Dublin, IRELAND
Airing Date: Mar 28th, 2005
Dublin is one of Europe's most compelling capitals, and Dubliners are fiercely proud of their city's vibrant atmosphere. Less than an hour's flight from London, the city is roughly divided into two sections, the north and south, with the River Lifey running through the centre.
The Southside comprises of fancy restaurants, shops, museums and hotels, whereas the northern part is traditionally known as the poorer region. The whole city is currently undergoing some changes due to the economic upturn of the country. This has had a dramatic affect on the urban landscape of the city with bars, clubs and restaurants opening in abundance. With so much to see and do, it's difficult to know where to start!
The newest way to tour the city by road and by water is onboard the Viking Splash. An hour-long tour costs $20 and involves driving then splashing down into the river in an amphibious vehicle that resembles a Viking ship. Dublin was originally a Viking town, so this is a great excuse to look silly and wear a Viking hat.
Trinity College, one of Dublin's most historic landmarks, is located right in the heart of the city. Dating back to the time of Elizabeth I, many famous scholars including Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde have studied here.
To this day the university continues to educate students worldwide. The architecture in the Long Hall Library is one of the most stunning parts of the college and contains over 300,000 books dating back centuries. The library receives a copy of every book published in England and Ireland, and a kilometre of shelving is added each year to house them all.
Next on the must-visit list is the Guinness Brewery, renowned as the world's largest single beer-exporting company. They brew an astonishing 730 million pints a year and although you can't walk round the actual brewery, there's an exhibition centre containing a replica brewery, pub, restaurant and gift shop, all housed in a 19th century warehouse. The self-guided tour ends in the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor, with panoramic views of the city and arguably the best pint of Guinness in Dublin!
To crank up the craic head to Temple Bar, where every day of the week is a good day to have a drink. Situated in Dublin's liveliest neighbourhood, the Temple Bar is just one of endless numbers of pubs. For the ultimate drinking experience, Johnny Fox's claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland and is nestled in the Dublin Mountains, half an hour from the city centre. There is a traditional Hooley held in the Parlour Room and features Fox's Irish Dancing Troupe along with traditional music. Every night there is live music, plenty of drinking and a great atmosphere.
Before you head home take a trip to Croke Park, which is considered sacred ground to many Irish as it's home to the Gaelic Football. This is a combination of Aussie Rules with soccer, and a trip to the game offers an experience which can only be described as truly Irish.
The facts
The Clarence Hotel: Superior Rooms start from $255 a person, twin share.
Includes full Irish breakfast.
Tourism Ireland: Ph. 02 9299 6177. www.tourismireland.com.au.
Gulf Air & British Midland will fly you to Dublin from $2346 ex Sydney.
Includes taxes. Subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply.
Travelworld: Ph. 13 14 35.
Prices correct at 28/3/05.
