Dublin

The charm of the Dubliners sets the tone for the rest of this enchanted Emerald Isle. With a 1000-year history and thousands of pubs, the city can easily be explored by foot.

The Dublinia exhibition, beside the centrally located medieval Christchurch cathedral, is a good starting point for any city tour. Within a 10 minute walk is the magnificent Trinity college – home to the famous Book of Kells. The pedestrianised Grafton, and St Stephens green nearby, are lively and good for shopping and people watching.

The Irish Parliament is historically interesting but it is the Dublin Castle, which lends most the appeal to Dublin’s history.

Across the river, the grand colonial post office on the O’Connell street saw Irish nationalism re-ignited in 1916 - an uprising lead by Daniel O’Connell which resulted in Ireland’s eventual independence from Britain. The Rock and Stroll museum, and the Dublin Literary tour are a must if you wish to truly appreciate Ireland’s incredible legacy of literature and music. Recommended museums include; the Joyce museum, Dublin writers museum and National museum.

To witness typically jovial Irish character visit the many lively pubs and restaurants of the Temple Bar district, an entertainment hub of cobbled lanes near the river.