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The new Dublin: cool to visit, hot to stay

What do Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and WB Yeats have in common? Apart from the obvious, this library of literary talent and nobility came from the same place. Dublin.

Dublin is the largest city and the capital of the Republic of Ireland. In the past, the Emerald Isle was a major draw for visitors from the United States, exploring their Irish heritage and family ancestry. The Macs, The Flynns, The Murphys are still more than welcome, but there’s a new crowd in town.
Thanks to the economic boom of the last decade, Dublin has become one of the best destinations for shopping, sightseeing and walking. No longer the land of potatoes and beer, its designer names, world-class bands and iconic style have made it the place to be seen.

Today, young visitors flock from all over Europe eager to explore this great city, its arts and vibrant culture. Dublin also has one of the youngest populations of any major city in Europe, a fact that is reflected in its energy and bustle. Fashion boutiques, ethnic cuisines and bustling street markets have all contributed to its new trendy status.

places to stay

Dublin straddles the valley of the River Liffey, and is sheltered to the south by the Wicklow Hills. The city is an architectural delight with a rich heritage of 18th century buildings. Fine Georgian mansions and row houses, many with historic associations, lend an elegant air to the city’s boulevards and wide squares.

When it comes to accommodation, you will find many options in Dublin. There are international luxury hotels, mid-size motels, and many smaller establishments, priced to fit your travel budget.

Where is the fun?

You’ll hear the word “craic” a lot. (No, it is completely legal). Craic is the Gaelic word for fun and enjoyment, especially when a song, a pint of Guinness and a pub are involved. Live music is also a big feature of Dublin’s nightlife, from the streets to the main concerts and live traditional music in ‘the singing pubs’. With over 900 pubs spread across the city, you’ll never go thirsty or far from a great craic. (It is said that “God created alcohol to prevent the Irish from taking over the Earth”!)

temple bar

Temple Bar is in the heart of the city. The center of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. At night, it fills with crowds enjoying some of Dublin’s most popular sights and sounds, spread across the narrow cobbled streets that stretch between the Bank of Ireland and Christ Church Cathedral. It’s top of the list for a big night out that can easily last into the next day, ending with lattes and a full Irish breakfast.

Unique children’s art center in Europe. The ark.

If you are traveling with children, Temple Bar is also home to The Ark, the unique cultural center. It made headlines as Europe’s first custom-designed art center for children aged 3-14 and has been a visitor magnet since it opened in September 1995. Every year some 20,000 children and 5,000 adults take a time to participate in the programs. Exciting, engaging, passionate – The Ark is the place to excite young minds with a meaningful Irish art experience.

walk through the past

Dublin’s turbulent past can be enjoyed much on foot. There are castles and museums, great houses and stately buildings. While there are many commercial-type walking tours, why not plan one for yourself? Retrace the footsteps of the flamboyant Oscar Wilde or James Joyce, visiting their homes, their hangouts and, of course, where they enjoyed a drink.

On a historical note, why not explore the streets and landmarks where the 1916 Rebellion took place? The Easter Rising was an attempt by militant Irish republicans to gain independence from Britain by force of arms. He helped create the foundation of the Irish state in the early 20th century. In many ways, Dublin’s past is very accessible, even for a short visit.

The Book of Kells at Trinity College

Ireland’s most famous university, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Alumni include playwrights Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett. Trinity’s lush gardens and cobbled courtyards provide a haven of peace in the heart of this dynamic city. Take time for a visit, especially to see the spectacular Book of Kells, housed in the Old Library. The Book of Kells is a lavishly illustrated manuscript produced by Celtic monks around 800 AD. C. It is one of the most lavishly illuminated manuscripts to have survived from the Middle Ages and is considered the zenith of Western calligraphy and illumination.

Health. The Guinness® Storehouse

A trip to Dublin isn’t complete without a visit to the Guinness® Storehouse. Here you can discover every last drop of information about the most famous dark beer in the world. The Storehouse was originally built in 1904 to house the fermentation process. In November 2000, a spectacular new addition opened its doors.

The core of the new Storehouse building is modeled on a massive pint glass, stretching from the reception on the ground floor to The Gravity Bar in the sky. If filled, this massive space would hold approximately 14.3 million pints of yes, you guessed it, Guinness.

Regards? lets go shopping

Dublin can offer wonderful retail therapy and window shopping. On the south side of the city, Grafton Street, between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green, is the smartest shopping area with trendy shops and designer boutiques with local and international names. On the north side, Henry Street has more department stores and popular stores. On Moore Street you’ll find the popular open-air food market, a place always worth visiting for bargains.

In general, stores are open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. Late night shopping in the city is on Thursdays until 8 pm, while suburban malls are often open late on Fridays. More of the larger chain stores are now open on Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00.

Ireland enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a warm and welcoming country, a place as generous with its hospitality as it is with its national drink! I will leave the last word to the Irish and this saying. “May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.” A visit to the new Dublin is something you will want to do more than once. To be sure.

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