What do Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, and WB Yeats have in common? Aside from the obvious, this library of literary talent and nobility came from the same place. Dublin.
Dublin is the largest city and the capital of the Republic of Ireland. In the past, the Emerald Isle was a major attraction for visitors to the United States, exploring their Irish heritage and family ancestry. The Macs, the Flynns, the Murphys are still more than welcome, but there is a new crowd in town.
Thanks to the economic boom of the last decade, Dublin has become one of the best destinations for shopping, sightseeing and walking. No longer the land of potatoes and beer, its designer names, world-class bands, and iconic style have made it the place to be seen.
Today, young visitors come from all over Europe eager to explore this great city, its arts and its vibrant culture. Dublin also has one of the youngest populations of any of the major cities in Europe, a fact that is reflected in their energy and enthusiasm. Fashion boutiques, ethnic cuisines, and bustling street markets have all contributed to its new fashionable status.
Places to stay
Dublin stretches over the valley of the River Liffey, with the Wicklow Hills protecting it to the south. The city is an architectural delight with a rich heritage of 18th century buildings. Beautiful Georgian mansions and townhouses, many of them with historical association, lend an elegant air to the boulevards and spacious squares of the city.
When it comes to accommodation, you will find many options in Dublin. There are international luxury hotels, mid-size motels, and many smaller establishments, priced to suit your travel budget.
Where is the fun?
You’ll hear the word “craic” a lot. (No, it is completely legal). Craic is the Gaelic word for fun and enjoyment, especially when there’s a song, a pint of Guinness, and a pub in between. Live music is also a big feature of Dublin’s nightlife, from street music to conventional concerts and traditional live music in “the singing pubs”. With over 900 pubs scattered around the city, you will never be thirsty or far from great ‘fun’. (It is said that “God created alcohol to prevent the Irish from taking over the Earth”!)
Temple bar
Temple Bar is in the heart of the city. The center of shopping, dining and entertainment. At night, it is packed with crowds enjoying some of Dublin’s most popular sights and sounds, punctuated by the narrow, cobbled streets that stretch between the Bank of Ireland and Christ Church Cathedral. It’s first on the list for a great night out that can easily last into the next day, finishing with latte and a full Irish breakfast.
The only artistic center for children in Europe. The ark.
If you are traveling with children, Temple Bar is also home to The Ark, the unique cultural center. It made headlines as Europe’s first custom-designed arts center for children aged 3-14 and has been a magnet for visitors since it opened in September 1995. Every year, some 20,000 children and 5,000 adults take time out. to participate in the programs. Exciting, engaging and captivating – The Ark is the place to excite young minds with a meaningful Irish art experience.
Walk through the past
Dublin’s troubled past can be enjoyed on foot. There are castles and museums, great houses and stately buildings. While there are many commercial-type walking tours, why not plan one for yourself? Retrace the footsteps of the flamboyant Oscar Wilde or James Joyce, visit their homes, their meeting places and, of course, where they enjoyed a drink.
On a historical note, why not explore the streets and landmarks where the 1916 rebellion took place? The Easter Uprising was an attempt by militant Irish Republicans to gain independence from Great Britain by force of arms. He helped create the founding of the Irish state in the early 20th century. In many ways, Dublin’s past is very accessible, even if you are on a short visit.
The Book of Kells at Trinity College
Ireland’s most famous university, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Alumni include playwrights Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett. Trinity’s lush gardens and cobblestone quads provide a haven of peace in the heart of this dynamic city. Take time for a visit, especially to see the spectacular Book of Kells, which is housed in the Old Library. The Book of Kells is a profusely illustrated manuscript, produced by Celtic monks around 800 AD. It is one of the most profusely illuminated manuscripts to survive since the Middle Ages and is considered the zenith of Western calligraphy and illumination.
Health. The Guinness® Warehouse
A trip to Dublin is not complete without a visit to the Guinness® Storehouse. Here you can discover every last drop of information about the most famous stout in the world. The Storehouse was originally built in 1904 to house the fermentation process. In November 2000, a spectacular new addition opened its doors.
The core of the new Storehouse building is inspired by a huge pint glass, which stretches from the ground floor reception to The Gravity Bar in the sky. If filled, this huge space would hold roughly 14.3 million pints of yes, you guessed it, Guinness.
Souvenirs? Lets go shopping
Dublin can offer wonderful retail therapy and window shopping. On the south side of the city, Grafton Street, between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green, is the smartest shopping area with fashion stores and designer boutiques with local and international names. On the north side, Henry Street has more department stores and popular stores. On Moore Street, you will find the well-known open-air food market, a place that is always worth visiting for bargains.
Generally, stores are open from 9:00 a.m. M. And 6:00 p. M. From Monday to Saturday. Night time shopping in the city is on Thursdays until 8 pm, while suburban malls are generally open late on Fridays. More of the larger chain stores are now open on Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00.
Ireland has a well-deserved reputation as a warm and welcoming country, a place that is as generous with hospitality as it is with its national drink. I will leave the last word to the Irish and this saying. “May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.” A visit to the new Dublin is something you will want to do, more than once. To be sure.