About Dublin
Dublin boasts a cracking zoo, the 11th-century Christ Church Cathedral, and a plethora of literary pubs befitting its status as one of just five UNESCO Cities of Literature on the planet. You can raise a pint to writers like James Joyce and Bram Stoker, or explore the life and works of poet WB Yeats at the National Library.
City footwork:
Dublin’s a great city to explore on foot. From the gracious city parks of Merrion Square and Iveagh Gardens, to the grand Georgian architecture and alfresco café culture of South William and Drury Streets, there’s a lot to divert your attention. And don’t forget Temple Bar – a cobblestoned cultural enclave of galleries, restaurants, hopping pubs and the lively Meeting House Square.
City of Villages & Capital coastlines:
Poets, artists, dreamers, fashionistas, foodies, storytellers and the true-blues have all carved out little havens, villages of like-mindedness within the patchwork of the city. Hop on the Luas, Dublin’s Tram Line and visit Smithfield, Stonybatter, Ranelagh, and Rathmines to name but a few. A ride on the suburban Dart train whisks you north to cliff walks around Howth, or south to the coastal villages of Blackrock, Monkstown, Dun Laoghaire, Glasthule, Dalkey and Killiney. It’s in these seaside gems that you’ll find some of the city’s best seafood, waterfront festivals and sandy beaches.
Activities
Book of Kells
Glimpse at the detail in the renowned Book of Kells in Trinity College. This lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Gospels dates from the 9th century, and is simply a marvel of Early Christian art carried out by the monks’ steady hands. The 65-metre Long Room in the Old Library is an incredible sight, and is filled with old books, marble busts and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. This is also the room that inspired the imagery of the Jedi Archive in Star Wars Episode II.
Guinness Storehouse
Year in, year out, The Guinness Storehouse is Dublin’s most visited attraction, and with many good reasons. You can learn about the history of 'the black stuff’ and discover how it’s made, pull your own pint, enjoy The Gravity Bar’s stunning panoramic views and more.
McDaids
The building that houses McDaids can be traced back to the late 18th century and is reputed to have housed the City Morgue and later converted into a chapel for the Moravian Brethren, hence the high ceilings and the Gothic style windows. McDaids has been identified by Joycean scholars as the setting for the opening of his story, Grace. Brendan Behan was a regular in the pub and he would regularly entertain the crowd with his vast repertoire.
