Getting to know you, Dublin
Modern Dublin has a truly unique feel - a mix of bohemian vibes and big business. Music, craic-humour, literature, pubs, high-tech companies, and Guinness world capital. As a port, it has particular links to Liverpool and England's North West, where many Irish people settled since the mid 19th century.
The city streets layout spans from the 17th century when it was briefly the second largest, after London, in the British Empire. After the Acts of Union in 1800, when United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland came to be, Dublin was put on hold, the city had no major role in the Industrial Revolution. Belfast developed faster than Dublin at this time.
The imaginative spirit of Dubliners was on the rise, though, creating one of the most celebrated literature, poetry and music hubs, linked with the Celtic heritage.
Since the 1990s, Dublin was at the forefront of Ireland's economic expansion, the Celtic Tiger period. It attracted a number of global IT and pharmaceutical companies such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, PayPal, Yahoo!, Facebook, Twitter, Accenture and Pfizer, choosing to have their European headquarters here.
Jim Larkin and the Spire. Molly Malone statue. Irish Famine memorial. Father Ted Chair.
Jim Larkin was born in impoverished Irish family in Liverpool, self-educated, became one of the most important Labour and trade union activists, collectively known as Big Jim.
The Spire of Dublin (upper left), located on O'Connell Street, officially entitled the "Monument of Light". It replaced Nelson's Pillar, demolished in 1966. The Spire is made of stainless steel, it marks Dublin entrance into 21 century and became one of the city's landmarks.
Molly Malone statue (upper middle) in front of the Tourist Information Office. Molly Malone has been a popular song set in Dublin, starting with words: "In Dublin's fair city / Where the girls are so pretty / I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone". The song tells a story of a female fishmonger who plied her trade on the streets of Dublin, typically described as a hawker by day and part-time prostitute by night. The song has become the unofficial Dublin's anthem. 13 June was declared to be Molly Malone Day. Mollys' impressive bosom has been touched so often that the bronze hue has worn off.
William Smith O'Brien statue on O'Connell Street; he was involved in the early Irish independence movement in 19th century and was promoting the use of Irish language. O'Brien is one of the most popular Irish surnames.
Irish Famine Memorial on the bank of River Liffey, in Custom House Quay.
The Great Famine is the most remembered and tragic event in the nations history. Between years 1845 - 1849 around 1 million people died and a million more emigrated because of the consecutive years of bad crops, mainly potatoes, thus it is sometimes named the Potato Famine, and the Irishmen are to this day very sensitive about the event and its repercussion.
Charles Parnell (lower middle) was a charismatic politician, who is remembered as "Ireland's Uncrowned King" who fought for Irish self-rule.
Joker's Chair (lower right) in memory of Father Ted's star, Dermot Morgan, in the Merrion Square, that used to be a fashionable address for politicians, lawyers, doctors and writers. Oscar Wilde lived at No. 1, W. B. Yeats lived at No. 82, and Daniel O'Connell, Irish statesman, at No. 58. It is considered as one of the city's finest surviving Georgian garden squares.
Dublin Castle.
Dublin castle is a complex of Medieval, Georgian, Victorian architectural styles.
Dublin Castle was the seat of the British administration in Ireland until 1922. Now it hosts the inauguration of each President of Ireland, serves different aspects of Ireland's foreign affairs, and is a tourist attraction.
In 1907 the Irish Crown Jewels were stolen from the Castle and have never been recovered. During the Anglo-Irish War, on the night of Bloody Sunday in 1920, three Irish Republican Army members were tortured and killed here.
Museum at Dublin Castle has a collection of variety of art from the seventeenth century to the present day, and there are occasional concerts held in the grounds.
Dublin Trinity College
Dublin is home to four universities and a number of other higher education institutions. It was the European Capital of Science in 2012. The most historically impressive educational place is Trinity College where the famous Book of Kells can be seen.
Book of Kells (upper left) follow sign. The book is precious illustrated manuscript created by Irish monks circa 800 AD and is held in the Old Library of Trinity College. It is one of the Dublin's most visited sites.
Trinity College (upper right, lower left), of The University of Dublin, located in the city centre's College Green, a busy square in Victorian style Dublin. Trinity College was established in 1592 under Elizabeth I.
Trinity College Gardens can be reached through the main gate and have an ancient feel, taking you from a busy city life to a neat, composed and thoughtful academic aura.
Whiskey Museum on College Green, one of the most busies sites in Dublin, outside Trinity College.
Dublin Streets
Dublin's streets are vibrant, colourful and clean. The buildings are often adorned in elaborate graffiti and murals.
Dame Street. O'Connell Street. George Street. Henry Street - main shopping street in the city centre.
Dame Street in one of the main street in south Dublin, taking you from the Town Hall to College Green and Trinity College, and down to famous Grafton Street.
O'Connell Street (upper left middle and right) is Dublin's main street. Named in honour of Daniel O'Connell, an Irish leader of the early 19th century, whose statue stands at the lower end of the street (upper right). The street has been centre-stage in Irish history, there have been many public gatherings – a role it plays to this day. It is the main route of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Entrance to Dame Lane (lower right), running parallel to Dame Street, it is a hidden gem, one has to visit to get the old Dublin feel. Absolutely charming, filled with adorable pubs and taverns, leading to Molly Malone statue.
Abbey Court hostel, on Bachelors Walk, north riverbank.
Henry Street (lower left) principal shopping street in the north city centre, running from the Spire of Dublin and the General Post Office on O'Connell Street to jazzy Capel Street. It is home to leading department stores, over 200 shops and is Dublin's favourite shopping area.
Dublin Shopping Streets
Capel Street, north of the river - independent businesses, small shops, vibrant multicultural area. Grafton Street, south of the river, one of the most expensive streets in Europe, yet still with some essential Celtic flair.
Capel Street (upper and lower left) is one of the most unique streets. Chaotic, cramped, zazzy. It’s where Dubliners do local business. There’s no Costa Coffee, Primark or McDonald’s - rather independently owned shops from around the world. The famous Pantibar, located at the lower end of the street, hosts the biggest street party of the year for Pride each summer.
Grafton Street (upper and lower left) is the main shopping street in the south part of Dublin. In 2008, Grafton Street was the fifth most expensive main shopping street in the world.
Buskers, including musicians, poets and mime artists, commonly perform here; among them, many became notable and successful musicians. Bono - Lead singer of U2, performs here on Christmas Eve.
Dublin Essential Shopping
Carrols's Shop. Irish gifts. Arnots like Harrods.
Shelves with Gifts. Paddy Wagon and Irish doughnuts. Posh shopping.
Georgian Dublin
The majority of Dublin's city centre residential architecture dates from the 18th century, the Georgian period, with simple geometrical forms and classic elegant feel. Some of the streets had run down and became slums in the late 19th, late 20th century. Henrietta Street is one example of a difficult revival.
Henrietta Street is the earliest Georgian Street in Dublin, It fell into disrepair during the 19th and 20th centuries, with the houses being used as tenements. The street has been used for film industry, with productions such as Albert Nobbs, Inspector George Gently and Foyle's War.
In one of these houses, 14 Henrietta Street, a museum was opened in late 2018. It tells the story of the building and people who used to live there.
On the Outskirts
Shabby Dublin, yet still attractive.
Southwest of the inner city, the Liberties (lower left) is one of Dublin's most historic working-class neighbourhoods. The area is traditionally associated with market traders, local family-owned businesses, Guinness brewery and whiskey distilling, and -historically - the textiles industry and tenement housing.
Dublin Vehicles
Yellow Submarine. Dublin Visitors Bus. Restore Tara. Dublin Trips.
One of the interesting things we noticed - despite the continuous heavy traffic almost everywhere, the air seemed to be clear and clean!
Dublin Pubs
Bachelors Inn. Traditional Irish Pub.The Brazen Head.
The Brazen Head (lower right and left) is the oldest pub not only in Dublin but in the whole of Ireland. Located in Merchant's Quay, built as a coaching inn in 1754, on the site of a merchant's dwelling dating back to at least 1613. Local tradition claims that the site has housed a tavern or alehouse since 13th century.
Temple Bar
Pubs, Art and Flags. This is the most visited site in Dublin, and - no wonder.
Temple Bar is Dublin's 'cultural quarter'. Its narrow and winding streets with colourful graffitis, murals flags, are the centre of nightlife and popular tourist destination. In the 1980s, the buildings were let out at low rents, which attracted small shops, artists and galleries, and in 1991, the government set up a not-for-profit company called Temple Bar Properties to oversee the regeneration.
It is one of the most quirky and amazing places imaginable!
Dublin Writers
Dubliners are known for their craic, a mixture of a dry and wry sense of humour with intelligent insight. From these 'human resources,' the city most talented writers had become world-famous. In 2010, Dublin was named as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Oscar Wilde monument in Merrion Square where he and W.B.Yates had lived. Writers are celebrated all over the place, even in pubs.
Dublin's produced many significant literary figures, including Nobel laureates: William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett. Other influential writers and playwrights include Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and the creator of Dracula, Bram Stoker. Dublin is also the location of notable works of James Joyce, including Ulysses and Dubliners.
James Joyce statue (upper right).
Guinness and Irish Whiskey. Guinness Storehouse and the brewery.
Irish Whiskey Museum on College Green.
The Guinness brewery was founded in 1759 and would eventually grow to become the largest brewery in the world, and the largest employer in Dublin. The attached exhibition, the Guinness Storehouse covers seven floors shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. On the outside the architecture is rather depressive, overwhelming.
Before the year 1939, if a Guinness employee wanted to marry a Catholic girl, his resignation was expected. Until the 1960s the company was avoiding employing Catholics, at all. They did sell beer to Catholics, though.
In 2015, Teeling Whiskey opened a whiskey distillery and visitor centre in Newmarket. This is the first new Irish whiskey distillery to be developed in Dublin since the 19th century. Guided tours and whiskey tasting are now offered.
Dublin in Clean Colour
Art is everywhere, even - once shabby backstreets and narrow alleys - are transformed. Take a turn from a main path to discover a surprise.
The British people have yet not embraced the healthy bike trend, perhaps because of the unpredictable weather. Ireland's climate is much more fickle, windy and rainy, yet the bikes are everywhere. Quite noticeable are the clear air and clean streets.
Iron Walk (above, lower left and right) in the south delivers some of the Irish proudest moments in the form of street art.
Unique Dublin
Clean Streets. Live Music. And the most quirky interior of the Lanigan's pub.
Live music is at the heart of Dublin's streets, pubs, venues, and the city has several musicians and groups of international success, including The Dubliners, Thin Lizzy, The Boomtown Rats, U2, The Script, Sinéad O'Connor, Boyzone, Kodaline and Westlife.
Lanigan's Pub (upper right) with a cosy atmosphere, and an amazing display of most bizarre artefacts in the world. Frequented by both cast and the crew from the nearby Abbey Theatre. The menu includes the famous Ma Lanigan's Irish Stew. We have to visit again with a better camera!
Irish Message
Irish Blessings. Irish Humour. Irish weather forecast. Irish Independence - Easter Rising.
The Easter Rising of 1916, the Irish War of Independence, and the subsequent Irish Civil War resulted in a significant amount of physical destruction in central Dublin. Following the partition of Ireland in 1922, Dublin became the capital of the Irish Free State, later renamed Ireland.
Dublin was also a witness and a victim of the Troubles, the fight between the IRA and the Protestants, although, during this 30-year conflict, violence mainly occurred within Northern Ireland.
The city and its people had suffered an enormous amount of historical setbacks, however it did not prevent the Irish soul from having a jolly good time - against all odds! Regardless the weather - there is so much to see and experience in Dublin that a week will not be enough for the basics.
The city streets layout spans from the 17th century when it was briefly the second largest, after London, in the British Empire. After the Acts of Union in 1800, when United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland came to be, Dublin was put on hold, the city had no major role in the Industrial Revolution. Belfast developed faster than Dublin at this time.
The imaginative spirit of Dubliners was on the rise, though, creating one of the most celebrated literature, poetry and music hubs, linked with the Celtic heritage.
A decade later, Dublin was listed as the fourth richest city in the world by purchasing power, and 10th richest by personal income. It is also one of Europe's most youthful cities, with an estimate of 50% of citizens being younger.
Dublin Symbols
A distinct emerald green, the Golden Harp, whiskey barrels and ever-present Guinness memorabilia.
Souvenirs shops can be found around the city centre, the character barrels serving as tables are in front of many traditional pubs. The golden harp, of Gaelic origins, is the emblem of free and independent Ireland. The Guinness brewery was founded in the mid 18th century, and eventually became the largest in the world.
River Liffey
River Liffey flows through the heart of Dublin, and along its bank - apart from docks, many important buildings and areas have developed.
Financial District (upper left) is one of the most business districts, sometimes compared to the Canary Wharf in London.
Custom House (upper left) houses local government departments. During the Irish War of Independence in 1921, the Irish Republican Army burnt it down, to hit the unwanted British rule. It was restored by the Irish Free State government and is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
A walk along the northern bank, where one of the Tall Ships resides and a promenade near EPIC, the Irish Immigration Museum.
The Bridges
Situated at the west coast of Irish Sea, the city centre revolves around the river and its many picturesque bridges.
Grattan Bridge links Capel Street, a vibrant area with independent and exotic business and Parliament Street leading to the City Hall and Dublin Castle.
It used to be the main bridge in 19th century Dublin, now O'Connell bridge is the main artery through north and south Dublin.
Ha'penny Bridge is an iron footbridge, one of the most photographed and considered to be one of Dublin's landmarks.
Dublin Symbols
A distinct emerald green, the Golden Harp, whiskey barrels and ever-present Guinness memorabilia.
Souvenirs shops can be found around the city centre, the character barrels serving as tables are in front of many traditional pubs. The golden harp, of Gaelic origins, is the emblem of free and independent Ireland. The Guinness brewery was founded in the mid 18th century, and eventually became the largest in the world.
River Liffey
River Liffey flows through the heart of Dublin, and along its bank - apart from docks, many important buildings and areas have developed.
Financial District (upper left) is one of the most business districts, sometimes compared to the Canary Wharf in London.
Custom House (upper left) houses local government departments. During the Irish War of Independence in 1921, the Irish Republican Army burnt it down, to hit the unwanted British rule. It was restored by the Irish Free State government and is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
A walk along the northern bank, where one of the Tall Ships resides and a promenade near EPIC, the Irish Immigration Museum.
The Bridges
Situated at the west coast of Irish Sea, the city centre revolves around the river and its many picturesque bridges.
Grattan Bridge links Capel Street, a vibrant area with independent and exotic business and Parliament Street leading to the City Hall and Dublin Castle.
It used to be the main bridge in 19th century Dublin, now O'Connell bridge is the main artery through north and south Dublin.
Ha'penny Bridge is an iron footbridge, one of the most photographed and considered to be one of Dublin's landmarks.
Altogether there are 23 bridges over River Liffey in Dublin.
Dublin National Buildings
British rule over Ireland lasted until early 20th century and left its mark on the city architecture and planning. Many building used to be seats of British power, now serve the Irish national heritage:
The Old Post Office. Christ Church Cathedral. St. Patrick's Cathedral. City Hall. National Library and Leinster House. National Museum.
The Old Post Office (upper left) was the headquarters of Irish citizens who fought for freedom and independence during the Easter Rising in 1916. Located on the main O'Connell street it is a symbolic building of national importance as from its steps a Proclamation of Independence was read.
Christ Church Cathedral (upper middle) is the elder of the capital city's two medieval cathedrals, the other being St Patrick's Cathedral (upper left).
The Christ Church cathedral contains the reputed tomb of Strongbow, a medieval Norman-Welsh warlord whose arrival marked the beginning of Anglo-Norman presence in Ireland.
Increased secularisation in Ireland has prompted a drop in regular Catholic church attendance in Dublin from over 90 percent in the mid-1970s down to 14 percent according to a 2011 survey.
St Patrick's Cathedral (upper right) was founded in 1191 and is the largest church in Ireland. Public national ceremonies, including Ireland's Remembrance Day and graduation ceremonies for students, are held there.
City Hall (lower right) was used as a garrison for the Irish Citizen Army during the 1916 Easter Rising. Mosaic of the coat of arms of Dublin on the floor of City Hall is worth seeing.
National Library and Leinster House (lower middle). The Library is reference only library and it holds exhibitions, archives of Irish newspapers and provides a number of other services including genealogy. Leinster House has been the home of the Irish parliament since the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922.
National Museum of Ireland (lower right) houses the Great Seal of the Irish Free State, displays exhibitions on prehistoric Ireland, medieval periods, and also of ancient Egypt and the Roman world.
Dublin main monuments
Dublin has produced some great figures on both national and international level, and the many public monuments symbolise both, the triumphs and distraught, in the Irish history and shaping the Irish character.
Dublin National Buildings
British rule over Ireland lasted until early 20th century and left its mark on the city architecture and planning. Many building used to be seats of British power, now serve the Irish national heritage:
The Old Post Office. Christ Church Cathedral. St. Patrick's Cathedral. City Hall. National Library and Leinster House. National Museum.
The Old Post Office (upper left) was the headquarters of Irish citizens who fought for freedom and independence during the Easter Rising in 1916. Located on the main O'Connell street it is a symbolic building of national importance as from its steps a Proclamation of Independence was read.
Christ Church Cathedral (upper middle) is the elder of the capital city's two medieval cathedrals, the other being St Patrick's Cathedral (upper left).
The Christ Church cathedral contains the reputed tomb of Strongbow, a medieval Norman-Welsh warlord whose arrival marked the beginning of Anglo-Norman presence in Ireland.
Increased secularisation in Ireland has prompted a drop in regular Catholic church attendance in Dublin from over 90 percent in the mid-1970s down to 14 percent according to a 2011 survey.
St Patrick's Cathedral (upper right) was founded in 1191 and is the largest church in Ireland. Public national ceremonies, including Ireland's Remembrance Day and graduation ceremonies for students, are held there.
National Library and Leinster House (lower middle). The Library is reference only library and it holds exhibitions, archives of Irish newspapers and provides a number of other services including genealogy. Leinster House has been the home of the Irish parliament since the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922.
National Museum of Ireland (lower right) houses the Great Seal of the Irish Free State, displays exhibitions on prehistoric Ireland, medieval periods, and also of ancient Egypt and the Roman world.
Dublin main monuments
Dublin has produced some great figures on both national and international level, and the many public monuments symbolise both, the triumphs and distraught, in the Irish history and shaping the Irish character.
Jim Larkin and the Spire. Molly Malone statue. Irish Famine memorial. Father Ted Chair.
Jim Larkin was born in impoverished Irish family in Liverpool, self-educated, became one of the most important Labour and trade union activists, collectively known as Big Jim.
The Spire of Dublin (upper left), located on O'Connell Street, officially entitled the "Monument of Light". It replaced Nelson's Pillar, demolished in 1966. The Spire is made of stainless steel, it marks Dublin entrance into 21 century and became one of the city's landmarks.
Molly Malone statue (upper middle) in front of the Tourist Information Office. Molly Malone has been a popular song set in Dublin, starting with words: "In Dublin's fair city / Where the girls are so pretty / I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone". The song tells a story of a female fishmonger who plied her trade on the streets of Dublin, typically described as a hawker by day and part-time prostitute by night. The song has become the unofficial Dublin's anthem. 13 June was declared to be Molly Malone Day. Mollys' impressive bosom has been touched so often that the bronze hue has worn off.
William Smith O'Brien statue on O'Connell Street; he was involved in the early Irish independence movement in 19th century and was promoting the use of Irish language. O'Brien is one of the most popular Irish surnames.
Irish Famine Memorial on the bank of River Liffey, in Custom House Quay.
The Great Famine is the most remembered and tragic event in the nations history. Between years 1845 - 1849 around 1 million people died and a million more emigrated because of the consecutive years of bad crops, mainly potatoes, thus it is sometimes named the Potato Famine, and the Irishmen are to this day very sensitive about the event and its repercussion.
Charles Parnell (lower middle) was a charismatic politician, who is remembered as "Ireland's Uncrowned King" who fought for Irish self-rule.
Joker's Chair (lower right) in memory of Father Ted's star, Dermot Morgan, in the Merrion Square, that used to be a fashionable address for politicians, lawyers, doctors and writers. Oscar Wilde lived at No. 1, W. B. Yeats lived at No. 82, and Daniel O'Connell, Irish statesman, at No. 58. It is considered as one of the city's finest surviving Georgian garden squares.
Dublin Castle.
Dublin castle is a complex of Medieval, Georgian, Victorian architectural styles.
Dublin Castle was the seat of the British administration in Ireland until 1922. Now it hosts the inauguration of each President of Ireland, serves different aspects of Ireland's foreign affairs, and is a tourist attraction.
In 1907 the Irish Crown Jewels were stolen from the Castle and have never been recovered. During the Anglo-Irish War, on the night of Bloody Sunday in 1920, three Irish Republican Army members were tortured and killed here.
Museum at Dublin Castle has a collection of variety of art from the seventeenth century to the present day, and there are occasional concerts held in the grounds.
Dublin Trinity College
Dublin is home to four universities and a number of other higher education institutions. It was the European Capital of Science in 2012. The most historically impressive educational place is Trinity College where the famous Book of Kells can be seen.
Book of Kells (upper left) follow sign. The book is precious illustrated manuscript created by Irish monks circa 800 AD and is held in the Old Library of Trinity College. It is one of the Dublin's most visited sites.
Trinity College (upper right, lower left), of The University of Dublin, located in the city centre's College Green, a busy square in Victorian style Dublin. Trinity College was established in 1592 under Elizabeth I.
Trinity College Gardens can be reached through the main gate and have an ancient feel, taking you from a busy city life to a neat, composed and thoughtful academic aura.
Whiskey Museum on College Green, one of the most busies sites in Dublin, outside Trinity College.
Dublin Streets
Dublin's streets are vibrant, colourful and clean. The buildings are often adorned in elaborate graffiti and murals.
Dame Street. O'Connell Street. George Street. Henry Street - main shopping street in the city centre.
Dame Street in one of the main street in south Dublin, taking you from the Town Hall to College Green and Trinity College, and down to famous Grafton Street.
O'Connell Street (upper left middle and right) is Dublin's main street. Named in honour of Daniel O'Connell, an Irish leader of the early 19th century, whose statue stands at the lower end of the street (upper right). The street has been centre-stage in Irish history, there have been many public gatherings – a role it plays to this day. It is the main route of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Entrance to Dame Lane (lower right), running parallel to Dame Street, it is a hidden gem, one has to visit to get the old Dublin feel. Absolutely charming, filled with adorable pubs and taverns, leading to Molly Malone statue.
Abbey Court hostel, on Bachelors Walk, north riverbank.
Henry Street (lower left) principal shopping street in the north city centre, running from the Spire of Dublin and the General Post Office on O'Connell Street to jazzy Capel Street. It is home to leading department stores, over 200 shops and is Dublin's favourite shopping area.
Dublin Shopping Streets
Capel Street, north of the river - independent businesses, small shops, vibrant multicultural area. Grafton Street, south of the river, one of the most expensive streets in Europe, yet still with some essential Celtic flair.
Capel Street (upper and lower left) is one of the most unique streets. Chaotic, cramped, zazzy. It’s where Dubliners do local business. There’s no Costa Coffee, Primark or McDonald’s - rather independently owned shops from around the world. The famous Pantibar, located at the lower end of the street, hosts the biggest street party of the year for Pride each summer.
Grafton Street (upper and lower left) is the main shopping street in the south part of Dublin. In 2008, Grafton Street was the fifth most expensive main shopping street in the world.
Buskers, including musicians, poets and mime artists, commonly perform here; among them, many became notable and successful musicians. Bono - Lead singer of U2, performs here on Christmas Eve.
Dublin Essential Shopping
Carrols's Shop. Irish gifts. Arnots like Harrods.
Shelves with Gifts. Paddy Wagon and Irish doughnuts. Posh shopping.
Georgian Dublin
The majority of Dublin's city centre residential architecture dates from the 18th century, the Georgian period, with simple geometrical forms and classic elegant feel. Some of the streets had run down and became slums in the late 19th, late 20th century. Henrietta Street is one example of a difficult revival.
Henrietta Street is the earliest Georgian Street in Dublin, It fell into disrepair during the 19th and 20th centuries, with the houses being used as tenements. The street has been used for film industry, with productions such as Albert Nobbs, Inspector George Gently and Foyle's War.
In one of these houses, 14 Henrietta Street, a museum was opened in late 2018. It tells the story of the building and people who used to live there.
On the Outskirts
Southwest of the inner city, the Liberties (lower left) is one of Dublin's most historic working-class neighbourhoods. The area is traditionally associated with market traders, local family-owned businesses, Guinness brewery and whiskey distilling, and -historically - the textiles industry and tenement housing.
Dublin Vehicles
Yellow Submarine. Dublin Visitors Bus. Restore Tara. Dublin Trips.
One of the interesting things we noticed - despite the continuous heavy traffic almost everywhere, the air seemed to be clear and clean!
Dublin Pubs
Bachelors Inn. Traditional Irish Pub.The Brazen Head.
The Brazen Head (lower right and left) is the oldest pub not only in Dublin but in the whole of Ireland. Located in Merchant's Quay, built as a coaching inn in 1754, on the site of a merchant's dwelling dating back to at least 1613. Local tradition claims that the site has housed a tavern or alehouse since 13th century.
Temple Bar
Pubs, Art and Flags. This is the most visited site in Dublin, and - no wonder.
Temple Bar is Dublin's 'cultural quarter'. Its narrow and winding streets with colourful graffitis, murals flags, are the centre of nightlife and popular tourist destination. In the 1980s, the buildings were let out at low rents, which attracted small shops, artists and galleries, and in 1991, the government set up a not-for-profit company called Temple Bar Properties to oversee the regeneration.
It is one of the most quirky and amazing places imaginable!
Dublin Writers
Dubliners are known for their craic, a mixture of a dry and wry sense of humour with intelligent insight. From these 'human resources,' the city most talented writers had become world-famous. In 2010, Dublin was named as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Oscar Wilde monument in Merrion Square where he and W.B.Yates had lived. Writers are celebrated all over the place, even in pubs.
Dublin's produced many significant literary figures, including Nobel laureates: William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett. Other influential writers and playwrights include Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and the creator of Dracula, Bram Stoker. Dublin is also the location of notable works of James Joyce, including Ulysses and Dubliners.
James Joyce statue (upper right).
Irish Whiskey and Guinness
Irish Whiskey Museum on College Green.
The Guinness brewery was founded in 1759 and would eventually grow to become the largest brewery in the world, and the largest employer in Dublin. The attached exhibition, the Guinness Storehouse covers seven floors shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. On the outside the architecture is rather depressive, overwhelming.
Before the year 1939, if a Guinness employee wanted to marry a Catholic girl, his resignation was expected. Until the 1960s the company was avoiding employing Catholics, at all. They did sell beer to Catholics, though.
In 2015, Teeling Whiskey opened a whiskey distillery and visitor centre in Newmarket. This is the first new Irish whiskey distillery to be developed in Dublin since the 19th century. Guided tours and whiskey tasting are now offered.
Dublin in Clean Colour
Art is everywhere, even - once shabby backstreets and narrow alleys - are transformed. Take a turn from a main path to discover a surprise.
The British people have yet not embraced the healthy bike trend, perhaps because of the unpredictable weather. Ireland's climate is much more fickle, windy and rainy, yet the bikes are everywhere. Quite noticeable are the clear air and clean streets.
Iron Walk (above, lower left and right) in the south delivers some of the Irish proudest moments in the form of street art.
Unique Dublin
Clean Streets. Live Music. And the most quirky interior of the Lanigan's pub.
Live music is at the heart of Dublin's streets, pubs, venues, and the city has several musicians and groups of international success, including The Dubliners, Thin Lizzy, The Boomtown Rats, U2, The Script, Sinéad O'Connor, Boyzone, Kodaline and Westlife.
Lanigan's Pub (upper right) with a cosy atmosphere, and an amazing display of most bizarre artefacts in the world. Frequented by both cast and the crew from the nearby Abbey Theatre. The menu includes the famous Ma Lanigan's Irish Stew. We have to visit again with a better camera!
Irish Message
Irish Blessings. Irish Humour. Irish weather forecast. Irish Independence - Easter Rising.
The Easter Rising of 1916, the Irish War of Independence, and the subsequent Irish Civil War resulted in a significant amount of physical destruction in central Dublin. Following the partition of Ireland in 1922, Dublin became the capital of the Irish Free State, later renamed Ireland.
Dublin was also a witness and a victim of the Troubles, the fight between the IRA and the Protestants, although, during this 30-year conflict, violence mainly occurred within Northern Ireland.
The city and its people had suffered an enormous amount of historical setbacks, however it did not prevent the Irish soul from having a jolly good time - against all odds! Regardless the weather - there is so much to see and experience in Dublin that a week will not be enough for the basics.
Anyway, we did our trip in two days, enjoyed it immensely, and promised ourselves to come back at some point in the future.