Situated on the east coast of Ireland, Dublin is the capital city of Ireland. The city is over 1000 years old, but never has it enjoyed such prosperity. Dublin is enjoying massive economic and population growth at the moment, and combined with a young population with money to spend, combines to make Dublin a trendy and exciting place to be.

Dublin is fast becoming a European city with café lined streets and an abundance of places to eat, drink and enjoy oneself. The young vibrant population is in contrast to the historic architecture of the city which generally dates back to the Georgian era.

Dublin has always been a city of culture and many stars of the literary world lived in Dublin. Among which are James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker, George Bernard Shaw, Patrick Kavanagh and Brian O’Nolan. There are several theatres located in and around the city centre which always offer top quality theatre. The most famous of these theatres is the Abbey Theatre which was established by WB Yeats, but the Gate Theatre at the top of O’Connell street is also an excellent venue which offers top quality productions.

The party atmosphere of the city draws many stag and hen parties to the city. Generally these group parties are centred in the Temple Bar region of Dublin which is famous worldwide for its medieval architecture and the variety of pubs, clubs and restaurants on offer here. Generally you will find that this is the Mecca for tourists visiting Ireland.

For those of us who enjoy shopping the city offers up fantastic shopping with Grafton Street being the premier destination. This street developed from a farm lane in the 18th Century to its place now as one of the top shopping streets in Europe. The St Stephen’s Green shopping centre which is situated at the top of Grafton Street is an architectural gem with great shopping.

Colm Brady
http://www.thrifty.ie/
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Picture: Dublin Ireland