Dublin

The capital city of the emerald isle, Dublin is a vibrant and bustling cosmopolitan metropolis. Over the past ten years it has undergone extensive renovation and transformation, enhancing its historical and cultural roots while promoting it as a new and forward thinking city. Renowned for its ‘craic’ and friendly hospitality, with locally produced Guinness being drunk in traditional pubs alongside the trendy new wine bars, it’s a diverse and eclectic city with a fun and amiable personality.  From the moment you step off the ship you will be fascinated with the beauty and vibrancy of this city.

Sightseeing in Dublin

As an ancient city with roots that date back centuries past, there are a range of historical attractions charting the life and times of Dublin to present day. There’s also an abundance of modern sights to enjoy, including an up and coming music scene with live bands appearing daily in the lanes around Grafton Street. Discover the city by open top bus or visit one of these popular attractions to see what Dublin is all about:

Guinness Factory Tour

 You enter via the Guinness Storehouse which has been central to the brewery for the past 250 years and follow a guide as you walk through the history and process of how they make the ‘black stuff’. You will learn about where it’s made and how popular the drink is across the world, with some very unusual fans of the pint. At the end of the tour you arrive in the Sky Bar, aptly named thanks to its elevated position which provides panoramic views out across the city. Here you can enjoy an ice cold glass of the drink which really does taste at its best straight from the factory.

River Liffey

Explore the city from a different angle, enjoying her sights as you glide down the River Liffey. Many of these river cruises include a guide who will tell you about the city’s history from the time that the Vikings invaded through to Oliver Cromwell’s assault and more present day events that have shaped her landscape.

Howth

Howth is located further down the coast and is an old town that boasts ancient ruins worth visiting. The local tavern is a talking point on its own, serving traditional meals by the light of old fashioned gas lamps. It’s a step back in time to see Ireland in its heyday.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is believed to have originated from an ancient Gaelic Ring Fort. You can still see parts of the old Viking fortress as well as some of the State Apartments and Chapel Royal. It’s a good place to visit for history lovers.

Shopping in Dublin

Dublin has a vast array of shops and markets to choose from, catering for all tastes and budgets.. George’s Street Arcade is frequented by locals and visitors to the city with a wide range of products on offer at over 50 stalls. The products range from fashion to gifts and antiques as well as fortune telling and curios available. Heading in to O’Connell Street and Grafton Street, you can shop at recognisable high street chain stores, as well as discover some boutique shops only found here in Dublin.

Eating Out in Dublin

Being a mix of cultures, Dubliners enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the globe, and there are plenty of restaurants in this city that reflect this choice. The heart of Dublin has a great choice of eateries, and for something traditionally Irish, head to the Blarney Inn, an old-fashioned place that prides itself on its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and offers a traditional menu. For some history with your meal go to The Brazen Head. Dating back to 1198 it is the oldest pub in Dublin and is conveniently located round the corner from the Guinness Brewery. As well as serving up meals and ice cold pints it is home to some of the best live music in the city and offers visitors traditional Irish hospitality.