Your future holidays in Europe

Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. Its vibrancy, nightlife and tourist attractions makes it the most popular point for international visitors to Ireland. The city is relatively large for the size of the country ; more than 25% of the Republic's population lives in Dublin. The city centre however is relatively small and can be visited by foot, the biggest part of the population is living in the suburbs.

Understand Dublin

History of the city

Orientation

The River Liffey splits Dublin in two. On the North : O'Connell St. - the main thoroughfare which is intersected by numerous shopping streets, including Henry Street and Talbot Street. On the South : St. Stephen's Green, Grafton St. (shopping), Trinity College, Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals, and many other attractions.

Dublin postcodes raise progressively from Dublin 1 to Dublin 24. The lower the postcode the closer you are to the centre.

If you need a clear online map and a journey planner you will find them at the Dublin Transportation Office [2].

If you're already in the city, the main tourist office [4], located in St. Andrews Church just off Grafton St. in the city centre, is a good place to start for information. You can book tours there as well as find general information on where to go and what to do.

Get in Dublin

By plane

Dublin has a single terminal airport [5] about 10km north of the city. A second terminal is planned to open in 2010.

All airlines flying to Dublin can be found on the Dublin Airport website. [6]

There are two types of bus transport back to the city:

• Aircoach [11]
  

• Dublin Bus [12]
  

A taxi to the city centre should cost around €20 to 30 - as such it can be comparable to/cheaper than the bus options if you are in a group of three or more (as well as a lot less hassle).

By train

Dublin has two main train stations. Heuston, in the west of the city centre, serves much of the west and south of the country including an hourly service to Cork. Connolly, in the north-east centre of the city, serves the south east and east coast, Belfast, Sligo in the north-west and suburban commuter services including the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. The two main stations are connected by bus and Luas routes. Visit the website for all train services local and intercity.

Irish Rail [14] has one of the youngest train fleets in Europe and the Cork train in particular is extremely comfortable. Some of the older trains are still used but will be phased out completely in 2008 with the arrival of a massive fleet of brand new trains built in Japan and South Korea.

By bus

A single bus station, Busáras, serves the entire country and is next to Connolly train station, a 10 minute walk from O'Connell St. There is an extensive bus service run by Bus Eireann [15] which covers destinations country wide, as well as Britain and Eurolines [16] services to Continental Europe. There are luggage lockers in the basement.

There are however a number of private bus companies operating out of the city centre. Kavanaghs [17] has a good service to Limerick and Waterford. Citylink [18] coaches has a good price to Galway and the West.

The following buses go from the airport to the city centre: 16A, 41, 746, 747, 748 and the Airlink (faster but costs €6).

You can get private direct buses from the Airport to some cities. Aircoach goes to Belfast driving very good quality buses, and the price is very cheap. If you are coming from Belfast, you are entitled to get a new Aircoach bus at Dublin airport with the same ticket, which is much handier. Aircoach also serves Cork.

By boat

Dublin Port has several passenger ferry services to Wales and England, but more popular is the suburban port of Dún Laoghaire 10km south of Dublin city. The port of Dún Laoghaire is serviced by the DART.

By car

If you are only visiting Dublin for a daytrip and have a car, you can beat the traffic by leaving your car at a Park & Ride station. If you are coming from the south, two ideal places to leave your car are at the Sandyford Luas stop, located just off junction 15 of the M50 on the Blackthorn Road or Bray DART stop, on the Bray road. If you are coming from the west, your best option is the Red Cow luas stop, off junction 10 of the M50. Coming from the north east your best bet is the park & ride station at Howth DART station. Tariffs at Park & Ride stations range from 2 to 4 euro.

While all car rental companies in Ireland have rental desks in the arrivals hall of Dublin Airport, the list of car rental companies with inner city locations is far less. Some of the car rental companies will advertise city centre locations, but these locations are mostly only drop-offs for which an additional charge will be added. Distances mentioned below are approximations from O’Connell Bridge.

• Yello Car and Van hire Locations for both Car Hire and also Van hire in Dublin Downtown and Dublin Airport. Our city centre branch is located in the heart of Dublin's City Centre. It is conveniently located only 5mins from Town & is perfectly situated within walking distance of over 50 major hotels and Shopping (about 2.6miles from O'Connell Bridge). It is very centrally located and easily accessible from all areas. One ways to Northern Ireland and elsewhere in southern Ireland are also available.
• Car Hire Ireland Offices located at Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Galway, Kerry and Knock airports. There is also an office on the N11 (Stillorgan Road) in South Dublin.
• Budget Car Rental Ireland – Pickup and dropoff in Drumcondra, situated 3.5km to the north of Dublin City Centre.
• Rent-A-Car Enterprise [19] - Pickup and drop off at the airport from their Swords branch.
• Argus Rent a Car – Locations in Santry & Rathgar. The Argus Rathgar office is situated nearly 6km from the city centre. The Santry office is situated only 3km from their Dublin Airport location and is in reality a drop off service rather than a location office.
• Thrifty Dublin [20] – Located in Lombard Street. Depot is situated within 2km from city centre.
• Atlas Car Hire [21] – Atlas share a location with Thrifty in Dublin city centre.
• Avis – Located in Kilmainham, situated roughly 4.5km to the west of Dublin city centre.
• National – Located in Stillorgan, situated over 10km from the city centre. North City depot is advertised but is same depot that services Dublin Airport.
• Dan Dooley [22] – Located in Westland Row, situated just over 2km from city centre and within five minutes of Trinity College.
• Hertz – Located on South Circular Road, situated within 4.5km of Dublin city centre.
• Irish Car Rental – Located in Terenure, situated nearly 6.6km from city centre.
• Malone Car Rental Ireland [23] - Part of the Dollar Thrifty Ireland umbrella.

Get around

Public transportation has improved massively over the last few years, but it is still worse than in other European cities. This is more of a problem for the commuter than the visitor to Dublin, however, as the centre of the city is easy to get around on foot.

By train/tram

The Luas [24] (a tram/light-rail system) runs frequently and reliably, and is handy for getting around the city centre. There are two lines - red (running from Connolly train station to the suburb of Tallaght) and green (running from St. Stephens Green to Sandyford). The lines do not connect. The distance between Abbey St. on the red line and St Stephens Green, that start of the green line, is about 15 minutes walking. The Luas is frequent and reliable. Tickets can be bought on the platforms, at the machines and do not need to be validated. A large amount of further expansion of this network is expected within the next decade.

The DART [25] suburban rail service runs along the coast between Greystones in the south and Howth and Malahide in the north. Tickets can be bought in the stations, from a window or a machine. There are four other suburban rail lines servicing areas around Dublin, [26], three of these lines operate from Connolly Station, the other operates from Heuston Station.

By bus

An extensive bus service operated by the state controlled Dublin Bus serves the city and its suburbs, right out to the very outer suburbs. There are around 200 bus routes in Dublin. However, the route numbering system is highly confusing, with numbers having been issued non-sequentially, suffix letters and alternate destinations. The Bus will display its final destination on the front of the bus but there are no announcements as to intermediate stops therefore obtaining a route map from Dublin Bus is essential. Here are some pointers about using the bus services:

• Dublin Bus accepts coin fares only, No notes are accepted on the buses. If you have no coins you can buy multiple or individual trip tickets from most shops.

• Bus fares can be paid directly to the driver, just tell him your destination. If you don't have exact change, you'll get an extra slip along with your ticket, which you can exchange back at the main bus office at 39 Upper O'Connoll St (next to Post Office).

• Most city buses leave from the O’Connell St. area (including Mountjoy & Parnell Squares, Eden Quay and Fleet Street) or from the Trinity College area (including Pearse St., Nassau St., Dame Street and College Green).

• Daytime buses run from around 5AM to 11:30PM and there are also 24 late night routes (known as the Nightlink service), which are suffixed by an N, and run from midnight until around 2AM/4AM (weekends). Not all night link routes run at the same time every night of the week. The fare is standard and costs €5. More Information: [27].

• The Xpresso is a special service designed to allow for faster and more efficient bus travel for daily commuters during both morning and evening rush hour traffic. Xpresso routes are more direct than many other bus routes, offering passengers a quicker service. These routes also have fewer stops and, therefore, reduce journey times between destinations. There are 22 of these routes in operation. The numbers on the front of a bus are suffixed with an 'X', e.g. 84X. A minimum flat fare (varies based on distance traveled) is charged on these services and it's usually more expensive than a normal, non-Xpresso bus that may be traveling along the same route.

• Railink is an express bus that links Eden Quay, Custom House Quay, Jury's North Wall, Docklands Station, Connolly station, Heuston Station and the International Financial Services centre.

• There is a ferry port link operated by Dublin Bus from Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire ferry port to Busaras (Central Bus Station).

• It should be noted that, while there is effectively no queuing system at bus stops, those paying with cash generally enter to the left of the doors and those using card tickets enter to the right. Your position in a perceived "queue" for a bus may be effectively irrelevant once it arrives. If you have a prepaid ticket don't bother queuing, get onto the bus on the right hand side of the front door.

• When paying with cash, try to ensure that you have the correct amount of change, as the bus drivers cannot issue any change. If you only have larger coins (€1/2), you will receive a "change receipt", which can be exchanged for cash at the Dublin Bus headquarters on O'Connell Street.

• If you see “An Lár” written as the destination on a bus, it means that it is going to the city centre.

• NOTE: Times displayed on timetables either at stops or elsewhere DO NOT indicate the time the bus is expected to pass that stop, they are the times the bus departs from its terminus either in the city centre or at the other end. This is mainly due to the fact that Dublin's roads are exceptionally overcrowded and therefore it is very difficult to accurately predict an expected time.

By car

Taxis were recently (2001) deregulated and are relatively easy to come by, although not as easily as in some other European cities. They may be ordered by telephone, at ranks, or just hailed on the street. Point to point trips in the city centre should cost between €4 and €8. There is a national standardised rate for all taxis.

Driving in Dublin is not to be recommended for much of the day, particularly in the city centre. Traffic can be heavy and there is an extensive one-way system, which some say is explicitly designed to make it very difficult for cars to enter the city centre. There are a large number of bus lanes (buses, taxis and pedal cycles are permitted to use them, the use of which by cars is liable to strict fines. It is usually possible to drive in bus lanes at certain off-peak times, with signs displaying these periods.

It can be difficult to find parking other than in multi-storey car parks. On-street parking for short periods is allowed at parking meters, but beware of over-staying your time or you will be "clamped" by the clamping companies who patrol frequently.

A system of two ring roads around the city has been introduced in recent years, with color coded signage in purple and blue (see the orbital route map [28]. The M50 is Dublin's ring-motorway, it connects to the M1 (to the north of Ireland and Belfast) near Dublin airport and to the M11 (servicing Wicklow, Wexford and the South) south of the city and to other motorways and national roads along its "C-shaped" route. It is continuously being upgraded so it is liable to change in route and lane layout at any time and is highly congested. This road is not recommended for the unsure tourist.

By bicycle/motorbike

Dublin has a large student population and is relatively cycle-friendly. Hiring a bicycle is a handy way to get around if you want to get outside the very centre of the city and are comfortable cycling in traffic. The only dedicated bike hire place in the city is located at the entrance to the Phoenix Park, the largest urban park in Europe [29]. When cycling in the Phoenix Park note that while there is a dedicated cycle lane on both sides of the main thoroughfare unfortunately pedestrians also use these. When cycling in the city centre be aware that cycle lanes, where they exist, are generally shared with buses, taxis and motorcycles and cyclists should pay particular attention when approaching bus stops where a bus is pulling out.

Motorbikes are not allowed to use the cycle lanes but many do so. Passing on the left is also allowed only in limited circumstances but is in fact common.

See

The National Museum, National Library and National Gallery are located very close to one another, near Government buildings in Dublin 2. All three are worth a visit, not least because they are free of charge! Also worth a visit is Buswells Hotel [30], a spot popular with local politicians and celebrities alike.

In the summer peak season, Dublin's top attractions can get packed. Show up early to beat the crowds.

• National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, ☎ +353 1 6777444 (marketing@museum.ie, fax: +353 1 6777450), [31]. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM; Su 2PM-5PM, closed Mon, Christmas Day and Good Friday. Archaeology and History. Other locations: Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barrack, Benburb Street, Dublin 7. Natural History at Merrion Street, Dublin 2. Please note, the Natural History Collection is currently closed to the public. Free entrance. edit
• The National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West & Clare Street, Dublin 2 (DART Pearse Station will get you to within five minutes from the Gallery.), ☎ +353 1 6615133 (info@ngi.ie, fax: +353 1 6615372), [32]. Mon-Sat 9:30AM-5:30PM (till 8:30PM on Thurs) and Sun 12PM-5:30PM. Closed Good Friday and Dec 24-26. National collection of Irish and European Art. Free entrance. edit
• Irish Museum of Modern Art, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, ☎ +353 1 6129900 (info@imma.ie, fax: +353 1 612 9999), [33]. Tu-Sa 10AM-5:30PM (opens 10:30AM on Wed), 12PM-5:30PM on Su and Bank Holidays. Closed on Mon. Summer Late Opening until 8.00pm on Thursdays from 5 June – 18 September.. Modern & contemporary art, formal gardens & cafe. Free entrance.. edit
• Old Library at Trinity College & Book of Kells, College Green, Dublin 2, ☎ +353 1 896 2320 (adiffley@tcd.ie, fax: +353 1 896 2690), [34]. M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM, Sun (May-Sept) 9:30AM (12PM Oct-Apr)-5:30PM. Closed Dec 23 - Jan 1.. The gorgeously illustrated original manuscript of the Book of Kells is the main draw here, but the massive Long Hall of the Old library itself is equally if not even more impressive. Adults €9, +€2 for optional guided tour. Students & seniors €8, children under 12 free. Family admission €18.. edit
• Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, ☎ +353 1 677 7129 (info@dublincastle.ie, fax: +353 679 7831), [35]. Mon-Fri 10AM-5:45PM. Sat, Sun & Holidays. Former seat of British rule in Ireland. Guided Tour Prices Adults: €4.50, students €3.50, children €2, alternative Tour of Chapel Royal & Undercroft €3.50. edit
• Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, ☎ +353 1 407 0750 (info@cbl.ie, fax: +353 1 407 0760), [36]. Sa 11AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM (Closed on Mon from Oct-Apr). Contains a wide selection of early books and manuscripts, including sacred texts and manuscripts. European Museum of the Year 2002. Free entry. edit
• The Bram Stoker Museum, Clontarf Rd, Dublin 3 (Take the DART to Clontarf station, this will leave you beside the museum. Enter via Bar Code.), ☎ +353 1 805 7824 (info@thebramstokerdraculaexperience.com), [37]. Fri 4PM-10PM, Sat,Sun 12PM-10PM. A frightening tour through the life of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. €7 for adults, €4 for children and €5 for students and OAPs. edit
• Christ Church Cathedral, Christ Church Place, Dublin 2, ☎ +353 1 677 8099 (email@cccdub.ie), [38]. June-Aug 9AM-6PM, Sept-May 9:45 - 5 or 6PM. dating back to the 11th century, is the oldest building in Dublin, though it underwent a massive restoration in the 19th century. Particularly interesting is the crypt, which predates the cathedral. Connected to the cathedral is the exhibition "Dublinia", which contains a great deal of information about Dublin during the middle ages. Adults €6, students €4, children with parent free.. edit
• Kilmainham Gaol, Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8., ☎ 353 1 4535984. Open Apr-Sep every day 9:30AM-5PM, Oct-Mar M-Sa 9:30AM-4PM; Su 10AM-5PM. The prison where the rebels from the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. It is located slightly outside the city centre and can be reached by local bus (78a). Access is limited to guided tours, which leave every 30 minutes and are very interesting. It is well worth a visit if you are in any way interested in history. Adults: €5.30, senior and groups: €3.70, children and students: €2.10, family €11.50. edit
• Phoenix Park, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, ☎ +353 1 677 0095 (phoenixparkvisitorcentre@duchas.ie, fax: +353 1 672 6454). The largest enclosed urban park in Europe. Includes a polo field and Dublin Zoo. The residences of the President of Ireland and the US Ambassador are situated in the park, but are not open to the public. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the herd of wild fallow deer that inhabit the park! Free entry.. edit
• Glasnevin Cemetery Tour, Finglas Road, Dublin 11 (Bus 13a 19 19a O'connell St or 40 40a 40b 40c Parnell St), ☎ +353 01 8301133, [39]. Tours (Daily:March to September) (Wed and Fri:October to February) at 2:30PM. Situated just two miles from the city centre, Glasnevin Cemetery is currently running a series of walking tours. These tours give a valuable insight into the final resting place of the men and women who have helped shape Ireland's past and present. The walking tour last one and a half hours and visits the graves of Daniel O'Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Collins, Eamonn De Valera and many other graves of architectural and cultural interest. Adults €8 Student/OAP €6 U12 Free. edit
• Dublin Zoo, Welington/Zoo road, ☎ 353 1 4748900 (info@dublinzoo.ie), [40]. M-Sa 9:30AM-4PM in winter and 6PM in summer. Located in Phoenix Park and dating to 1830, the Dublin Zoo is the largest in Ireland, and notable for its role in wildlife conservation efforts. Adults: €14.00, students and OAPs: €11.50, children €9.50, family from €40.00 for 4 to €49.00 for 6. edit
• National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, ☎ +353 1 804 0300 (botanicgardens@opw.ie, fax: +353 1 836 0080), [41]. Daily Nov-Jan 9AM-4:30PM and Feb-Oct 9AM-6PM. edit
• Leopardstown racecourse, Leopardstown, Dublin 18 (From Dublin city centre, follow the N11 south, turn right into the R113 (Leopardstown Road), the racecourse will be on your left), ☎ +353 1 289 0500 (info@leopardstown.com, fax: +353 1 289 2634), [42]. Located in the southern suburb of Leopardstown/Foxrock, there are regular meetings throughout the year. There is a "Pay as you Play" golf course within the racecourse grounds, as well as bars, restaurants and a nightclub (Club 92). €12.55, with reductions for students and OAPs. edit
• Dublin Writers Museum, 18 Parnell Square, ☎ 353 1 872 2077, [43]. Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, open until 6PM June-Aug. Sun and holidays 11AM-5PM. Located in an 18th century house, the museum is dedicated to Irish literature and the lives of individual Irish writers such as Shaw, Joyce, Yeats & Pearse. Adults €7.25, children €4.55, family tickets €21. edit

Suburbia

Dublin has many fine and quite affluent suburbs. A walk around some them on a nice day is well worth your time as many are home to some of Ireland's finest victorian architecture. Some are easily navigated by foot and are dotted with many fine upmarket delicatessans and Boutiques. Examples include Donnybrook and Ballsbridge - the 46A bus goes through Donnybrook and the 7 through Ballsbridge, and both routes have several stops in the north and south city centre. Ballsbridge is Dublin's embassy district and is home to two of Ireland's most expensive roads, Ailesbury Road and Shrewsbury Road.

Ballsbrige is also home to The Royal Dublin Society(RDS) which promotes and develops agricultre, arts, industry and science in Ireland. It hosts many concerts and also showcases the annual Show Jumping Competition, a major entertainment event. You can approach Ballsbridge via 'Herbert park' opposite Donnybrook Village and visa-versa.

Dalkey and Killiney(proper) which lie on the southern most tip of Dublin are two other upmarket neighbourhoods. Dalkey (which is often jokingly referred to as 'bel-eire') is home to such celebrities as Bono, Lisa Stansfield and Enya. A walk up Vico Road to take in the view is a must-do. Killiney Hill is also very beautiful, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Dublin Mountains. These areas are best approached by the DART, which runs along the coast and has three main stops in the city centre.

Blackrock, accessible by the bus and DART, is also worth a visit. This village is home to many great restaurants and cafes, but don't be put off the dated and service orientated Temple Road. From the Village walk across Temple Road to get to The UCD (University College Dublin) Blackrock campus. The area is surrounded by some lovely leafy roads including Avoca Avenue and a stroll around Carrysfort park with a coffee is a good way to relax. Blackrock can also be approached by foot from Newtown Park Avenue on White's Cross,Foxrock. This tree-covered residential hill offers (on a nice day) beautiful views across Howth Head.

Ranelagh is also worth visiting, and is accessible by the Green Luas Line. It is a short walk from Donnybrook village so any buses serving Donnybrook will leave you close to Ranelagh. The village is small but affluent and has several critically acclaimed eateries.

Sandymount,a coastal suburb no more than 2 miles south of the City Centre,is another quite affluent area with a park and some fine Restaurants. it is also the birthplace of W.B Yeats.The suburb along with its strand also appear prominently in James Joyce's Ulysses.

Be sure also to go North of The Liffey to Malahide and Howth. The latter is also home to a handful of Irish celebrities including Gay Byrne and Dolores O'Riordan. Climbing the Ben of Howth, a 171m high hill on Howth Head on a fine day is well worth your time.

Do

• Viking Splash Tours, Ticket office 64-65 Patrick Street, ☎ 353 1 7076000 (info@vikingsplash.ie), [44]. Tours of the city and river in World War II amphibious craft - a bit different from your regular tour bus. Advance bookings are recommended. Adult €20; Student/Senior (with valid I.D.) €18; Child (aged 3-12) €10. edit

• Guinness Storehouse, St James's Gate, Dublin 8, ☎ 353 1 408 4800, [45]. Daily 9:30AM-5PM. Closed Good Friday and Dec 24-26. Retells the story of Dublin's most famous drink. The exhibition is interesting and is self-guided. Price of entry includes a pint at the seventh floor Gravity Bar, which has good views over Dublin and forms the head of the giant pint of Guinness formed by the atrium. If the taste is a bit too bitter for you, ask for blackcurrant in your pint - but beware, this will upset the purists!
  Outside tourists will encounter horse drawn carriages for hire. Beware as they charge €30 for the short 2km ride back to the city centre. Adults €15 (10% discount for booking online), students and seniors €11, children 6-12 €5. edit

• Old Jameson Distillery, Bow Street Distillery, Smithfield, Dublin, ☎ 353 1 8072355, [46]. Daily 9:30AM-6PM. Last tour at 5:30. Closed Good Friday and Christmas holidays. Factory tour and whiskey tasting. After the video, make sure you raise your hand because they pick four people to volunteer for taste testing later in the tour! Adult €12.50, students and seniors €10, families €25. edit

• Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, Dublin 2, ☎ 353 1 677 1717, [47]. The oldest continually operating theatre in Dublin hosts popular musical shows, opera, ballet, dance and drama. Admission prices vary.. edit

• Phoenix Park Bike Hire, main entrance to the Park on Park Gate Street, ☎ 353 86 2656 258, [48]. Bike rentals from. Over 80 bikes available, including 15 tandems. Helmets, locks, bike bags, all included in the price. The owners, Paul & Kelly, are experienced bikers and know their stuff when it comes to getting you on the right bike. A great way to see the Phoenix Park, no doubt about it. €5 - €40. edit

• Dublin Sightseeing, [49]. Hop on and off the open top bus tour around the city. 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).

• Dublin Ghostbus, [50]. A special theme tour provided by Dublin Bus. This tour takes you around Dublin's haunted sites on a gothic style-decorated theatre bus guided by live storytellers. Dublin Bus claims this tour is the only one of its kind in the world. In any case, a must for lovers of gothic tales, but not for the timid.

• The Zozimus Experience, 01 661 8646 ('info@zozimus.com' (reported as non working)), [51] (Site does not work). 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. Advanced 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.

• Catch a hurling or gaelic football [52] game at the sports headquarters, the 82,500 seat, state-of-the-art stadium, Croke Park. 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 130 kph. 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 parish in Ireland having a team - the inter-county games are generally extremely well-supported, so you may have difficulty getting tickets for the bigger matches. Tours of the GAA museum and the stadium are also available, including a chance to try your hand at the sports themselves [53].

• Dublin's Rock N Roll, Writers Bus Tour, Westmoreland St, ☎ +353 1 620 3929, [54]. 4 times daily at Noon, 2PM, 4PM and 6PM. Guided bus tour of Dublin's music and literary past. Covers the likes of U2, Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, Oscar Wilde, Joyce and many more. Great value and really original. €15. edit
• Backpacker Pubcrawl (Backpacker Pubcrawl), Meeting Point: Front gates of Trinity College, College Green, Dublin 2 (At the river end of Dame street), ☎ 087 0665608, [55]. 4. The Backpacker Pubcrawl brings you on a tour of some of Dublin city centre's best bars and clubs, with free shots, drink specials and free entry into clubs, this tour makes you feel like a local for the night. €10. edit

Buy

Dublin's most famous shopping street is the heavily trafficked Grafton Street, which runs between St. Stephen's Green and Trinity College. It has recently, along with its surrounding environs , been classified as an 'Architectural Conservation Zone'. This will involve a re-establisment of the area's rich historic charm and Urban character.

Brown Thomas [56], Dublin's most famous and expensive department store is on Grafton Street along with a wide range of clothing, jewelry, and photography 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 [57], Belleek Pottery [58], Aran sweaters [59] and other Irish craft items. Shops selling these items include House of Ireland [60], Blarney Woollen Mills [61] and Kilkenny Design [62].

Dawson Street, parallel to Grafton Street, is home to several well stocked, large bookshops including Hodges Figgis and Waterstones.

The best concentration of shoe shops is found on Grafton Street and the adjoining Wicklow Street.

The Powerscourt Centre [63], 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 jewelers. Beware the overpriced antique dealers, some of whom will drop a price by 50% after only the merest suggestion that you are willing to haggle (and it still may not be a bargain!). For gifts, there is an engraving business based in the centre next to the Bonsai tree shop.

Leaving Powerscourt via the ornate steps on to South William Street, you will find yourself facing a small street called Castle Market, which leads to a covered red-brick shopping arcade known alternatively as the Market Arcade or the George's Street Arcade. This area is worth a visit for vintage clothing, fabrics, unusual accessories, vinyl and club wear. It also features some small cafes.

There is also an extensive shopping area on the north side of the river, centred on O'Connell Street and Henry Street (Ireland's busiest shopping street). Clery's [64] (O'Connell Street) and Arnotts [65] (Henry Street) are large department stores each with a long history. Two large shopping centres, The Jervis Centre [66], and the ILAC, are also on Henry Street. The latter also houses Dublin's Central Public Library [67]

Just off Henry Street is Moore Street, which has a fruit, vegetable and fish market. It's worth a stroll if you want to get a slice of life from the less genteel side of Dublin. At the top of Henry Street on Parnell Street is Chapters Bookshop, which has a massive selection of books at generally cheaper prices than other highstreet stores, as well as a large secondhand section. Especially great for 'coffee table' style art books.

For those for whom it just wouldn't be a holiday without hanging out at the mall, there are various shopping centres located around Dublin, including Blanchardstown [68] (39 and 70 bus routes), Liffey Valley [69] (bus routes 78, 78A, 210 and 239), and The Square in Tallaght (red luas to the end of the line). The largest shopping centre in Europe is the recently opened Dundrum Town Centre [70], which is served by the green Luas tramline from St. Stephen's Green. It was awarded the title of best Shopping Mall in the World 2006.

Dublin is not cheap for general shopping, although visitors from outside the European Union can obtain a refund of VAT (sales tax - 21%) on many of 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.

Be sure to Visit Temple Bar's,'Temple Bar square' and 'Meetinhouse square'on a Saturday Morning or afternoon for the Markets which sells all types of finger foods to Traditional fare and delicious baked goods,both squares are also home to several very good restaurants.It must be noted though that Meetinghouse sqaure,which lies only about 50 metres west of the Temple bar square, sells much more fine fare and exotic foods than Meetinhouse square.

The Temple Bar area offers some alternative to shopping at the larger chain-stores. Small clothing boutiques are popping up all around the area (temple bar lane, crow street and Fownes street) with an emphasis on vintage and unique original independent designer pieces, if you cant make it to any of the markets at the weekend the best can be found here during the week.

Also Cows Lane Fashion and Design Market which is the largest designer market in Dublin offers handmade one off orginal designs. The market is open evey Saturday from 10-5.30. Found outdoors on Cows Lane and indoors in the old Viking Centre. This market is not to be missed!

There is fairly extensive duty-free shopping at Dublin Airport, at prices which are sometimes cheaper than the rest of the city.

Eat

Dublin has a wide range of good quality restaurants, most of which are, however, horribly overpriced by European standards. Main course prices range from €10 at the lower end up to around €40 at the higher end. Wine in restaurants is generally marked up from its already expensive retail price by a factor of at least two and three times retail price would not be uncommon.

There are many excellent value Indian restaurants around the South William Street area, parallel to Grafton St. These often have reasonable priced lunch and 'early bird' deals, offering three course meals for around €10. Quality is high. Particularly to be recommended are the Khyber Tandoori on South William St and Shalimar on South Great Georges St. Also excellent is Surma on Camden St and "Govindas" on Georges St for very cheap Hari-Krishna vegetarian food.

A similar multi-cultural hotspot is Parnell St (O'Connell St- Gardiner St) which has a dense concentration of Chinese and Asian restaurants extensively frequented by the ex-pat communities.

Snack

• Bewleys, Grafton St, Dublin 2, [71]. Dublin's most famous coffee shop. This has been a hang-out over the years for U2, Bob Geldof, and James Joyce.
• Bar Italia, 4 branches - Wood Quay, Powerscourt Townhouse, Ormond Quay and the Epicurean Foodhall. Best coffee in town. Real Italian coffee with mostly Italian staff. Excellent panini and antipasto. Good value place with great atmosphere.
• Butlers Chocolate Cafés, South William St (two branches) & Dublin Airport; Takeaway on Grafton Street and Nassau Street, [72]. Good coffee with a free chocolate of your choice (except at Dublin Airport, where you still get a chocolate, but don't get a choice.) The airport branch is well stocked and generally runs special offers on boxes of chocolates which are not available in the city branches.
• Zaytoon, 14/15 Parliament Street, Temple Bar (opposite The Porterhouse); Also Camden Street, (opposite Bleeding Horse Pub). This is a Kebab shop (eat-in or take out), very different from a street vendor kebab.

Lunch

• Cafe Bar Deli, South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2 and Grafton St, Dublin 2, [73]. Excellent value. Always busy. Pastas, pizzas and salads.
• Elephant and Castle, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Nationally-famous chicken wings, extremely busy lunchtime on Saturdays (you could be waiting for up to 2 hours), only order a basket of chicken wings to yourself if you're very hungry!
• Lemon Crèpe Company, South William St, Dublin 2. Good value filled crèpes for around €4 (American style rather than French) and some of the best coffee in Dublin. There is a larger branch with canteen-style bench seating on Dawson Street, close to Trinity College.
• BóBós, 22 Wexford Street, Dublin 2 http://www.bobos.ie/]. Delicious gourmet burger restaurants. Serves a wide variety of tasty burgers (beef, chicken, fish and vegetarian) sides and desserts. Also serves a great breakfast. Burgers €7-10, sides €4-5.
• Dunne & Crescenzi, South Frederick St, Dublin 2. Delightful Italian lunch spot, open until around 8pm, but arrive early if you want to get a seat - or be prepared for a long wait. Antipasto Misto €6.50, Paninis from €4. Glass of house wine €3.50.
• Unicorn Food Company, Merrion Row, Dublin 2. Take-away deli with eat-in cafe next door. Sandwiches €4-5 or a range of Italian delights - pasta, lasagna, pizza, salads. Sometimes good cakes €2.50-€2.85. The deli is attached to the well-respected Unicorn Italian restaurant down the lane beside the deli (open for lunch and dinner).
• M J O'Neills, Suffolk St, D-2. Great Pub Food. Carvery served 12 till 4 most days and till late weekends. Also has a good salad and sandwich bar. Price around Eur10 for carvery.
• T.P. Smiths, Jervis St, Dublin 1. very good pub food, also handy to stop in if you're shopping around the Henry St area. Food served until 9PM.
• Govinda's, 4 Aungier St & Middle Abbey St just off O'Connell St., 01 475 0309. Krishna run vegetarian restaurant. The Govindas special (only order large if you're very hungry) is a taste of nearly everything from the hot counter.
• Café Fresh, Top floor, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, 01 6719669, [74]. One of the best known vegetarian cafes in the city and offers a great range at reasonable prices. As the name suggests the food is all "fresh" and is made on the premises that morning, and much of it is organic. If you're after a healthy meat-free meal it's well worth a look.
• Epicurean Food Hall, Located just yards from the famous Ha'Penny Bridge, The Epicurean Food Hall is a Mecca for the varied palate. Under one roof you'll find food companies and stalls from Middle Eastern fare to Cornish Pasties and from Bagels to Christophes French cuisine. You can pick and choose your food of choice and sit in the communal seating area with Dublin locals that populate this lunch time must. Recommended in particular is the Italian coffee bar La Corta which probably serves the best cup of coffee in Dublin with all the Italian touches.
• Purple Sage Restaurant, Located in the Stillorgan Park Hotel, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 18.[75] The Purple Sage Restaurant serves a traditional carvery lunch from 12.30pm-2.30pm. Popular with residents and locals alike the Purple Sage Restaurant offers a memorable Irish experience.

Dinner

• Idlewilde Cafe, 20 St. Patrick's, Road Dalkey, Co. Dublin. A charming cafe in this pretty heritage town on Dublin's southside coastline. Easily reached by train (Dart) or bus. The Cafe is set in a leafy courtyard and offers great breakfast and lunch as well as excellent coffee and smoothies. Great place to spot the local celeb's.
• Bella Cuba, 11 Ballsbridge Terrace, Ballsbridge, Dublin 2. Ireland's only Cuban restaurant, where the lack of competition hasn't affected the quality. Excellent food served in a fabulous Cuban atmosphere with great music. Don't forget to try the extensive cocktail list. This restaurant is very small so book in advance.
• Siam Thai, Andrew Street, Dublin 2. This city centre restaurant is part of a group of three, the others being in Malahide and Ballsbridge. Gorgeous Thai cuisine served by staff in traditional Thai costume. The surroundings are nice, if maybe a little on the tacky side. Nonetheless a great Thai gastro experience.
• Bang Cafe, 11 Merrion Row, Dublin 2. A great cosmopolitan menu in a well established setting. Although a little on the expensive side, the food and presentation is excellent.
• Kites, 15-17 Ballsbridge Terrace Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Great combination of Cantonese (predominant dish), Szechuan, Peking and Thai with an extensive wine list. Excellent choice for the more discerning diner with great attention paid by the friendly, professional waiters in very rich surroundings and decor. Well worth a visit.
• Il Baccaro, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Good value and an atmospheric Italian restaurant set in a vaulted cellar under the Irish Film Institute. Meals are around €10-15. Particularly to be recommended is the sausages and beans.
• Salamanca, St. Andrews St, Dublin 2. good value, tasty and substantial tapas (sized more like raciones), priced around €4-8. The steak is a particular bargain at €7.50. Also good are the chorizo dishes.
• Gallagher's Boxty House, 20 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, [76]. Good traditional Irish fare, and not too expensive (mains €10-15). (A boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake filled and rolled up - try it!). Also try the Irish stew and the chowder. Small, friendly, traditional Irish decor.
• The Bistro, 4/5 Castlemarket, 6776016, [77]. Excellent continental cuisine, good atmosphere. Main courses €15-25.
• Johnnie Fox's Pub, Glencullen, Dublin Mountains. Dating from the 18th century, the highest pub in Ireland is also one of the best for seafood. Great atmosphere with traditional live Irish bands and friendly staff. Food is excellent, so is the craic. Main courses €15-20. It’s a bit far (15 km) from the city, but you can get a good view of the city by night on your drive up to the restaurant. Unfortunately, this place is a notorious tourist trap.
• Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, 21 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, [78]. Two Michelin stars, outrageously expensive, probably very good. Lunch menus are a bit more affordable.
• Roly's Bistro, 7 Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4, [79]. One block from Jurys Hotel. Impeccable food and service, reasonable prices. Good atmosphere.
• L'Gueuleton, Fade St, Dublin 2 (behind Hogan's Bar). At the time of this writing (Sept 2006) there is no name above the door of this restaurant which has rapidly achieved cult status. It is consistently rated by food critics as one of the top five restaurants in Dublin, but it has a no reservations policy and their low prices makes it hugely popular for lunch and dinner. Three course lunch with wine yesterday was €40 per head. Don't worry about the no reservations - put your name on the list and have a pint in the Market Bar or Hogan's.
• Cornucopia, 19 Wicklow Street Dublin 2, [80]. Just off Grafton St you'll find this vegetarian heaven that serves breakfast, dinner and lunch.
• The Purple Sage Restaurant at The Stillorgan Park Hotel, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 18 [81]. This award winning restaurant serves international cuisine from 5.45pm-9.45pm Monday-Saturday. Located on the Stillorgan Road, it is easily accessible from all routes.

Drink

No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to one (or ten) of its many pubs (last count says there are over 600 pubs). Drink is relatively expensive: a pint of stout costs around €4.50 and up, while lager costs around €4.90 and up. However, the government gave a tax break to microbrewed beer in the December 2004 budget, this had a slight effect on prices in brewpubs. Pubs are open until 11:30PM during the week (although many bars have late licenses up to 3AM), and as late as around 3AM on weekends, depending on the pub. Smoking has been illegal in Irish pubs (as well as all indoor workplaces) since March 2004; this has had the positive side effect of increasing al fresco facilities. Beer tends to be more expensive around the Temple Bar area, due to the increased tourist flow, and will be cheaper in more traditional styled pubs.

The Temple Bar that people often speak of is an area that used to be a sand bar, not an actual bar. (Originally, anyway; now there is a pub called "The Temple Bar" in Temple Bar!) The Temple Bar district has a mixture of food, drink, shopping and music. It appeals to all ages, but is a hot spot for tourists. The narrow, cobble stoned streets gives it an original feeling within the heart of the city. Its central location also makes it easy to walk to from Dublins Centre. However, late night revellers tend to make it an unpleasant place to be after dark. It can be taken over by drunken stag and boisterous hen parties, many who travel cheaply from the United Kingdom to avail of Temple Bar's delights!

Traditional

• O'Donoghue's, Baggot Street, Dublin 2. famous for impromptu live music. Where folk Group The Dubliners were formed.
• The Barge, 42 Charlemont Street, Dublin 2. Near St. Steven's Green. Excellent pub food, great decor; a friendly traditional pub with very good food. Try the fish and chips, except get the wedges instead of the chips. Golden brown on the outside, crunchy, tender inside.
• Hartigan's, 100 Lower Leeson Street Dublin. Popular student bar, as a result occasionally raucous. Good option after international rugby matches.
• The Brazen Head, Bridge Street, Dublin 2. Oldest pub in Ireland, nearly a thousand years old! Wonderful on warm, dry summer nights during the rare occaisions when they happen. Live traditional music and very friendly atmosphere. One of the bars is covered in signed currency notes, usually dollars, from people who wanted to leave their mark on the place. There is a large, heated open-air section enclosed within the centre of the building which is perfect for smokers. One of very few places in Dublin which serves the lesser known but very tasty Macardles brand of ale.
• O'Shea's, Bridge Street, Dublin 2. - live traditional music and dancing.
• Fallon's, The Coombe, Dublin 8 (near St. Patrick's Cathedral). small friendly local pub.
• The Oval, Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Good for drink and food, said to have the best Irish stew in Dublin. Attracts a mixed age group. Lots of pictures of old Irish celebs with a tribute to the Quiet Man.
• Kavanagh's, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 (near Glasnevin cemetery). This pub (popularly known as The Gravediggers because of its close proximity to the cemetery) has remained untouched for over 100 years with the only things altered being the beer taps and toilets. If you're looking for a real trad Irish pub, this is the place, really worth a visit. (about 10-15 mins on bus from city centre, get the no 19/19A/13 from O'Connell Street)
• Bachelors Inn, Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1 (near O'Connell Bridge). Good pints of Guinness and a choice of batch or regular white bread on your toasted sandwich. Popular post GAA match pub with the Dublin crowd.
• Bowe's Lounge, Fleet St, Dublin 2, [82]. Old Victorian pub, around for over 140 years.
• Mulligans, Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2, [83]. Busy pub with great Guinness with plenty of history having been frequented by James Joyce among others.
• Ryan's, Parkgate St, Dublin 8 (near Heuston Station). Beautiful Victorian pub. A good place to have a pint before getting a train out of Dublin.
• The Palace Bar, Fleet St, Dublin 2. Located at the edge of Temple Bar, this traditional bar has interesting decor complete with "snug" (small private booth).
• The Long Hall, South Great Georges St, Dublin 2. Atmospheric bar with interesting wooden decor, nice window to sit at to people watch.
• Kehoe's, South Anne St. Located just off Grafton St, this is an excellent spot for a pint after a hectic days shopping. Several snugs downstairs.
• Kennedy's, 30/32 Westland Row, Dublin 2, [84]. Located to the rear of Trinity college, this traditional style pub serves good quality food and drink with plenty of friendly atmosphere. Also home to The Underground [85] one of Dublin’s newest and most intimate venues.
• O'Neills, Suffolk Street (near Grafton Street). Excellent atmosphere in a Victorian style design.
• The Stag's Head, Dame Lane (Off George's Street). No music. No TV. Just great Guinness and great conversation.
• The Dawson Lounge, top of Dawson St. Dublin's - or Ireland's - smallest pub. You have to go to see what I mean!! 20 people and it's packed!!
• McDaids, just off Grafton Street right next to Westbury Hotel. Was a regular place for Oscar Wilde to ponder life.
• Grogans (Castle Lounge), South William St,Dublin 2.Wonderful traditional pub,no music or TV.Great Guinness and a mixture of tourists and locals,with interesting art on the walls.

Modern

• Cocoon, Duke Lane, Dublin 2. This bar (owned by F1's Eddie Irvine) oozes class and style with its fabulous minimist interior, popular for cocktails and a relaxing drink.
• The Bailey, Duke Street, Dublin 2. Located just off Grafton Street, this swish bar tends to attract the sophisticated side of Dublin's society, popular amongst celebs as well. Very busy during the summer afternoons and evenings with a nice outdoor seating area.
• Lotts, 60-62 The Lotts, 9 Liffey Street, Dublin 1. Recent addition to Dublins burgeoning pub scene, fantastic new bar and lounge. Very well decorated interior with chandeliers, a marble bar and comfortable leather seating. Live music many nights. Small outside seating area as well.
• The Market Bar, Fade Street, Dublin 2, [86]. Opened in 2005, large spacious bar, with murmur of conversation in the background, nice tapas restaurant.
• The Odeon, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2. This attractive bar at the top of Harcourt Street is housed in a converted railway station; the new tram system has a stop directly outside.
• Ba Mizu, South William Street. Exactly opposite Grogan's, in the Powerscourt Townhouse shopping centre; quite a contrast.
• Café en Seine, Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Typical, and not entirely unpleasant, example of a Dublin 'megapub'; recently extended to include tropical trees at the back - very expensive.
• The Globe, George St., Dublin 2. One of the original trendy bars to hit Dublin in the mid 90's. Still as cool as ever with one of Dublins longest running clubs Ri-Ra in the basement.
• Spy Bar, South William Street, Dublin 2. Just next to the Powerscourt shopping centre, this uber trendy venue is cool and sophisticated. Has a nightclub downstairs which boasts some of Dublin's best club nights.

Micro-breweries

• The Bull and Castle, 5-7 Lord Edward Street (next to Christchurch), Dublin 2. Very interesting gastropub which offers a beer hall a large selection of microbrewed and international beers. The range of beers available is not quite as extensive as The Porterhouse but it does give the option of 0.3, 0.5 and 1-litre beers. Make sure to try a Galway Hooker (a red ale) and the Edinburgh-style Mars bar.
• Messrs. Maguire, Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, [87]. Spread over two stories on two buildings very near to O'Connell Bridge, they produce a very good stout quite different to Guinness, fresher and more complex, plus their own ale and lager. Also has good cafeteria-style lunch sets for around €10.

• The Porterhouse, Parliament Street, Dublin 2. As well as good indigenous brews including a non-vegetarian oyster stout, there is an extensive Belgian and international beer list. Also does good reasonably priced food. Has sister pubs in Bray and Phibsboro and on Graffton Street.

Bars

• The Foggy Dew, Temple Bar next to the Central Bank. Very popular bar with all kinds of people.
• Bruxelles, off Grafton St next to Westbury Hotel. A very lively bar and popular with 20 and 30 year olds. Spread over 3 bars the music is loud and the atmosphere is excellent.a statue of the legend Phil Lynott (from irish rock band Thin Lizzy)is outside. if you like metal, rock and idie music go downstairs.
• The Duke, Duke St (off Grafton St). Great after-work bar and Fri is packed to the door.

Clubs

• The Academy, Middle Abbey St. This venue has changed its tune from Hot Press Hall Of Fame to Spirit nightclub. Now renamed The Academy it now doubles as both a live venue and a dance club. These guys go for the big obvious names such as David Morales and Jose Gonzalez. Their dot matrix sign outside the venue usually advertises the upcoming events

• Traffic, 54 Middle Abbey St, located just two doors away from The Academy on Middle Abbey St, Traffic is both a swish bar and underground club. Populated with hairdressers and metrosexual dudes this bar has a great cocktail menu and even better two for one offers on the cocktails during the week. The music policy is a mix of classic house, electro and upfront house music courtesy of Paddy Sheridan one of Dublin's longest scene players and John Nolan. The club has a myriad of underground nights on rotation in its dark sweaty and low ceiling atmosphere, an ideal place to party and the sound system is super powerful.

• Tripod, Harcourt St D1, the second last stop (or second stop from Stephens Green terminal on the Green Line) on the Green Line LUAS. A Three in one bar and club. Crawdaddy is the bar and POD is the club. While POD has been one of Dublin's most famous clubs it is a mere shadow of its former self and is now a Lego piece in a bigger enterprise. Tripod was previously the Redbox and like The Academy it has gone through numerous refits and name changes, currently it house Live acts and a club on Friday and Saturday night. 515 is one of its nights which plays a mixture of confusing styles to a mainly indifferent crowd who are there to drink regardless of the music. Guest can include some big names but are usually a one horse up and coming German DJ you have never heard of. Pogo and other nights at the venue are run by the Bodytonic mafia, a collective of DJs and promoters who have monopolised a lot of venues in Dublin with their events. They claim they play house but it's a very different version from the universal understanding of the word House Music, mainly DJs they are trying out or giving a chance to prove themselves play a confusing mix of obscure records and "cool" music with equally unimpressive results. However to be fair their nights are always busy and attract a crowd.

• Purty Kitchen, 34/35 East Essex Street, Temple Bar. Set over four small floors this club is usually packed and one spends the night trying to squeeze up and down stairs. Attracting mostly young college students (18-19) and some foreigners. Also, unlike many pubs and clubs in Temple Bar this is most certainly not a tourist trap and offers the best chance to get to un-wind with the locals. With drinks at only €2 (Wednesday night only) it is certainly a cheap option although Citibar around the corner also offer the same prices on a Tuesday, Tripod and most other clubs catering to college students will offer these prices on a Wednesday.

• The Hub, Eustace St Temple Bar. This is a very underground club that has a ferocious reputation over the years as Switch before it became the Hub. The venue in itself is unpleasant but does retain that underground feel. It used to run til 4am in the morning which is a rare thing in Dublin. A true hard core clubbing experience and they run nights from electro to nose bleed techno.

• Krystle, Harcourt St D2. This club is a new haven for the beautiful people and rich and affluent which loosely translated in essence means fantastic looking women. The door policy is as you'd expect and you have to be a real asshole to get in...but if your bag is hanging out with models and fine looking posh Dublin girls who wish they were models knock yourself out, just give it all you got on the "my daddy owns Statoil" line at the door. To be perfectly honest if you are foreign looking at all you won't get in unless you are a heir to an Arab oil empire. A right pretentious spot. Full of rugby wearing daddy's Range Rover guys.

• Copper Face Jacks, Harcourt St D1. Also known as "Slapper Face Jacks" This is a bizarre venue but what sets it aside from most other Dublin nights out is that if you want to hook up with singles desperate for a bit of "how's your father" it's the place for you. Known in the fine Dublin phrase as a Meat Market this night out is crammed with people desperate to score and getting more and more willing as they consume more booze. A popular place with country people as opposed to Dubliners, this venue is dark and seedy and a perfect place to get up to shenanigans. However bear in mind because of its reputation there is often up to 3 guys there for every girl at weekends. Bear in mind that this venue is owned by a retired Garda and is frequented by serving members of the force so an altercation in the men's room is not advised as you may be in more trouble than you think, also consider this if you are liable to seduce someone's new friend.

• The Dragon, Georges st. A new gay friendly superpub located on Georges street, beside the renowed "George Bar". Previously called sosumee,newly decorated in Moulin Rouge style interior, the crowd is mostly gay with late nights on Mon, Thurs, Friday and Sat. Superb cocktails are served by beautiful bartenders. Monday is Dolly does the Dragon, a fun and party atmosphere late night with Gay and straight mingling with Dolly as she performs famous hits. Full of bubbly people and the best night in Dublin on Mondays. The weekend nights are full of people dancing away as if they were in Ibiza. Door policy is relaxed as is the atmosphere in the club

• McGruders, Thomas st. with many promotional events by popular gig, and festival organizers such as HumanMusic, and RockCandy this old historical pub with upstairs bars and stages is not for the shy. only open on the weekend, if you go on a friday, you will most likely stay there all weekend! Friday and Saturday are usually the best, packed, and the you can hear the music pumping down the road. It's quite a dodgy area and not that near other clubs. You most likely get invited by people and there is a lot of regulars who know the bands, dj's and the owner. depending on the night it's between 5-15 euro in but regulars or residants can get in for free or a discount so tourists and non-regulars won't get this treatment! there is a stage and bar downstairs and sometimes a dj in the hall. upstairs is 3 different stages all pumping out the tunes.it can have the atmosphere of a large sitting room with different levels, 2 bars and comfy seats. but your moslt likely dancing your socks off!there is a huge smoking area outside which you can easily spend hours in and forget to see the music! under a huge marquee with heaters are several tables, chairs and comfortable coaches. there is also food outside and a projector and a stall selling glowsticks, lighters, cigerette papers etc. Closeing at around half 2, 3 be sure to listen out for a party/session nearby! there is always one and the dj's go too, if your up for an 'all-nighter' or '3-day session' this club is definatley the best in dublin. you can be guarntieed you'll get very drunk and the likes, messy! door policy, standard I.D required search for bringing drink no dress- code, home for hippys, rockers, anyone in the music scene!

Sleep

Short Term / Holiday Apartments

• Europapart, info@europapart.eu

Stay safe

Crime

Dublin is mostly a friendly city. However, as in most large cities, crime against the person, such as muggings, unprovoked attacks, and robberies, have been known to occur. Treat Dublin as you would most western cities, and be sensible: don't walk in poorly lit areas at night, especially alone; be aware of large gangs of youths congregating around street corners, etc. Stay clear of people with their tracksuit bottoms tucked into their socks as they are known to be involved in crime and drugs. Leave nothing valuable visible in your car. Try to blend in as much as possible. There are plenty of taxis at all hours of the day and night, which are safe and usually friendly.

It is recommended that you stay on the boardwalk at night instead of through the streets if walking back late from the O2 Arena.

Some absolutes however apply:

The Luas Red Line, while perfectly safe, passes through some deprived areas. Do not let this deter you however; Dublin has been transformed over the last fifteen years with many areas previously considered dangerous now vibrant areas housing young professionals (for example Smithfield).

Some "Airport" hotels are in fact located some distance from the airport and the newer airport hotels, such as the airport Hilton are in previously deprived areas undergoing regeneration.

Dublin has heavy traffic, and even though several of the locals tend to cross the road, without having a green man, it is not recommended to follow this example. Hardly any of the cars slow down in front of zebra-crosses in busy and crowded streets.

Care should also be used when taking some of the "Nitelink" buses that frequent the city. These while often safe, have seen their fair share of trouble. Sit downstairs if possible.

The Dublin suburb of Finglas is a hive of drug related crime, with frequent gun attacks occuring at all hours of the day and night. Tourists should avoid this area at all times. Please note that several "airport" hotels can be found within a short distance of this area. Check a reliable site like TripAdvisor before booking a hotel anywhere near this area.

Get out

Dublin Area -

• Howth - To the north, nine miles from the city centre (still marked by 18th century milestones), the peninsula of Howth is very nice for a walk. Just take the bus or DART (€3.60 return from Connolly Station) out to Howth and walk around the cliffs! The whole tour takes about 2-3 hours. It is most beautiful in Aug/Sept when the heather bathes the cliffs in red. There is also a boat that departs from Howth harbour that goes out to the island off the coast called Ireland's Eye. You can visit it and the monolithic ruins on it for a very reasonable price and if you're lucky you might be able to get the island to yourself. The King Sitric fish restaurant at the harbor serves freshly caught fish, as do many other local restaurants.
• Bull Island and St. Anne's Park. The two largest municipal parks. One is nearly 5 km beach and a major habitat for birds and wild animals. The other, the former Guinness family home estate, has ponds, follies, walks and a world-famous Rose Garden, as well as a coffee shop and artists' studios.

Surrounding Counties

• Meath. The Bru na Boinne megalithic tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth are the most important archaeological sites in Ireland and are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The site is located 50 km north of Dublin on the banks of the Boyne.

• Wicklow, within easy reach to the south of Dublin, is known as 'the garden of Ireland' and has good hill-walking and some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

• Kildare Directly west Of Dublin city. The Curragh racecourse is in County Kildare, south west of Dublin, about 50 km from the city. The K Club in Kildare was the venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup in golf.

• Carlow boasts some fine architecture - with its courthouse from the mid 1800s and its Cathedral which was completed in 1833.

• Laois is located one hour southwest of Dublin - Portlaoise has a cobbled main street with independent eateries, Georgian architecture and small pubs. The county is dotted with sleepy villages, slow-moving rivers and rolling hills.

• Kilkenny, Ireland's Medieval Capital, is a bustling heritage city with a thrivig arts scene. 1 hour and 40 minutes by train from Dublin.

Credits to Wikitravel. Based on work by Wikitravel user(s) HamptonHotel, Poshpaddy, Stekins and Necronaut, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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