Dublin - The Republic of Ireland’s lively capital

“Full of fun, this good-humoured city is one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations”

Buzzing with life and laughter, the Republic of Ireland’s capital welcomes its visitors with open arms and boasts a rich blend of cultural attractions, historical sights and plenty of fun. Experience Dublin’s jovial spirit and convivial character in one of the many pubs and cafes that line the city’s elegant Georgian streets or indulge in some of Europe’s finest shopping and sightseeing. The home of U2, Keats and Samuel Beckett, this creative, inspirational city is sure to stir your soul.

Beaches

With its Blue Flag beach, Portrane is a popular seaside town offering some glorious scenic walks sweeping around Rogerstown Estuary. A north Dublin coastal town, Skerries nestles seductively around a picturesque fishing harbour. Its long sandy beach shelves gently into the sea and is particularly suitable for children. Lifeguards operate during the summer months. Famous for its 3 championship golf courses overlooking the Irish Sea, Portmarnock’s 5km stretch of sand is known as the ‘velvet strand’ due to its soft, powdery texture.

Shopping

Grafton Street is Dublin’s main shopping area. Running through the centre of the city, you’ll discover tiny, glittering boutiques nestling alongside large, sprawling malls. Don’t miss Brown Jones, Grafton Street’s flagship department store where designer clothes, make-up and accessories decorate the shelves. Jewellery is a particularly popular Irish purchase, especially the Claddagh ring, a traditional celtic wedding ring.

Eating out

Comfortable cafés all over the city will supply you with a hearty breakfast of juicy bacon, sizzling sausages, scrambled eggs, and grilled tomatoes, served with toast and accompanied by a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice. For lunch, tuck into a traditional Irish stew, with either pork beef or lamb, try corned beef with cabbage, an old Irish favourite, or enjoy a mouthwatering seafood dish with oysters and mussels. Potatoes form the basis of many Irish dishes, served up boiled, baked, roasted or fried. Meanwhile, coddle is the true Dubliner’s Saturday night supper, a tasty casserole with layers of potato, sausage, bacon and onion famed for its hangover prevention properties. Wash it down with an Irish coffee with a splash of whisky, or an eagerly awaited pint of Guinness safe in the knowledge you won’t suffer in the morning! If Irish cuisine doesn’t take your fancy, not to worry – the city has plenty of international options including Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Italian.

Nightlife

Characterful pubs, chic bars and buzzing nightclubs comprise Dublin’s lively party scene. The mainstay of a Dubliner’s social life is unquestionably the pub with more than 1,000 spread across the city. Every kind of music imaginable pulsates through the city streets, ranging from jazz, blues and folk, to rock, techno and pop. Comedy clubs, theatres and concert halls complete the colourful picture to provide you with a wealth of options come nightfall. For five days, between 13th and 17th March, the streets of Dublin are taken over by colourful parades and Ireland's largest outdoor dance event. Head to the Quays for a spectacular fireworks display.

Sightseeing

Trinity College
Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university. Founded by Queen Elizabeth in 1592, its cobbled courtyards, serene architecture and green parks lie resplendently in the heart of the city. Attended by renowned playwrights Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett, its hallowed halls are one of Europe’s most respected seats of learning. The Old Library houses the famous Book of Kells, a 9th-century manuscript of the Gospels replete with rich illustrations.

Temple Bar
The narrow cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district have evolved into Dublin’s cultural and nightlife quarter where art galleries and fashion markets rub shoulders with traditional Irish bars and contemporary clubs. During the day, Temple Bar Food Market is an open-air, food-lover’s heaven offering everything from family-run farm produce to international flavours. After dark, be sure to enjoy a cold pint of Guinness whilst soaking up the lively Irish music and friendly atmosphere in one of the rustic pubs.

Dublin Castle
Situated in the hub of historical Dublin, the impressive castle stands proudly on a high ridge protected by the powerful River Liffy. Representing some of Dublin’s oldest architecture, it was built between 1208 and 1220 and was the centre of English power until 1922 when it was taken over by the Irish Free State. The beautiful 13th-century record tower and the last visible piece of the original Norman tower are definite highlights.

Guinness Storehouse
Learn more about Ireland’s national drink in the fascinating Guinness Storehouse. Join the ‘Mystery of Brewing’ tour as it leads you through the huge vats of fermenting malt and hops or wander around the delightful exhibition of Guinness advertising. The top floor Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy a complimentary pint, boasts incredible 360⁰ views across Dublin.

Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is one of the largest city parks in Europe. A sprawling swathe of verdant greenery punctuated by a wonderful zoo, the president of Ireland’s home, a dramatic castle that plays host to the Visitor Centre and a herd of graceful deer - it’s easy to spend an entire day here exploring its treasures.

Kilmainham Gaol
Now completely unoccupied, this vast gaol once imprisoned some of Ireland’s greatest historical figures. Today, guided tours lead you through its tiny cells and narrow corridors, offering a fantastic insight into prison-life. The comprehensive exhibition details the gaol’s political history.

National Stud Farm in County Kildare
Home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds, this stunning 1000-acre farm has been rearing winners since 1900. Visit the interesting horse museum where you can see the skeleton of the legendary steeplechaser, Arkle, or stroll around the beautiful Japanese Gardens.

Powerscourt Waterfall in County Wicklow
Set within the stunning Powerscourt Estate where scenes from Lawrence Olivier’s ‘Henry V’ were filmed, this waterfall is the highest in the Republic of Ireland. Stand back and feel the refreshing spray on your face as torrents of crystal clear water cascade over the glossy rocks before plunging into the bubbling surf below. The craggy mountains, dewy moors and sweeping lakes of County Wicklow are often referred to as the ‘garden of Ireland’.

Malahide Castle
Boasting a magnificent view of sweeping Malahide Bay and surrounded by stately oak, sycamore and chestnut trees dating from Tudor times, Malahide castle is one of the purest specimens of Norman architecture. Wander around the elegant drawing rooms and the opulent Great Hall.

Useful links

www.visitdublin.com
www.dublincity.ie
www.dublintourist.com

Annual Events

		January
		1st January - Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Day Parade International marching bands gather in the centre of Dublin for the Lord Mayor's New Year's Day Parade.
		March
		13-17th March - St Patrick’s Day Festival For five days the streets of Dublin are taken over by colourful parades and Ireland's largest outdoor dance event. Head to the Quays for a spectacular fireworks display.
		April
		12th April - Irish Grand National Said to have originated in Ireland, steeple chasing is one of the country’s favourite sports. The Irish Grand National at the Fairyhouse racecourse is one of the biggest races on the National Hunt Racing calendar. Previous winners have included legends such as Arkle and Desert Orchid. www.fairyhouseracecourse.ie
		June
		12–19th June - Bloomsday Festival 100 Writers and fans from all over the world congregate in Dublin to celebrate the life and work of the city’s favourite author, James Joyce. Readings, performances and conferences span six days but the main events are on 16th June, the day that Ulysses was set.
		June - September
		12th June - 4th September - Diversions Temple Bar A summer-long festival of culture and art, Diversions promises an international line-up of innovative artists in the worlds of film, dance, art and theatre.
		September
		12th September - All Ireland Gaelic Football Final Head to the wonderful old stadium of Croke Park to watch Ireland's best regional Gaelic football teams go head to head.
		November
		26-28th November - Dublin Antiques and Fine Art Fair The Antiques and Fine Art Fair draws dealers and shoppers from all over Ireland.