Dublin is the thriving capital city of the Republic of Ireland. It is noteworthy in terms of its vibrancy, its nightlife and its tourist attractions, and it is the most popular entry point for international visitors to Ireland. As a city it is disproportionately large for the size of the country; well over a quarter of the Republic's population lives in its metro area. The center is, however, relatively small and can be navigated by foot, with most of the population living in sprawling suburbs.
Tourists are fond of the National Museum, the National Library and the National Gallery, which are located very close to one another in Dublin 2 (Dublin postcodes range from Dublin 1 to Dublin 24; as a general rule the lower the postcode the closer you are to the city center). All three are worth a visit, not least because they are free of charge!
Dublin is split into two halves by the River Liffey. On the north side of the Liffey is O'Connell Street—the main thoroughfare that is intersected by numerous shopping streets, including Henry Street and Talbot Street. On the south side are St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street (also popular for shopping), Trinity College, Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals, as well as many other tourist attractions.
Visit the Guinness Storehouse to view an interesting, self-guided exhibition of Dublin's most famous drink. The Gravity Bar at the top of the Storehouse offers fantastic views of the city and a free pint of Guinness with your entry fee.