Travel overview of Dublin, Ireland
Dublin's contributions to literature, merrymaking and folklore have retained the city's quaint charm. Rejuvenated into a more modern capital recently, now is the perfect time to visit the city and experience Irish culture in full. Literary conquests around Dublin will take eager tourists to the homes of famous Irish writers such as James Joyce, William Butler Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. To get more out of your trip, join a literary pub crawl and follow in the footsteps of literary giants like Seamus Heaney and Oscar Wilde to discover the pubs they frequented in historic Grafton Street. The tour's vicinity also includes Ireland's oldest university, Trinity College. The essential part of Irish pub life is the brew that keeps the merry exchange of ideas flowing. Guinness Brewery, makers of the iconic Irish beer established in 1759, is the central figure in Dublin's bars. Guided tours of the legendary brewery provide an engaging way to toast to the Guinness legacy, and Irish heritage as well.
'When I die, Dublin will be written in my heart.,
The immortal words of James Joyce, a true, out and out Dubliner (despite living half of life in mainland Europe in exile) and perhaps the greatest man to put a pen to a paper, give us a glimpse into what Dubliners think of Dublin, their beloved home.
For Dubliners, Dublin itself is the greatest city in the world, by a fair margin, and London couldn't even think of getting close to it. Dubliners never shy away from pointing out their follies and making fun of themselves, but at the very heart of it, their world revolves around Dublin “ just like it happens in 'Ulysses'.
Dublin is a gifted city. Architecture, history, culture and a tumultuous coastline make it a vibrant affair. If only it weren't for the gloomy weather and soggy air, it would really have had a great shot at making it to the Ivy Leagues of Cities in the world (if there's such a thing).
The foundations of this great city can be traced back to long lost races of Vikings who were supposed drifted while navigating the North Seas. The traces of this Viking heritage can be easily identified in the sound of ancient Gaelic language (now dangerously close to getting wiped out) and some of the oldest examples of architecture in the city. The rest, however, is all European, thanks to English settlers.
If you are thinking of making a trip to Dublin, be sure that you will find more things to fall in love with this city than you would have anticipated. As far as accommodation issues are concerned, we are presenting a quick and brief guide to hotels in Dublin, in a hope that it will help you get an idea about the hospitality scene in the city.
Cheap Hotels in Dublin
Dublin is a capital city, and hence, it is possible, but difficult, to find really cheap hotels here, especially during the height of tourism season of mid-summer.
That said, tourists shouldn't get discouraged or deterred. There are quite a few bed & breakfast units here that will definitely be perfect fits for backpackers and business travelers who do not hope to stay for more than a night or two.
For tourists who will be spending at least a week here in Dublin, with itinerary spread around all of Ireland, The Harding Hotel is a great choice. Always bustling with international tourists, the hotel is a landmark in Dublin and is, quite curiously, very affordable too.
Other than this one, the duo of Fleet Street Hotel and North Star Hotel make an exciting option among cheap hotels for tourists who want to keep their tour limited to Dublin.
Lavish Lodging in Dublin
Dublin is the most suitable place for tourists who are visiting Ireland and who wish to spend their time there in style, luxury and comfort of the highest level imaginable.
Granted that Ireland is not really a country that takes pleasure in living lavishly or letting oneself go (except on the St Patrick's Day, of course), but the overall ambiance in Dublin is not too different than any world class city you will ever visit.
Among the best luxury hotels in Dublin, the one that needs a special thumbs up is the Hilton Dublin Kilmainham. Located in the best Dublin site imaginable, Hilton Dublin provides the best Irish delicasies coupled with tastiests of representative cuisines from all around the world.
Siimilarly, Sofitel and InterContinental make their best attempt to operate their finest resorts here, in Dublin. Another offbeat luxury entry in this segment is that of Red Cow Moran Hotel, a typically Irish lodge escalated to the heights of comfort. In short, various lavish Dublin hotels leave no space for grievances for their patrons.
Sightseeing in Dublin
There's a lot to see in Dublin if you have a special apettite for culture and history. This city is not half as famous for its sights as it is for the people she has birthed and the events that she has witnessed.
The Spirte of Dublin presents an imposing structure that seems to be located right in the center of the city, marking a sort of monumental methodology. Politics has played a great role in the social fabric of Ireland as a a whole, and Dublin isn't an exception. The Spirt, that's why, becomes an important sight to visit in Dublin, because of its political and historical signficance.
Dublin Castle is another one of such historical sights that seem to have defied wind and weather, for over four long centuries. Book of Kells in the Trinity College Library is well worth visiting, as well.
St Stephen's Green Park is located in the heart of the city and can provide a silent respite from the bustle of the city. The famous Guinness brewery provides a hands-on experience for visitors to see how their favorite beer is actually made.
For literature enthusiasts “ two of the best known Irish born authors “ James Joyce and his pupil, Samuel Beckett have a number of sights associated with their names. Samuel Beckett Bridge is a fine example of this.
Sightseeing Tips for Dublin Goers
Tourists who are visiting Dublin for the first time must know that a trip to Dublin can be a short weekend affair if you want it to be that way, or it can be a one/two week stretch, if you wish. What matters is your motive behind this trip. If just sightseeing is your motive, then a weekend will be more than enough. But if you really want to explore the city and its culture, then you will have to camp up in Dublin for at least one week.
Many Dublin hotels do assist tourists by providing them with local guides, for nominal overhead fees.
Local Transportation in Dublin
Being a capital city, Dublin is well developed in terms of infrastrcuture. For local transport, trains and local buses are easily available to and from all the major parts of the city. In addition, one can always resort to private texis and cabs to take them places.