DUBLIN - PLACES TO VISIT, ACCOMMODATION UNITS AND OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Dublin is one of those European cities that doesn't come to your mind first time when you want to plan a vacation or a city break. I have to admit that even I didn't have this city in the top of the places I wanted to visit, but at the invitation of some friends, combined with some good prices for plane tickets, our trip to the Irish capital materialized. I was there at the end of March and I was lucky with beautiful weather.
Founded in the 7th century, Dublin experienced fast expansion in the 17th century, becoming one of the largest cities in Great Britain. In 1922, Ireland won its independence, and nowadays the Republic of Ireland is a sovereign state. It is necessary to make a distinction between the Republic of Ireland, with its capital in Dublin, and Northern Ireland, with its capital in Belfast, which is part of the United Kingdom. Although both countries are on the same island, there is no customs control between them and are quite similar, they are two distinct countries, with different rules and laws. You must keep this aspect in mind, especially if you are planning a tour of the island by car.
Dublin is known as the city where you can listen to live music and drink brown beer. On its streets, especially in the area of the old center, in the historic buildings, there are pubs, which are always full of people, both locals and tourists, who come to this special city to enjoy the Irish atmosphere. The city, however, offers much more than pubs with live music. Here you can enjoy history, nature, shopping or have experiences that no other European city offers.
HOW TO GET TO DUBLIN:
To reach Dublin, there are direct flights from most European cities.
The airport has two terminals, located approximately 300 meters from each other. If you need to go from one terminal to another, it is good to know that it is a distance that can be covered on foot. Ryanair usually operates flights on Terminal 1 (T1). To get from the airport to the city, there are several options:
- taxi, which takes about 30 minutes to the city and costs between 25-30 euros;
- private transfer, book here;
- Aircoach bus, which runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during the night. The ticket costs around 15 euros round trip and has multiple stops;
- Airlink bus, which stops only in the center of Dublin. The ticket costs 11 euros round trip;
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBLIN
- Hyatt Centric The Liberties - accommodation unit with double, twin or suite rooms. It has a garden, reception open non-stop, parking at an additional price and internet included in the price of the reservation;;
- Hard Rock - accommodation unit with double, twin or suite rooms. It has a restaurant and room service option. Internet is included in the price of the reservation;
- The Marker Hotel, accommodation unit with double or family rooms. It has an indoor pool, internet included in the booking price and reception open non-stop;
- Gleesons Townhouse Bootherstown, accommodation unit rated at four stars, which has double, triple, twin or suite rooms. Parking and internet are included in the reservation price;
- Blackrock B&B - accommodation unit with double rooms, located near the sea. Internet is included in the price of the reservation, and parking is paid separately;
- Pembroke Hall, accommodation unit with double or twin rooms. Internet is included in the price of the reservation;
OBIECTIVE TURISTICE IN DUBLIN
Cathedral of St. Patrick is Roman Catholic and bears the patron saint of Ireland. It was built in 1191 in the neo-Gothic style and has undergone minor changes over time. The main attraction is the altar. To visit this cathedral, you have to pay an entrance ticket of 8 euros.
Trinity College is the oldest university in Dublin. It was founded in 1592 and hosted classes for students with famous names, such as Bram Stocker, Oscar Wilde or Jonathan Swift. This location was a source of inspiration for the author of the Harry Potter books.
Howth is the ideal place to enjoy nature and the sea. It is a picturesque fishing village located on the Howth Peninsula, known for its stunning coastal views and rich history. The village is also famous for its seafood, with numerous restaurants and fish markets featuring the freshest catches from the Irish Sea. Howth's charming atmosphere and natural beauty make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Here you can take short walks on the coast or even long hikes. The landscapes and the quietness of the place were my favorites from the trip to Dublin. I recommend checking the weather forecast before planning a trip here and avoid the place if it's very windy
Church of St. Michan, which is famous for hosting mummified people in its crypts. The church was built in 1095 and remained almost unchanged until the Victorian Era. It still retains the original organ, which has been inside since the construction was completed.
Phoenix Park is the largest urban park in Europe, and the main point of attraction is the population of stags and deer. It can be the ideal place to have a picnic and relax away from the bustle of the city, right in... the middle of the city :)
Dublin Castle was built in the medieval period, precisely in 1204, on the site of a Viking settlement and is a symbol of the country's complex and rich history. It was largely destroyed by a fire in 1684, but certain portions of Viking and medieval origins remained intact and can be visited today. Dublin Castle is a major tourist attraction, hosting state events and offering visitors guided tours that reveal its elegant rooms, beautiful gardens and architectural treasures.
Walk through the old center to admire the narrow and cobbled streets, with old houses and colorful doors. The old town is famous for its lively pubs, traditional music and artistic atmosphere. The old town's blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy makes it an exciting destination for tourists who want to experience the essence of Dublin. The most photographed building in the city is that of The Temple Bar.
Guinness Storehouse is the place where you can learn interesting things about the manufacturing process of traditional Irish beer. It is a must-see attraction, whether you're into beer or not. Located at St. James's Gate Brewery, where the famous beer has been brewed since 1759, the seven-story experience offers an immersive journey through the history and production of Guinness. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, learn about the brewing process and even pour their perfect pint. The tour culminates in the Gravity Bar, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Dublin skyline while enjoying a pint of Guinness from the house. Tickets here.
Visit to the Irish whiskey distillery. Jameson Distillery Bow St. offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of Irish whiskey. Established in 1780, this historic distillery has been converted into a popular visitor center where guests can explore the art of whiskey making. Interactive tours detail the distilling process, from malt and mash to fermentation and aging. Visitors can also participate in whiskey tastings and learn to appreciate Jameson's distinct flavors. The experience is enhanced by the distillery's vibrant atmosphere and knowledgeable guides, making it a highlight for whiskey buffs and history buffs alike. Tickets here.
Day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most stunning natural wonders. These iconic cliffs stretch for about 5 miles, offering panoramic views that attract millions of visitors each year. The beauty of the cliffs is complemented by a rich array of birds, including puffins, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Whether viewed from the winding coastal paths or from view point at O'Brien's Tower, the Cliffs of Moher offer an unforgettable experience of Ireland's wild and majestic landscape. Book here.
Day trip to Wicklow, Glendalough and Kilkenny, bookings here.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DUBLIN:
- Ireland is an EU member country and can be entered also with ID if you are an EU citizen;
- Dublin is known for its nightlife and the multitude of bars and pubs. Therefore, it is the ideal place if you are looking for places to have fun. However, you have to keep in mind that the party places are open until 1 in the morning, at the latest, they are not open like in Romania or other European places, until 5-6 in the morning;
- if you don't want to order drinks with your meal, when you eat out, in Dublin you can ask for tap water, which is offered free of charge and it's safe to drink;
- for public transport, you have the option of buying a card valid for 72 hours and which you can use unlimitedly. You also have the convertible, hop-on, hop-off bus included, as well as trips outside the city to Malahide or Dun Laoghaire. Buy here.
- the best time to visit this city is from May to September. During this period you have every chance to have good weather, without strong and cold wind;
CONCLUSION:
Although I didn't set off a lot of expectations about this city, I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of the place. Also, the beauty of the landscapes on the coast was beyond expectations. I wish in the near (or distant) future to organize a vacation in which to tour the Republic of Ireland, but also Northern Ireland, which is the only country in the United Kingdom that I have not visited. I would probably not revisit Dublin again, although I liked it a lot, I would focus more on discovering rural and authentic Ireland.
I hope this article helps you plan a trip to Dublin or inspires you. Read about other places in Europe: London, Paris, Thassos Island, Algarve, Portugal, Cologne, Oslo or Wales.
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