Dublin Region at the Heart of Ireland

Dublin is situated on the River Liffey and thisending British occupation of Ireland, which ended
amenity provides a centrepiece for many of thesome five years later.
features of the area. The centre of Dublin is quiteThe Dublin Spire is a recent addition to the city
compact and it is here you will find most of theskyline and obtains criticism and praise in nearly
interesting visitor attractions.As you go furtherequal measure. It sits in the centre of O'Connell
out, you find suburban areas such asStreet where once stood Nelson's Pillar. This was
Rathfarnham, which is a good gateway to theerected during British occupation of Ireland but
attractions of the Dublin Mountains. Tallaghtwas blown up by the IRA in 1966. Much discussion
(Dublin's most populated suburb) and other townstook place for nearly 40 years as to what to
that are in more rural settings such as Newcastle,replace it with and eventually the bland Dublin
Saggart and Rathcoole are worth a visit. DundrumSpire took its place.
and Stepaside are close to the Dublin MountainsDownriver a little one finds the Four Courts
and the highest pub in Dublin, the famous Johnnycomplex of buildings and close by is the Jameson
Fox's in Glencullen, is a must for drink, music andDistillery in Smithfield. Of course, one cannot visit
quality food.Dublin without being aware of its most famous
North of the city are the attractive towns ofproduct - Guinness. The famous stout, black with
Malahide, Swords and Howth and further northa white collar, was founded and is brewed in
again on the coast, lie resort towns of Skerries,Dublin. The brewing complex is on James Street
Rush and Lusk. Balbriggan is a densely populatedand nearby is one the busiest attractions in
town just south of the border with County MeathIreland, the Guinness Storehouse, where visitors
and is home to many commuters who work incan learn about the history the product and test
the city.some free samples whilst observing the city from
Being the capital city and central administrativea high viewing platform.
headquarters for the 26 counties, Dublin offers aDublin is home to many parks and the most
host of heritage and historical sightseeingprominent city centre one is St. Stephen's Green,
opportunities. The city has three universities, thea beautiful oasis of calm in the buzzing city. Beside
most famous being Trinity College located in theit is the most famous shopping street in Dublin,
very centre of Dublin. Apart from being aGrafton Street. Nearby is Merrion Square Park
renowned seat of learning, the college hosts theand in Ballsbridge, the magnificent Herbert Park.
world famous Book of Kells and is one of theHowever, outshining them all is the Phoenix Park
most visited tourist attractions in the country. Theto the west of the city centre, which is the
campus has wonderful Georgian architecture andlargest city park in Europe, comprising 1760 acres.
generous grounds in the middle of the city. TheLocated in this huge unspoilt green area is Dublin
Long Room Library is another exceptional featureZoo one of the biggest visitor attractions in
of the Trinity College. The other two universitiesIreland. The Phoenix Park contains the residency
are UCD (University College Dublin) on the southof the Irish President, Aras an Uachtarain and also
side of the city and DCU (Dublin City University)that of the US Ambassador. Fallow deer have
on the north side of Dublin.occupied the park since the 17 th century and the
Close by Trinity College is Dublin Castle which wasplace is a haven for walkers and picnickers. It is
the seat of administration for the Britishone of great amenities for the people of Dublin
Government occupation of Ireland. Today, it isand visitors alike.
home to the Revenue Commissioners and variousDublin is a city with a great buzz to it. Areas like
other Government bodies. St Patrick's CathedralTemple Bar, Baggot Street and Stephens Green
and Christchurch Cathedral are two famousboast great pubs, restaurants and night- clubs.
architectural gems within walking distance of DublinThere is a huge range of accommodation from
Castle that should not be missed on any tour ofhostels to five-star hotels. Famous Dublin hotels
Dublin. Dail Eireann, the seat of Government is oninclude the Shelbourne Hotel on Stephen's Green
Kildare Street and at the rear of it is the Nationaland the Gresham Hotel on O'Connell Street. U2,
Gallery of Ireland and the Museum of Naturalthe famous Dublin rock group, own the funky
History in Merrion Street. The aforementioned areClarence Hotel on the south quays and you
all located on the south side of the River Liffey.possibly could spot Bono and pals hanging out
Just across the river is O'Connell Street, the mainthere.
thoroughfare of the city on which you will find theTransport needs are served by buses (Dublin
GPO (General Post Office) and the Dublin SpireBus), trams (LUAS) and city rail (DART). At the
landmark. The GPO is historically important as itstart of a new decade, it is worth considering a
was at the centre of the 1916 Rebellion thatvacation or break in Dublin, one of the great cities
marked a turning point in Irish history, andof Europe.
although a failed rebellion, started the process of