The largest city and capital of Ireland, Dublin is a well visited town by UK residents and Europe alike. Famous for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and populous that are up for the craic. This is a city served by Dublin airport, but is also reached by ferry from mainland UK and by land from within Ireland. There are a number of locally famous landmarks and tourists attractions within this city including the famous home of the Guinness Storehouse, in recent years the location of the famous brews television adverts. Other famous landmarks include: Trinity College, Dublinia, Kilmainham Gaol and Dublin castle. The most famous product to come out of Ireland, excluding Colin Farrell is that of Guinness, this is the central draw of Ireland and this city. Tourists flock to this city to experience the local cuisine and beverages, while also mixing it up with visits to the local landmarks. In order to get all this in to a holiday, or weekend, car hire is usually required. This can be purchased at a small cost straight from the local airport, make sure to check local parking restrictions, parking available at your accommodation site, and that you are fit to drive if you have been out drinking the night before.
Dublin Airport information
Dublin was founded by the Vikings, although the first reference thought ever to have been made about the settlement is from Ptolemy in 140AD. It was then taken over by the Celts and subsequently attacked by the Normans in the 12th century. There was rapid development during the 17th and 18th centuries, and as you make your way through the city you’ll be able to admire a lot of the best architecture from this period. The Guinness factory was a major financial player in the city’s development.
Despite the government seat for Ireland moving to Westminster in 1800, Dublin retained its position as administrative center for the country. However, it wasn’t until 1922, with the partition of Ireland, that it became capital to the Irish Free State and then the capital of Ireland. Within Europe, Dublin has been recognized as one of the fastest growing metropolises. It’s been labeled as a global city and is an economic and cultural hub within the country. Ireland is especially well known for its writers, and Dublin was the birthplace of a large number of them, including George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde. Plus, James Joyce based both his works, Ulysses and the Dubliners, here. Make sure you hire a car in Dublin and explore its rich past!
Places to visit around Dublin
To get a real sense of Dublin’s ancestry, Dublin Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Built originally in the 13th the century under the orders of King John of England, the only Norman-styled part remaining is the Record Tower. Today, you can enjoy tours inside the majestic Throne Room and the grand Saint Patrick’s Hall. The Chapel Royal, previously a crypt, is now utilized as an art center.
Dublin is home to two magnificent cathedrals: St Patrick’s and Christ Church. The latter was constructed in the 12th century and has remained standing despite its leaning north nave wall, nicknamed the ‘leaning wall of Dublin’. This is a particularly intriguing tourist attraction as it is home to, among other things, St. Laurence’s heart and a mummified cat and mouse which were found in an organ pipe.
Those who enjoy more modern pieces shouldn’t miss out on the Spire of Dublin: a stainless steel, 121.2 meter high construction. Officially called the ‘Monument of Light’, it was created as a reflection of the city’s importance in the 21st century and stands tall in the center of Dublin. It’s especially spectacular at night when the base and tip light up.
For a more in-depth look at Dublin’s history, visitors should head to the Libertines district. Kilmainham Gaol, once a prison, has been made into a museum and recounts Ireland’s fight for independence. The Irish Museum of Modern Art houses a fantastic collection of contemporary works. Then, for another aspect to the city’s heritage, the Guinness Storehouse and Brewery provides tours that reveal how this iconic beer is produced. North of the river is a selection of other noteworthy cultural centers, including the James Joyce Center and the Dublin Writers Museum. car hire in Dublin is the surest way to visit all these intriguing attractions.
Dublin is recognized throughout Europe as a very green city for its park spaces. One of the most popular is Phoenix Park, bordering the River Liffey: you can laze on the grass and watch Fallow deer, admire the President of Ireland’s residence or visit the animals in Dublin Zoo. For a break from the more traditional cultural attractions, Dublin is also well known for its excellent shopping facilities. The city center is awash with shops, boutiques and department stores. Grafton Street, in particular, boasts a range of big names. Alternatively, Moore Street is home to the oldest food market in Dublin: viewed as a landmark within its own right, vendors shout out their wares in their thick Dublin accents.
Driving in Ireland: Advice & Tips
The Republic of Ireland has a speed limit on the motorways of 120 kmph, 100 kmph on open roads, and 50 kmph in towns. Direction signs for motorways ar...
Find out more about driving in Ireland
Other places to visit in Ireland
Planning a trip to Ireland can be a daunting task. How do you decide what to do? Start with Dublin, the nation’s capital, with its many museums, churc...
Popular tourist destinations to visit in Ireland