|
 Dublin is one of the most convenient destinations to travel to: the connections are cheap and frequent, the trip is short, and we know what to expect. This does not at all take away from the cultural and historical experience you can have in this city. Cut in half by the River Liffey the Irish capital has two
distinct faces: the poor north and the rich south. The main sight in town is south side of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, named after the island’s patron saint. Sir Benjamin Guinness generously funded thorough renovations during the 19th century which left the church shiny and heavy on Victorian decorations.
Another renowned symbol of the city is Trinity College. Queen Elizabeth I. founded the prestigious university; the long list of graduates includes Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker.
Just a stone’s throw from the honourable school- Grafton Street, Harcourt Street and O’Connell Street offer the more mundane pleasures of shopping in high street shops and small boutiques. The latter street also sports another Dublin landmark: the almost 400 ft (120 m) stainless steel Spire. 
When the credit card starts glowing- retreat to one of the countless museums or parks. Phoenix Park is the biggest in town, the Botanical Gardens, the most colourful.
The obligatory pilgrimage is of course to the Guinness Brewery. The ticket is a drop of beer and the tour includes samples, an offer gladly accepted by those who have been on their feet all day chasing photo opportunities.
A day in Dublin traditionally ends in Temple Bar district, the buzzing centre of day and nightlife. Locals and tourists mingle in numerous eateries, pubs, and bars. In summer people pour out of pubs and onto the cobbled streets, sipping their post-work beer in the open air. |
