Dublin
You don’t have to wonder why students are so attracted to the Irish brogue. With Far & Away, Circle of Friends, My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father, The Crying Game, The Commitments, and Michael Collins, everyone can name a great Hollywood movie set in Ireland. These movies depict a long history of a fighting spirit, triumph over the odds, passion for family and justice, and, of course, the importance of a well-poured pint.
Dublin personifies this frothy spirit, from the ubiquitous pints of Guinness to a tumultuous literary and historic past. The city’s creative scene has introduced countless stars to the current international music, film and literary world. From nightclubs to brewpubs, from well-trimmed gardens to posh Georgian mansions, Dublin boasts plenty of attractions for every possible interest. Students love Dublin for its great nightlife, cool atmosphere and connection to the US. You can find a cheap flight to Dublin, so what are you waiting for?
- Pictures |
- Things to do |
- Nightlife |
- Dining |
- Shopping |
- Travel tips
Dublin Pictures
Things to do in Dublin
Dublin’s fine Georgian buildings can be seen from St Stephen’s Green – a patch of greenery right in the city center. Architecture buffs will want to wander through St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Dublin Castle and the Kilmainham Gaol will give you a good overall feel of Dublin’s importance in Irish, British, and European history. Dublin’s museums tend to be archaeological or scholarly. There’s the National Museum, with a collection of treasures dating from the Bronze Age; the National Gallery, which showcases paintings by old masters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and El Greco; the Heraldic Museum, for those interested in tracing their Irish roots; and the Dublin Civic Museum which contains memorabilia from the city’s past are just some of Dublin’s offerings. The James Joyce Centre combines Joyce memorabilia and Dublin history in an old townhouse, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art has work by Ireland’s most esteemed contemporary artists.
The Dublin Zoo and Zoological Gardens, located in Phoenix Park, is definitely worth a visit. Home to the famous MGM trademark lion, as well as numerous varieties of flora and fauna, the park is a relaxing place to picnic and wander.
Nightlife in Dublin
From the standard Top 40 discos for those who just want to dance, to retro 80’s nights, techno, and cutting-edge hard core punk, and ska, Dublin offers a wide array of nightlife. The Temple Bar is centrally located making it a popular bar for tourists. If you are looking for some more low key bars, head to the Grafton Street area.
Dining in Dublin
Traditional Irish breads and scones are delicious as breakfast treats. The main meal of the day tends to be lunch, although a pint of Guinness can be a meal in itself. Irish meals are potato-and meat-based. Beef, lamb, and pork chops are popular menu items. Try out Antica Venezia for inexpensive Irish and Italian food. Also, tea is a very popular drink to sip on in Ireland.
A pint of Guinness or a shot of whiskey at a real Irish pub is part of the Dublin experience. Learn about what you are drinking by visiting the Guinness Hop Store and Museum, or the Old Jameson Distillery. Guinness (the beer, the man, and the company) is an institution in Ireland, and whiskey-making can be traced back to the sixth century in Dublin. Both Jameson and Guinness tours end with tastings.
Shopping in Dublin
Department stores, shopping malls, boutiques, and street vendors will keep shoppers busy. Smoked salmon, Guinness memorabilia, sweaters, and wool items are great souvenirs. Grafton Street (southside) and Henry Street (northside) offer great shopping opportunities.
Dublin travel tips
- Pack an umbrella as it tends to rain a lot in Dublin.
- Don’t be surprised when people ask you how the craic is where you’re from. Craic, pronounced like crack, is Gaelic for fun!
- People in Dublin tend to say cheers to mean thank you.
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