Dublin Hotels

Introduction to Dublin

‘Tis more than the luck o’ the Irish that would have you travel to this bonnie city. It’s hard to top Dublin, Ireland as a vacation destination. While most people expect to be awash in Shamrocks and St. Patrick from the time they arrive, there is much more here than meets the eye. The busy harbor city can trace its roots to before the Vikings and just travel down any street and you will be able to see architecture across the spectrum of Medieval, Georgian and modern times.

While ferries in Dublin Bay connect the city with most major European seaports, Dublin International Airport is just six miles from downtown and a quick cab ride will deposit you at the heart of what is considered one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in Europe. A thriving commercial center on either side of the Liffey River is dotted by historic landmarks, with some of the finest hotels and accommodations available. Castles, cathedrals and gardens are all within walking distance. The 800 year old Dublin Castle is just a few blocks from the 1000 year old Christ Church Cathedral or the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar, a trendy area filled with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. A trip to Ireland isn’t complete without a stop in a pub for a meal or a pint with the locals. And for those who want to get more information on Dublin’s liquid history, tours of The Guinness Storehouse or The Old Jameson Distillery are almost required. Even if you’re not up for a sip, the stories associated with both of these centuries’ old facilities are fascinating.

If you care to venture out of the heart of the city to one of the suburbs, the bus, the tram or the suburban train (DART) will help you get there. Some of the most popular side trips include heading north to resort of Howath to visit its castle or take in its fantastic view of Dublin Bay or head to the infamous prison of Kilmainham Gaol. To the south is a real hidden secret… the tiny town of Dalkey. Even with curiosity seekers visiting its island and castle, it hasn’t changed much in the last century and it’s a good hopping off place to really get to know your Irish hosts.

Latitude: 53° 20'N°
Longitude: 6° 16'W°
Area: 921 sq km
Country: Ireland
Population: 1.12 million

Currency: Euro
Electricity Voltage: 230V
Electricity Frequency: 50Hz
Electrical Plug Types:

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Getting your Bearings in Dublin

Dublin lies on the east coast of Ireland, with Greater Dublin sprawling around the arc of Dublin Bay, bounded to the north by the Howth hills and to the south by the Dalkey headland. The city is split - physically and psychologically - by the river Liffey; the north has traditionally been poorer and the south wealthier. Two canals - the Grand Canal in the south and the Royal Canal in the north - form semi-circular arcs around the centre. North of the river, the most important streets for visitors are O'Connell St, the major shopping thoroughfare that leads to Parnell Square, and Gardiner St, a B&B and hostel hotspot. To the west, the Smithfield area is emerging as a tourist magnet. Busáras, the main bus station, and Connolly station, one of the two main train stations, are near the southern end of Gardiner St. Immediately south of the river is the hub of Dublin, Temple Bar, where you'll find a concentration of pubs, restaurants, shops and a number of art galleries. Nearby Trinity College is at the southern end of Grafton St, the city's most exclusive shopping street. On the south side you'll also find the best examples of Georgian Dublin, with stately houses and elegant parks.

When to Visit Dublin

The months either side of summer and winter are the best times to visit Dublin. Prices increase in summer and many places are shut during winter. If you're planning a trip around the St. Patrick's Day festivities remember to reserve, book, and reserve again to escape the chaos of the celebrations.

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