Travel Guides > Dublin Ireland

Dublin Travel

These days, about a third of Ireland's population lives in the bustling city of Dublin. That wasn't always the case. For many years, young adults left Dublin by the droves, headed for places like London or the United States, hoping to find a good place to make a sound living.

But now they're coming back, realizing that, in this country that's been one of the fastest-growing economically in Europe during the last decade, they can start a business, find a secure company for whom to work, or raise a family.

Travelers agree. Each year, more and more visitors are taking the time to see Dublin rather than just heading for the lush, green outskirts of the city or Ireland's vast countryside. There are many things to see and do in this pretty city by the Liffey River and you'll certainly want to spend at least a few days here checking out the museums, visiting the pubs, or trekking through ancient castles.

For a look at Ireland throughout the millennia, visit the National Museum. Here you'll find artifacts that date all the way back to 2000 B.C. and visitors will learn much about Ireland's history from that time until the present. The Natural History Museum is also a part of the National Museum and includes a zoological history of Ireland as well as information about animals from other parts of the world. The oldest military barracks in Europe, Collins Barracks, is also a part of this museum complex.

Head to grandiose Dublin Castle, built in the very early 1200s, the building that housed the British government which controlled Ireland for more than seven centuries. Also check out stunning Malahide Castle with its breathtaking restored interior. Built in the 12th century, the gardens here are also beautiful and visitors can make additional stops at Tara's Palace, a museum of collectible toys and dolls, and the Fry Model Railroad Museum.

Be sure to visit Dublin's Trinity College, where you'll find one of the city's most visited attractions - The Book of Kells. This is a beautifully decorated and ornate one-of-a-kind copy of the four gospels of the New Testament, complete with embellished keywords and phrases in the script and spectacular illustrations throughout the manuscript.

The National Gallery of Ireland has its home in Dublin and houses an extensive collection of works by the best Irish artists, including Jack B. Yeats, the lesser-known brother of Irish poet W. B. Yeats. Other European masters are represented here as well.

Dublin is also home to the third oldest zoo in the world and though the Dublin Zoo isn't huge, its collection of some 250 animals is interesting and the kids will love the fun children's zoo here.

When you think Ireland, you think Irish whiskey. To learn more about this legendary liquor, visit the Old Jameson Distillery where you'll tour an exhibition area and view a whiskey-making demonstration. If you prefer stout to whiskey, head for the World of Guinness Exhibition and learn how this world-famous stout is made.

Of course, if you'd rather drink the stuff than learn about it, you'll definitely want to spend time at some of Dublin's many pubs, more than 1,000 in all, where the music is always fine and the crowds are lively.