Dublin, Ireland with its Georgian elegance, its medieval bustle and its 20th century buzz offers something for all visitors. Sophisticated shopping streets and malls offer the best in international fashion and quality craft goods. The city is a melting pot for the country's traditional and modern culture. It is reflected in the city's lively theatres, concert venues, cabarets, nightclubs and musical pubs. You can be assured of a memorable stay in one of Europe's most popular city destinations. Here are some tips on where to visit.
Trinity College Dublin
The University of Dublin, Trinity College, founded in 1592, is the oldest university in Ireland. It is one of Irelands leading historical sites, attracting in excess of half a million visitors every year. Heritage attractions available to visitors include
The Book of Kells is the centrepiece of an exhibition which attracts over 500,000 visitors to Trinity College Dublin each year. It contains a richly decorated copy of the four gospels in a latin text based on the Vulgate edition.
The Dublin Experience is a major multi-media show which relates the history of Irelands' Capital city through the most modern mediums available. A dramatic script, stunning photography and evocative music combine to give visitors and Dubliners alike an unsurpassed introduction to the city.
Guinness Storehouse Dublin
Inside Guinness Storehouse you'll take an incredible journey throughout 250 years of brewing history, discover the pride & passion which goes into making this world -famous beer & uncover a few unexpected surprises
The Guinness Storehouse is open Monday -Sunday 9.30am to 5.00pm - last admission is 5pm
Grafton Street Dublin
Grafton Street, located between Trinity College and St Stephen's Green is the more smart shopping area with fashionable stores such as Brown Thomas, the department store catering for many designer showcases, both foreign and local. Dublin's leading and most exclusive jewellers, Weirs, is also here, as well as the most popular of the famous Bewley's Cafés.
Other principal shopping streets in the area include Wicklow Street, Dawson Street, and South Great Georges Street. The nearby Powerscourt Towncentre is one of the nicer, albeit small, shopping centres in the city. Also close by is The Georges Street Arcade, an indoor market well worth a visit.
Temple Bar Dublin
The area is the location of many Irish cultural institutions, including the Irish Photography Centre (incorporating the Dublin Institute of Photography, the National Photographic Archives and the Gallery of Photography), the Ark Children's Cultural Centre Ark Children's Cultural Centre, the Irish Film Institute, incorporating the Irish film archive, the Temple Bar Music Centre, the Arthouse Multimedia Centre, Temple Bar Gallery and Studio, the Project Arts Centre, the Gaiety School of Acting and the Central Bank of Ireland.
After dark, the area is a major centre for nightlife, with many tourist-focused nightclubs, restaurants and bars. Pubs in the area include the Porterhouse, the Turk's Head, the Temple Bar, Isolde's Tower, the Quays Bar, the Foggy Dew, Eamon Doran's and the Palace.