Tourism in the capital of Ireland
Dublin is the capital of Ireland, located on the east coast of the country. The city is located on the banks of the River Liffey, which could be one of the main reasons why it was founded as a Viking settlement. Dublin has been the capital since medieval times. Ireland has the fastest growing economy in Europe and this fact is reflected in the thriving capital city.
Dublin is easily accessible by both air and sea. In recent years, many more access routes have been added, making Ireland even more accessible from Central Europe. Bus services from Dublin Airport, which is located on the outskirts of the city, run every few minutes or you can also take the Air Coach, which is slightly more expensive but much more comfortable. The Irish government has come up with a new plan to extend the LUAS line (which is a state of the art light rail system) to Dublin Airport and it is expected to be built in 2012. When you get to the city center you will find a large number of taxis that can be hailed on the street, hired at a taxi rank or ordered by phone. If you want to travel to or stay in the suburbs, most cities can be reached with DART’s suburban rail services. This service can take you to 25 different stations located throughout the capital.
Dublin offers a wide range of accommodation, from five star hotels, guest houses, farms, B&Bs, hostels, caravanning and camping facilities. Failte Ireland (Ireland’s main tourist board) rates these forms of accommodation under a star rating system. Through this type of system, it is easier for tourists to assess what type of accommodation is best for them. Some of the best hotels to stay in include The Clarion Hotel, The Westbury and The Gresham Hotel, all located in the center of the city. Guest houses include Grafton Guest house and Harrington Hotel. They are also located in the center of the city.
Dublin is full of culture with a mix of old and new architecture. Irish culture can be seen in the beautiful Georgian buildings found throughout the city. Some of the hundreds of traditional buildings include Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral, the Gaiety Theatre, The GPO (General Post Office) and The Bank of Ireland on College Green.
Dublin also boasts many museums including the National Museum of Ireland, which takes you back in time and shows you some of the most beautiful artifacts from Irish history. Kilmainham Gaol gives you a graphic picture of how Irish men and women fought and were imprisoned and even killed during the War of Independence and Civil War. Ireland is also very proud of the many literary talents that have been born in the country and the Dublin Writers Museum is a tribute to them. Some of the famous writers include Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett.
If you really want to experience proper Irish culture, it would be a good idea to visit Gaelchultur, a center for Irish language culture. The main aim of this center is to promote the Irish language (‘Gaeilge’), but they also organize classes for beginners and many cultural events, such as traditional Irish music concerts and plays.
Another must-see is the Guinness Brewery, located at St. James’ Gate, which is Ireland’s top tourist attraction. Here you can learn about the history of stout, how it is brewed and from the 7th floor of the building you can taste the beer yourself while enjoying the beautiful panoramic views of Dublin city.
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate cultural experience or just a relaxing break, Dublin has something to offer for everyone. Visit the many historical monuments or enjoy a walk in the Phoenix Park (the largest park in Europe), Dublin is truly an experience you will never forget.