge. You know you’re home better than anyone, so you’ll know what will and won’t work. You could use an old cupboard or dressing table as a desk. Make the most of your wardrobe storage and slot in some office supplies. Use space under the stairs and set up a workstation. Look at any available space you have, could you utilise it in a different way?

Comfort

When creating your home office, you want to ensure you’re comfortable. You don’t want to spend your whole working day cramped by a desk. Just because you have a small space, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Getting the right office chair will make a huge difference. If you’re super short on space – or funds – you could look into lumbar support cushions.

Personal Touches 

Another way you can feel more comfortable in your office space is to add some personal touches. Even though the space you’re creating is for work, it doesn’t have to be completely void of your personality. Small additions can make a big difference to your room. Think photos, plants, or art. Even something as simple as changing the lighting can create a better working environment. 

Declutter

Throughout a working week, it’s easy for your desk to fill up. Whether it’s cups of tea, email print-outs, post-it notes or surplus toner buyer. The last thing you want when you’re already short for space is to clutter it with things you don’t need. It’s important to regularly de-clutter your workspace. Not only does this keep your makeshift office space neat and functional, but it will also keep you organised.

Even if it’s something as simple as reserving a certain table space to act as your office, you need to create an environment where you feel comfortable working in. Do you have any tips for creating a home office?

The video streaming technology gained a lot of popularity over the past few years completely overshadowing the television industry. Many companies are willing to hop on and build a streaming platform, however, the first question that arises is how much does it cost to create a streaming app? 

The answer is quite a bit, to be honest. Although, as we have said, streaming skyrocketed in popularity, and it is predicted that it will become even more widespread in the coming years, so it still promises to bring hefty profits. It’s simply very convenient for the users, you can pretty much watch whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want.

With that being said, let’s dive in and see what some of the potential costs of developing such an app could be.

Image via Unsplash

1. Video Streaming Development Services

Building a video streaming app is no easy task. It’s very difficult, if not impossible to do it all by yourself. It would be best to pass the development process down to companies that are specialized in building apps.

However, we all know that going to a restaurant will always be more expensive than cooking your own food. Same goes here, in most countries development companies charge around 100$ an hour, give or take.

But, if you’re looking to cut your costs a bit there’s the option of working with a company that’s located in a third-world country. They ask for around 50$ or less, and you are going to end up with the same if not better quality than first-world countries will provide you.

2. After Launch Expenses

After you’ve got the main application, fresh from the oven, you’ll now need people to market it, run it and maintain it. Professionals like designers, QA specialists or project managers are a must when it comes to pretty much any app developer.

A big team means a lot of money to be spent. However, if you’re looking to save some cash and time, you might take into consideration outsourcing. There two different ways to outsource: partnering up with an outsourcing agency, or looking for people to hire through all sorts of freelance sites.

I’d personally opt for working with an outsourcing agency. It basically saves you a lot of time by not having to search and select potential employees.

3. Development Time

If you actually choose to not collaborate with a video streaming development company and decide to gather a team and create your own project from top to bottom, you’ll most likely be able to save a bit of money, but it will consume you a lot of time.

The whole process of developing an app, including things like product design, project management, backend development, Android/iOS development, and quality assurance will most likely set you back $100.000.

Conclusion

When you think about it, developing a streaming app is actually worth it. It’s only going to rise up in popularity, so it might be able to end up with hefty profits in a long run. Just make sure to bring something unique to the market.