Dublin Overview

With its magnificent Georgian architecture, a rich literary heritage and thriving economy, Dublin has become a fashionable and cosmopolitan destination, yet remains one of Europe's more intimate capital cities.

Orientation/Geography

Staring out at the Irish Sea from the eastern shores of Ireland, the capital city of Dublin huddles the crescent sliver of Dublin before reaching hills to the north a west and rural in the south.

Districts

The river Liffey divides Dublin into two distinct halves: the southside of the city and the north.

The southside of the city traditionally has been the domain of Dublin's middle-classes and is – generally speaking – more affluent than its northern counterpart. Districts south of the river include: the Temple Bar Area, Medieval Dublin, Trinity College, Georgian Dublin, St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, Liberties, and Kilmainham.

The northern districts of Dublin never really recovered after being abandoned by the professional middle classes, who migrated south of the river or left for London after the Act of Union in 1801. Once home to Europe's worst city slum, times are changing, but gentrification is still a relatively slow process in comparison to the rate of development in areas south of the Liffey. Districts north of the river include: O'Connell Street, the Drumcondra Area, Custom House Quay, the Four Courts, Smithfield Village, and Phoenix Park.

Finally, Dublin's proximity to the sea has always been one of its greatest assets, and there is much to see along the shoreline of Dublin Bay. The DART public metro, which hugs the coastline for miles, is a good way of orienting yourself. Coastal villages such as Dalkey, Killiney & Greystones all lie along the DART line and are worth visiting in their own right.

Entertainment

Unlike some of its European counterparts, Dublin still remains a relatively compact city that can easily be negotiated on foot. Whether your interest be historical, literary or cultural, or if you simply want to relax, Dublin offers a range of interesting diversions in a stylish and increasingly cosmopolitan environment.

While Dubliners are wealthier, better-dressed and more culturally sophisticated than ever, some have argued that the city is fast losing its authenticity and character. The days of the traditional Dublin pub thriving with intellectual debate and spontaneous humor are certainly numbered, although it's possible to argue that the idea was a myth in the first place. Some would argue that the social life of Dubliners still revolves around the pub, but if you're staying within the immediate city centre, you'll find plenty of alternatives to nursing a pint of Guinness right on your doorstep.

Dining and Drinking

A booming economy and a young, affluent urban population have both given rise to a surge of commercial development throughout Dublin's city centre. While the 1980s were arguably a depressing time for socializing in the city, Dubliners now have more disposable income than ever, and as a result, the restaurant and bar industry continues to thrive.

Countless new pubs and eateries open monthly and a visitor to the city may be somewhat bewildered by the diversity of choices on offer. Dining in the city has become a more cosmopolitan experience than ever and includes everything from traditional Irish restaurants and American-styled diners to Italian pizzerias and Japanese noodle houses.

Despite the huge number of bars and pubs across the city, Ireland's licensing laws still remain rather prohibitive. Pubs generally close at 11:30pm (12:30am, Thurs-Sat), and nightclubs begin turning away customers as early as 2:00am. There are, of course, some exceptions: many of the larger, more popular pubs in the city have negotiated 'late' licenses, which allows the establishment to remain open a little longer during the weekends. Finding somewhere to drink later than 2a is virtually impossible, however.

There are a variety of wine bars in the Leeson Street that serve until the late hours, but alcohol is often scandalously over-priced and the atmosphere has a reputation for being rather seedy. You're probably best off just going to bed, in the hope that your hangover won't prevent you from rising early the next morning to do some sightseeing.

Where To Stay

Accommodation in Dublin is not only plentiful - you'll most likely be spoilt for choice. There are a number of centrally-located areas of Dublin that offer a choice of accommodation, with hotels ranging from the budget to the more luxurious. These areas fall both north and south of the river Liffey and are usually within walking distance of the city's tourist sights and main amenities.

Did You Know?

Thank Saint Patrick or geography but there are no snakes in Ireland.

Dublin's O'Connell Bridge is the only bridge in Europe as wide as it is long.


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