Dublin the Fun

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.

Historical landmarks, world-class museums, incomparable pubs and abundant shopping are just a few of the draws in this capital city.

The Alexander Hotel is located within walking distance of the city center, adjacent to Trinity College, and approximately 10 miles from Dublin Airport. This location is also within walking distance of Temple Bar and Saint Stephen's Green and one mile from Guinness Hop Store and Dublin Castle. Hotel amenities include the exercise room, swimming pool, Caravaggios Restaurant, and Winners Bar. The hotel also offers valet laundry service, 24-hour room service, free parking for residents and babysitting. All rooms feature Broadband Internet access, dataports, voicemail, individual climate control, safes, cable TV, in-room movies, tea/coffee facilities, trouser pressers, iron and ironing board and hairdryers.

In Easter 1916, a small band of armed revolutionaries took over the General Post Office on O'Connell Street and declared Ireland a republic. This two- hour walking tour takes in the relevant sites of the violent rebellion to give participants an insight into this historic occasion which precipitated the formation of the Irish state. The tour ends with a pint and a chat in the cozy International Bar on Wicklow Street.

Refresh your mind and soul with a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland, with its superb collection of European masterpieces. British, Dutch, Flemish, French, Italian, German and Spanish schools are all well represented, while the Yeats Room is a fantastic tribute to the work of this most creative of Irish families. The National Gallery also features a recently opened multimedia facility boasting touchscreen information on every exhibit. The café and bookstore on the ground floor are pleasant places to visit after taking in the gallery's many attractions. Admission to he gallery is free.

Kilmainham Gaol is one of Ireland's most important buildings. It was designed in an attempt to improve the quality of the penal system, and in the belief that prisons should be hygienic and well-ventilated. It is also, however, a 'panopticon', emphasizing the importance of surveillance at all times, and as a result the Gaol earned itself a notorious reputation. Inmates included rebels from the Easter Rising in 1916; most notably Eamon de Valera, the last prisoner to be freed under the Free State, who went on to become President of Ireland. Now the place has been converted into a museum. Guided tours provide the only access to the prison. An exhibition in the main hall and a video also outline the history of this controversial building.

This building was constructed in the 1700s by the French Huguenot Hugo Bath, and is one of the oldest in Glasnevin village. A cosy and relaxed restaurant on the north side of the city, the Washerwoman's Café is the place to come for simple traditional Irish dishes. If you're in the area visiting the National Botanic Gardens or Glasnevin Cemetery, drop in for a bite to eat.

A short bus ride from the city centre, the splendid Botanic Gardens are always worth an afternoon's exploration. Entrance is free and guided tours are available most of the year. The gardens are divided into different areas of interest, featuring long herbaceous beds, a rose garden, alpine houses, a vegetable garden, an arboretum, a yew-walk along the river Tolka and a wonderful area exhibiting the various natural habitats of Ireland. The great glasshouses full of exotica were constructed in the mid 19th century and designed by Richard Turner, who was also responsible for the glasshouses at Kew Gardens. After all the fresh air, you'll probably need to visit the coffee shop to rest and recuperate.

Dublin's most famous park is steeped in history. It started life as common ground, not far from a lepers' hospital, and was eventually enclosed in 1664. The site of public hangings throughout the 18th century, it was not until Lord Ardilaun's patronage in 1880 that the park took on the landscaped form that we see now. Memorials are dotted around the flower beds, trees and willow-fringed duck pond. James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats are just some of the famous names commemorated, while the Three Fates smugly measure the thread of humanity's destiny from their fountain at Leeson Street Gate. Free concerts are held on summer days in the bandstand. Check the website fo the timings.

Dublin helps Ireland earn its nickname the Emerald Island with plenty of parks, gardens and golf greens to satisfy most outdoor enthusiasts.

A short bus ride from the city centre, the splendid Botanic Gardens are always worth an afternoon's exploration. Entrance is free and guided tours are available most of the year. The gardens are divided into different areas of interest, featuring long herbaceous beds, a rose garden, alpine houses, a vegetable garden, an arboretum, a yew-walk along the river Tolka and a wonderful area exhibiting the various natural habitats of Ireland. The great glasshouses full of exotica were constructed in the mid 19th century and designed by Richard Turner, who was also responsible for the glasshouses at Kew Gardens. After all the fresh air, you'll probably need to visit the coffee shop to rest and recuperate.

The K Club Golf Course is a superbly designed 18-hole championship golf course. It is located at County Kildare and makes for a perfect getaway. The club also offers services, such as golfing lessons, providing caddies, arranging group outings and other comprehensive facilities. You don't need to fret if you've forgotten your tees or shoes at home; this golf club takes care of all of the above and more.

Yamamori is a popular Japanese restaurant located a stone's throw from some of Dublin's trendier pubs such as the Globe and Hogan's. It's a bright, airy and well-decorated affair, with large windows looking out onto South Great Georges Street. The food is hardly adventurous given Japanese standards, but always reliable, and with sushi, teriyaki and a variety of Japanese beers on the menu, it's an ideal spot for an early dinner. Yammamori also has a lunch menu with a range of noodle dishes that are certainly good value for money.

Monty's of Katmandu is a relatively new eaterie that has quickly earned itself an excellent reputation with Dublin's more discerning restaurateurs. Located in the heart of Temple Bar, this intimate and very friendly establishment offers unusual Nepalese dishes, with Indian cuisine also well represented. The lunch special is particularly good value.

Refresh your mind and soul with a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland, with its superb collection of European masterpieces. British, Dutch, Flemish, French, Italian, German and Spanish schools are all well represented, while the Yeats Room is a fantastic tribute to the work of this most creative of Irish families. The National Gallery also features a recently opened multimedia facility boasting touchscreen information on every exhibit. The café and bookstore on the ground floor are pleasant places to visit after taking in the gallery's many attractions. Admission to he gallery is free.

In 1991, the restored site of the Royal Hospital was officially opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art. This splendid 17th century building is now the venue for some superb exhibitions, and conducts a number of educational and community-oriented projects. Free guided tours are available and these include visits to the chapel, banqueting hall and the beautifully restored baroque garden. Current exhibitions include work by Colin Middleton and Denis Oppenheim. Admission is free.

With over ten years experience under its belt, the Dublin Literary Public Crawl has become something of an institution, receiving countless favourable mentions in both the Irish and international press. This two-hour show is performed by professional actors, who perform the works of Dublin's great writers, while guiding the visitors around the city's famous literary pubs. It is the perfect opportunity to get drunk and learn something at the same time! Tickets can be booked at the Dublin Tourism Centre on Suffolk Street and the the Duke at Duke Street, which is also the starting point of the tour.

Those curious about Dublin's literary art will do well to spend some quality time among man's best friends-books! The writer's museum, housed in a Georgian mansion, is a treasure-hold of collections dating as far back as three hundred years. It's not just the works you will browse through, but books, letters, portraits and personal items of some very famous writers, like Oscar Wilde,  Shaw, Joyce and Yeats to name a few. A visit to the Gallery of Writers is a must; the portraits and busts enhance this space, which is used for receptions and exhibitions. The experience is enhanced by temporary exhibitions and a lunchtime theatre. Top it off with a visit to the in-house bookshop and café.

This modern, formal restaurant is located in a vaulted cellar beneath the Dublin Writers' Museum. The Gate Theatre is also close by, and a pre-theatre menu is available and proving very popular. The menu changes regularly, seafood being a constant favourite of chef/proprietor Ross Lewis. Dishes such as Dublin Bay prawns in garlic butter or seared scallops and fennel are possibilities. Stop by after the theatre for coffee and dessert.

Fans of James Joyce and other Irish writers can keep themselves busy exploring Dublin’s many literary attractions and pub crawls.

Located in the Trinity College Library, the Book of Kells is one of Dublin's most popular and significant visitor attractions. Dating back to around 800 AD, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious manuscripts in the world. Written on vellum, it contains a Latin text of the four gospels in script accompanied by whole pages of detailed illustration. The book has been on display since the 19th century and has the dubious honor of having been defaced by Queen Victoria. A decorated page and a page of script can normally be seen on a visit.

Measuring just under 1,800 acres, Phoenix Park is the largest city park in Europe. The great green expanse in the west of the city is a mixture of wilderness and formal landscape gardens. It offers a variety of recreational activities such as Gaelic football, polo and cricket. A towering Papal Cross marks the visit of Pope John Paul II, back in 1979. Also enclosed within the park's boundaries are a Visitors' Centre, Ashtown Castle, Dublin Zoo, Aras an Uachtarain (the official residence of the President of Ireland) and the Residence of the United States' Ambassador. Phoenix Park also has a bird sanctuary and a herd of fallow deer as well as boasting an impressive diversity of plantlife.  

Located at the top of Grafton Street, this is probably the best shopping center in Dublin. It has managed to combine upmarket stores with more practical outlets, all under a great vaulted glass roof. There are a lot of well-known names here, as well as a variety of independently run fashion outlets and shops selling novelty items. A car park is located in the basement.

From vast shopping malls to funky boutiques, a souvenir for every taste can be found in Dublin.

Brown Thomas is the finest and most exclusive lifestyle store in the city. It is renowned for it's selection of designer clothes and shoes, including creations by Emma Hope, Patrick Cox, Pied à Terre, Georgio Armani and Calvin Klein. The store also stocks a fine bunch of handbags, hats, lingerie, belts and other fashion accessories that make a perfect style statement. Menswear, suits, cosmetics, kitchenware, electrical items and gifts are all in abundance here. In between shopping, if you feel like catching your breath, there are a number of pleasant cafes on site to serve you delicacies.