Dublin Travel Guide

Dublin is situated on the east coast of Ireland. Its famed river, the Liffey, cuts through the center of the city and empties into Dublin Bay, dividing the city into north and south. On the north side are 18th-century architectural masterpieces—the Custom House and the Four Courts—and also the historic thoroughfare of O'Connell Street. At the northern end of O'Connell Street are Parnell Square and the Gate Theatre. The Abbey Theatre is east of O'Connell Street. South of the Liffey are Trinity College, the trendy (but old) streets of Temple Bar, the fine Georgian buildings of St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street's upscale stores and restaurants, and most hotels.  Click here to see the full Dublin report »

Dublin's history is one marked by a tragic influx of conquerors. When the pagan Celts arrived from the European continent sometime around 600 BC, some of them settled on the banks of the Liffey and named the area Baile Atha Cliath (meaning the "ford of hurdles"—the name is still visible on buses and license plates).   Click here to see the full Dublin report »

The River Liffey is the center of activity in Dublin today, just as it was in medieval times. Though not particularly picturesque or impressive, the river's banks are a good place to begin exploring the city. South of the Liffey you'll find much of the tourist infrastructure and the new developments spurred by the city's rapid economic growth. Hotels, restaurants, trendy cafes, shops and attractions abound. North of the Liffey, the flavor of the old city is easier to find in less-gentrified neighborhoods. There, stately Georgian buildings coexist with humble 19th-century workers' cottages. To get an understanding of where Dublin has been and where it's going, spend some time on each side of the Liffey.  Click here to see the full Dublin report »

Dublin's nightclub and music scene is so active and strong that it's hard to keep up with it. All pubs must be licensed, and the number of licenses is limited. During the 1990s, publicans enlarged existing premises. Thus was born the "superpub"—vast, hangar-sized buildings that you can almost get lost in. Some have several floors, numerous nooks and crannies, and different moods in different areas. Cafe en Seine on Dawson Street and Dakota on South William Street are two of the most popular. You can choose to drink in one of these, mostly favored by younger folk, or in a traditional community pub.   Click here to see the full Dublin report »

In Dublin, you'll find plenty of traditional Irish food: potato cakes, salmon, Irish stew (mutton, onions and potatoes), prawns (fresh from Dublin Bay), oysters and breads. But don't stick just to the traditional fare. In addition to a respectable selection of international eateries, you'll find restaurants that specialize in a distinctive school of New Irish cuisine. It uses rich, indigenous Irish foodstuffs prepared with influences from the European continent and the Mediterranean.   Click here to see the full Dublin report »