Away With Ye: Dublin City Breaks
Dublin City Breaks are a wonderful way to unwind. Dublin is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Ireland and is located on a bay at the mouth of the River Liffey.
Dublin is a major centre for business, finance, culture, and tourism and is home to a number of universities and colleges.
Dublin has a long and rich history and is home to many historical landmarks, including Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Dublin is also a popular tourist destination, known for its friendly people, its beautiful parks and gardens, and its vibrant nightlife.
Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Dublin:
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is a medieval castle that was built in the 13th century. The castle was once the seat of British government in Ireland and is now a museum.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral of Ireland. The cathedral was founded in the 12th century and is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe.
Trinity College
Trinity College is a university that was founded in 1592. The college is home to the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript.
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is a neighbourhood in Dublin that is known for its nightlife and full of bars, restaurants, and clubs.
The Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is a museum that is dedicated to the history of Guinness beer. The museum offers tours, tastings, and interactive exhibits.
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe. The park is home to a number of deer, which visitors are allowed to feed.
The Dublin Mountains
The Dublin Mountains are a mountain range located just outside Dublin. The mountains offer a variety of hiking trails and scenic views.
Getting Around
Dublin has a good public transport system that includes buses, trains, and trams. The city is also home to a number of bike lanes and bike rental companies.
Here is a brief overview of the different types of public transport in Dublin:
- Buses: Dublin Bus is the main provider of public bus services in the city. Buses run throughout the city and to the suburbs.
- Trains: Iarnrod Éireann operates the Dublin commuter rail system. The system consists of four lines that serve the city center and the suburbs.
- Trams: The Luas is the light rail system that serves Dublin. The system has two lines that run through the city center and to the suburbs.
- Bikes: Dublin has a number of bike lanes and bike rental companies. Biking is a great way to get around the city and is a popular way to get to work or school.
Here are some tips for using public transport in Dublin:
- Buy an Irish Rail Leap Card. The Leap Card is a smart card that can be used on all public transport in Dublin. The card offers discounts on travel and can be purchased at any train station or Luas stop.
- Use the Dublin Bus app. The Dublin Bus app allows you to track buses in real time, plan your journey, and purchase tickets.
- Be aware of the fare zones. Dublin is divided into four fare zones. The fare you pay depends on the zones you travel through.
- Don’t forget to validate your ticket. You must validate your ticket before boarding a bus, train, or tram. You can validate your ticket at any ticket machine or at a ticket counter.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip to Dublin using public transport.
NightLife
Dublin has a vibrant nightlife scene with something for everyone. From traditional pubs to trendy nightclubs, there is always something to do in the evening.
Here are some of the most popular bars and clubs in Dublin:
The Temple Bar: The Temple Bar is a neighbourhood in Dublin that is known for its nightlife and is full of bars, restaurants, and clubs.
The Button Factory, The Workman’s Club and The Camden are nightclubs located in the city centre and offer live music, DJs, and dancing.
The Stag’s Head: The Stag’s Head pub, located in the city centre is known for its traditional Irish music and atmosphere.
The Porterhouse: The Porterhouse is a pub located in the city centre and known for its craft beer and whiskey selection.
Many people already know that Ireland is famous for its Guinness and Irish Whiskey, but did you know that Ireland also produces its own Cider, Wines, Beers and Soft drinks?
Shopping
Dublin also has a number of popular shopping areas, including:
Grafton Street: Grafton Street is the main shopping street in Dublin. The street is home to a variety of shops, including high-end stores, souvenir shops, and department stores.
Henry Street, Temple Bar and The Liberties are also good for shopping and art galleries.
Food
There are many different types of food available in Dublin. Irish food is typically hearty and filling, and there are a number of traditional Irish dishes that are popular with locals and tourists alike. Some of the most popular Irish dishes include:
- Irish Stew: Irish stew is a hearty stew, made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables.
- Coddle: Coddle is made with bacon, cabbage, and potatoes.
- Boxty: Boxty is made with potatoes and flour and is a cross between a pancake and a flatbread. Served with anything from fry-ups to fruit.
- Steak and Guinness: Beef, cooked in Guinness usually served as a delicious pie
- Fish and Chips: Fish and chips (French fries) an old favourite.
There are also a number of international restaurants in Dublin, serving a variety of cuisines from around the world including Italian, Indian, Chinese and Thai. Vegans and Vegetarians are also well catered for.
Cost of Living
Dublin is a relativity expensive city and the cost of living in Dublin is higher than the national average in Ireland. The cost of food, housing, transportation, and other expenses are all higher in Dublin than in other parts of Ireland.
However, there are ways to save money in Dublin. Here are some tips:
Eat at local restaurants. Local restaurants are often much cheaper than tourist traps.
Take advantage of free activities. There are many free activities to do in Dublin, such as visiting parks and museums.
Stay in a hostel or guesthouse. Hostels and guesthouses are often much cheaper than hotels.
Cook your own meals. Cooking your own meals is a great way to save money.
Take advantage of public transportation. Public transportation is very affordable in Dublin.
Buy a Dublin Pass. The Dublin Pass gives you free admission to many of the city’s attractions, as well as unlimited travel on public transportation.
Conclusion
Dublin is a fun city to visit with lots to see and do, we hope you enjoy it.