Ireland Travel Guide
Dublin
Originally a Celtic settlement on the banks of the River Liffey, Dublin has grown to become one of the world's most notable capital cities. An extraordinary achievement for a city of this size.
The city itself is a wild mix of styles, from the stately 18th Century Georgian squares to less aesthetically pleasing office blocks and apartments. The bad bits are either ignored or simply overwhelmed by the lust for life of the native inhabitants. The material trappings of a city are less important than its spiritual side. Dublin is a city that is defined by its people, their music, song and poetry, their love of a drink and a chat and their relish for the business of living life to the full.
However, that is not the whole story. Dublin is at the heart of the 'Celtic Tiger' economy and many new developments, for example the redevelopment of the Temple Bar area, support the idea of Dublin as a new business metropolis.
What To Do and Where To Go When Not in the Pub...
The Writers Museum
Joyce, Shaw, Wilde, Swift, Beckett, Behan, Doyle amongst others form a dazzling list of writers to have come out of Dublin. All are celebrated here, in a Georgian Mansion, which traces Irish Literature from the mid 1600's to the present day.
Dublin is a dream for literary buffs, apart from the museum there are the Shaw birthplace, the James Joyce centre and Blooms Day celebrations amongst others.
Trinity College
Irelands pre-eminent University was founded by Elizabeth the First in 1592. There is much to enjoy here by way of buildings and statues but the most notable attraction is The Book of the Kells. Dating from around 800BC The Book of the Kells is a fabulously illuminated version of the New Testament. It is one of the oldest books of its kind in the world.
Phoenix Park
Huge is one word for it. Bigger by far than Hyde Park or Central Park, Phoenix Park is over 700 hectares of rolling green landscape. It is a place for Dubliners to go and take their ease. Walking the dog, seeing the deer, picnicking or just enjoying the space, Phoenix Park is the place to go. Within its confines can also be found the Presidents Residence, football, cricket and hurling pitches, St Mary's Hospital, Magazine Fort and Dublin Zoo (Europe's second oldest). There are also numerous statues and monuments reflecting Irelands turbulent past. Do not tarry after dark.
Kilmainham Gaol
A building that has stood witness to Irelands turbulent road to independence. Many from Irelands struggle against British rule were imprisoned here, from the uprising of 1799 to the Easter Rising of 1916. Notably, the last inmates of Kilmainham were held by their fellow citizens during the 1922 Civil War. A visit to the jail includes sight of the execution yard where 14 of the members of the 1916 rising were shot.
Abbey, Gate and Peacock Theatre
Reflecting the Irish love of the literary are these three theatres. The Abbey was founded by WB Yeats and friends and has become, in effect, the Irish National Theatre. Its cousin, the Peacock, found on the same site is devoted to more modern and experimental work. The Gate shows a wider repertoire of work including plays from Europe and America as well as from homegrown talent. All three mount world class productions.
Also worth a look...
Dublin Castle seat of power for both British and Irish rulers is one of the oldest buildings in the city. St Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedrals are also of considerable interest. St Patrick's is notable as the burial place of Jonathan Swift who had been Dean here from 1713 to 1745. Dvblinia is a presentation of Dublin life in medieval times. The National Museum is home to a wealth of archaeological finds and reflects Irish history of the past 4000 years.
Eating and Sleeping
As you might expect with any twenty first century European capital, there is a vast array of choices when it comes to dining. From pub grub to Haute Cuisine, it is all available. Beware of modern establishments where style is more important than content and the price can be high.
Where to stay is an issue due to the less than comprehensive nature of public transport whilst staying in the centre near the action can be costly. Accommodation of all sorts is available from hostels to top International Hotels.
And there's always the pub...
I defy anyone to visit Dublin and not be captivated by the warm and friendly atmosphere that the city's pubs exude.
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