One of the many beauties of Dublin - that help to make it one of the top five European capital cities - is that, although it packs in over two million people, it never feels too large or overwhelming. Indeed, it is a delight to explore on foot: its small centre perfectly marries culture and history with the craic and hedonism. Spend a convivial afternoon in a pub over a pint of the black stuff, a night at a play, a day exploring Trinity College, another day enjoying the shops, admire the Georgian architecture or dash inside any of the world-class museums should rain stop play. Because, in Dublin, nothing ever stops the play!
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Dublin
Baile Átha Cliath (the ‘Town of the Hurdled Ford’) - as Dubin is known inGaelic -straddles the river Liffey. On the north side of the river is the main thoroughfare of O'Connell Street, which is intersected by numerous shopping streets, including Henry Street and Talbot Street. On the south side you will find St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, Trinity College, Christ Church cathedral and other historic attractions.
Medieval Quarter - This is where it all began. The Vikings first settled here in the 9th century, and the rest, as they say, is history. There certainly is plenty of history on offer here in the oldest part of the city: Dublin Castle, the old city walls, Christ Church and St. Patrick's cathedrals are all within an easy stroll.
Georgian Quarter - This is where it all gets rather pretty. Dublin’s famous Georgian architecture can best be appreciated on a walk past Trinity College and up to the canal. Stop off to look at the Book of Kells on your way to Merrion and Fitzwilliam Square.
Docklands - This is where the future lies. The ‘Silicon Docks’ is where Dublin’s tech hub houses Google, Facebook, Accenture and Twitter. To keep them all going there are some great coffee shops and restaurants to be found amidst the regenerated docks.
Cultural Quarter - This is where it all happens. The revitalised Temple Bar area is at the heart of Dublin's social, cultural and nightlife. Get to know it well with a Temple Bar Walking Tour.
Things to See in Dublin
There are plenty of historic sights and romantic quarters that have retained their period charm to enjoy in Dublin. One of the best ways to see them all is to take a city tour. Dublin Castle will compete for your attention with the gorgeous Georgian elegance of Fitzwilliam Square or the stunning vibrancy of the Book of Kells (which is housed in the august surrounds of Trinity College). See it all with a Dublin Bus Tours Freedom Ticket..
Things to Do in Dublin
Not a lot can beat the convivial warmth of a Dublin pub but don’t feel you have to restrict yourself to pub grub: there are plenty of rather fine restaurants to sample whilst you are here. Shopping around Grafton Street is a delight but don’t sleep on the malls and outlets around O'Connell Street and Henry Street either. Options for a night out may include a literary pub crawl that traces the (increasingly wobbly) footsteps of Wilde, Shaw, Beckett and Behan, a night at the Abbey Theatre or a night on the dancefloor in Temple Bar. The museum at Kilmainham Gaol can fill you in on the back story to Ireland’s struggle for independence or you can explore another important part of its identity at the Guiness Storehouse.. Whatever you are looking for Dublin can usually oblige.
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