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Guide to Dublin, Ireland
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Dublin The Irish city with a big heart and half-crazy/half-cool social atmosphere, Dublin is the place to be if you wish to visit the home of world-famous beer, or just to see some great sites, and meet friendly city dwellers along the way. Today is it one of Europes most frequented destinations among tourists and its booming economy is, in part, due to the immense international traffic it takes in; In fact it rivals London and Paris today. But despite the floods of people that arrive here each and every day, Dublin still has its unique cultural heritage and its small-town feel.
When to go:
Summer is hot and humid and receives quite a bid of rainfall, and winter is, well...cold. Hence, we suggest making your flight plans for spring or autumn, and if youd like to take part in the festivities that occur around and on St. Patricks Day, then spring is the time for you. Autumn is quite beautiful too, and weather does seem to be pleasant more often than not. All in all, either choice is a good time to visit Dublin.
Getting there and around:
Dublin Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, and youll notice how crowded the terminals are at your immediate arrival. This is ok, because service is fast, reliable, and efficient throughout your experience. Youll get all the information you need concerning hotels, restaurants, bus schedules, etc. Getting into the city is simple too, although with the airport being only 10km from the city centre, transportation takes peculiarly long to get in. If you use the Airlink Express Coach, youll be given a choice of two services, one to Busaras and the Dublin Bus offices, and another to both the Heuston and Connolly stations. Each route takes about 30-40 minutes. If you prefer, you can ride the Aircoach service, which goes to 15 different city locations, or take a bus or taxi. Buses are the cheapest, but slowest options, and taxis are, of course, the most expensive (not counting a car rental).
We suggest using Dublins bus network to get around the city. Though the routes can be confusing, and even seem a bit inefficiently planned, it works, and it gets you to more places than any other option. You would think taxis would be the best option, but try finding one!
Attractions:
We think your first destination should be Dublin Castle. Its labeled at castle, yet is more of a palace, since the fortifications that would make up a castle are gone, except the Record Tower. We find it strange, yet somehow fascinating that the highlight of Dublin Castle is the underground series of old city walls and a moat. Youll understand why when you see these remains because youll get an immediate sense of the history of this Irish city. Many of the old buildings in Dublin have been replaced by modern ones, and here youll see some of the few things that retain such vast history. Its quite a powerful experience. There are beautiful gardens here as well, and dont be discouraged when you find you only obtain access to the Castle on a tour; you dont miss a thing.
A radically different place we determine would be suitable as a next stop is the Guinness Storehouse. Yes, this is where the famous Irish draft originated, but theres so much more here to discover. The exhibits are extraordinary, and the fashion in which all the aspects are laid out and unparalleled insight of the workings of one of the most famous breweries in the world. The Storehouse is outfitted with multimedia, and audio and visual accoutrements that give you an experience like no other, all in the appropriate setting of an old grain silo.
Next, you should make your way to Phoenix Park, and you may even want to set aside an entire day to traverse the grounds and pathways of this enormous city park. The gardens, lakes, and game fields take up more space than both Central Park in New York City, and Hampstead Heath in London. Theres even a motor-racing track here. If you start at the entrance of Parkgate St. youll immediately be greeted by the tallest obelisk in Europe known as the Wellington Monument. Other sites are all close by, including: The Peoples Garden, Dublin Zoo, and the Victorian Bandstand in the Hollow. There is a Visitors Center in the park that has plenty of exhibits thatll amuse both adults and children.
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