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.

Letterkenny

Donegal’s largest town is flanked by the Derryveagh Mountains to the west and the Sperrin Mountains to the east. Its main street, said to be the longest in Ireland, is overlooked by the Neo-Gothic St Eunan’s Cathedral. The County Museum has a good display on local history.
Liberty Market

Ideal for bargain-hunting, this market sells mainly fresh food and domestic goods. It’s worth coming here just to soak up the atmosphere of one of the oldest areas of the city.
Lillie’s Bordello

Not the place to chill out and have a pint of the black stuff, but nothing about Lillie’s Bordello is traditional. You need to be a trend-setter to get through the door and celebrities frequent the private, reserved suites. Commoners compete to be seen and good music ties it together.
Limerick

A grim portrait of industrial Limerick, the third-largest city in the republic, was painted by Frank McCourt’s novel Angela’s Ashes (see Frank McCourt). It’s not that bad now. The city centre has good restaurants and pubs and a pleasant atmosphere. Historical sights include the imposing King John’s Castle, built in 1210, containing a display on the town’s 800-year history. Don’t miss, either, the Hunt Museum, a magnificent collection of Irish antiquities inside the beautiful 18th-century Old Custom House.
Lissadell and Drumcliffe

Just north of Sligo is Drum-cliffe church, where WB Yeats is buried, and the visitors’ centre focuses on items and books relating to the poet. The area was a great inspiration to Yeats and he was a frequent visitor at the rather forbidding Lissadell House a few miles to the west. Lissadell was home to the Gore-Booth family, who were active in the fight for Irish freedom.
Loch Key and Boyle

One of the best spots for viewing this magnificent lake is from the main Sligo-to-Boyle road. The Loch Key Forest Park has numerous walks along the lakeside and through the woods. Boyle is an appealing nearby town with a ruined abbey, interesting museum and some fine Georgian architecture.
Longfields Hotel

A relaxing place to stay, with impeccable service. It is decorated with period features such as chandeliers and original plasterwork.
Lough Corrib

The vast expanse of Lough Corrib’s cool waters, feeling more like part of the Atlantic Ocean than a lake, is Ireland’s second largest, and a popular resort area for angling, boating and walking.
Loughman’s

A good choice for those on a budget, this friendly café has a wide choice of vegetarian dishes and Irish and European favourites.
Lower Loch Erne

The serene waters and small islands extending north from Enniskillen can be explored by boat, or encircled by road. Devenish Island, reached from the east bank, is the remarkable site of 6th-century monastic ruins, a Celtic High Cross, and an 80-ft (25-m) Round Tower. Boa Island, reached by a causeway, is noted for a strange double-faced Celtic stone carving. Another group of curious stone figures stands on White Island.

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