Dublin: Where Youthfulness and Ancient History Collide
Consistently recognised as an energetic place to visit with abundant cultural opportunities, Dublin is Ireland’s capital city. Statistics indicate a large portion of the city’s residents are under 30 years of age, but that does not mean people who are older have difficulty finding memorable things to do. Many guests choose cheap hotels that are located around Dublin Airport and use the money they’ve saved to explore historic parts of the city, such as those related to a Viking settlement that originated sometime after 800 A.D. During time in the area, you’re sure to find plenty to do outside your hotel.
Enjoy the Lovely Setting of the Hugh Lane Gallery
O’Connell Street is a popular tourist destination, and a great example of how modern Dublin has become since it was home to the Vikings so long ago. When you’re in need of a break from the crowds and loud noises that often characterise this area, leave your hotel and find respite in the beautiful Hugh Lane Gallery. Located close to the end of O’Connell Street in Parnell Square North, it boasts a pleasing collection of modern art. Although it’s far from the largest art exhibition around, visitors should appreciate how the attraction is carefully laid out and offers a calming atmosphere. Admission is free and this art gallery is open every day, making it easy to visit. Visitors who want a glimpse inside an Irish-born artist’s workspace will find a fascinating example by going to the gallery’s Francis Bacon Studio. While relocating the gallery from London to its current location in Dublin, historians found and catalogued thousands of items, ranging from drawings to canvases, that patrons of the Hugh Lane Gallery can now check out.
Treat Your Ears to Excellent Live Music
Many visitors to the city feel strongly encouraged to book rooms inside Dublin hotels because they want to enjoy the area’s active music scene. Do that by strolling along Henry Street or Grafton Street, two areas that have limited vehicular traffic and often feature street musicians. For a more structured way to enjoy fine examples of musicianship, go to one of Dublin’s popular performance spaces that host live music most nights of the week. The Workman’s Club, situated along Wellington Quay, is particularly well liked by music fans that want to see beloved acts in a nightclub-like setting. The stage area typically becomes packed with people, but you should still find it possible to make your way up for a closer perspective and stand a few feet from beloved musicians before heading back to your hotel. Alternatively, make your way to Whelan’s on Wexford Street. Offering a traditional pub atmosphere, it has a main stage, plus several smaller performance spaces. This respectable Dublin venue periodically hosts free music festivals that focus on genres like folk and jazz.
Experience Dublin’s Best-Known Viking Attraction
If you’re interested in Dublin’s Viking and medieval heritage, the Dublinia attraction is a can’t-miss point of interest that many visitors are familiar with even before they arrive. Depart from your hotel and notice how the attraction carefully recreates notable aspects of specific periods of history, explaining how much the area has changed since its origins. Located near the Christchurch district, Dublinia regularly welcomes people who are interested in branching out beyond the tourist-heavy area of Dublin Airport and getting acquainted with a historical region of the city. While at Dublinia, you can walk along a street modelled after one from the medieval era. Also, keep an eye out for costumed history enthusiasts in full Viking garb. Offering much more than static exhibitions that attempt to explain Dublin’s history, Dublinia provides immersive experiences at a dedicated heritage centre that’s appealing for guests of all ages and backgrounds. Many patrons decide to spend large portions of their days here before going back to their hotels.
Stroll Through the Cobblestoned Temple Bar District
If you’re feeling a little travel-weary after arriving in Dublin, the vibrant Temple Bar district might just be the cure for what ails you. Characterised by rugged cobblestone streets and narrow footpaths, this area is almost always busy, but especially after dark. That’s because visitors often flock from their hotels to fill the streets of Temple Bar when they’re eager to start enjoying Dublin’s appealing nightlife scene. Duck into one of Temple Bar’s welcoming pubs and down a pint poured by a chatty bartender. Then, find a souvenir in one of this district’s many shops. Whether you’re hunting for a warm sweater knitted by an Irish craftsperson or want a magnet that symbolises your love of Guinness beer, these are just two examples of the merchandise sold in this part of Dublin. Since the area is so populated with tourists, rest assured the people who operate businesses in this area are usually more than happy to offer recommendations of additional things to do before returning to your hotel.