Travel in Dublin

Being voted the friendliest city in Europe in 2007 is a great advertisement for Dublin travel. The capital has also got better crime figures than any other European capital city. The city is a vibrant mix of lively nightlife, history and culture. Many British people go over for the weekend but there is such a lot to do in a short time.

There are many elegant buildings in the city and Dublin Castle is one of the most imposing. The medieval castle was extended into a fortified building in the 18th century and housed the British Government until their rule ended in 1922. Today, it is a tourist attraction and conference center.

There are several museums and galleries in the city and Dublin travel affords the opportunity to see some of the finest national collections in Ireland. The National Gallery of Ireland has a permanent exhibition of Irish and European art, including works by Dutch masters and English artists, William Hogarth and Joshua Reynolds. The National Museum of Ireland displays Irish art, culture and natural history. The archeological section exhibits artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age and earlier.

Pub culture is an integral part of Irish life and the best way to end a hectic day of sightseeing is to call in and have a pint of Guinness and a hot bowl of Irish stew. There may be some live entertainment too from a traditional group playing with fiddle, penny whistle and drum. One of the most famous establishments to be on a Dublin travel itinerary is Mulligan’s Pub. It is one of the oldest in the city and has been serving customers since 1732. It even got a mention in James Joyce’s novel of Dublin life, Ulysses. The pub still has its original ceiling and Victorian furniture.

Another tourist haunt is the Temple Bar district, an area of small, cobbled streets and known as a cultural heartland. There are many galleries and arts institutions but it has recently become famous for its nightlife. Young people are particularly drawn to the pubs, bars and nightclubs and it’s become a favorite destination for stag and hen weekends. There are many fine restaurants here and the popular Cows Lane Market is a fashion and designer market held every Saturday. Street performers add to the atmosphere.

The two main shopping areas are on Grafton Street and Henry Street and there are many up market shops and department stores, such as Brown Thomas. The tram system makes Dublin travel and shopping a pleasant experience, as it’s easy to move around the city.