Dublin Bed and Breakfast. Dublin was first held first by the Vikings, then the Normans and over many centuries, the English, Dublin finally became the capital city of the Republic of Ireland in 1947.
Many of its most important buildings had survived World War II due to the countrys policy of neutrality, and it entered this new period in a state of nationalistic fervour, proud of its heritage and its independence after decades of fierce struggles for and against Home Rule.
Few could have predicted its emergence half a century later, though, as one of Europes fastest growing cities, with its economic success story borne out by the plethora of sophisticted venues newly opened: restaurants, clubs, galleries and hotels, which have added to the already fascinating collection of local landmarks and allow the visitor to choose between glimpses of history and nostalgia or stylish, contemporary cultural attractions.
Most recently it has attempted to shed its image as a stag night capital, though its popularity simply bears testament to the wonderful night life centered around the booming and attractive Temple Bar area which every visitor should sample. Talking of sampling try the Guiness Storehouse and Jamesons Distillery and enjoy.
The city is divided by the river Liffey into the southside,traditionally more elegant and middle-class, and the north, although both areas have much to offer in the way of sights and varied accommodation.
- The Temple Bar— Between Dame Street and the Liffey, this area is the result of a massive investment in urban regeneration, which has created Dublin’s cultural heart and social hub within a quaint maze of cobblestone streets. Location of the Irish Film Centre.
- The Medieval Town Centre— Remarkable monuments abound: Dublin Castle, the City Hall, and the cathedrals of St Patrick and Christchurch.
- Trinity College— With a long list of eminent alumni including the literary giants Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, Trinity was founded by Elizabeth I and remains one of Europe’s great universities as well as home to the famous Book of Kells.
- Georgian Dublin— A tour in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats and Daniel O’Connell should include the elegant suburbs and beautiful gardens and squares of Georgian Dublin, such as Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square.
- Grafton Street— A shoppers’ paradise on the edge of St Stephen’s Green, and close to the National Gallery, National Museum and Leinster House.
- Liberties— Brick Lane and Francis Street offer fantastic browsing for antique shop fans, with further hidden treasures in store at Dublin’s largest indoor market, Mother Redcap’s Market.
- Kilmainham— Three big attractions over in the west: the notorious Kilmainham Gaol, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Guiness Storehouse.
- Drumcondra— Visit here the impressive Botanic Gardens with their splendid glasshouses and a pleasant river walk, or take a stroll through the Glasnevin Cemetery where the names of Daniel O’Connell and Michael Collins are set in stone.
- Ballsbridge— Also known as the Embassy District, this suburb has excellent transport links as well as some of Dublin’s most exclusive accommodation, often with conference facilities.
- Coastal towns— Worth considering as a base when exploring the city. A round of golf may be in order at the exclusive Royal Dublin course on Bull Island, or magnificent cliff walks to Howth Head for great views of the city.
- Dun Laoghaire— South of the Liffey, get starstruck at the haunts of the Irish elite in the village of Dalkey and Killiney Bay.