Located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin was founded as a Viking settlement. But for much of the country’s history and since medieval times, Dublin has been Ireland’s primary city. Today, it is an economic, administrative and cultural centre of Ireland and has one of the fastest growing populations of any European capital city.
If you are looking for a city break with a rich blend of tradition, architectural beauty and culture, then Dublin could provide the perfect short break for you. As well as being steeped in history, it has a world-famous literary history, having produced many prominent writers, including James Joyce, WB Yeats and George Bernard Shaw.
There is certainly something for everyone here and you won’t need a car or a bus to get around as Dublin is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city easily explored on foot. If this sounds a little tiring, don’t worry, as refreshments are always close by when walking through the city. Why not pop into Bewley’s, Dublin’s famous coffee shop, or visit a traditional Irish pub for a drop of the black stuff?
Short breaks in Dublin would not be complete without a visit to the Dublin Writers Museum, which houses a reserve of books including rare and first editions and critical works. Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, is well worth a visit. Housing the Book of Kells, a world-famous illuminated manuscript, transcribed by Celtic monks, the university also owns some of the most important buildings in the city. Other attractions include Dublin Castle and the famous Guinness Storehouse. Dublin city breaks take much of their charm from the easily accessible nature of the city, so enjoy a stroll through the fashionable shopping area around Grafton Street before heading through the beautiful St Stephen’s Green park at the top of the street. The city’s cultural heart, Temple Bar, is filled with street performers, quirky shops and a range of bars and eateries that are not to be missed on weekend breaks in Dublin.
Entertainment is something that Dublin can easily provide. There is a vibrant nightlife and Dublin is reputedly one of the most youthful cities in Europe As in the rest of Ireland, there are pubs right across the city centre. The area around St Stephen’s Green – especially Harcourt Street, Camden Street, Wexford Street and Leeson Street – is a centre for some of the most popular nightclubs and pubs. Choose from theatre-land culture or traditional bars that provide regular live music, such as Buskers and the Ha’penny Bridge Inn. Or if relaxation is what you’re after, why not take an open-top bus tour to see more of this wonderful city and rest your weary legs?
In Dublin you will find that the level of accommodation varies from budget hotels through to four-star and five-star luxury. Online travel agent Cresta Holidays (www.crestaholidays.co.uk) offers a wide range of city break deals starting at £125 for two nights.