Dublin Map

Introduction to Dublin

The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is located along the Liffey River and is known as the black pool for the river’s deep black waters. Following the partition of Ireland in 1922, Dublin became the capital of the Irish Republic.

Historic Overview

The earliest known inhabitants of the Dublin region were the Eblana Civitas who lived here in 140 AD. By the early 9th century, Dublin had become an established Viking settlement – a reputation it was unable to outgrow despite many attempts at freedom. The Norman invasion of 1169 brought an end to a long Viking reign. In 1171 King Henry II of England invaded Dublin and went on to become Lord of Ireland. Later in 1204, Dublin became a part of the British territory till the Republic of Ireland gained independence in 1922.
Dublin was greatly affected by the Great Plague of 1348. Another devastating plague attack between 1649 and 1652 wiped out most of the city’s population. The 18th century witnessed the greatest period of architectural development in the city, which held on to its medieval character despite the flourishing of the Georgian culture in England.
Historically, Dublin has prospered as a result of trade with England and the rest of Europe. The city went into a state of static decline in the 19th century with Westminster taking its place as the seat of the administration. Dublin was later at the center of the Irish War of Independence. Since 1997 Dublin has experienced a period of rapid growth and expansion. Today Dublin is rated an Alpha Grade city.

How to reach (transport) :

There are several ways of reaching the city :

• The city is served by a two-termini airport, which lies at an approximate distance of 10 km to the north of the city center. Flights arrive and depart from Dublin Airport to major destinations including Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester, Paris, and Frankfurt.
• Being the capital of Ireland, the city has a proper channel of roads, railway lines, and motorways. If you want to travel to the various provinces, then interlinking motorways are perhaps the best available option. Upon arriving in Dublin, you can travel to the nearby destination by train or bus.
• From Dublin Airport, you can avail yourself of Dublin Bus, AerDart, and Urbus. You can also avail yourself of Dublin buses from Connolly and Heuston railway stations. Another convenient way by which you can travel from Dublin Airport is through car rental services.

Weather :

Dublin enjoys a maritime climate where summers are cool and winters mild. Usually, the sunniest months are June and May, while the wettest month is October. February is the driest of all months, while rainfall is distributed evenly all through the year.

Culture (fairs and festivals) and traditions :

1. St Patrick’s Festival :

   Whether you love the idea of conventional Irish folk music or Celtic rock music, you can witness anything at St. Patrick’s Festival. Besides this, the McGrath and McBride Irish Dancers form the main USP of this event.

2. Dublin Gay Theater Festival :

   This theatrical event is organized every year in Dublin. Moreover, 70 percent of this festival’s content is derived from outside Ireland. In short, the gay festival includes productions from nations like Germany, Poland, Canada, and France.

3. Dublin Writers Festival :

   In 2014, this festival is likely to be held from the 17th to the 25th of May. They also have provisions for gift vouchers and you can find ideal gift options for literature enthusiasts and book lovers.

4. Dublin Horse Show :

   The Horse Show starts with live music and entertainment. Besides, food, fashion, and shopping add to the spice of this event. It’s one of the biggest annual sporting as well as social events in Dublin.

5. Dublin Theater Festival :

   This is perhaps the oldest theater festival in Dublin. Established in 1957, Brendan Smith is the main personality behind such a great event. Organized after the Second World War, this event was introduced to foster tolerance as well as cultural indifference between nations.

Dublin Attractions

Dublin is a city straight out of the postcards. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Life runs at a slower pace and the Irish love to spend time socializing over a beer in their taverns. Visitors are likely to fall in love with the beauty and elegance of Dublin. Sightseeing in the city can begin with a visit to Dublin City Hall. The City Hall was built between 1769 and 1779 and was a financial center during that period. It was then referred to as the Royal Exchange. Only in 1851, was the building taken over by the Dublin Corporation and became the City Hall. The entrance to the building features a beautiful dome known as the Rotunda. Twelve columns support the dome with a mural between each pair of columns. This is a beautiful structure that showcases the rich architecture of Ireland. Abbey Theatre is a not-to-miss attraction. The theatre, true to its heritage, now stages plays from the Irish repertoire. Old classics from the European and world theatres and new plays are also showcased here.

Ireland is the land of ancient castles. For almost 800 years, the Malahide Castle has been a beautiful castle-fortress and the private residence of the Talbot family. Since the last Talbot died in 1973 the castle has been turned into a public museum. The art and sculpture collection in this castle are both valuable and beautiful. Only a visit to Dublinia can give you a first-hand experience of the history of this city and the way of life during the medieval period. Dublinia is a unique experience that offers visitors a peek into the life of the city as it was many hundreds of years ago.

Another place to feature on a Dublin itinerary is Dublin Castle. One of the most visited attractions of Dublin, the castle was built in 1204 by King John on the banks of River Liffey, and it served as a fortress to guard the city. It is a beautiful Gaelic structure, worth a visit. Dalkey Castle & Heritage Center is another old castle, famous for its historical performances. Do not miss the tower house, and the church built in the 10th century.

The Bram Stoker’s Dracula experience is showcased in a special museum that takes visitors on a heart-pounding journey through the ‘Time Tunnel to Transylvania’, a visit to Dracula’s Castle, the Blood Laboratory, and Dracula’s Lair. This museum is not for the faint-hearted, though.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, home to the history of the world-famous Guinness Beer. Visitors can learn how Irish beer has ruled the world beer market over the years.

Activities in Dublin

Dublin offers a unique shopping experience. Shopping in the city is centered on two main streets: Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green to the south side and Henry Street to the north. Separated by the river, the north and south sides are a few minute’s walks from each other. Grafton Street is located between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green and houses the shops of many designer brands. Dublin’s south side shopping must include a visit to the famous jewelry shop called Weir’s. Other major shopping streets in the area include Wicklow Street, Dawson Street, and South Great Georges Street. The Powerscourt Towncentre and the George’s Street Arcade are the two most popular shopping malls. On the north side of Henry Street, ILAC Shopping Mall, & Jervis Street Shopping Center are major attractions.

The outdoor food market, on Moore Street, is a great place to catch a bite. Dublin is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and boasts brilliant nightlife throughout the week, but the excitement brims over with the onset of the weekend, of course. A few popular nightclubs are Alchemy, Club M, LilliesBordello, Buck Whaley’s, and Howl At The Moon. Tripod is Dublin’s largest nightclub and can accommodate more than 1,300 people on a single night. There are more than 100 famous taverns in Dublin. A few of the best are Cobblestone Pub, Church Bar & Restaurant, Cafe en Seine, Fitzsimons Hotel Temple Bar, The Morgan Hotel & the Bull and Castle Hotel.

Best Restaurants In Dublin

Chapter One
19 Parnell Square North, Smithfield, Dublin 1
Phone: +353-1-873-2266

French Paradox
53 Shelbourne Road, Droichead Na Dothra, Dublin 4
Phone: +353-1-660-4068

Peploe’s
16 Saint Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
Phone: +353-1-676-3144

Ely Bar & Brasserie,
CHQ Building ISFC, Stack 1, George’s Dock, Dublin 1
Phone: +353-1-672-0010

Sixty6
66-67 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
Phone: +353-1-400-5878

Rustic Stone
17 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
Phone: +353-1-707-9596

Hotels in Dublin

Luxury –
Four Seasons Dublin
Simmonscourt Road, Dublin 4
Phone: +353-1-665-4000
http://www.fourseasons.com/dublin/

Conrad Dublin
Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2
Phone: +353-1-602-8900

http://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ireland/conrad-dublin-DUBHCCI/index.html

Mid–Range –
The Gresham Hotel
23 Upper O’Connell Street, Dublin 1
Phone: +353-1-874-6881
www.gresham-hotel-dublin.com

Ashling Hotel Dublin
8 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8
Phone: +353-1-677 2324
www.ashlinghotel.ie

Budget –
Castle Hotel Dublin
Gardiner Row, Great Denmark Street, Dublin 1
Phone: +353-01-874-6949
www. castle-hotel.ie

Ballsbridge Hotel
Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge,
Phone:+353-1-637-9300