With a population of almost half a million, Dublin is the capital and largest city on the island of Ireland. It was originated in 488AD as a shipping port while going through the Irish Sea and has progressively grown into a modern day city throughout the years. Today Dublin is a mixture of the old and the new Metro and they merge nicely from the downtown area out into the suburbs. Dublin has a sizable number of immigrants, coming from Great Britain, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and continental Europe. More recently, Nigerian, Indian, and Eastern European populations have also migrated into the city, largely attracted by Ireland's economic success since the mid-1990's. Old and once run-down streets have rapidly become busy 'ethnic districts', such as Moore Street's transformation into 'Little Africa' and Parnell Street East into the city's de-facto 'Chinatown' and 'Asian Village'. These villages are a great way for tourists to spend the afternoon, casually walking the cobblestone streets, shopping and having lunch! There is plenty to do in Dublin if you are on vacation or sightseeing. - The National Print Museum of Ireland - The Irish Museum of Modern Art - The National Gallery of Ireland - The Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery - The Chester Beatty Library - And three centers of the National Museum of Ireland are all located in Dublin. These cultural museums would make an informative and beautiful tour around the city of Dublin. And Dublin has an excellent bus system that will carry you around the town with very little effort or expense. Or if you prefer a more energetic afternoon, renting a bicycle and touring on a bike is a popular way to see the city 'up close and personal'. The river Liffey separates Dublin, the North from the South, with typically the working class on the North and the middle and upper class on the South. In more recent years the city has also been divided socio-economically between East and Westside too. But not to worry! There are plenty of restaurants and nightlife anywhere you want to go, from the friendly outdoor pubs to the Temple Bar, which is "The Place" for nightlife and often people from Britain and beyond visit for the weekend. Whatever you prefer, you are sure to find in Dublin. And don't forget to catch a football or a rugby game at Croke Park, which seats 82,300 fans! There are other sports arenas scattered around the city for soccer, horse and greyhound racing, baseball, and other athletic events which are held at Morton Stadium in Santry. So, from fine dining to eating in your hotel and the wonderful restaurants, to cultural exhibits around town, and seasonal sports events across the country to ending a wonderful day with a night of dancing or walking along the beach, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy while in Dublin. And don't forget the week-long celebrations for St Patrick's Day, which culminate in the great parade on 17 March. |
