A Guide To Dublin

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Whether you want one long pub-crawl meeting intoxicated locals and leaving your troubles behind, an architectural and literary tour or simply a cosmopolitan capital that was European City of Culture in 1991, Dublin will always deliver with character and charisma.

Kick off your Irish jig in Dublin''s compact and attractive city centre south of the River Liffey. Here is where you will find 18th century Dublin Castle, the National Museum of Ireland, interactive exhibits at the Dublinia and The Viking World centre and Ireland''s largest cathedral, St Patrick''s Cathedral.

You can also meander you way into the tranquil enclave of Trinity College after a jolly jaunt around Temple Bar. Try and avoid drinking and dining in Temple Bar while perusing its cobbled streets however, as much more appealing bars and cafes adorn the northern side of the Liffey.

Next hop across the Liffey and indulge in some literary genius at Dublin Writers Museum with works from Joyce, Beckett and Wilde. Nearby you''ll find Phoenix Park with zoo and welcoming open expanses of green space.

Once you are relaxed and rejuvenated a visit ...
... to the Guinness Storehouse and Jamison Distillery is definitely on the cards. Both places offer an insight into these iconic drinks that are quintessentially Irish. For instance, did you know that 1.8 billion glasses of Guinness are drunk every single day throughout the world?

Once you''ve started, you don''t need to stop as you can choose your next drinking whole from one of Dublin''s 600 bars and pubs. Remember to stray off the main tourist streets for the best bars and pubs.

Although Dublin has attractions and landmarks a-plenty, the only way to get a real taste of Dublin craic and culture is to roam its streets aimlessly for a day. You''ll notice that even the shopping centres are attractive in Dublin. The best example of which is the Powerscourt Centre. Located just off Grafton Street the main shopping thoroughfare, this exquisite shopping centre is housed in a beautifully restored 18th century town house. Even Grafton Street itself has now been named an Architectural Conservation Zone.

Dublin has no shortage of hotels and every budget is catered to from youth hostels to five star luxury. However, look out for small boutique hotels located in the northern suburbs for something special, or try the modern, chic international hotels along the banks of the Liffey.

A worthwhile excursion out of the city is to the small island off the coast called Ireland''s Eye. You can catch the DART train to very beautiful Howth peninsular, which in itself is worth a visit, and here you can hop on a boat to check out the monolithic ruins on Ireland''s Eye.

Bonny Kominek is a freelance writer who was inspired to write this article by Octopustravel.com where you can book many different hotels including Dublin hotels.