What you can see in Dublin?
A carving in the crypt at Christ Church Cathedral, the National Museum of Ireland Archaeology and History, The National Gallery of Ireland Merrion Square West, Dublin 2; Irish Museum of Modern Art Kilmainham, Dublin 8; Trinity College College Green, Dublin 2 - the book of Kells is a highlight; Dublin Castle Dublin 2, Guided Tour Prices 4.50 Euro; Alternative Tour of Chapel Royal & Undercroft 3.50 Euro; Chester Beatty Library Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, which contains a wide selection of early books and manuscripts, including sacred texts and manuscripts; Christ Church Cathedral, Christ Church Place, dating back to the 11th century, is the oldest building in Dublin, though it underwent a massive restoration in the 19th century; Phoenix Park - the 2nd largest city park in the world. Includes a Polo field and the Dublin Zoo; National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
What else you can do in Dublin?
* Viking Splash Tours run tours on the city and river in World War II amphibious craft - a bit different from your regular tour bus;
* Hop on the open top bus tour around the city, which stops at all of the major tourist spots, and you can hop off and on as often as you like. The bus drivers are very funny too - a great way to get a feel for the layout of Dublin, and reasonable (especially if booked in advance with your hotel or ferry crossing).
* The Zozimus Experience,(phone 01 661 8646), is a theatrical ghost tour of Dublin, guided by none other than the blind, early 20th century storyteller Zozimus. It departs nightly from Dublin Castle, at sun-down. Advance booking is required, and an exact meeting time will be given when you book.
* Historical Walking Tour of Dublin. Meet at the west gate to Trinity College. The tours are led by knowledgeable graduate students from the College who tell the story of Ireland's history during a ramble through the south side of the Liffey.
* The Guinness Storehouse - St James's Gate, Dublin 8 - retells the story of Dublin's most famous drink. The exhibition is interesting and is self guided. The bar at the top of the Storehouse, the Gravity Bar, offers fantastic views of the city. The entry includes a pint of Guinness, which you receive at the bar. Ask for black currant flavouring in your Guinness for an interesting blend of tastes.
* Jameson Distillery - after the video, make sure you raise your hand because they pick four people to volunteer for taste testing!
* Catch a hurling or gaelic football game. These sports are uniquely Irish. Hurling is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest field sport, with the ball (called a sliotar) reaching speeds above 80 MPH. Gaelic football can best be described as a combination of soccer and rugby. To keep the sports "pure," it maintains an amateur status, with each county in Ireland having a team.
* Trinity College - founded in 1592, the oldest university in Ireland. Lots to see, including the Book of Kells.
Buy - Dublin's main shopping street is the pedestrianised Grafton Street, which runs between St. Stephen's Green and Trinity College. On this street can be found Dublin's most famous (and expensive) department store, Brown Thomas, along with a wide range of clothing shops, jewellers, photo shops, etc.
Alongside the historic Trinity College you will find Nassau Street where there are many shops selling tourist related items such as Waterford Crystal, Belleek Pottery, Aran sweaters and other Irish craft items. Shops to look out for selling these items include House of Ireland, Blarney Woollen Mills and Kilkenny Design.
The Powerscourt Centre, just off Grafton Street, is one of Dublin's most attractive shopping centres, set in a beautifully restored 18th century town house. Here you will find clothes, cafes, galleries and Irish designer jewellers. For gifts, there is an engraving business based in the centre next to the Bonsai tree shop.
For those for who it just wouldn't be a holiday without hanging out at the mall, there are various shopping centres located around Dublin, including Blanchardstown (39 and 70 bus routes), Liffey Valley, and The Square in Tallaght (red luas to the end of the line). The largest shopping centre in Ireland is the recently opened Dundrum Town Centre, which is served by the Luas tramline from St. Stephen's Green.
Dublin is not cheap for general shopping, although visitors from outside the European Union can obtain a refund of VAT (sales tax - 21%) on their purchases. Just look for the refund sign and ask in the shop for details. Keep in mind that most stores will only issue VAT refund vouchers on the same day of purchase.
By Car
There are two ferry terminals in Dublin. The first at Dun Laoghaire is six miles south of the city centre (30 mins by DART train to the centre). Dublin Port is close to the city centre and is well signposted. From the city centre, follow the Quays from O'Connell Bridge down to the Point Depot music venue, then turn left and follow the road all the way to the port.
By Bus
Dublin Port, close to the city centre, is served by a local bus (number 53). Bus Eireann operates services from Dublin's central bus station on Amien Street, to many areas across Ireland. Dublin Bus operates services in Dublin City and County. The Bus Information Office is in O'Connell St. You can buy timetables and get information on commuter and tourist tickets in shops throughout Dublin City and County.
By Rail
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) train service will take you to and from Dublin Port in less than half an hour. Regular Intercity trains link Dublin to most towns throughout Ireland from Connolly and Heuston train stations. Visitors travelling to and from the south and west will arrive and depart from Heuston Station, from where it is a short hop into the centre by bus or taxi. Those arriving or departing for the south east, the north and north-west will leave and arrive at Connolly Station, which is a short walk from O'Connell Street.
Destinations' Source: Aferry.to
