10 things about Dublin

1. The city is divided into the north and south sides by the River Liffey

The city that divides Dublin into the north and south sides is the River Liffey. Dublin is quite a compact city so you can walk from the O’Connell Street on the northside to Grafton Street on the southside in less than ten minutes. The best known bridges that cross the river are the Halfpenny Bridge and O’Connell Bridge, which is longer in length than it is in width. Some of the best-known landmarks north of the Liffey are The Spire and the Customs House, while those on the soutside include Dublin Castle and Christchurch Cathedral.

Liffey River. Dublin

2. There are three modes of public transport

Dublin has three main modes of public transport:

Dublin bus: serves most parts of the city

DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit): A light-rail network that goes through the city centre and serves many of Dublin’s coastal suburbs

LUAS: The city’s newest mode of public transport with two lines – Green and Red. The most useful stops are on the Red Line as it serves both Dublin’s main train stations and has a stop at the Museum of Decorative Arts and History.

3. The city’s number one tourist attraction is the Guinness Storehouse

Dublin’s number one tourist attraction is the Guinness Storehouse which is located just outside the city centre at St James’ Gate. It’s a world-class attraction about everything Guinness, and finishes with a pint of ‘the black stuff’ in the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor which overlooks the entire city.

Guinness Storehouse

4. There is a lot more to see

Other attractions include Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, the city’s numerous parks, and Trinity College which is home to the famous Book of Kells.

St. Stephen's Green Park

Merrion Square Park

Trinity College Library

Christchurch Cathedral

5. All the city’s national museums and galleries are free

Dublin’s National Gallery on Merrion Square and Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham are both free, as are the national museums – the Museum of Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks and the National Museum of Archaeology on Kildare Street.

National Museum of Archaeology

6. Many of the world’s best-known writers and musicians were born here

James Joyce, Bram Stoker, U2 and other famous musicians and writers were born in Dublin. There are statues of famous writers all over the city, but for more of an insight visit the Dublin’s Writer’s Museum on Parnell Square on the city’s northside.

James Joyce

Bram Stoker

U2 Band

7. It has some great suburbs

• Northside
• Howth: Fishing village popular for its coastal cliff walk and wild seals
• Portmarnock: Part of Dublin well-known for its beach
• Malahide: Full of cafés and restaurants
• Southside
• Ranelagh: Close to the city centre and full of restaurants, bars and cafés
• Dun Laoghaire: Great place to catch a sunset and go for a walk thanks to its long pier

8. It’s great for shopping

The best place for shopping on the northside is Henry Street, while on the southside it’s Grafton Street. For bargains go to shops like ‘Flip’ and ‘Wildchild’, both in Temple Bar. These sell vintage t-shirts among other things.

Henry Street

Grafton Street

9. For the best deals when eating out try ‘early bird’ specials

Many restaurants in Dublin promote ‘early-bird’ specials where you can get a starter and main course for between €9 and €20. Keep an eye out for restaurants promoting these on sandwich boards and on posters in their windows.

10. Temple Bar isn’t where all the nightlife is

The best-known part of Dublin for nightlife is Temple Bar but it’s very touristy there. Instead visit strips such as Baggott Street, South William Street and Wexford/Camden Street. And for a proper traditional Irish pub visit Keogh’s on South Anne Street.

South William Street