Dublin Travel

Overview
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is divided into northern Dublin and southern Dublin by the Liffey River. The city's harbor, Dublin Bay, is perhaps one of the most scenic areas in the city, with the view of the Wicklow Mountains to the south and surrounded by quiet suburbs. The inner city, on the other hand, is a very lively area, and Dublin has not one but two centers, one on each side of the river. On the river's right bank is O'Connell Street, the right bank's main thoroughfare and home to the General Post Office. On the left bank of the river, you'll find the Temple Bar area and Grafton Street, respectively the drinking and shopping centers of the city. The suburbs surrounding the harbor also have their appeal. Howth, in the north, is the premier place for fishing, Sandycove earned its named through connections to the writer James Joyce, and Killiney has recently become a haven for the famous.

Sightseeing Attractions
Some of the best sightseeing experiences come from a simple stroll down Dublin's streets. Buildings throughout Dublin are covered in murals to the centuries-long war that has taken place in the city between members of the Protestant and Catholic religions. These murals are sometimes monuments to martyrs and other times warnings to the opposing side; either way, seeing them is an experience that cannot be matched by any other city in the world. Other notable and more prominent sightseeing attractions are the General Post Office, the site of the Easter Rising of 1916, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, the Chester Beatty Library, the Christ Church Cathedral, and Kilmainham Gaol.

Nightlife
Get within several miles of the Guinness Brewery and you'll experience one of Dublin's favorites -- finely brewed beer. The Irish love to sit and enjoy a pint of Guinness, and the many pubs scattered around the city are a testament to this pleasure. The Temple Bar area is a popular drinking spot for tourists, but a bar can be found on just about any corner within the inner-city. Clubs have also started opening around the area, so non-beer drinkers can enjoy a cocktail as well. Traditional Irish food is also a favorite among Dublin tourists, and there's a wealth of restaurants around the harbor that serve fresh fish delicacies. For shopping, the best place to head to is Grafton Street. Grafton Street is home to the famous Brown Thomas, and Nassau Street and the Powerscourt Center, just off of Grafton Street, are also great for shopping. On the north side of the river, O'Connel Street and Henry Street are the shopping districts of choice.