Dublin

Dubliner literary genius, Oscar Wilde, once wrote: “Life is much too important a thing ever to talk seriously about it” – a sentiment the locals of this town take seriously. The Irish honour their past but live present to the full, whether it’s a night out with mates at one of the city’s hundreds of pubs, or the clover-crazy celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day. Dublin is a centre of business, music, literature and poetry. The River Liffey cuts the Irish capital in two, crisscrossed by old and new footbridges that reference Dublin’s history of invasion and resistance, and its heros. Dublin is home to about a third of Ireland’s inhabitants, yet manages to maintain a village vibe. Its compact cobblestone streets are easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Most tourists will head to Temple Bar, a lively and colourful entertainment district with pubs and live folk music, art galleries and shops. While in the city centre, visit Dublin Castle (built on a Viking site), Christchurch Cathedral and its medieval crypt, or picnic at St. Stephen’s Green during the warm summer months. This idyllic park was the scene of a pivotal battle during the 1916 Easter Rising, as part of the long and turbulent battle for Irish independence from English Rule. Many of the resistance leaders were held and executed at Kilmainham Gaol, a prison that’s been converted into a museum about the independence struggle. No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Learn about the history of the stormy brew and finish the tour with a pint of Ireland’s world-famous tipple. Rumour has it, this “Irish Champagne” was first developed in the 1700s when water from the Liffey became too polluted to drink. If whisky is more your thing, stop by the Jameson distillery for a fiery sample. If you’re a bookworm, you won’t want to miss a visit to the library at Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells (an ancient illustrated manuscript of the first four books of the Christian New Testament). It’s truly an impressive sight, with wall-to-wall books and rich wood accents. Irish authors, playwrights and poets shelved here are some of the most celebrated: James Joyce, Best for: Backpackers/Budget Travellers; Families; History Buffs; Religious Traveller; Special Events/Parties