Introduction to Dublin
Ireland's capital has been around for more than a millennium and is currently home to over a third of the country's population. Originally a settlement founded by Vikings, the city has a rich cultural and historical heritage.
There's so much to do in Dublin. Pay a visit to Trinity College, a splendid seat of higher learning that showcases the famous Book of Kells, an ornate manuscript created by monks over 1,200 years ago. Enjoy an eye-opening visit to the Kilmainham Gaol, which will teach you about jail reform, famine, and famous Irish political prisoners. Take your pick from among the city's cathedrals, including St. Patrick's, which is the largest church in Ireland. The Dublin Writers Museum will introduce you to famous Irish authors, and Dublin Castle will give you access to majestic government buildings, gardens, museums, and the historic library.
The city offers a wide variety of theatre, art, and music venues, and there's no shortage of high-quality pubs and restaurants. As you explore the city, try to take in all the richness of its culture, including the beauty, wit, historical sorrow, and unflagging energy.
Airports
The vast majority of travellers flying into Dublin arrive at Dublin Airport, located 10 kilometres from the city centre. Some executive travellers also have the option of flying to Weston Airport, which is located 13 kilometres from Dublin's city centre and caters to private flights.
Flights to Dublin Airport arrive from a number of airports in the United Kingdom, including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow International, Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, Southamptom, Aberdeen, and Cardiff. Aer Lingus and Ryanair frequently fly between various British airports and Dublin. Aer Arann and Flybe are two additional airline options; also, British Airways offers regular flights from Heathrow to Dublin Airport.
Once you're at Dublin Airport, you can make use of the express services offered by Aircoach and Dublin Bus, which will transport you from the airport to the city centre. You can also go by taxi.
Visa requirements
British nationals visiting Ireland don't need an entry visa. They also don't need a passport in every set of circumstances, but ideally they should have one. Citizens of European Union (EU) countries also don't require an entry visa; although EU residents can use a National Identity Card in many circumstances, a passport is the best form of identification to carry. For people who aren't from EU countries, the need for an entry visa depends on the country of origin. Contact the appropriate authorities in Ireland and also conduct an initial check of requirements at http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/.
Basic laws
In Ireland, the drinking age is 18. If you want to purchase tobacco products, you also must be at least 18.
To drive around, you'll need to hold a valid driving license from your country. Wear a seat belt, don't drive while intoxicated, and observe the speed limit. For some visitors, adjusting to driving on the left side of the road might take time. Familiarize yourself with basic traffic laws, including how to negotiate roundabouts.
Dublin transportation
It's difficult to drive around Dublin's city centre on your own, mainly because of the heavy traffic, numerous one-way streets, and lanes reserved for other vehicles. Fortunately, there are other transportation options to choose from. A popular choice is the Luas, a tram system that will get you around the city centre reliably. If you want to visit the suburbs and other outlying areas adjacent to the city, you can use the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. Dublin has numerous bus routes in and around the city; don't be shy about asking for confirmation that you're on the right route, because the details can be confusing. If you're inclined to take a taxi, you won't have a problem finding one.
Best time to visit
Dublin tends to have mild weather throughout the year; in general, winter isn't brutally cold, and summer isn't marked by scorching temperatures. July and August see the most visitors, so if you want to enjoy pleasant outdoor weather, while avoiding all the crowds, try visiting in May, June, or September
Image Attribution: Heather Rai | William Murphy | William Murphy
