I would describe Dublin as a very tranquil city. No mad traffic jams and horns blaring like what we have in Mumbai, very friendly and hospitable people, and, of course, peacefully scenic suburbs. Despite the fact that it can rain suddenly and that winds can get really chilly, the weather is generally lovely. The following is of a photo of a suburb in North Dublin.
The trademark red-brick buildings all over the city is perhaps what make Dublin the city it is, and I absolutely adore it. For a change, it's very nice to have three- to four-storey buildings and houses forming a city instead of skyscrapers and high-rise apartment blocks I am used to in Asia.
The city centre is perhaps the busiest part of the city. River Liffey, home to the iconic Ha'penny bridge, separates the city into its north and south side. Its lanes are packed with a myriad of restaurants, bars, cafes, malls and stores selling high-end brands as well as vintage/second-hand goods. One of my favourites are the various charity shops (which are a very sustainable form of shopping too!). The cobblestone streets are flanked by historic and modern buildings, each with a story of its own. Dublin's inception dates back to the Middle Ages; there's a lot this city has weathered.
The good thing is, most of the city's highlights are within walking distance of each other. You're bound to stumble on them one after the other as you make your way around the city centre. I'll make a list of places you need to hit if you're interested in seeing all the main attractions. For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, be sure to check out my post on 'Hidden gems of Dublin'.
1. St. Stephen's Green & St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre
Probably everyone's favourite park in Dublin, St. Stephen's Green is a Victorian-style city pack with a big swan lake in the middle. Lovely place for a stroll, a picnic, and even a few Instagram-able moments! If you're feeding the swans, I encourage you to feed them responsibly (feed them raw oats, grapes, seeds, DON'T feed them bread). Be warned that there are many seagulls around and they might try to grab a bite of your food, but well, they're probably everywhere in the city anyway.
The good thing is, most of the city's highlights are within walking distance of each other. You're bound to stumble on them one after the other as you make your way around the city centre. I'll make a list of places you need to hit if you're interested in seeing all the main attractions. For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, be sure to check out my post on 'Hidden gems of Dublin'.
1. St. Stephen's Green & St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre
Probably everyone's favourite park in Dublin, St. Stephen's Green is a Victorian-style city pack with a big swan lake in the middle. Lovely place for a stroll, a picnic, and even a few Instagram-able moments! If you're feeding the swans, I encourage you to feed them responsibly (feed them raw oats, grapes, seeds, DON'T feed them bread). Be warned that there are many seagulls around and they might try to grab a bite of your food, but well, they're probably everywhere in the city anyway.
Photo credits: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Stephen%27s_Green
Right round the corner, there's St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. One of the most popular malls with tourists, you're bound to find the biggest brands like Carrolls Gifts (great place to get souvenirs for home!) and Dunnes here. Glassy and dome-shaped, this mall is a spectacle during Christmas time. I always visit the mall just to see the Christmas decorations every December.
As a bonus, I'll add a mention of Powerscourt Shopping Centre, on William St South, a stone's throw from St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, off Grafton Street, for a feel of an old-school mall.
As an additional bonus, George's Street Arcade, on South Great George's Street (with an entrance from Drury Street), is a proper Victorian-style shopping centre established during that era (1881). It is also known to be one of Europe's oldest shopping centres, with many shops selling vintage clothes, gifts and snacks. If you are a history lover like me, you'd love this place. It's a small complex, you should be in and out in 10 minutes if you're not buying anything. But otherwise, it has charming old-school stores with unique knick-knacks you're not going to find anywhere else.
2. Grafton Street
The mouth of St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre leads on to a long, straight and wide street, known as Grafton Street. This well-loved street is home to various boutiques, cafes, gifts, with international and local brands. Indeed, everyone can find something that tickles their fancy at Grafton Street. I think it's pleasurable to just stroll down this street, with its good kind of buzz and store after store of exciting things.
But what I personally think makes Grafton Street so special are the street musicians and artistes that present their craft along this stretch of road. You'll almost always see a crowd milling about to appreciate their talents. I've seen sand artistes, men who pose as statues, a drummer using crockery as his drums, singers, guitarists, it's a sight to behold. Grafton Street is more that just a shopping haven, it is a stage. With new musicians and artistes performing on Grafton Street every day, no two days on this street are the same!
3. The Spire
Cross the bridge to O'Connell Street and you'll see the Spire! It is a 120 metres high tapering landmark right behind the bronze statues of O'Connell Street. It is said that when strong winds blow, the Spire sways!
4. Trinity College Dublin
Arguably one of the most important sights in Dublin is the historic Trinity College Dublin, with its striking trademark bell tower at the entrance. If St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre is on one end of Grafton Street, Trinity College Dublin is right at its other end. It was established in 1592 and was the alma mater of personalities like Oscar Wilde.
Its library is known to be the largest library in Ireland and is home to the Book of Kells, a gospel book. Given its convenient location in the city centre, close to other landmarks, it attracts hoards of tourists. Though entry into the college grounds is free, if you want to visit the library, you need to purchase a ticket.
Photo credits: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College_Library
5. Dublin Castle
I'll move on to Dublin Castle. It was constructed in 1204 and is currently used as a government complex by officials. However, its grounds are open to be visited by all. There is a lovely open garden on one side of the castle where many tourists gather to get a good view (and photos) of the castle tower. Ireland is filled with castles, and so, it is no surprise that there should be one right at the centre of its capital city.
6. St. Patrick's Cathedral
You can't come to Ireland and miss visiting at least one of its splendid cathedrals! St. Patrick's Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of the Emerald Isle, dates back to 1191. I didn't get good photos because I visited on a rainy day, but this is a glimpse of this beautiful church. Entry to the cathedral is ticketed. St. Patrick's Cathedral lies in the Liberties region of Dublin (see 'Hidden gems of Dublin' post for more information) but is of walkable distance from Aungier Street.
Other notes
That would be all the major sights you would need to catch while you're in the city centre! A tour of the first five spots mentioned should take you only half a day, after which you could have a meal at the unending options of eateries. You'll get great food options from all cuisines on Dame Street, the long road beginning from the entrance of Trinity College Dublin.
Bars and pubs are a big thing in Dublin, but I will not be endorsing those for personal reasons.
I would highly recommend using this map to navigate around the city: https://www.visitdublin.com/my-dublin-map#53.347280|-6.259060|13
As far as weather is concerned, you need to be prepared. Rain showers occur frequently throughout the year erratically. Have an umbrella at all times. It is highly recommended to have jackets as winds can get cold and strong.
Bars and pubs are a big thing in Dublin, but I will not be endorsing those for personal reasons.
I would highly recommend using this map to navigate around the city: https://www.visitdublin.com/my-dublin-map#53.347280|-6.259060|13
As far as weather is concerned, you need to be prepared. Rain showers occur frequently throughout the year erratically. Have an umbrella at all times. It is highly recommended to have jackets as winds can get cold and strong.
Transport
Generally Dublin is a very well-connected city. Buses run to and from towns and even serve adjacent areas like Bray and Howth. There is a tram system (LUAS) and a train system (DART - Dublin Area Rapid Transit). You can visit other parts of Ireland from Pearse, Connolly and Heuston stations in Dublin via Irish Rail, which is the national railway. For exploring the city centre, it's best to get around by foot.
September 2017