When I think about my city, I think of spending hours sitting in traffic waiting to get to work, I think of spending a fortune to buy a bottle of water in a pub (nearly the same as buying a pint), I think of the streets cluttered with discarded rubbish, I think of a city whose newly found wealth can be seen draped crudely around her shoulder like trailer trash that’s just won the lotto! Hidden beneath this veil of false wealth, lies the heart of a city that beats just as loudly as she did before the 'Celtic tiger' roared!
Dublin provides the visitor with a mix of old and new. Within the heart of the city you can visit Trinity College Dublin, a stunning university that houses the famous Book of Kells. Several art and literary exhibitions are held within the grounds of this college. Surrounding TCD are several of Ireland’s main shopping streets, starting with the fashionable Grafton Street, which is home to some of Ireland’s top high street stores and fashion outlets, but it all comes at a price! Crossing the bridge over onto the north side of the city, you can easily get the same style of clothing at a fraction of the price, if you know where to look!
Pubs litter each and every street in Dublin, so there's no shortage of watering holes! It's often been set as a challenge to the keen tourist, to try and find a route from the south side of the city over into the north side in which you DON'T pass a pub! It can't be done! Some of these pubs are trendy, high-priced, pretentious music sorts of establishments, but head to the Temple Bar area and find a mix of traditional and new bars, restaurants and pubs to suit all! If you head down that way, drop into the 'Elephant and Castle' restaurant for some of their famous chicken wings - they're fantastic, and at 10Euro for a big basket, you can't go wrong!
Quick Tips:
Dublin can be VERY expensive. Tourists should be aware of the fact that getting a cab (taxi) around the city can be very pricey! If you are staying within the city center, you are within walking distance of most nightclubs, pubs and entertainment venues, so walking is the best option! If you like the beer... best drop into a local shop and get a few cans to drink in your accommodation before heading out on the town, as drink is pricey with some venues charing up to 5.50 EURO a pint!
Take a bus to Powerscourt (in Wicklow) if you can. The main bus center (Busaras) is located on O'Connell Street and can provide info on buses, timetables and prices to and from Powerscourt! Is WELL worth the visit! Powerscourt offers beautifully manicured gardens, rugged landscape, breathtaking waterfalls and mountain walks! If you can get the bus to Johnny Foxes pub, which is also located in the Wicklow mountains - it's Ireland’s highest pub and the atmosphere is amazing! Serves fantastic seafood! Can be pricey, so bring money!
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