Dublin is an ancient city rich with history, bursting with personality and is one of the friendliest cities in all of Europe. Cutting through the heart of the city is the River Liffey, coming down from the Wicklow Mountains and ending its journey at the Irish Sea. Despite being in the city, the river has many rural looking parts, particularly around Phoenix Park. In 1998, it was largely redeveloped; rivalling Berlin as one of Europe’s largest building sites at the time. Today it is one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities, attracting hoards of tourists every year. Nowhere can this be felt more, than during summer in Dublin’s main street, the pedestrianised Grafton Street, or in its primary entertainment area – the popular Temple Bar. With lively and crowded pubs where punters spill out on to the streets, it has an energetic buzz that pulls in large crowds on a weekend.
Maintaining much of its Georgian and Victorian character, as you wander the streets, you’ll discover the Dublin of yesteryear with its many well-preserved old buildings. Some of the finest Georgian squares and houses can be found south of the river in Southern Dublin. Trinity College is one such example and is Ireland’s premier university. Founded by Elizabeth I in 1592, its prime attraction is the magnificent Book of Kells – an illuminated manuscript created by monks around 800 AD, making it one of the oldest books in the world.
Visit Dublin Castle, the seat of government and power for many centuries and located just behind Temple Bar. Originally built in 1204, the oldest part that presently remains from the original castle is the Record Tower which was completed in 1258. On a sunny day, stroll around St Stephen’s Green – originally a place where whippings, hangings and burnings took place, it is now a much more pleasant public park surrounded some stunning buildings from the mid-to-late 18th century. Just behind St Stephen’s is the lovely Iveagh Gardens.
Water from the River Liffey was once a vital ingredient in Guinness though fortunately, this is no longer the case! In Ireland’s number one tourist attraction, the Guinness Storehouse, you can take a tour and learn all about the history of the product and the well-known Guinness brand, try pouring your own pint and enjoy 360 degree views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar. If you prefer spirits over beer, visit the Old Jameson Distillery where you will learn all about the distillation process and can sample some of the "hard stuff".
