There’s a lot to be said about how well a country can make fun of themselves, and right up there would have to be the Irish. Rather than be offended by the clichés that have come to be associated with the Irish, they embrace it and are proud to own it. Stepping off the plane you are greeted by a wash of shamrock green whether it be in advertisements, signage, souvenirs, company logos etc. It is also, of course, Ranga land with possibly what could be one of the worlds highest percentage of redheads in the population. The luck of the Irish, Guinness beer and leprechauns are brandished proudly to visitors and tourists.
Dublin itself is the capital of southern Ireland – the part of the island that is a republic and is independent from the United Kingdom. It is a fairly rainy place, however when the sun does come out, the Irish spirit shines more brightly. During the summer months, the city is full of tourists as a result of cheap flights from what now seems to be the Irish flag carrier – RyanAir. Notorious for their cheap flights and the hundred or so add-on fees from anything to counter check in to drinking water and peanuts, no one can argue that the airline offers unbeatable value. So much so in fact that the actual Irish flag carrier, Aer Lingus, converted from a full service airline to a low cost carrier in order to compete with RyanAir. Dublin airport itself has grown significantly over the past couple of years and the influx of carriers both from the US and other parts of Europe continues to grow.
Once arriving into Dublin, its compact size (like most other European cities) allows the visitor to easily walk to the major sites. When necessary however, the city’s bus system is efficient, clean and somewhat inexpensive. Lost? Then ask a friendly Irish man and they’ll more than likely throw in a joke free.
A great starting point is at the bridges that span over the Liffey River. From there, head north towards Trinity College and the Bank of Ireland to admire the architecture of some of the city’s oldest buildings. Other recommended sites include the Guinness factory where one learns about the process and history of making Guinness with the tour ending at the panoramic bar perched high above the factory, offering the best view of Dublin while enjoying a pint or two of Guinness beer. For castle lovers (and lets face it, who wouldn't expect to see a castle in a major European city?), Dublin castle satisfies your quench for fortified walls and royal living. Sport lovers must make the trek over to Croke Park – home of Gaelic Football.
Dublin is also a city of churches and cathedrals, as the staunch catholic background continues to be instilled in the Irish community. One of the biggest in the city is St Patrick’s Cathedral, and during a sunny summer’s day, its adjoining park is a great spot for a picnic or a place to rest. Finally, the last stop for many visitors to this beautiful city is the home of Oscar Wilde, the famed literary genius who’s quotes are thought provoking and more often than not, wildly outrageous. The building is now occupied as part of the Irish American university and is located across the city’s main park, not dissimilar to New York’s central park. Coincidentally, walking out of one of the park’s exits, one could be forgiven in thinking that they’d suddenly been transported to New York.
Last but not least, the city’s shopping areas (located 5mins of one another) offers the shopaholic absolute paradise. Its stores line pedestrian-only streets filled with the usual British high street stores and a mix of those from further afield. When its time to drop, a short distance away is the Temple Bar, arguably the most famous place of worship in the city. The strip sums up the general feel of Dublin itself – traditionally British mixed with the Irish sense of humour and out look on life, teamed with influences from the Americas and continental Europe. Dublin is a sophisticated, fun-loving and cosmopolitan city.
Useful hint:
Bring comfortable walking shoes so as to not miss the sights and sounds of the city. Walking is by far the best way to get around the city and even if you do get lost a single confused look at the map magically summons up a friendly local willing to offer you directions.
Getting here:
• RyanAir is undoubtedly the king of budget airlines and with Dublin being it’s home base, cheap airfares from just about anywhere in Europe will get you there, often for well under £10 each way. Fares have been known cost just 1pence including all taxes and fees. As a result, other airlines also offer cheap airfares in an out of the city to parts of northeast USA and Europe.
• The airport bus runs frequently and drops you off right in the heart of the city costing just a couple of Euros.
• Ferries run from parts of the west cost of the UK and enable those with cars to come over to the city with their cars.
• Dublin is connected to other parts of Ireland and Northern Ireland by buses and trains.
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