A destination with a unique and humorous personality, Dublin is considered by many to be a leading candidate in the title for Europe’s finest city. The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin sits on the east coast of the country overlooking a spectacular sweeping bay that invites all who come to sample her delights with open arms. Home to a quarter of the country’s population, this is a city steeped in a rich and interesting history, the birthplace of a myriad of authors, poets and playwrights and, of course, the pioneer of Guinness and the legendary craic.
Unofficially split by the River Liffey, Dublin’s city attractions are divided into what lies north and south of the river. Most tourists will find themselves spending a great deal of time around the Southside, being home to numerous historical monuments, splendid museums and the main commercial and entertainment district. No trip to Dublin would be complete without spending an afternoon wandering the designer shops of Grafton Street followed by an evening of bar-hopping around the world famous Temple Bar. This is where visitors are most likely to run into a Dub, who will be more than happy to provide the ins and outs and ups and downs of his city. Dubs are notorious for belittling their city, yet deep down there is a strong sense of pride coming out of the cynicism and rightly so as this is a birthplace to be proud of.
Many who come to Dublin do so only to see what lies within the boundaries of the city centre. However, those with a sense for adventure will find a world of opportunities awaiting them. Hikers will take pleasure in the trails of the Wicklow Way and the monastic site of Glendalough. Pass by during the summer months and it is even possible to enjoy Dublin’s beaches which stretch north and south from the bay and on good days afford views across to the mainland of England and Wales. BalcarrickBeach and KillineyBeach are just two of a number of long stretches of peaceful sand.
Although famous for being a rainy destination, Dublin is a place that can be visited at any time throughout the year, aided by the fact that there is always some form of sporting event, musical or historical festival taking place. In addition, as the capital city there are superb transport connections to the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. Navigating and getting around this great city comes stress free, especially as the centre is easily negotiable on foot. For those that wish to get out and about, there is an extensive network of trains and buses as well as The Dart, a picturesque railway that runs south from the city along the coast to Greystones. Dublin Southside - South of the River Liffey is where Dublin’s largest concentration of tourist attractions are to be found and where the majority of visitors base themselves. Dominating the historical attractions is Trinity College, famed for its old library, the Book of Kells. This is also the region home to two striking churches, Christ Church Cathedral and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Between TrinityCollege and St Stephen’s Green culture vultures will love the National Gallery of Ireland and National Museum of Ireland. For shopping and entertainment make a beeline for Grafton Street, Dublin’s most fashionable shopping street, and Temple Bar, home to a myriad of traditional pub, theatres and nightclubs. To complete a Southside visit wander up to the striking Dublin Castle, which plays host to the fine Chester Betty Library.
Dublin Northside - Less touristy yet still worth spending some time are the suburbs lying north of the river. The main focal point is O’Connell Street, which, although suffering severe damage in the Easter Rising of 1916, still has plenty of reminders of its former glory. From here it is easy to get to The Abbey Theatre, James Joyce Centre and Custom House. Other sights of interest that are also within walking distance are Dublin Writers Museum and The Hugh Lane, Dublin’s contemporary art museum.
Guinness Storehouse - Way back in 1759 a certain Arthur Guinness brewed the first Guinness and so began a worldwide phenomenon and a beer now loved and drank in all corners of the globe. Tours of the superb museum provide visitors with everything there is to know about the celebrated stout, culminating in visit to the storehouse bar and a complimentary pint. Those wanting to sample more can stay on at the Gravity Bar. Open daily from 9.30am to 5pm (7pm in July and August). Adult tour price €15.
Phoenix Park - On the western fringes of Dublin is the city’s most popular recreational park and covering 707-hectares is the largest public park in Europe. Formerly a royal deer park, today it is home to stunning landscape gardens, decorative lakes and plenty of walking trails. The park is also home to residences of the Irish president and US ambassador as well as the HQ for the Irish Polo Club and Dublin Zoo.
Dublin Sport - Dublin is a sport mad city with hurling, rugby and football taking top billing. Rugby fans should check the fixture list for February’s 6 Nations Tournament for games being held at the new Aviva Stadium. For the traditional Irish games of hurling and Gaelic Football head to the colossal 82,000 capacity Croke Park, home to the impressive GAA Museum.
Dublin Festivals
St Patrick’s Festival - From 16th March Dublin, and Ireland, lights up with street parties, parades, music, dance and plenty of Guinness consumption.
Heineken Green Energy Music Festival - Big name musical performances at DublinCastle and other outdoor locations.
Electric Picnic - Taking place 1-hour from Dublin at Stradbally Hall is a 3-day festival music and arts festival attracting big name performers from all corners of the globe.
Dublin Nightlife - Dublin is without doubt a place to party and famed the world over for its friendly bars, boisterous nightclubs and historical theatres. The cultural heart of the city is Temple Bar and visitors don’t need to look far in order to find something to suit their tastes. Those not wanting to go it alone can join one of an abundance of pub crawls organised throughout the city, including the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, Dublin City Pub Crawl and Backpacker Pub Crawl.
Dublin Bars
Dawson Lounge - Also known as Ron Blacks, this is well known as being the smallest bar in Dublin, with room for 20 people at most.
The Blue Light - Out of town pub on a hilltop in the Sandyford suburb offering sweeping views of the bay and plenty of story telling locals. If you make it you are in for a real treat.
The Brazen Head - Ireland’s oldest pub dating back to 1198 and with live music every night.
The Temple Bar Pub - Arguably the most famous pub in Dublin with live music, great food and free flowing Guinness 7 days a week.
Turk’s Head - Swanky pub serving good food at the west end of Temple Bar.
Dublin Clubs
The Academy - Live music venue followed by club nights with international DJs.
Lillie Bordello - Dublin’s most exclusive club frequented by visiting stars from the film and music industry amongst other celebrities.
PoD - A funky décor and big name DJs make the Place of Dance a popular Dublin location for house and techno.
Ri Ra - Dublin institution with top sound system and sociable atmosphere. Free entry every night.
The Vaults - Late night cellar bar cum club spinning house and funk to a trendy laidback crowd.