Dec
31
Dublin Travel Guide
Filed Under Ireland
A trip to Dublin
The city of Dublin is one of Ireland’s top holiday destinations. Visitors travel from around the globe to view striking cliffs and beaches, old-world harbours and rugged mountain ranges. The city is rich in history and is overflowing with museums and historic points of interest including beautiful old castles and quaint country homes.
Another top draw to Dublin is the fantastic sports scene and the large number of outdoor activities including hiking and trekking, sailing, mountain climbing, cycling, golfing, horseback riding and of course, football.
Flights to Dublin
Dublin’s international airport is a world-class facility that sees millions of passengers each year and provides services to America, Europe and other cities around the world.
Taxis are can be hailed virtually everywhere and can be found outside the airport terminal. The city also has an extensive bus network that runs directly to the city centre. Car hire is available at the airport and in some spots in the city. Dublin has an impressive highway network so driving is an easy and pleasurable experience. Dun Laoghaire port located on the southern side of Dublin Bay and offers frequent trips to Wales several times a day.
Sightseeing in Dublin
Dublin has a wide selection of attractions to choose from. Dublin Castle gives a fascinating glimpse at the city’s rich history while the Irish Parliament is filled with interesting historical items and facts.
Culture and history buffs will appreciate the quality museums that are on offer in Dublin. The Rock and Stroll museum details the rich legacy of Irelands incredible music and history. The Joyce Museum, the National Museum and the Dublin Writers’ Museum are all worth a visit. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Gaelic Football museum at Croke Park.
Across the river, the grand colonial post office on O’Connell street saw Irish nationalism re-ignited in 1916 - an uprising lead by Daniel O’Connell which resulted in Ireland’s eventual independence from Britain.
To witness typically jovial Irish character, visit the many lively pubs and restaurants of the Temple Bar district, an entertainment hub of cobbled lanes near the river.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Dublin is a vibrant city and has a large population of university students and young people. It is therefore no surprise to find that the club scene in the city is immensely popular. Trendy dance clubs are filled with both locals and tourists each and every night. The Temple Bar area is one of the top nightspots in the city and has a large concentration of clubs, restaurants and pubs for all to enjoy.
A visit to Dublin would not be complete without doing a pub crawl, although grabbing a pint at a local pub is a great way to wind down after an eventful day.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Shopping in Dublin is a real treat. There are two major shopping areas: Grafton Street and the Stephen’s Green area. On Grafton Street, shoppers will find a slew of top designer shops and fashionable boutiques. The area is also home to a number of exclusive jewelery stores as well as fine restaurants and cafés. The Stephen Green area has a wide selection of shops and chain-stores.
Daytrips
There are a number of excellent daytrips that can be easily made from Dublin. For some adventure, try out the artificial slopes in Kilternan and have a go at skiing or snowboarding. No experience is necessary as lessons are provided and all equipment can be hired on site. The slopes can be reached from the city centre by bus.
Head to Kylemore for an action packed day’s karting. It is not necessary to book ahead unless you want to take part in an organised grand prix event. All driving gear is provided as well as race commentaries and a computerised scoring system.
Just south of the city is the coastal resort of Bray, which features a charming promenade alongside the beach. Visitors can climb up Bray Head for lovely views of the surrounding area. The other nearby summit is called Howth Head, which boasts magnificent views of Dublin with the Dublin Mountains behind.
Must-see attractions
Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland and houses the famed Book of Kells, dating back to the 8th century, which visitors can view through a display case. The complex, built in the 16th century, features stunning buildings and is a must-see for lovers of architecture.
If you like Guinness then you need to spend a few hours at the Guinness Storehouse, where visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the historic brewery. Witness the brewing process and sample the final product in the Gravity Bar, which boasts panoramic views of the city.
Children will love the Dublin Zoo, which numbers animals from all over the world including lions, tigers, monkeys, gorillas and giraffes among its vast collection. Children can feed the animals at Pet’s Corner and taking the African safari train ride is highly recommended.
Best time to go
Dublin is a place that can be enjoyed at any time of year as it boasts numerous indoor attractions and enjoys a decent number of sunny days. Ireland is renowned for being a wet place and winter temperatures rarely drop below 1°C, while the hottest months are July and August. The Dublin Fringe Festival, held each September, is regarded as being one of the best in Europe and it is well worth organising your trip to coincide with this event if you don’t mind crowds.
Rainy day suggestions
As Ireland is such a wet place, most of the attractions tend to be indoors. The National Museum of Decorative Arts and History tells the story of Ireland’s political, social and economic history and, with admission being free, it is well worth a visit. The Dublin Writers’ Museum is another fascinating attraction, being dedicated to the works of Irish writers such as Yeats, Wilde and Becket among others. Other interesting museums include the National Wax Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.
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