Dublin A Place to Play and Stay

Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, sits on the east coast of Ireland overlooking Dublin Bay. It’s a modern European metropolis and business centre but as the Dubliners and returning visitors know it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy your leisure time.  Before we look at the Dublin of today it’s good to know more about it’s past. The original site was settled by the early Celtic people probably back in the 7th century. As Viking invaders also settled the two groups inhabited two different areas – the Viking Dyflin and the Celtic Ath Cliath. The Vikings ruled Dublin for nearly 3 centuries and were in fact ousted on one occasion, only to return in 917.  As with many populations over time the two peoples intermarried and the Viking rule was finally ended in 1171 by King Dermot MacMurrough. Over this time Dublin had become a powerful trading port and the coastal location gave it a maritime advantage both in terms of defence and trade. The Norman invasion in 1066 led to significant changes across both the UK and Ireland, and Dublin was no exception. About this time the power shifted to the Anglo Normans but such was the strength of the Irish that many of settlers absorbed the language, culture and customs of their adopted country.  By Medieval times the population was between 5000 and 10000 and despite an uneasy relationship between the city settlers and the native Irish who lived in the more rural areas around the city it continued to grow surviving the plague, the war of the roses, Tudor dynastic rule and Cromwellian conquest. The next few centuries were turbulent times, wrestling for ultimate power to rule Ireland. Finally by 1923 Dublin became the capital of the Irish Free State.

The Dublin Grand Tour

The Dublin of today wears all its history with pride. From its castles to its Georgian facades; from City Hall to the Four Courts.  A great way to get an historical crash course is to visit Dublinia, a fantastic Viking and Medieval Experience, and then go to the National Museum of Ireland where you will learn about Dublin’s people, arts and culture. For a taste of Dublin’s more turbulent past visit its castles – Ashtown, Ardgillan or Dalkey.  Dublin is a fantastic artistic centre and you can choose from the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art or the National Gallery depending on your tastes!. Dublin’s buildings tell their own story and new visitors should try to take an architectural tour of the city taking in Trinity College (founded in 1592), Leinster House the Irish Parliament building, the Bank of Ireland, Number 29 a restored four story Georgian townhouse, the General Post Office (symbol of the 1916 Easter rising) and Custom House.  It’s vital to take your camera and wear good shoes as the best way to see these historic sites is to walk, but for the faint hearted amongst us take advantage of the city’s excellent bus and tram network. If you want a rest from hectic site seeing take a picnic to one of Dublin’s beautiful parks, the Ardgillan Demesne Regional Park, the Blessington Street Basic or the renowned Merrion Square Park.

Dublin Dining Out and Shopping

But cultural history is only one side of Dublin’s personality; the city is famed for its nightlife, social life and entertainments.  If you want to eat out there are hundreds of restaurants to choose from. Try the Blarney Inn, Davy Barnes, Gallagher’s Boxty House, the Quays or O’Shea’s for Irish dining or choose from a whole range of national cuisine at the Epicurean Food Hall. And once you’ve satisfied your appetite you can hit the shops. Dublin’s retail therapy is centred around two main shopping streets, Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green on the south side and Henry Street on the north side of the river.  Grafton Street is the smart place to shop with designer names showcased at Brown Thomas and stunning jewellery at Weirs, Dublin’s most exclusive jeweller. Stop off for coffee and a treat at Bewleys.  Henry Street shopping is more about the main clothing and footwear stores, along with Artnotts department store. And it’s great to browse Moore Street outdoor food market.

Finding a place to stay in Dublin is easy, there’s lots of choose from but the city isn’t necessarily a cheap holiday centre. For a city break or hen party it might be better to find a good value hotel chain such as Travelodge or Premier Inn. For a special stay why not look at some of the city’s boutique hotels – The Morgan, The Morrison or Dylans. Another way to keep costs down is to try a self catering house or apartment either in the city or on the outskirts. Looking just outside of the city will mean more choice and with great transport links you’ll get the best of both worlds. Either way, Dublin is a must visit destination whether you’re ready for some relaxation and culture or living the high life.