All but one of the Dublin places of interest mentioned here are in the city centre, which is compact and therefore a walker’s paradise. The River Liffey divides Dublin city centre into a north side and a south side. A day in Dublin can kick off on the north side, at the General Post Office (GPO).
The Dublin General Post Office (GPO)
The GPO is still a functioning post office located in a huge building with columns at its front on O’Connell. It was here that 1916 Easter Uprising took place, the battle for Ireland’s independence. Bullet holes mar the columns, a reminder of the historical significance of this site
Henry Street for Shopping in Dublin
Just up O’Connell Street from The GPO is Henry Street, a mecca for shoppers. It’s a pedestrian only street lined with a multitude of stores — standalone shops line the street with brand-name franchises such as H&M, which carries men, women and children's clothing and accessories, and The Body Shop, known for its bath and body products. Penney's offers a multitude of clothing, jewelery, accessories and health and beauty supplies for spare change.
Pedestrian Shopping Area Grafton Street
Grafton Street is one of the “go to” shopping areas on the south side of the River Liffey. It, too, is a pedestrian only shopping area. It’s often packed with people, but with stores such as Marks & Spencer and Brown Thomas, Bewley’s Café and St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre at the end of the mall, the crowd should come as no surprise.
St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin
Across St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre is St. Stephen’s Green itself. It’s a park that features a lake inhabited by waterfowl, open green spaces and walking paths. Statues, gazebos and water fountains stand in this oasis in the urban centre.
National Gallery of Ireland
A short walk from St. Stephen’s Green is the National Gallery of Ireland, which features free admission and two floors of paintings, a gift shop and café. It’s easily a place in which to while away a couple of hours admiring the artwork by European painters.
Temple Bar Area in Dublin
When night falls, Temple Bar pulses with activity. The area’s cobbled streets are flanked by an array of colourful pubs and restaurants, making it easily Dublin’s entertainment district. Nightclubs, stores and hotels are found in Temple Bar, as well. Travellers who are thinking about booking a room in the area may want to note that because of the location, it can be noisy at night. Consider asking for a room away from the street when making reservations with Dublin hotels in Temple Bar.
Dublin's Former Prison Kilmainham Goal
If visitors to Dublin have a morning to spare, they may find Kilmainham Goal well worth a visit. A former prison located a bit away from the city centre, its inmates included those involved in the 1916 Easter Uprising. A walk in and around the building will reveal cellblocks, a peek into a cell or two themselves, and the yard where executions took place. A tour guide can tell tales about former inmates, as well.
Dublin is a historical city that has evolved into a multicultural capital — visitors should be able to easily find plenty to see and do.
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