Ireland - Dublin
Home to James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and, of course, Sinead O'Connor
Dublin is one of Europe's "hottest" cities. It is sophisticated and cosmopolitan and is also steeped in history.
In the 17th century when Molly Malone wheeled her barrow of cockles and mussels through Dublin's streets calling "alive, alive, oh!" she could well have been describing the city of today. Currently Dublin is one of Europe's "hottest" cities. It is sophisticated and cosmopolitan and packed with young people - half the population is under 25. But it is also steeped in history and although its name in Gaelic means "dark pool" it is one of the most light-hearted cities you could hope to visit.
Dublin - Things to do and see
There are many fun, interesting and historic sights to see in Dublin and walking is the way to do it. It’s a small city and nothing seems all that far away from the centre.
By day the 400-year-old Trinity College is where the action is, with students and visitors streaming through its gates. The grounds are peaceful and there are places to rest from the bustle of the city. But the big draw here is is the Book of Kells the fabulous illuminated 8th-century version of the Gospels which was hidden in Trinity to escape Cromwell’s pillaging. Another attraction in the College grounds, although on a more plebeian level, is in the Buttery, a café used by the students but also open to the public. Prices can’t be beat. If you are looking for something a bit more posh you could try the refurbished Clarence Hotel,owned by the rock band U2. Bono and the boys have turned this once flea-ridden hostel into one of the swankiest places in town.
The Clarence is in the Temple Bar area of the city. For the young set, Temple Bar is the place to be. Sometimes called Dublin's Left Bank, the narrow cobbled streets are lined with pubs, restaurants, galleries and funky shops. In Crown Alley you'll find the Bad Ass Cafe where singer Sinead O'Conner once worked as a waitress.
Dublin - Food and James Joyce
Generally, the food is wonderful in Ireland and they really try to fatten you up. After putting away a FIB (Full Irish Breakfast) you might have a problem with standing up. Sausage, bacon, black pudding, tomato and soda bread - the lot! Then there's all the wonderful salmon, fresh hams and some of the best oysters I've ever tasted.
Food figures high in Dublin. Even on Bloomsday, when visitors from around the world descend upon the city to follow in the steps of Leopold and Molly Bloomon June 16 1904, one of the highlights is to feast on Gorgonzola sandwiches and red burgundy – the lunch eaten by Leopold Bloom. Being a somewhat ascetic type, James Joyce may not have approved.
Dublin - O'Connell Street.
You can catch a glimpse of James off O'Connell Street. There's a statue of him in a jaunty mood, his hat at a rakish angle and carrying a stick. With their usual humour the Dublin wits have dubbed the statue "The prick with a stick". They are just as irreverent about the Anna Livia fountainin O'Connell Street. They call it "The floozie in the Jacuzzi". And be careful about asking directions - you might get a response like "If I were going there I wouldn't start from here!”
Dublin - A bit of history.
There’s a lot to see and do in Dublin. Don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes and use Shanks Pony to discover things that may surprise you: terraces of beautiful Georgian houses; the reflection in the River Liffey of The Customs House - Dublin's oldest mercantile palace; the preserved bodies in St. Michan's church, dating back to the 12th-century. O’Connell Street was once one of the grandest in Europe and its most famous building is the General Post Office. Its pillars show the pockmarks of bullets fired in the 1916 battle, which erupted when the Irish Republic was proclaimed.
As for the weather, if it does rain don't worry. Your Dublin man would probably tell you, "Sure, it's only a drop of Irish Mist - great for the complexion".
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