Dublin, Ireland’s capital, has fast become one of Europe’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. The city has always had a reputation as a great historical city, and its strong links with world literature and the arts are readily apparent. It certainly has a lot to offer visitors – not least it’s diverse attractions.
There is a wealth of architectural detail with the medieval core of the city surrounded by elegant Georgian squares. A great way to see Dublin is on foot and be sure to take a break from your sightseeing by stopping into one of Dublin’s many pubs and bars, or after a long, busy day get yourself a quiet pint, and enjoy the craic.
Looking to play some great golf courses? Within one hour of Dublin you’ll find Portmarnock, Bernard Langer’s Portmarnock Links, the K Club, The Island, Druid’s Glen, and Co. Louth. Just 15 miles west of Dublin, The Carton House once again hosts the Irish Open on the Montgomerie Course this weekend from June 27 – June 30.
Local Places of Interest and Activities
The Old Jameson Distillery — There is no other whiskey quite like triple distilled, twice as smooth Jameson Irish Whiskey. And there’s no other experience quite like the Old Jameson Distillery Tour. Check it out on your tour of Dublin.
Trinity College and the Book of Kells — Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth. Among many famous students to attend the college were playwrights Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett. Trinity’s lawns and cobbled quads provide a pleasant haven in the heart of the city. The major attraction is the Book of Kells, housed in the Old Library. The Book of Kells was written around the year 800 AD and is one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world. The Book of Kells Turning Darkness into Light explains the background of the story of the famous gospel.
Guinness Storehouse — A fermentation plant at St. James’s Gate Brewery has been transformed into a place where you can experience one of the world’s best known brands in a totally unexpected way. It’s the Home, Heart & Soul of Guinness. At the Guinness Storehouse you’ll discover all there is to know about the world famous beer. It’s a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity, the sky bar, with a complimentary pint of Guinness and an astonishing view of Dublin City.
Dublin Writers Museum — Dublin is famous as a city of writers and literature, and the Dublin Writers Museum is an essential visit for anyone who wants to discover, explore, or simply enjoy Dublin’s immense literary heritage. At the Writers Museum, Dublin’s literary celebrities from the past three hundred years are brought to life through their books, letters, portraits and personal items.The building, a restored Georgian mansion on Parnell Square, is a treasure in itself. The sumptuous plasterwork in the first floor Gallery of Writers is worth a visit alone.
You may also be interested in the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. The tour is a two hour entertainment featuring professional actors who perform extracts from the works of Ireland’s best known writers.
The pubs included on the tour are: O’Neill’s, The Long Hall, Davy Byrnes. Actors perform from the works of James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, Brendan Behan, Mary Lavin, with biographical information about many more.
St.Patrick’s Cathedral — Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has contributed much to Irish life throughout its long history (it was founded in 1191). The writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was Dean of Saint Patrick’s from 1713-1747. Handel’s Messiah received its first performance in 1742 sung by the combined choir of Saint Patrick’s and Christchurch. Music has played an integral part in the life of Saint Patrick’s since its foundation and it is the only cathedral in Ireland to sing two services everyday. Living Stones, the cathedral’s permanent exhibition, celebrates Saint Patrick’s place in the life of the city, its history and its role at the dawn of the third millennium. It emphasizes that the cathedral is not a museum but a building embracing the past to herald the future.
Number 29 — Situated in the heart of Dublin’s fashionable Georgian streets, this is a unique museum. A restored four-story town house that reflects the lifestyle of a Dublin middle-class family during the period 1790 to 1820. The exhibition ranges from artifacts and works of art of the time, to carpets, curtains, floor coverings, decorations, paintwork, plasterwork, and bellpulls The nursery also includes dolls and toys of the era.
James Joyce Centre — From a beautifully restored 18th century townhouse location the Centre’s aim, to foster, promote and encourage awareness of the international literary significance of James Joyce and to develop an understanding of his work, is exhibited through our permanent collection (the door to number 7 Eccles Street, Leon Room furniture and library of Joyce works, translations and criticism) Guided walking tours that explore the north inner city, Joyce’s creative heartland, may be booked through the Centre.
Shopping — The best shopping is to be found on Grafton Street, located between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green. A pedestrianized street with fashionable stores such as Brown Thomas, the department store catering for many designer showcases, both foreign and local. Dublin’s leading and most exclusive jewellers, Weirs, is also here, as well as the most popular of the famous Bewley’s Cafés. Other principal shopping streets in the area include Wicklow Street, Dawson Street, and South Great Georges Street.
Kilmainham Gaol — This 200-year-old prison consists of an old prison wing that was first used in 1796. Those who participate in the guided tour learn a great deal about Irish history, patriots and the penal system. A unique tour. A “must see” destination on your Irish expedition.
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About the Author: Harrison Gould is the Social Media Marketing Manager of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+
