Dublin, the basics

The lively and vibrant city of Dublin is the ideal place to begin an exploration of Ireland . Divided in half by the River Liffey, Dublin is full of interesting landmarks to discover: elegant Georgian buildings and picturesque cathedrals grace the charming landscape, paying homage to the city's heritage of culture and history.

Each side of the Liffey offers its share of attractions. Many noted writers and poets lived in the city, and their old homes are open to visitors. Dublin is also known for its castles--impressive edifices of power that have survived over time.

Not too far away from Dublin are the glens and hills of Wicklow Mountains , drawing both locals and travellers to its forests and waterfalls, especially on the weekends.

Between the Dalkey headland and the mouth of River Liffey is Dublin Bay , dotted with coastal towns and the port of Dun Laoghaire .

The nearby counties of Kildare, Meath and Louth are also worth a visit. Meath and Louth have a number of monasteries and castles, as well as places that contain the remnants of ancient cultures. County Kildare is known for its lush farmland and is the proud breeding ground of thoroughbred horses.

There are several attractions on both sides of the Liffey, ranging from gaols and castles to the birthplaces of famous poets and writers and guided literary trails.

Not far from the city in County Wicklow are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills and glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers.

Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire.

County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilisations and a wealth of castles and monasteries.

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