Dublin why visit

It also includes a trip to the exterior of Dublin Castle. Trinity is a haven in an otherwise bustling area. Entering through a timber-tiled archway, you are instantly brought back in time. The immaculate green lawns, 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and cobbled pathway are reminiscent of a more gentile age and ooze a sense of hushed academia.

It's best to time your visit strategically, as buildings open to the public can become crowded during peak season. As well as taking in the must-see sights, do make time to relax and simply enjoy the atmosphere. A short southerly stroll from Trinity College takes you down towards Dublin's premier shopping location, Grafton Street. A statue of Molly Malone sits at the bottom of the street, so it's impossible to miss. This eclectic stretch buzzes morning, noon, and night and is a magnet for buskers, from classical quartets to traditional fiddle players and singer-songwriters.

Many famed bands and musicians have given impromptu performances here, including Bono of U2. Aside from buskers, you will find a broad range of boutiques, jewelers, and department stores, including upmarket Brown Thomas.

If you're on a shopping spree, it's well worth taking a slight diversion to the arty Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, with its designer shops and trendy places to eat. Stephen's Green. Georgian buildings surround "the Green" as it's known locally , although some sadly fell by the wayside during redevelopment, mainly in the s, 70s, and 80s.

The acre park is a Dublin treasure and an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of downtown city life. When weather permits, you should do as the locals do and stretch out on the grass for some rest and relaxation, or grab a picnic lunch. Immaculate flowerbeds fringe the lawns. Also in the park is an ornate fountain at its center, a bridge over a duck pond, and a children's playground. Incidentally, the park was the scene of bitter combat during the Uprising, however it was agreed by both sides that hostilities should cease while the park-keeper fed the ducks.

The Little Museum is a hidden gem tucked in a charming space amid all of the city's historical sights. A couple of minutes' stroll from Fusilier's Arch, at the top of Dawson Street, it is a must-see for those interested in how Dublin and its people lived their lives and evolved over the past century.

James Joyce once famously said, "in the particular is contained the universal," which neatly sums up the ethos of this treasure trove. In the minutiae of people's belongings, history is indeed writ large. Opened in following an appeal for mementos and artifacts, the museum has gone from strength to strength and now hosts an array of temporary exhibitions and events, as well as permanent installations, including a U2 retrospective with exhibits donated by band members.

Other treats include the lectern used by John F. Kennedy when he addressed both houses of the Irish Parliament Oireachtas in June Official site: www. The parliament building was once known as Kildare House after James Fitzgerald, the Earl of Kildare, who commissioned its construction in and set out to create a grand Georgian mansion to reflect his lofty social status. When he became Duke of Leinster in , the house was renamed Leinster House.

On the opposite side is a branch of the National Museum of Ireland Archaeology , with outstanding permanent exhibitions including Ireland's Gold, Prehistoric Ireland, the Viking Collection, and the Treasury, including the magnificent Ardagh Chalice. If you're interested in literature, you should visit the National Library close by, which has a permanent W.

Yeats exhibition. Housing the finest collection of Irish art in the world alongside an outstanding collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day, this is a must-see while in the capital. The gallery opened in with wings being added in , , and most recently, Exit the National Gallery's main portal, and you're on Merrion Square. Made up of stately private houses and offices, this is arguably Dublin's grandest Georgian square and stars in countless images and postcards of the city.

At its center is a pretty park with a vibrant statue of that most colorful writer and renowned Dublin wit, Oscar Wilde. An amiable stroll around the square is a journey back in time to the Georgian era. You may notice that the top windows in many buildings are smaller than those lower down. This was done in order to create an optical illusion of the houses being taller than they really are.

At weekends, local artists line the perimeter of the park and display their paintings on the railings. Ireland has long been an exporter of people. Scratch the surface of America's East Coast, and you'll find the influence of the Irish everywhere. Established in , this fascinating museum offers an in-depth — and often moving — account of Irish emigration over the centuries. All told there are more than 20 separate themed galleries to explore, dealing not just with the history of Irish migration, but also the influence this dynamic people have had in the places they settled.

If you've got the time, be sure to visit the Irish Family History Centre for tips and advice — along with resources — to track your family history. The centerpiece of this excellent museum is an accurate replica of the fabled Jeanie Johnston , a sailing vessel from Canada that was built in and which transported untold numbers of Irish across the Atlantic.

To explore Phoenix Park. To delve into revolutionary history. To connect with the literature. To go sea swimming. To dig into ancient history. To cliff walk and binge on seafood in Howth. To experience Croke Park Stadium.

To drink Guinness in its home city. To kitesurf. To learn the local tricks for staying out all night. Give us feedback.

It follows the adventures of Christa and her son Gauge as they explore the world's magical, otherworldly and fairytale-like places, places that inspired great stories, film locations, creepy places, historic sites, castles, and just about anything suited for royalty.

They love myth, legend and lore, books, film, and fandoms. Along with travel stories, travel tips, and travel guides, they feature product reviews on cars, gadgets, and smart technology, and write Gift Guides on travel gear, geeky collectibles, housewares, home decor and more. Search and hit Go. Travel Tips Travel to Ireland. How to Get from Dublin Airport to Dublin The Dublin airport is located approximately 10 km of Dublin city center, near a large suburban area called Swords.

Photo courtesy Tourism Ireland Irish Whiskey Museum. Looks a stunning setting! It must be quite some place for a walking holiday.

We love hearing your thoughts, stories and adventures. Share them here: Cancel reply. The Fairytale Traveler The Fairytale Traveler is a travel and lifestyle blog inspired by the greatest stories ever told. Or, you could forgo attractions and simply curl up in a pub and order a pint or a dram of whiskey.

The Irish people truly make Ireland special! You can also participate into the cheerful atmosphere by visiting pubs. Every city and town has at least one! Here you could have a drink with the locals, taste the Irish flavours and even listen to traditional music.

Dublin will probably be the starting point of your trip to Ireland. The capital is a stunning mix of modern and historic architecture. This laid-back city has a thriving music and foody culture. When you visit Northern Ireland, make sure to stop by the two historic cities. Belfast is the capital where you can learn more about Northern Irish history. We recommend checking out the Peace Walls and the Titanic Belfast. Londonderry , or Derry, sits in the west of the country and is a fine example of a walled city.

One of the biggest draws to Ireland is its rich heritage. The country has a strong historic background and a large diaspora worldwide that has kept this culture alive. Today there is still a focus on highlighting the Irish and Gaelic living heritage, from language to music and dance. If you or your travelling companions have any Irish heritage, you can discover your roots!

Then there's Glencolmcille Folk Village, located in County Donegal, which is one of Ireland's best living-history museums. Finally, on the Aran Islands , you can learn more about the Gaelic heritage. You could also stop in small villages like Adare, which was designated a heritage town by the Irish government.

Among other things, dig your teeth into the famous Irish soda bread and the lesser-known boxty, an Irish potato pancake.