Dublin City Centre
Dublin, built on the River Liffey is the capital of Ireland and the largest city in the country. It boasts a rich array of cultural and historical sights and famous Dublin attractions including the Book of Kells in Trinity College, the National Art Gallery and the National Museum of Ireland.
There is some glorious architecture around Dublin, including Dublin Castle, the Custom House and the Central Bank of Ireland. The park in the middle of St. Stephen's Green is also worth a visit. The Phoenix Park is one of the largest city parks in Europe and houses the president as well as Dublin Zoo.
South of the city centre, you will find some wonderful enchanting places such as the hills of Killiney and Dalkey where you can get a fantastic view of Dublin Bay. North of the city centre are places worth seeing such as Clontarf and Howth head. A fun way to see the sights around the city centre is the "Hop on Hop Off" open top bus tour.
Where to stay
Check out our accommodation page where you will find a comprehensive list of accommodation conveniently presented using Google Maps technology.
Going out in Dublin
Dublin has a buzzing nightlife with a wide variety of restaurants, pubs and nightclubs. Many tourists visit the famous Temple Bar area where they can enjoy a nice Pint of Guinness with the locals in one of the many traditional Irish pubs. This area is popular with street entertainers and it wouldn't be unusual to hear them performing their own versions of U2 or Thin Lizzy hits on any night of the week. Alternatively you can venture out to the famed highest pub in Ireland for some guaranteed traditional entertainment and classic Irish dishes, set among the wonderful scenery of the Dublin Mountains.
Rent a Car and get out of town
Ireland is a small country and many popular tourist attractions are within driving distance of Dublin. North of Dublin are counties Louth, Monaghan, Meath and Cavan.
Carlingford in Co. Louth is a nice place to visit situated between Slieve Foy, Carlingford Lough and the Mourne mountains. It's a very relaxing environment boasting a unique blend of natural beauty, spectacular panoramas and myths & legends. Carlingford Adventure center offers the tourist a wide range of outdoor activities ranging from sailing to rock climbing. For those who prefer something a little more relaxing maybe take a drive to Drogheda and enjoy a guided tour of Beaulieu House, gardens and the car museum.
If you visit Co. Meath you will discover it is rich in history and even has three World Designated Heritage Sites for you to explore, the ancient burial grounds of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. Also make time to see the Hill of Tara near the county town of Navan which was the historical seat of the High King of Ireland and it is a beautiful place to visit with a spectacular view.
Slightly further north you will find the Co. Monaghan town of Clones. Those interested in fishing will definitely want to pay a visit as the Erne system made up of the River Finn and a maze of interconnected lakes is one of the Irish coarse anglers best kept secrets.
South of Dublin are counties Wicklow, Kildare, Carlow, Wexford and Kilkenny.
Wicklow often called "The Garden of Ireland" boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on the east coast of Ireland. Glendalough is a popular town for tourists to base themselves in when exploring this beautiful county. If your interested in hill walking the Wicklow way is a popular walking trail where you can take in mountains, lakes, glacial valleys, and mountain streams. And while you are here you can't miss a visit to Russborough, "the most beautiful house in Ireland", one of the country's largest and finest examples of Palladian architecture.
Further south again brings you to the "Sunny Southeast". Wexford is famous for its good weather and you will find lots to do in places like Enniscorthy, Wexford Town or the Harbour Town of Courtown. In Kilkenny you can explore the stunning landscape or visit many historical sites, such as Kilkenny Castle. Castlecomer Discovery Park is a great place for the whole family to spend some time together outdoors and learn about nature, history and heritage.
Shopping
Dublin is divided by the River Liffey and the main shopping locations are near here - Henry Street to the North of the Liffey and Grafton Street to the South. There are also large shopping outlets in the suburbs of the city such as Dundrum, Blanchardstown, Liffey Valley in Lucan and The Square in Tallaght. Also, Kildare Village Outlet Shopping is a haven for designer brands at discounted prices and only a short journey from Dublin city centre.
Horse Racing
Punchestown is the home of Irish National Hunt Racing. Racing enthusiasts should check their fixture list for news of upcoming meetings. Also the Irish National Stud cater for visitors with a horse museum, a guided tour of the stud and the famous Japanese gardens.
Language Schools
Dublin is a popular destination for people wishing to learn the English language. Two popular schools are the Horner School of English based in Dublin City Centre and the Slaney Language Centre based in Wexford.
Something Different
For groups looking for something different contact Des Keaney of Deep Blue Sea Kayaking and arrange a course in sea kayaking or even paddle making!
