Your Ireland vacation is not complete without a visit to Ireland's capital city, Dublin.  Recognized as one of Europe's most down-to-earth and friendliest cities, Dublin ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe.  This welcoming city provides its visitors an opportunity to experience some of Ireland's most well-known traditions including the St. Patrick's Day parade and Bloomsday festival honoring the works of perhaps the greatest writer of the 20^th Century, James Joyce.

Dublin

• Situated on Ireland's east coast in Dublin Bay is divided down the center by the River Liffey.
• One of the driest cities in Ireland, sees more than 200 days of sun ever year.
• Has become the fastest growing capital city and is one of the most youthful cities in all of Europe.
• Ireland's culinary capital, offers more restaurants and dining options for tourists than any other Irish city, where you'll find traditional cuisine including a variety of lamb dishes, Irish stew, Dublin coddle, and sambos - traditional sandwiches.
• Offers its visitors a wide variety of sights to explore.  Take a walk through St. Stevens Green, a beautifully landscaped park situated in the heart of the city, or spend the day shopping between O'Connell St, famous for its touristy shops and Grafton St. for Ireland's most exclusive shopping.  Enjoy some tasty Irish cuisine at any of the Irish pubs in the Temple Bar district, or dance into the wee hours of the morning at one of the trendy new clubs.
• Is home to many historical landmarks and religious culture:
• Trinity College houses the Book of Kells- a famous manuscript produced by the Celtic Monks dating back to AD 800
• Dublin Castle - a major government complex that while the building itself dates back only to the 18^th Century, has been in existence since the days of Ireland's first Lord, King John.
• St. Patrick's Cathedral - the largest church in all of Ireland, dedicated to St. Patrick in 1192, now plays host to numerous public ceremonies.
• Christ Church Cathedral - located in the former heart of mediaeval Dublin, the "Cathedral of the Holy Trinity's" crypt is home to the oldest secular carvings in all of Ireland.

It's clear, whether you are looking to pack your Ireland Tour with numerous guided and historical tours, or simply roam the streets of Dublin at your leisure while catching up with new friends in the traditional Irish pubs, Dublin provides something everyone can enjoy.

Attractions

Countrywide Pub Crawl (Countrywide)

We've planned an event that will surely challenge even the most loyal pub patrons!  Visit our hand-picked selection of 20+ of the best pubs across Ireland!  Don't worry...you have seven full days to do this, so pace yourself and remember it's a marathon, not a race.  Visit all 20 and you'll be rewarded!

*AVAILABLE IN 2009!

Guinness Brewery and Sampling

Join us for a tour and sampling at the Guinness Brewery, Ireland's #1 International visitor attraction.  Since opening in November 2000, the Guinness Storehouse has attracted over 4 million visitors from every corner of the Globe.  Enjoy the tour of the Storehouse before sampling the goods at the top-level Gravity Bar as you catch a view of the city.

Sporting Event at Croke Park

Forget Beckham, forget the Super Bowl...for any true-blooded Irishman, Gaelic Football, Rugby and Hurling are the only sports that matter, and they're played with a vengeance all over Ireland - but nothing beats the live games at Croke Park with 82,000 screaming fans!

Dublin Castle

This is a major government complex that while the building itself dates back only to the 18^th Century, has been in existence since the days of Ireland's first Lord, King John.

Trinity College & The Book of Kells

Trinity College Dublin, one of the many great universities of the World is home the Book of Kells- a famous manuscript produced by the Celtic Monks dating back to AD 800; tour the library and see this famous manuscript on display.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Be sure to stop by the largest church in all of Ireland, dedicated to St. Patrick in 1192, now hosting numerous public ceremonies.  You'll be in awe at the stunning stained-glass windows, so be sure to bring your camera!

Christ Church Cathedral

This amazing cathedral is located in the former heart of medieval Dublin. Known to some as the "Cathedral of the Holy Trinity's," its crypt is home to the oldest secular carvings in all of Ireland.

Hotels

The Temple Bar Hotel

The Temple Bar Hotel in Dublin offers a prime location with many major attractions just beyond your doorstep, including the infamous shopping areas of Henry Street, O'Connell Street and Grafton Street, and the world renowned Trinity College home to the Book of Kells. This property is a short bus-ride to the Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum of Ireland and many of Dublin's top visitor attractions. Temple Bar Hotel features 129 bedrooms, dining and bar facilities.

Grafton Capital Hotel

Behind the façade of a traditional Georgian townhouse, the Grafton Capital Hotel offers all the comforts and conveniences of a modern hotel. Spacious accommodation, high standards of service and genuine Dublin hospitality are guaranteed during your stay at this hotel.  Theatres, a host of diverse restaurants, vibrant bars and clubs, not to mention, Dublin's main shopping district of Grafton Street are merely footsteps away from the hotel.  Many of Dublin's top cultural and visitor attractions are located within easy reach of this premiere location.

Drury Court Hotel

The Drury Court Hotel, a modern 42-room hotel which has been completely refurbished. With its very central location in Dublin, you're within easy reach and walking distance of all the city's main attractions: theatres, galleries, places of historic interest, great restaurants, friendly bars and Dublin's best shops.