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Dublin is a beautiful city, its air heavy with culture, history, and the Irish heart. Nowhere else can you find a capital city that balances the adversity of the past with the buoyant spirit of the present. As a country, Ireland has seen a tremendous economic revival, earning it the name “the Celtic Tiger.” Despite its newfound wealth, however, Ireland has not lost its Gaelic culture. Dublin is the perfect place to enjoy the spirit of the present while still learning about the tumultuous past.
Experience the history that formed Dublin with a visit to Dublin’s most prized possession, the Book of Kells, displayed in the vaults of Trinity College library. Although it contains the four gospels of the Bible, it is valued more for its display of Celtic art from the 6th century A.D. Visiting the book of Kells also takes you to Trinity College, a major landmark in the center Dublin.
A visit to the Custom House along the river Liffy will not only be a trip to one of Dublin’s most beautiful buildings, but it also will provide some history about the critical events in Ireland’s fight for independence. Walking along the Liffy, the river that divides the city in half, is also a wonderful way to see Dublin.
While Dublin is rich with political history, it is equally as endowed with cultural history. One excellent and fun museum to visit is the GAA Museum at Croke Park, which details the history of Ireland’s Gaelic sports like football and hurling. There is even a place on the top floor to try those sports for yourself.
Become a true Irishman and indulge in some famous Irish food and drink. The Guinness Factory is one of the most visited locations in Dublin and good place to begin getting a true taste of Ireland. Even if this dark brew is not your drink of choice, the tour is still very interesting from a historical and marketing perspective. Also, the building is one of Dublin’s tallest, so you have a grand view of the city at the end of the tour. Legend has it that the closer you get to the brewery itself, the better the Guinness tastes. Therefore, a pint at the factory will be the best you have ever had, or so they say. Also, Ireland is much more than the corned beef and cabbage stereotype would lead you to believe. In addition to classic foods such as fish and chips, Dublin has some excellent restaurants. Be sure to visit the Temple Bar area, which has become a cultural center for artists as well as for great restaurants and pubs.
Another part of Dublin’s history can be seen through the beautiful Georgian architecture that defines the city. Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares are especially notable, but the best way to appreciate the city is by taking a walking tour. Numerous tour options exist, from pub-crawls to scholarly lectures on the street.
Getting away from the city for a day is as easy as hopping on the DART – Dublin Area Rapid Transit. It will take you to the small towns and suburbs outside of the city center with ease and with little cost. One of the best places to visit is Howth, a seaside town with a promenade and small restaurants. Howth also has a beautiful hike to the top of a hill overlooking the entire area, a view well worth the gradual climb.
Dublin also has wonderful shopping. Grafton Street, in the heart of Dublin above St. Stephen’s Green, is the premiere shopping district. It has dozens of stores, from clothing to cultural items. Also be sure to stop in Bewley’s on Grafton Street – the Irish version of Starbucks in terms of availability and brand recognition.
Dublin is also at the heart of much of the music we appreciate today. From traditional Irish ballads to the legendary rock group U2, Dublin has fostered numerous artists. The “Rock and Stroll” tour is one way to appreciate the many musical legends that have come from Ireland, or try and find some traditional Irish music sessions. Such sessions are common in pubs and usually well promoted.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is much more than just a church. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Dublin, along with a charming park adjacent to it. Additionally, the famous graves of Jonathan Swift and his love, Stella, are inside the cathedral, erected for Ireland’s most famous saint.
If you want to learn more about Ireland’s famous writers (Swift, Pope, and Joyce to name a few), visit the Dublin Writer’s Museum north of the Liffy. Not only does it have an excellent collection of exhibits, but it also has a wonderful café and bookshop downstairs.
The culture, the history, and the spirit of Dublin create a wonderful destination for a vacation. Whether you are a history buff looking to research old manuscripts, or a music fan looking to tread in the steps of your favorite band, Dublin has something for everyone.
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