There’s something magical about starting a new year right? It’s like starting a fresh notebook waiting for you to jot down the next chapter of your life! But let’s be real – it can also feel a bit overwhelming with all the ‘new year, new me’ chatter (check out my recent blog with simple steps to manifesting your best year yet). Quite often though, starting fresh isn’t all about reinventing yourself, it’s about reconnecting with people, places but most importantly yourself.
That how I felt revisiting Dublin, seeing the cobbled roads again, the friendly atmosphere and smell of Guinness (not seriously). I wanted to revisit one of my favourite cities aka Dublin because doing things you enjoy/going places you love is the best way to start the year. Plus it was my friend’s 21st birthday celebration so I couldn’t say no!
Here is a guide for you why revisiting places you love should be on your 2025 list.
Dublin: The Beauty of Reconnection
Booking another weekend visit to Dublin was a no brainer for me after my amazing first trip for 12 hours (check out my recent blog). This time however, I was celebrating my friends 21st birthday and was staying overnight. This gave me more time to chill and take in the city with my own local tour guide (thanks Eve) showcasing the real culture of Dublin.
The weekend started with a super early flight (slight regret now) for an excuse to spend the whole weekend in Dublin. The 2:30am alarm (eek) was all worth it after my pistachio velvet latte from Starbucks which was AMAZING – anyone that knows me know I am obsessed with pistachio, so this was top tier!)
After arriving in Dublin bright and early at 8am, I was soon picked up by my lovely friend Eve whose birthday we are celebrating! We spent the weekend exploring her hometown, catching up over breakfast and a much needed nap before our night out (thanks to my 6am flight). It was a nice change from my first visit to Dublin which was quite full on trying to pack everything into 12 hours like temple bar and the Guinness factory. Sometimes, revisiting a city is great as the second time round isn’t just about ticking off sights – you can actually indulge in the fun. It was lovely to celebrate my friend’s 21st birthday, having a proper Irish night out which resulted me ending my night at 4am (yikes).
This trip made me that one of my intentions for 2025 is to spend more time to connect/reconnect with places and people who make life lighter and happier.
Hometime
The next day was a chill day heading back to Dublin to spend my last few hours in the city before my flight home. Wondering across the market stalls (had to grab a fridge magnet ofc) and trying Dublin’s viral spice bag was a lovely end to a wholesome trip.
How Travel Fuels Reflection.
Taking a weekend away, even just for a couple days gave me the headspace you can’t always get in your normal day to day, almost like a moment to step back from the noise of everyday life. Wondering through Dublin, sipping on coffees and catching up with old friends helped me think of where I’m heading this year.
That’s the beauty of travel, doesn’t have to be extravagant or far away to feel like a reset. Whether it’s a big trip abroad or weekend getaway, taking a trip at the beginning of a new year can be a great chance for fresh perspective.
For me, this short trip sparked a few small but meaningful goals for the year ahead:
- Make space for little adventures – even if it’s just exploring my own city
- Remember to give yourself time to reflect.
- Prioritise quality time with those who make you smile.
A Fresh Start
A fresh start sounds crazy. It doesn’t have to a massive change or endless resolutions, sometimes it’s just finding joy in small moments. If you’re looking for your own version of a reset in the new year, start my planning to do things that spark joy in your life – it could literally be trying that new menu item from your favourite restaurant!
What’s inspiring you to kick off the year? Let me know by emailing or DM on me on Instagram @justagirlguide.blog, I’d love to hear your goals or plans. I did in fact create a short fun reel vlogging the trip on TikTok @justagirlguidee so follow me for more fun content.
Just a Girl Guide 
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