Visitors to Dublin might be surprised by a city that mixes age-old stone and granite structures with a hip and modern atmosphere boasting plenty of shopping and nightlife. A trip to the Emerald Isle just isn't complete without spending a few days in its illustrious capital city.
Consider bypassing the many modern chain hotels with a historic property that will be reminiscent of the city's past. Waterloo House (on Waterloo Street), Trinity Lodge (on South Frederick Street) and the Gresham (on Upper O'Connell Street) are but three of many examples.
Savor the city's literary heritage with a short stop at the Dublin Writers Museum on Parnell Square, a small but worthwhile site that avid readers will particularly like. Letters and tools of the trade from legends such as James Joyce, Beckett and Yeats will make an immediate and lasting impression on visitors.
Have a night out in the city's Temple Bar district, by the River Liffey. You'll find plenty of partying pubs, as well as some cozy but compelling live music venues; the occasional street performer adds to the lively vibe.
Enjoy an Irish shopping spree at one of the city's numerous attractive retail districts. You can't go wrong on Grafton Street, and the massive Brown Thomas flagship store provides an afternoon's worth of upscale exploration in itself.
Set aside an afternoon for the magnificent Malahide Castle, an imposing structure in Dublin's northern 'burbs. Dating back more than 800 years, the edifice boasts lushly restored interiors and impressive grounds that showcase thousands of plant species.
An evening of exquisite dining can be experienced at One Pico, a classy yet comfortable restaurant serving creative continental fare. Located on Moleworth Place, the establishment offers everything from superb risotto to organic salmon to Hereford beef; try to leave room for some of the best desserts in the city!
History buffs will particularly enjoy the National Museum on Kildare Street, with a wealth of ancient artifacts and precious treasures. There's probably no better place in Ireland to gain an appreciation of the country's heritage, with items dating all the way back to about 2000 B.C.
