Dublin captivates foreigners with its undeniable lust for culture

By: Luciano Borg
Submitted: 2009-09-25 15:15:29
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

There is an Irish proverb which says ‘what butter and whiskey will not cure, there is no cure for’. However, Dublin is not all about whiskey and butter. Nor is it about those little green men, shamrocks or a pint (or two - or three) of Guinness.

Dublin, capital of Ireland and home to world known writers and musicians, has been captivating foreigners with its undeniable lust for culture for years.

It has been described as the friendliest European city. Everyone has something to say so you won’t feel like a stranger for long.  It is the largest city in Ireland, though it’s easy to walk around and, being flat it won’t tire you out. It offers a myriad of things to do and see, from museums and parks to the busty ‘tart with the cart’, Molly Malone.

Dublin lies near the bay and sits over the river Liffey which in turn runs through to the shores of the Irish Sea. The dark bog water that drained into the river made the ‘black pool’ which earned it its name – Dubh Linn. It is this opening from the sea that leads to the mountains and the fertile plains of Ireland that attracted the Vikings in the first place. Dublin earned its Gaelic name - Baile Átha Cliath (Town of the Hurdle Ford) from a Celtic community that settled soon after.

The pretty 18th century Georgian houses dotted along the streets whisk you off to another realm at a time when the Anglo-Irish high society started investing their earnings into townhouses. This combination of a bygone era coupled with the modern Dublin makes it all the more appealing.

It’s easy to fall for Dublin’s charm and both tourists as well as the Irish themselves have been captivated by its true unique spirit. It’s laid back culture is ever popular with tourists all year round. There is a high concentration around St Patrick’s Day but the city constantly attracts people from all walks of life. Half the city’s population is under 25 adding to its energy and exuberance.

Dublin adopted the Euro as its currency in the historic changeover of  2002 replacing the Irish Punt. The first official language is Gaelic, also known as Irish, but English remains the most spoken language in the capital.

It’s rather tricky to predict the exact temperature forecast and give a general overview. The weather is quite erratic with all four seasons to be expected in one day – sunny one second, torrential rains the next. Snow is not common but expect the city to completely shut down when it happens. That said, the coldest months are January and February, with the warmer months being July and August, with an average of 17 and 20 degrees.

Dublin is brimming with fun or craic (pronounced crack) as the locals say. It might sound odd to outsiders, but no, it has nothing to do with any illegal substance. It’s all perfectly sound entertainment.

And entertainment is what Dublin is all about.

Luciano Borg is Project Manager at Untangled Media Ltd, a web development company. Before joining UML, he spent 17 years working for English Language Newspapers in Malta, where he worked as a reporter, journalist, designer and night-editor. Dublin Travel Guide takes an independent, detailed and realistic view of the numerous things you can do whilst visiting the Irish Capital, ranging from the relaxing to the adventurous and from the culinary to the cultural.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Travel & Leisure category

  • Australian Student Activities and Highlights - By: Dexter Nicholson
    Culture shock is probably the most abrupt effect felt by new international students studying in Australia. The Land of Opportunities is multicultural, this is something that student visa holders should know right before they decide to study down south. However, possessing multiple types of culture is not a negative issue. It can actually ease up your aim for faster adjustments. Even though you're novice to an Australian life, everything will be easier and handy. Coping up with the new environment is just like learning the alphabet. Everything will come automatic. Because as you try to keep up with an Australia life, most of the people around you would slow down and help you learn what you need to learn. Boredom and homesick is a big joke because there are a lot of recreations waiting for you inside and outside your school.
  • Recommended Budget Hotels in New York - By: Larry Austin
    New York City is the most populated city in the United States and even as a region New York is very popular among travelers. This is the number one destination in the Untied States for foreign visitors as it is the cultural, financial, entertainment, industrial, fashion and commercial center of the United States.
  • The Old Vicarage Ambleside Guest House Now Has an Indoor Swimming Pool - By: Kathleen Maze
    The Lake District is best known for its lakes but there is also a phenomenal amount of walking that can be enjoyed by all abilities. It is easy to find something suitable for all abilities, ranging from a gentle ramble, a mountain walk or an exhilarating high-level traverse.
  • 3 Ways Beach Chairs Make a Day at the Beach Bearable - By: MJ Marks
    Not sure if you are a beach type persons? Well, find out how beach chairs keep you comfortable and happy at the beach.
  • Working Students in Australia - By: Dexter Nicholson
    A lot of families and individual cannot support their studies so they either look for a scholarship, not study at all or work part time. As education is very important for the development of the young mind, every thing should be done to be able to get that diploma. Read more for the working students in Australia.
  • Six Reasons Why to Choose Aluminum Beach Chairs - By: MJ Marks
    If you go on a tropical getaway this summer, don't forget your beach chair! A great option are aluminum beach chairs. Here are six reasons why you should consider them for your
  • Tourism After Katrina - By: Jesse Henson
    Hurricane Katrina affected not only the local populations but also the once-thriving tourist industry in the area.
  • 101Malta and 101Dublin - a far cry from the usual online travel guides - By: Luciano Borg
    Log on to any site that claims to be your perfect travel guide and what do you get - a multitude of travel deals. Wherever you click you are instantly overwhelmed with special offers: book this, buy that, fly with us, hop on this, reserve that!
  • Getting in Touch with Nature in Malta - By: Luciano Borg
    The Maltese countryside is small and, like that of many other countries, threatened by over development. Thankfully, there is still enough of it that is protected to help one get away from the urban areas on the Island to be able to get in touch with nature.
  • Wreck Diving in Malta - the paradise of the Mediterranean Sea - By: Luciano Borg
    The Maltese Archipelago is a real paradise for divers and snorkellers. In the case of wreck diving, for many it is a dream come true. The islands have fortunately retained their natural state due, to a large extent, to the sea and its fauna.