Dublin Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

Dublin stands resolutely on Ireland’s East Coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey.

Although it is home to more than a third ofthe population, Ireland’s dynamic capital city retains alyrical village magic and a playfulness few other cities can match.

Despite a long and sometimes tragic historyof invasion and resistance, this thriving business capital has poetry, music and literature percolating through its cobblestones.

Dublin's ancient streets are compact enoughto explore on foot or by bicycle.

The River Liffey separates the city into twoneat halves.

It is criss-crossed with historic bridges, many of which are tributes to Dublin’s finestmoments and heroes.

Dubliner, Oscar Wilde once said “life is too important to be taken seriously.

” While Dublin proudly honours its past, it is equally passionate about enjoying eachand every new day.

Nowhere is life celebrated more than in thecity’s nearly 700 pubs.

Nothing matters more to Dubliners than havinga good time or, as locals call it, the craic.

Pubs and music are at the very heart of Dublin’straditions and society.

Just south of the river is the Temple Bararea, where locals and tourists have been meetingfor generations.

This is the place to find art galleries andcolorful shops and immerse yourself in the spirited and oftenimprovised traditional folk music.

Irish emigrants have taken their music allaround the world but there is nothing like hearing it playedlive.

Entertainment is also important a little furthersouth on Grafton Street, a lively shopping precinct known for its buskers and proud to be a launch pad for many internationalmusical acts.

At the other end of the spectrum and a littlefurther to the east is the architecturally spectacular Aviva Stadium.

Time your visit to catch an internationalsuperstar here.

Of course, any local will tell you that musicand a pint glass go hand in hand.

The history of Guinness, one of Ireland’s most famous institutions, is on display at the Guinness Storehouse.

Also known as “the Black stuff”, “black custard” and “Irish champagne, ” this world famous tipple is said to have beenborn in the 18th century when water from the Liffey became too pollutedto safely drink.

The brewing process removed the germs andalso provided sorely needed nutrition.

Today the river is cleaner, but Dubliners’ thirst for Guinness has remained undiminished.

The picturesque Grand Canal was built around thistime, connecting Dublin to the west of Ireland, allowing Guinness to be exported marking thebeginning of one of Dublin’s great success stories.

Visit the Old Jameson Distillery, and discover the magic of how three simpleingredients are transformed into a smooth whiskey thatis enjoyed all over the world.

But of all the gifts, Dublin has given tothe world, perhaps the most intoxicating are its stories.

Originally built for the sons of the Irishgentry, the stone buildings of Trinity College arehome to some of the oldest remaining manuscripts in the world, including the 1000-year-old Book of Kells.

This ancient manuscript is only a small partof Dublin’s literary history.

This city is famous for its authors, playwrights and poets and tributes are dottedall over the city.

Visit the flamboyant statue of Oscar Wilde, decorated with precious stones that reflecthis love of beauty.

Or, pay your respects to James Joyce, oneof Dublin’s literary giants.

There are more tributes to the past just astroll away in St Stephen’s Green which holds a special place in the heart ofDubliners.

While today it is an oasis of calm in thecentre of the city, the park has witnessed many turbulent episodesof Irish history.

During the 1916 Easter Rising, a pivotal battle took place here which reignitedthe long and passionate fight for Irish independence from English rule.

The ghosts of Ireland’s battle for independencealso feel very real at the Kilmainham Gaol, in which many of the rebellion leaders werebrutally executed.

Right at the centre of Dublin’s historicheart is Dublin Castle.

Originally built on a viking site, it has been a prison, a fortress and a treasury.

From within these stone walls, the English administered Irish rule for morethan 700 years.

Famously, the Irish Crown Jewels were stolenfrom the castle in 1907 and their whereabouts remain a mystery tothis day.

The National Museum of Ireland – Archeologyon Kildare Street showcases other early treasures which illuminateDublin’s history throughout the ages.

A little further from the centre of town isPhoenix Park, one of the largest walled parks in Europe.

Visit the Wellington Monument, a tribute to the 1st Duke of Wellington, a Dubliner known as the Iron Duke who defeatedNapoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

Of all Dublin’s heroes, perhaps none are as important as St Patrick, who is credited with many miracles including, converting Ireland to Christianity.

The site of St Patrick’s Cathedral is saidto be where he first baptised the pagan chieftains andaltered Irish history.

The nearby Christ Church Cathedral was foundedalmost 1000 years ago and has born witness to the lives of warriors, kings and saints.

Dubliner Jonathan Swift, once said, “May you live all the days of your life.

” There is no better way to define Dublin.

Its passion for life is contagious, captivating and sure to stay with you forthe rest of your days.

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