Dublin City Guide

There is always something interesting happening in Dublin including live music shows, art exhibitions, and plays. Dublin's vibrant nightlife, active cultural scene and historic significance, make it an exciting destination for visitors from all around the world. At over 1000 years of age, Dublin is a very old and beautiful city, with magnificent architecture and historic significance. Whilst retaining its medieval charm, Dublin has undergone a facelift with the renovation O'Connell Street, and the installation of Europe's largest sculpture, the Spire of Dublin.

Dublin Major Attractions

Sightseeing

Trinity College

Famously, the Book of Kells, an ancient Celtic Manuscript is housed here and is open to public viewing.

Art

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum presents a broad selection of art in a dynamic programme of exhibitions, which regularly includes...

Pubs

The Brazen Head

Enjoy live music and good food in a choice of the three cosy rooms, and a cobbled stone courtyard.

Dublin - City Overview

Dublin is Ireland’s largest city, is the capital city, and is Ireland’s economic, administrative and cultural centre. Since Ireland’s entry into the European Union, and the so-called Celtic Tiger economic growth period, Dublin’s population has grown substantially due to an influx of workers from other EU countries and elsewhere, making it a more cosmopolitan and interesting city. Whilst retaining its medieval charm, Dublin has undergone a facelift with the renovation O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main street, the opening of several new shopping centres, and the introduction of a new transport system. Although the economic growth has slowed down, Dublin’s vibrant nightlife, active cultural scene and historic significance, make it an exciting destination for visitors from all around the world.

A Brief History of Dublin

Dublin was founded by the Vikings in the 9th Century as a base for trading. This settlement was known as Dubh Linn, Gaelic for Black Pool, in reference to a dark pool where the River Poddle joins the River Liffey, Dublin‘s main river. A second Gaelic settlement also emerged named Áth Cliath, meaning Ford of the Hurdles. In 1171 the Anglo-Norman’s invaded and Dublin was named the capital of the English Lordship in Ireland and remained under British rule until 1921. The site of the 1916 Easter Rising, the GPO (General Post Office) is still a popular attraction for visitors. …read more on Wikipedia

Transport

Dublin’s transport system consists primarily of the bus services of Dublin Bus (Bus Átha Cliath), but also includes a relatively new light rail service, the LUAS, which consists of two lines serving the areas between Sandyford and the City Centre, and between Tallaght and the City Centre. An overground train, the DART, also serves the coastal areas between Howth and Bray. For transport out of Dublin to various locations around Ireland there are bus services with Bus Éireann, and train services with Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann). Dublin also has an extensive supply of licensed Taxis, which can be hailed from the roadside, boarded at a taxi rank (e.g. on O’Connell Street and at Stephen’s Green), or requested by phone.

For timetables, fares and other information please click on the relevant link below:

• Dublin Bus, Dublin's main form of public transport
• LUAS, Dublin south's 2-line light rail (tram) service
• DART, Dublin’s coastal fast rail service
• Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus service provider
• Irish Rail, Ireland’s national rail service provider
• National Radio Cabs, a Dublin-wide taxi service

Climate

Dublin’s climate is “Cool, Temperate, Maritime”, which means it is mild, moist and changeable. The dominant influence on Ireland's climate is the Atlantic Ocean, especially due to the relatively warm water that flows from the Gulf Stream to Ireland. Consequently, Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude. Ireland has never experienced a hurricane, tornado, or any severe natural disaster.

Rainfall tends to be lowest in early summer, and highest in winter, with December generally being the wettest month. Dublin experiences relatively mild winters, with an average temperature of 2.5 °C, when rainfall is common but only occasionally severe. Snow is unlikely, but light snowfall is possible. Summers are mild with sporadic rainfall, and an average temperature of 19 °C, the most sunshine usually occurring in May and June.

Unexpected rain showers are common all year round. The key is to be prepared. Bring clothes for all weathers, and compact umbrellas, and check the weather forecast (but never take these predictions as set-in-stone).

Check the weather forecast at MET Éireann, the Irish Meteorolical Service.