Dublin, a city of culture and commerce, has managed to produce some of the world's most influential literary greats, such as Beckett and Joyce, and still today charms us with its unique brand of wit and humour. Steeped in history, the city has an abundance of sites and attractions to feed every eye, as well as a nightlife to rival any other major city.
Where to start
The river Liffey divides Dublin into north and south sides. South of the river you'll find Trinity College, founded in 1952 for the Protestant Anglo-Irish. Today its exclusivity is solely based on academic excellence, its college green houses an impressive array of 18th century buildings, and its most important possession is the 9th century Book of Kells. Although a popular tourist attraction you won't need to queue for too long. If you decide to see the city on one of the open top buses, they drop off at Trinity College. The sightseeing tours are a great way to get a sense of the city and you have flexibility to jump on and off at your convenience. Everything in the city is easily accessible, so if this is your second visit you should definitely travel on foot.
There's more...
If going on a shopping spree is foremost on your mind, Grafton Street (just by Trinity College) is a shopper's paradise, with outlets such as Brown Thomas to browse. At the top of the street you'll come to St Stephen's Green - dating back to the medieval period it was once an open common. Closed off in 1663 it is now a 22-acre park with lakes and impressive gardens. It is also surrounded by beautiful Georgian buildings - a common feature of Dublin. Facing St Stephen's Green you'll see a bust of James Joyce. On the westside of the green you'll come to The Royal College of Surgeons, which is not only a superb example of Georgian architecture, but the refuge of independence fighters during the Easter Rising of 1916. Much like the famous General Post Office (North Dublin) the evidence of war lies in the stonework, where bullet holes are still visible. If you jump on one of the sightseeing buses it'll go through Phoenix Park - another spectacular space where you'll see an imposing Georgian mansion home to the president of the Republic.
To find out a little more about Dublin's medieval history, visit Dublinia in Synod Hall, where you'll find an informative and interactive experience of life during this period - in five languages! Christ Church Cathedral is opposite – Christ Church's foundations date back to 1170 - reconstructed on the site of King Sitric's 11th century wooden church. It is a lot smaller than you might expect, and unfortunately after further renovations from 1871 to 1878 most of the interior was demolished, though the exteriors gothic stonework remains intact. Dublin Castle is close by, and as it was the British military base for over seven centuries it is an important historical monument. Dublin Castle supposedly sits on the site of the Black Pool, which means Dublin or Dubh Linngave - giving Dublin its name.
Guinness
Dublin and Dubliners are famed for drinking and one of the must see sights is the Guinness storehouse which is surprisingly interesting. Laid out over four floors you'll see how this world famous brew is made, all the way through to an exhibit on today's advertising campaigns. Once you reach the top of the attraction you'll come to the highlight – the Guinness bar, where not only will you find great views across the city, but more significantly you get a free Guinness. Even if you're not a big drinker of stout it has that homemade quality that you'd be hardpushed to find elsewhere.
Irish humour
Irish humour has many forms and one is the nickname the Irish give famous statues scattered around the city. For example near St Stephen's Green you'll find a statue of Molly Malone with a cart (famed for pushing her wheel barrow to Grafton Street, selling 'Cockles and Mussels', and taking on a very different profession at night)– she is also known as the 'tart with the cart'. There is a new piece of modern art situated outside The General Post Office - as it's tall and reaches a point at the top it is amusingly referred to as the 'stiffy on the Liffey'!
Nightlife
The central point for visitors and locals to Dublin is the Temple Bar area. There is a huge selection of venues, and most of them will be brimming to burst. If you want to veer away from the crowds though, for something a little more authentic try Long Hall or Grogan's Castle Lounge. If you're looking for something a little bit more swanky than your genuine wooden clad Irish pub try Samsara on Dawson Street. And for the real partygoers you'll find some good late night bars and dance clubs on Leeson Street.
Further afield
If you fancy a break from the city County Wicklow is to the south and only a short 25 minute drive away. With a lovely coastline and the stunning Wicklow mountains it's no surprise that it's known as the 'Garden of Ireland'. The main coastal town is Bray, with tranquil views and a few bars. Up in the mountains you'll find Glendalough, where there's a monastic settlement and various walking trails. If the weather's on your side this is definitely a day out to remember.
Remember you'll need euros!
Stena Line Holidays
Take a break to Dublin and stay in the 3* Temple Bar hotel for two nights for only £147 per person with Stena Line holidays.
This price includes breakfast and return ferry crossings from Holyhead to Dublin or Fishguard to Rosslare.
For a full range of trips to Ireland call 08705 787 787 or visit Stena Line holidays. From luxurious weekends away, to exciting activity holidays Stena Line have something to suit every palate.
