Baile Atha Cliath or Dublin? |
 14 votes |
Yes, it is how the Irish call their capital city in their native language! It sounds very exotic, and so did the city seem to me! What to say about Dublin? I went there for a short trip (4 days) and it is quite enough to get the first glimpse of the city and the atmosphere. The city itself doesn't offer too much in a sense of important sites, and you can manage to reach on foot all the important sites in the city centre, such as: Trinity College, Christ Church and St. Patrickīs Cathedral, Grafton Street Area, Merrion Square, The Castle.... In Trinity College visit the exhibition of ancient Irish texts, where you can find the famous Book of Kells among other important documents. Also, see the old Library.
There are a lot of museums in Dublin, which unfortunately I couldnt visit, as most of them are only open from May to October. Writers Museum should be nice, as well as Joyce Museum in Sandycove. You will be surprised to learn how many important writers were actually Irish!
|
|
| Favourite spots: |
I really liked walking around the city, talking to people. Don't miss the Friendly Room at St. Anne's Church. You can get some really nice home-made cheap snacks there, and what is more important, talk to the owners of the place. Definitely a Friendly Room not to be missed! Also, all pubs are very nice and you can enjoy just by sitting there and watching people around you. Also, if you like beer, don't miss out on Guinness.
St. Stephenīs Green Park is a nice place for a walk too. Also, Phoenix Park, one of the biggest urban parks in the world. It is five times bigger than Hyde Park, or twice as much as Central Park.
James Joyce Center is a good alternative if you canīt make it to James Joyce Museum in Sandycove.
|
|
| What's really great: |
Friendly people, Guinness, nice and neat houses, the greenery...I also loved listening to their peculiar Dublin accent! Also, the possibility to go on excursions outside of the city, with so many nice places to see.
|
|
| Accommodations: |
Many possiblities, though not very cheap. I would recommend the International Youth Hostel, very friendly, cosy and helpful. It is situated in the north part of Dublin, in Mountjoy Street. It was a convent before, and meals are served in what previosly was a church! The place is well equipped and they have separate dorm rooms.
|
|
| Hangouts: |
Any pub in Dublin is lovely, although those in Temple Bar Area are quite expensive. They charge one pint of Guinness at around 4 Euro.
|
|
| Restaurants: |
Eating out is expensive, but you can find a variey of international restaurants. Powerscourt Townhouse Shopping Centre is a very curious place in the city centre, and you can get some food and drinks there as well.
|
|
| Other recommendations: |
If you have a chance, don't miss out the opportunity to go out of Dublin to see some countryside. The city is close to the sea and the mountains. You can reach places on the coast, like Howth, Sandycove or Dalkey; or Malahide in the north, easily by bus or train (DART). Also, go to the Wicklow Mountains area. If in a hurry, there are many organised day-trips who take you to this area, they charge around 20-25 Euros. Don't miss the ancient monastic area of Glendalough. On the way there you will be able to see some great Irish scenery (lakes, pastures, waterfalls...).
Kilmainham Jail is also well worth a visit. Guinness Storehouse is very informative, but too touristic and expensive. But, you can enjoy Dublin views from the top of the building, while sipping the best pint of Guinness!
|
|
Published on Thursday April 8th, 2004 by lioness
|
|
|
|
Read comments (6)
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
| More reports on Dublin |
|
|
| Travel tips for Dublin |
|
|
|
