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 is 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.
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 back to the 9th century, and it 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 it 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 it is reputed because many literary greats have frequented here over the years: Brendan Behan, Paddy Kavanagh, Brian O’Nolan, Austin Clarke, Anthony Cronin, J.P. Donleavy and Liam O’Flaherty are just a handful of the famous writers that have graced the floors, quenched their thirsts and sought their inspiration in McDaids over the years and some of their portraits adorn the walls and look down now.
Tips
Good to know
Public Transport
Dublin has an extensive bus network but only a few rail and tram lines.
Most of buses are operated by Dublin Bus with some smaller companies operating other routes, most usefully an express service to Dublin Airport operated by Aircoach. If you plan to use buses more than a few times in Dublin, it's well worth getting some type of prepaid ticket or pass, many of which are also valid on rail and/or tram services, such as the Leap Card.
While the rail service is not extensive, a nice way to see Dublin Bay is to take a trip on the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) suburban train and to travel from the city centre as far as Bray. It's not particularly expensive and you get to see some spectacular views of Dublin Bay.
LUAS trams began service in 2004. The Red Line connects the two main railway stations of Heuston and Connolly whici is also the route of the most popular points of interest for tourists.
Electricity
230 V/50 Hz.
G Type power sockets.
