Dublin city is the capital of Ireland, it a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that sits on the mouth of the River Liffey on the east coast of Ireland. The city has a long and turbulent history that can be explored and seen as you pass through it, from the Viking period, to the Georgian era one of the most influential eras on the city’s appearance through to present day.
For ease of getting around the city can be divided up into different quarters or sections, the Medieval Quarter is the oldest part of the city dating back to Viking times and remnants of this period are still visible in places. The Antique Quarter is found along the Francis Street area and is home to a plethora of antique, art and collectible stores offering all sorts of delights, you could easily pass several hours just browsing. The Georgian Quarter is where some of the finest Georgian buildings in the world are located, it starts at St Stephens Green and Trinity College and runs down to the canal. The Tech area or Silicon Docks as it is also known is located in the Grand Canal Dock area, this is where a number of muti-national tech companies have their headquarters alongside lesser known Irish tech companies. The Cultural area is where the world renowned Temple Bar is found, this area is brimming with bars, restaurants, music venues, hip boutiques, vintage stores, regular markets, street theatre and buskers, it is certainly a lively and entertaining place to visit. Dame District runs behind Dame Street and links several of the quarters but has its own individual feel and ambience. By day it is a shopping mecca for those seeking out its eclectic boutiques and cafe culture. By night it has a distinctly different feel, the atmosphere is energetic and lively with the throes of clubbers and bar-goers.
Familiarise yourself with the city on a free self guided walking tour, hire a bicycle or take a tour on an open top bus, they are all ideal for getting around and getting to know the city.
Dublin is home to many historic buildings, including, Dublin Castle dating to the 13th century, St Patrick’s Cathedral established in 1891. World class attractions such as the iconic Guinness Storehouse, a visit will introduce visitors to the process of producing the famous black stuff, followed by a sample at the end in the Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy 360 degree views of the city. How about a visit to the Leprechaun Museum, a fun and engaging experience. The choice of attractions is vast and plentiful, you will certainly have no trouble finding something to entertain you.
If you want to explore the rich heritage and culture associated with Dublin then head to one of its many museums, the National Museum of Ireland explores Irish culture and heritage, the National Gallery is home to a wonderful collection of more than 2,500 paintings and 10,000 pieces of different media, like watercolours, drawings, prints and sculptures. The Book of Kells is a must stop, located in the world famous Trinity College, this beautifully illuminated manuscript dates back to around 800AD. The Chester Beatty Library is another fantastic attraction home to an amazing collection of different religious book from all the major religions and much more. You could easily pass all your time just visiting the museums found here.
The city is home to a number of large parks and large green open spaces, the landscaped St Stephen’s Green is in the heart of the city and provides a tranquil scape. The Phoenix Park is an incredible 707 hectares acres, and is one of the largest walled city parks in Europe, it is home to Dublin Zoo and an Aras an Uachtarain the official residence of the President of Ireland, come and enjoy the walks here, spot the wild deer that roam freely amongst the forests, or take a bike and explore.
When it comes to food you are spoilt for choice, you will find food from all four corners of the globe, in both restaurants and on market stalls. You can enjoy everything from delicious pub grub to michelin star cuisine, there is something for everyone here.
Dublin although not large has a lot packed into it to see and do, it is a friendly and approachable city, you will find the people to be amiable and witty, it is a city that likes to socialise and you will be drawn in and find yourself going with the flow, having the banter in a pub, with the obligatory glass of Guinness listening to a traditional session, what is there not to like about Dublin.