Dublin has come a long way since its founding as a Viking settlement centuries ago. The city has changed and evolved since those dark ages. Dublin, which means “black pool” in old English, has been the principle city of the Irish island since about 1200 with the greatest expansion of the city occurring in the last 300 years. The city’s long history and its sense of Irish tradition makes it one of the most popular destinations for travellers in the world. Getting ready for a trip to the capital of the Emerald Isle takes a little preparation.
Prepare for the Weather
Dublin has a decidedly maritime climate which leads to a relatively moderate climate year around. This means few temperatures extremes with no great swings between summer and winter weather. Highs at the peak of summer in July average about 68 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius. January highs average about 9 degrees Celsius and 48 degrees Fahrenheit. The mild temperatures are accompanied with a considerable amount of precipitation. Dublin residents and visitor endure rain about one third of the days with a relative equal distribution through the months and season. The sun shines on Dublin about 1,500 hours per year with May earning the rank of the brightest month with about 195 hours of sunlight.
Getting There
Most travellers arrive at Dublin Airport. This airport serves as a hub for Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag airline, along with several regional and budget airlines. Many flag airlines from other countries also serve Dublin Airport which ranks among the 25 busiest in Europe. Passengers arriving at Dublin Airport have a number of options for ground transportation to the city. A number of bus lines, including Dublin Bus, provide direct connection from the airport with the city. These bus lines also provide transportation to rail depots allowing travellers to connect to other Irish locations. Car rentals are also available at the airport along with taxi stands allowing travellers to arrange their own transportation from the airport to the city of Dublin.
Getting Around in Dublin
Your trip to Dublin will be more enjoyable with a basic understanding of the road network of the city. The M50 motorway is the principle road of the area. The M50 forms a semicircle around the city. Connecting highways lead into the city centre and out into the Irish countryside. Buses are a principle form of public transportation within the city. Government owned Dublin Bus operates about 175 routes within the city. The line uses a variety of coaches including the double-decker tour buses A variety of private bus lines operate short routes and charter services.
Self-powered traversable will find a variety of bike paths around the city. Bikes are available through a self-service rental operation known as Dublinbikes. Check out a bike at one of the stands around the city and enjoy a tour of the city on two wheels.
Arranging Lodging
Travellers to Dublin can select from a wide variety of hotels and lodging houses. Prices and service levels vary widely with clean and efficient lodging available for almost every budget. Travellers looking for some traditional housing in Dublin hotels might choose the Clontarf Castle Hotel, for example. Travellers comfortable with the consistency of an international chain might select the Hilton Dublin Kilmainham. In between is a long list of locally operated Dublin hotels as well as chain operations, bed and breakfasts and local inns. Whatever your desires in lodging, the Dublin hotels can offer you a great place to lay your head at night.
Eating Irish
Like every major city, Dublin offers a wide variety of cuisines. Visitors to the city can enjoy a night of Brazilian or Indian foods or stay with the traditional Irish fare. Traditional Irish cuisine includes the foods native to the Emerald Isle with a heavy emphasis on potato, cabbage, pork and beef. Some traditional foods include black pudding which is made of blood and grain and commonly served for breakfast. Other treats include colcannon made of potato and kale and bacon and cabbage. The Irish traditions include washing the meal down with a pint of stout or beer. Ireland is also known for its breads with soda bread, baked without yeast, continuing to be popular.
See the Sights
Dublin is known for a number of historic landmarks and sites. The Dublin Castle is among the oldest building in the city and was part of the city’s defences in the 1200s. Among the more modern landmarks is the Spire of Dublin. This 120-meter or 400-foot tall monument was built in 2002 as part of an effort to revitalize the inner city. The spire is located in the same area as Nelson’s Pillar which was destroyed in terrorist activities. Other popular sites to visit in Dublin include Mountjoy Square with its surrounding houses, Custom House with its long history as a seat of government and the Molly Malone statue paying tribute to the fictional Molly of one of the city’s traditional folk songs. Visitors with an interest in religion might visit the Christ Church Cathedral or Saint Francis Xavier Church.
