DK Travel : Dublin

One of the most popular capitals in Europe, Dublin is a city steeped in history. Huddled together within a small vicinity you’ll find Viking remains, medieval cathedrals and churches, Georgian squares and excellent museums. But it’s not just about buildings – music, theatre, literature and pubs play just as strong a part in Dublin’s atmosphere. These highlights are the must-sees for any visitor who wants to truly capture the variety and vibrancy of the city.

Christ Church Cathedral

Striking Norman, Gothic, Romanesque and Victorian features jostle for attention in this former Viking church.
Christianity Comes to Ireland

Although the Romans never settled in Ireland it was through them that Christianity reached Irish shores. The first bishop was appointed in AD 431 but it is St Patrick who is credited with the conversion of the pagan Celts and the establishment of the Church between 432 and 461.
City Hall

Thomas Cooley built this stately building between 1769 and 1779. He had won the commission as a result of a competition, beating his better-known contemporary James Gandon who designed the Four Courts and Custom House. Cooley made a fine job of City Hall, which was originally built as the city’s Royal Exchange. City bureaucrats latterly used it for various purposes but, having undergone extensive restoration, it is now open to the public. There is an excellent permanent exhibition in the reconstructed vaults entitled “The Story of the Capital”, covering 1,000 years of Dublin’s fascinating history.
City Hall

A competition was held in 1768 to select the designer of what was then to be the Royal Exchange, and Thomas Cooley’s plans were the preferred choice. One of Dublin’s most sophisticated Georgian buildings, it marked the introduction to Ireland of the Neo-Classical style of architecture, with its lofty dome supported by 12 columns and its 12 elegant circular windows.
Clara Lara Fun Park

A top recreation site for families, the fun park is in the Vale of Clara, and near the village of Laragh – hence the name. Its rides are mostly based around water, but there are Go Karts, too, and the highest slide in Ireland, as well as tree-houses, climbing frames and picnic areas.
Clare and Inishbofin Islands

Dramatic Clare Island was the stronghold of Grace O’Malley, or Granuaile, whose little fortress still stands, as does the ruined abbey where she is buried. Inishbofin has a green, lonely beauty. Home of the O’Flaherty clan, and a hideaway of Grace O’Malley, it was taken by Cromwell. Both have small populations and prehistoric ruins.
Clarion Hotel

A centrally located hotel with a beautifully comfortable feeling throughout. The whole family enjoyed the amenities available including their very nice pool, jacuzzi, sauna, etc.

We came back many times to enjoy our stay in this vibrant and exciting city!
Clarion Hotel Stephens Hall

On the edge of St Stephen’s Green, this member of the Clarion hotel chain has been smartly decorated. Not as unusual as some of Dublin’s top hotels, but makes for a comfortable and central stay.
Clerys

The vaulted tearooms of this department store serve a lunch menu of salads, soup and sandwiches, but afternoon tea is their speciality.
Clifden

Regarded as the “capital” of Connemara, although hardly more than a village, this busy little resort lies among lovely green hills above Clifden Bay and at the foot of the Twelve Bens Mountains. A Georgian planned town built by John d’Arcy, it retains a certain character and style. At the end of summer, Clifden hosts the traditional Connemara Pony Show, which brings in hordes of horse-lovers.

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Hotel price categories

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