Dublin

If you are looking for a warm welcome, excellent facilities, superb accommodation for a variety of budgets, fantastic nightlife or just a relaxing time, Dublin is for you, says Graham Soult

With friendly pubs, beautiful parks and many museums and galleries, thousands of people flock to the city to enjoy the Craic every year. Known as the friendliest city in Europe, you can be sure of finding so much to do that you will be planning your second trip before you have even left.

If you enjoy a social drink and are interested in history, art and literature or music, why not try one of the many organised tours based around some of the 1,000 plus pubs in the city? Music plays a big part in Dublin life and you can be sure of finding music to your tastes as you do the rounds. Dublin has always attracted creative people and many of the pubs can claim a connection to them. The profusion of night life has made Dublin a very popular destination with stag and hen parties, but those who enjoy a quieter life will be just as happy.

The Long Room at Trinity College in the heart of the city is home to a unique collection of ancient scripts including the book of Kells and illuminated manuscripts some of which are more than 800 years old.

For those needing retail therapy, Dublin offers more than your average high street. The busy and popular areas of South William Street, Clarendon Street, Chatham Street and Castle Market host a large number of boutiques offering fashion not to be found anywhere else.

Art lovers can browse the collections of the National Gallery, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and Hugh Lane and enjoy surroundings as stunning as the artworks themselves.

The Kilmainham Gaol gives a fascinating glimpse of life as a detained rebellion leader from the 18th through to the 20th century. Guided tours of the site and exhibitions are extremely popular. This location has been used for many television programmes and films like The Italian Job.

Food and drink are plentiful and there are many themed evenings you can enjoy. Dublin's oldest pub reputes to be The Brazen Head, which hosts Food, Folklore and Fairy evenings with a professional story teller. Dublin also hosts many fine dining establishments including a Michelin Star restaurant and visitors will find something to please all tastes and palettes as well as all pockets.

Dublin Castle is one of the most popular attractions in the city and visitors should be sure to see the Chester Beatty Library there, which hosts treasures of many great cultures and religions from around the world.

The joy of Dublin is the breathtaking array of things to do and see. Facilities in the city match this diversity. Travellers will find everything from 5 star luxury to cheap hotels in Dublin.

Photo credit: Barnaba Szczepanski

The official Dublin Tourism website [external link]

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