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At times I forget that if you step outside downtown Dublin you will find some of the most glorious bits of nature. Since I have moved to Ireland I have been so focussed on getting settled that I kind of bypassed my own mental health. Earlier this week however, I woke up with the feeling of needing to go to the beach. I needed to be surrounded by the sand and the sea. It has been a few months since I had last been to any form of ocean so I had that itch to get back to it.

This started the quest for the sand and the salt filled air. I did my best to navigate and after two buses and a 15 minute walk I was there. As I turned a corner I looked across a parking lot and there it was. There was a beach… a light at the end of a tunnel. It was amazing to see the beautiful coast right surrounded by the city. It had a remarkable resemblance to that of Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind. It was quiet and serene. It was full of people and dogs attempting to find peace within the hustle and bustle of the city. I unpacked my delightful donut of Aungier Danger (a must if you are into donuts… and I mean who isn’t?!), my Kerouac, put on some John Denver, and I was ready for a fantastic afternoon.

For hours I watched people roam up and down the sandy path. Some with a significant other, some with dogs, and my personal favorite were the solo old men who seemed to have an amazing story to tell. As soon as I arrived to this little pieces of heaven I felt a sense of relief. I had a sense of calm rush over me that I didn’t realize I needed to feel.

The Sandymount Strand is definitely a must do if you are trying to stay near Dublin while still wanting to hit a beautiful beach this is the one. It might not be the type of beach that is super tropical and full of palm trees, but it is one that allows you to think. It gives you the chance to clear your head while still being so close to the heart of the city.

Though I am thankful for the opportunity to live in a vibrant city like Dublin it is amazing to get in touch with nature. I am so excited to explore more of the beautiful surroundings this country has to offer.