Dublin: A Short Guide

Dublin is both the capital of Ireland and the largest city in Ireland. Known as Baile Átha Cliath in Irish. In general Dublin is a city that in the previous decade has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth, but also a city that has remained largely true to its history in terms of both layout of the city and the architecture of the city.

Dublin is situated on the River Liffey as it enters the Irish Sea. The River Liffey commences in the Wicklow Mountains before making its journey through County Wicklow, County Kildare and County Dublin before entering the Irish Sea at Dublin Port. The Liffey is a shallow river with a dept of about 6.5 meters in the estuary, and many of the larger ships that use the port on a regular basis are specially designed to operate in such shallow conditions. The Liffey divides Dublin into the ‘North Side’ and the ‘South Side’ and if you live in Dublin you are one or the other.

If you are looking for culture when you visit Dublin, you will not be disappointed as Dublin is a major cultural centre. Here you can enjoy works of many of the world’s most famous artists, visit the areas in Dublin associated with our famous writers such as Joyce, Wilde, Beckett, Stoker or Doyle. If you are in the mood for some traditional music many pubs in Dublin will cater to your needs. There is something special about sitting in a pub in which a random group of musicians have brought along their instruments for a ‘session.’

Among the many museums in Dublin, the National Gallery of Ireland, the Hugh Lanes Municipal Gallery and the National Museum of Ireland are the most popular. If your interests lie elsewhere there is an excellent National History Museum and countless tours of Ireland which will demonstrate the beautiful Georgian architecture along side the finer points of Dublin’s history.

Without doubt Dublin is a city that has much to offer the tourist whether your interest lies with culture or sampling some of the famous Dublin pub culture. No matter what reason brings you to Ireland, be sure to sample a pint of the ‘black stuff’ before leaving Dublin.