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LIFESTYLE TRAVEL DUBLIN TRAVEL INFORMATION EXTRAS The manageable size of Dublin enables its visitors to enjoy
the short break they desire, and the inhabitants ensure an
experience of the lifestyle where the ‘craic’ flows as freely The main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, is dominated by a 394ft burnished steel Millennium Spire, affectionately known as ‘The Spike’ to locals. The city’s main bridge, at the foot of O’Connell Street, is the only bridge in Europe that is wider than it is long, and crosses the River Liffey that snakes though the heart of Dublin dividing north and south. Down the river is the infamous Liffey Bridge, commonly referred to as the ‘Ha’penny Bridge’ due to its 19th-century toll charge. Many of Ireland’s focal landmarks are within a square mile of the Millennium Spire. To the West, across The Liffey, is Temple Bar; a collection of raucous pubs overflowing with the ‘craic’. The colourful centre piece is Temple Bar itself which just oozes character. A multitude of bars with extensive pumps and half poured pints of Guinness ensure that you won’t have to wait too long for the black stuff. Further west is the fashionable Octagon bar in the Clarence Hotel owned by Bono and The Edge of U2. To the south lie the more tranquil St Stephen’s Green, Trinity College Grounds and the Georgian splendour of Merrion Square. Traffic-free Grafton Street is the main shopping area. A pilgrimage for some, The Guinness Storehouse at St. James’ Gate Brewery is to the south west of the city. Immerse yourself in the culture of Guinness and journey through the history that makes the black gold what it is today worldwide. The National Museum and Irish Museum of Modern Art boast large collections but small private galleries have a hugely diverse range of art and artifacts. Traditional Irish food can be sampled all over Dublin with an eclectic mix of cuisine available. Cafe ‘Lemon’ is a local favourite on South William Street selling sweet and savoury pancakes at a reasonable price. One of the best ways to discover the delights of any city is to take the clich�d open bus tour. You will have to wrap up warm but multi-lingual tours can give you an insight into your destination in a matter of hours and offer a good way to get around. With so much to offer and such welcoming people it is worth travelling to these cities even if you don’t have a ticket. The atmosphere of match weekend will be second to none and big screens are often erected in focal points as was under the Eiffel Tower for the 2007 World Cup. Check In There are plenty of plush haunts in which you can stay throughout the centre but if a place to sleep off copious amounts of Guinness is all that is required, budget accommodation is also available. www.visitdublin.com Below One of Dublin’s many picturesque monuments, Halfpenny Bridge Splash Down Dublin’s modern tramlines are quick, clean and cheap. Air France, British Airways, bmi, flybe, flyglobespan and Ryanair are among the airlines that regularly fly there. Ferries sail from Holyhead and Liverpool to Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire Harbour which is just seven miles south of the city. 64 / CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES |