Dublin

Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, with a population of more than a million people. Plan to stay at least two nights to take advantage of its superb cultural offerings (theatres, museums and bookstores) as well as its lovely parks, friendly pubs, interesting historical sites and vibrant street scenes.

Though the River Liffey is in many ways the artery of the city, pumping with the tides, the riversides are not really exciting. But don’t miss the Four Courts on the north bank of the Liffey designed by the great architect James Gandon, and the Custom House about a mile downstream on the same side of the river.

If you are visiting Dublin only for a daytrip and have a car, you can beat the traffic by leaving your car at a Park & Ride station. If you are coming from the south, two ideal places to leave your car are at the Sandyford Luas stop, located just off junction 15 of the M50 on the Blackthorn Road or Bray DART stop, on the Bray road. If you are coming from the west, your best option is the Red Cow luas stop, off junction 10 of the M50. Coming from the north east your best bet is the park & ride station at Howth DART station. Tariffs at Park & Ride stations range from 2 to 4 euro.

Public transportation has improved massively over the last few years, but it is still worse than in other European cities. This is more of a problem for the commuter than the visitor to Dublin,; however, as the centre of the city is easy to get around on foot.