DUBLIN

Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Famous for its easy going charm and cultural heritage, Dublin is also the capital of The Craic (pronounce 'crack'), the art of life. Famous Dublin sons such as writers Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Jonathan Swift had it, playwright Samuel Beckett had it, and so have more contemporary cultural ambassadors such as U2. The city is steeped in rich history, starting with the Vikings laying its first streets. Through the centuries, The Craic and an unruly artistic streak have helped shape Dublin into what it is now: A vibrant capital that moves at an easy going pace.

 From the invasion of the Vikings in the 8th Century through 700 years of Norman occupation, English rule and the formation of the Republic of Ireland in the 1920’s, the city of Dublin has had a rich and varied history. Evidence of this can be found in every corner of the city. From a cultural point of view, that means plenty for visitors to see, from historic sites and landmarks to famous monuments and thought-provoking museums.

Dublin is a city of two halfs, the Northside and the Southside, divided by the River Liffey in the city centre. The Northside is generally more working class, the Southside is more upmarket.

 The Northside of the city is home to the main thoroughfare of Dublin, O'Connell Street, running north-south from Parnell Square, the city's most expensive address in the late 17th century, all the way to the Liffey. The central location of the 1916 Rising, the General Post Office (GPO to Dubliners), is located halfway down O'Connell Street. Henry Street off O'Connell Street is a popular shopping district. Only in Dublin could you find a traditional vegetable market in the middle of it all 

The Northside is also home to many museums, theatres, Croke Park Stadium and to Phoenix Park, Europe's largest city park which houses Dublin Zoo.

On the Southside, you find the bohemian Temple Bar district with its galleries and nightlife, the main shopping area centred around Grafton Street and the delightful park Saint Stephens Green.

The Southside is also home to Ireland's oldest and most famous university, Trinity College, the Government Buildings, Dublin Castle, Lansdowne Road Stadium and the oldest parts of the city around Christchurch Cathedral and St Patrick's Cathedral.