GUIDES

Dublin Guide

Dublin - Out and About

The capital city of the Republic of Ireland is marvellously positioned on the eastern coast of the island. The city lies at the mouth of the river Liffey, at the inner-most part of Dublin Bay, situated between the Howth and Dalkey Peninsulas. Dublin, built around a 12th century Anglo-Norman castle, spreads out in a semi-circular pattern from both banks of the river Liffey. The urban area of the city, with its elegant houses, is centred around the historic centre of Dublin, south of the river, while the industrialised part of Dublin is to be found to the north of the river, with the city port and docks situated to the east. The structure of the city dates back to the 18th century, a period which has left its mark on Dublin, with such elegant Georgian constructions as: Merrion Square, number 29 Fitzwilliam Street, the Customs House, the street and bridge in O’Connell Street, the Dublin Writer’s Museum, Parnell Square, the Whiskey Museum, the Four Courts and the James’ Joyce Cultural Centre, located along Dame Street. The city’s main traffic point is O’Connell Bridge, which spans the Liffey, between O’Connell Street ( site of the statue of Joyce and the General Post Office) and the Trinity College library, built in 1592. The three main churches are Christ Church; St. Patrick Cathedral, which houses the tomb of Swift and St. Audoen’s Church, whose gardens house traces of Dublin’s ancient city walls. Temple Bar is the city’s liveliest and most artistic zone. It is located between Trinity Church and Christ Church, where craft shops, quality restaurants and cinema libraries stand on the city’s old 17th century foundations.

Beer- lovers should visit the Guinness Hop Store, a brewery founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness, while music lovers should head for the Irish Music Hall of Fame.

Dublin is home to the largest city park in Europe; the Phoenix Park is home to a zoo and hippodrome and offers the visitor numerous possibilities to stroll around the park grounds. Dublin can be easily and comfortably visited on foot, with tours taking in historical, literary and musical points of interest,not to mention numerous lively pubs. The Tourist Office in Suffolk Street provides leaflets on the Dublin Tourist Trail, which details the main sights to see.

The traffic in Dublin is always very heavy and finding a parking space is a real task. Unless long and intensive travel is programmed, visitors are recommended to travel around the city by bicycle or on foot. The city’s metropolitan system, the DART ( Dublin Area Rapid Transport) operates a efficient and regular service from 6:30am to 12:00pm Monday to Saturday and 9:30 am to 11:00pm on Sundays. The fare varies depending on the route. The bus service, operated by Atha Cliath (Dublin Bus) runs from 6:00am to 11:30pm. In addition to this service there is also a late night bus (Nitelinks). The bus fare depends on the number of stops. Dublin’s taxis are comfortable and can be either hailed in the street or booked by telephone. However taxis are expensive and during rush hour it is often necessary to wait.

Dublin - Not to be missed

The National Gallery in Merrion Square West, near to Leinster House, houses European art collections together with works from all the major Irish artists. The National Museum in Kildare is a history museum that conserves gold jewellery dating back to the Bronze Age, Celtic crosses and a fine collection of musical instruments. The Trinity College Library, located between Nassau Street and Pearse Street, is accessible via College Street. Originally established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, to provide teaching and study possibilities to the local aristocracy, the building today, houses Ireland’s largest library. It is composed of eight buildings, with a 70 metre long reading gallery. Within its walls, famous writers such as Swift,Wilde and Beckett, graduated. Visitors should also see the Campus and the Old Library, which houses the “Book of Kells” an illuminated early Gaelic Christian gospel. The “Book of Kells” is regarded as one of the world’s finest incunabulum and each day two of its 680 pages are on show to the public.

Dublin - Walks and tours

Newgrange is situated in Drogheda, 50km north of Dublin. This prehistoric site houses enormous burial chambers dating back to over 5,000 years. Pale, situated 10 km south west of the Newgrange necropolis, is the symbolic centre of Gaelic Ireland. The sacred Tara Hill, once capital of the Ard-Ris (the Great King of Ireland) was used as the King’s coronation site.

The ruins of the oldest monastery in Ireland are a short distance away from Drogheda, at Monasterboice, where it is possible to admire both the carved stone figures, which evoke episodes from biblical history and to see one of the finest examples of a Celtic Cross. Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford, lie on the east coast to the south of Dublin. Wicklow is 50km from the city and is immersed in the wild region of the Wicklow Mountains. The road, which crosses the mountains connecting Dublin to Glendalough, is very picturesque and worth a visit. Travelling along the road near Enniskerry, it is possible to visit Powerscourt House, a splendid 18th century residence. The grounds, which can be visited only in summer, house wonderful gardens and a 120 metre waterfall. One of the most strikingly beautiful panoramas, is that of the Glendalough Valley. Set between two lakes in the heart of the range, it is possible to view the ruins of Glendalough Monastery.

Dublin - The traveller's notebook

Currency : Euro Electric supply: The standard supply is 220 volts. An adaptor may be necessary.

Climate : The climate suffers from ocean influences. Strong winds, ample rainfall throughout the year and dense fogs. In summer the temperature rarely exceeds 16°C.

Language : Irish, English

Opening hours : shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5:30/6pm.Banks are open weekdays from 10am to 12:30 and from1:30pm to 3pm.

Dublin - A pocket guide

The magazine “In Dublin“, provides detailed information about what is happening in the city. Dublin is an incredible mix of pubs and socio-cultural places of interest.. It was not by chance that the city was chosen by many poets and writers as the ideal place to spend their time. Welcoming, traditional and at the same time transgressive, Dublin can be savoured at numerous sites around the city including: Foggy Dew, Pravda, the Front Lounge, the Globe, the Long Hall, the Norseman and the O’Doneghue.

Disclaimer: the above information is provided 'as is' and Hostelsclub accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.

> Book hostels in Dublin