With its legendary hospitality, world-famous pubs, rich history and culture, nothing can be compared to Dublin, whose charm and friendliness are known beyond the bounds of Ireland. It has gone from strength to strength and managed to establish the reputation of an ideal destination for weekend getaways. Currently boasting a fantastic selection of accommodations, from two-star two five-star hotels in the best locations of the city, in addition to an array of dining and entertainment options, no wonder city breaks to Dublin enjoy such an immense popularity among travelers worldwide! Following the growth of Dublin tourism, a great number of travel operators started offering short breaks in Dublin as the ideal way to discover the Irish charm and penetrate into the unique culture.
Though Dublin is famous for its vibrant nightlife with many students and a variety of clubs and bars in the city, those giving preference to the quieter city breaks to Dublin will be offered an array of options as well. Excellent restaurants are abundant in the city, and the choice of art galleries and museums is really rich, allowing you to get acquainted with the rich history of Ireland. Those interested in shopping won't be disappointed as well, with a large selection of department stores and designer shops in the city center, along with places famous for antiques.
City breaks to Dublin provide tourists with a unique opportunity to move closer to rich history of the city, present in all of its cultural sites and attractions. Some of the most popular places of interest in the city include the National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery of Ireland, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Trinity College, Chester Beatty Library, Christ Church Cathedral, Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo just to name a few. As a great alternative to regular bus tours, Viking Splash Tours run across the city and river in the amphibious craft of the World War II.
While on city breaks to Dublin, take advantage of the Hop-On, an open top bus tour that brings you to the major tourist attractions of Dublin and allows you to hop on and off whenever you want. If booked in advance, such tours are fairly reasonable and you can save significantly, leaving you with extra money for other activities. Alternatively you may consider Historical Walking Tour of Dublin, led by the knowledgeable students from Trinity College and who relate many interesting facts about the history of Ireland.
Possibly the most renowned and visited attraction in Dublin, the National Museum of Ireland is the country's main museum, comprised of three centers in Dublin and Mayo. It focuses on culture, art and natural history of Ireland, with a number of sections and reproductions emphasizing different époques and periods of the country's life. Thus, Archaeology and History section features the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice, the prominent examples of medieval metalwork in the country, as well as some of the prehistoric ornaments from the Bronze Age.
The newest part of the National Museum of Ireland is Country Life, opened in 2001 with the emphasis on the rural Ireland during the 1930s. Decorative Arts and History can be found at the Collins Barracks site, initiated in 1997 and performing the function of the administrative center.