As the summer holiday season approaches, many people will be planning their yearly or biannual getaways with excitement. Whether you're anticipating a week in the Majorcan sun or are looking forward to three weeks of travelling around in Thailand, your summer holiday is sure to bring out the travel guru in you. However, don't confine yourself to your designated holiday travel period. There are plenty of European destinations that are easy to travel to and will provide excellent day trips for you, your family and your friends. Dublin, for example, is convenient to get to from the UK and offers a wide range of fun activities.

Like many major cities, Dublin is split into two halves by the River Liffey. On the north side of Dublin, you'll find O'Connell Street, the main thoroughfare through which a number of shopping streets, including Henry Street and Talbot Street, intersect. On Dublin's south side, visitors will find St. Stephen's Green, the stunning buildings of Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral (which dates back to the eleventh century) and a host of other beautiful attractions.

On a day trip to Dublin, you could check out some of the best museums, art galleries and monuments in Ireland, including the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin Castle and the National Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, visit Phoenix Park, the second largest city park in Europe; Phoenix Park includes a Polo field and Dublin Zoo, and is also home to the residences of the Irish President and the US Ambassador to Ireland.

If you're hoping to incorporate some of Dublin's more irreverent stops on your visit, take a trip to the Bram Stoker Museum, which offers a spine-chilling tour through the life of the author of Dracula. Or take a Viking Splash Tour, which runs through the city by river and road in a World War Two amphibious craft - an experience that's guaranteed to be a bit different to your regular bus tour! Moreover, if you're keen to explore some of Dublin's less travelled areas, you'll have a series of resources available to help you in your quest. Local radio station Newstalk 106, for example, broadcasts a series of podcasts called 'Hidden Dublin', presented by local historian Pat Liddy, which are sure to help you explore the city.

No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, which retells the story of Ireland's most famous export. A self-guided exhibition, entry to the Guinness Storehouse includes a free pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar, which offers spectacular views all around the city. And of course, you'll want to frequent some of Dublin's more traditional bars on your day trip! Visit the Temple Bar area of Dublin for a mixture of food, drink, shopping and music for an experience that's sure to be a highlight of your stay.

Andrew Regan
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