Dublin

Dublin is one of Europe's oldest cities, and equally one of the fastest growing capital cities in Europe with a population of just over 1.4 million.

Whether you are looking for fine museums, historic buildings, vibrant nightlife or a cultural feast - you cannot beat the city of Dublin, Ireland's largest city. Dublin has all the above and more.

Dublin City Centre Map

Central Dublin is easy enough to navigate – it is fairly compact, and you are likely to make the most of your explorations either on foot or via short bus hops. The River Liffey runs from west to east and divides the city into two regions of very distinct character.

The majority of the better-known attractions are south of the river, and for many visitors, the city's heart lies around the best of what is left of Georgian Dublin: the elegant Fitzwilliam and Merrion Squares, where the graceful red-brick houses boast ornate, fan-lighted doors and immaculately kept central gardens, and the wide open space of St Stephen's Green.

The Southside is also the setting for the compelling displays of the National Gallery and the National Museum, as well as Trinity College, Dublin's august seat of learning and home of a famous library. Grafton Street, the city's upmarket shopping area; and the Temple Bar area, the in-place for arts, alternative shopping and socialising are also located south of the River Liffey.

Parallel to the river, Dame Street strings together a handful of historic monuments: the Bank of Ireland, City Hall, Dublin Castle (new home to the glorious collections of the Chester Beatty Library) and Christ Church Cathedral. The tangle of lanes between here and Wood Quay are remnants of the medieval city, though these too are now undergoing renovation in a new development aimed at complementing Temple Bar.

South of Christ Church lies the majestic St Patrick's Cathedral, while to the west you can explore the area around the Guinness Brewery and, slightly further out, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and Kilmainham Gaol.

If you follow the river from the city centre eastwards you can discover the newly developed dockland area, which is now home to the modern and architecturally distinct IFSC, the International Financial Services Centre. Apart from many various international operations being located here, this area also offers a variety of bars and restaurants.