Set by the shores of Dublin Bay, Ireland’s capital is an intense, energetic place and an essential part of any trip to the country. Extensive redevelopment has taken place over the past decades, mixing old with new. Nestling between churches, castles and Georgian architecture are new hotels, shopping centres and tram systems.
Most of the things to do in Dublin are situated in a compact area around the River Liffey, giving a completely different perspective of the city on either side.
The Southside is regarded as more fashionable thanks to Grafton Street and Temple Bar areas, but also home to much of Ireland’s cultural heritage such as Trinity College and Leinster House. It also offers the open spaces of Merrion Square and St Stephens Green, the much loved back garden of many a Dubliner. The largest inner city park in the Europe, Phoenix Park, is situated 3 kilometres Northwest of the Dublin city attractions.
The North side, traditionally a working class area, is now seeing a transition with many new clubs, pubs and theatres opening in the area. The city’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, and those that run off it are alive and swarming with shoppers and businessmen, and the open air stalls on Moore Street market are a great place to find the self appointed custodians of Dublin wit. They are said to have a mordant, but engaging sense of humour and are always happy to join in a lively debate.
Further afield, from the many things to do in Dublin several blue flag beaches are accessible from the city attractions with trams and buses regularly leaving and countless organised tours to be found. Boat tours are a popular way to see the seals, porpoises and birdlife that frequent the bay. The National Botanic Gardens and Howth Castle are also favoured trips away from the centre.
Around a quarter of Ireland’s population reside here and the city is said to have one of the youngest populations in Europe, who clock in at the many gastro bars and smart eateries. However top of all things to do in Dublin and no trip to Ireland would not be complete without a night of musical entertainment fused with Irish stout. To see some of the more traditional public houses, there are an abundance of organised pub and literary pub crawls on offer.
Dublin city is the centre for many of the country’s festivals and events. Some of the best and most popular are Temple Bar Trad-fest every Jan/Feb, St. Patricks festival in March, Maritime festival every June bank holiday and the Fringe and Theatre festivals in September and October.