In the wake of a remarkable economic boom, Dublin's landscape has changed immeasurably over the past decade. These days Dublin ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe, and this vibrant city hums with a palpable sense that it is creating a new cultural heritage.
The city's burst of prosperity gave it a new confident sheen, but what remains special is the spirit of the people who ensure that, despite whirlwind changes, Dublin remains one of Europe's most down-to-earth, friendly and accessible cities.
The best time for Dublin travel is the months either side of summer and winter are the best times to visit Dublin. Prices increase in summer and many places are shut during winter. If you're planning a trip to Ireland around the St. Patrick's Day festivities remember to reserve, book, and reserve again to escape the chaos of the celebrations.
Why you should go on Dublin travel? Because it is an architecturally striking city, with a dramatic history full of extraordinary personalities - many of them engraved in stone or bronze and scattered around the city - Dublin has recently reinvented itself as a chic euro city. It is this mix of grand old and funky new that makes it such an attractive, lively destination.
The city is famous for its theatres. The Abbey, the Gate and the Gaity are the best known and show a great variety of modern and classical theatre.
On Dublin travel don't forget to visit Museums and galleries. The Natural History Museum will keep the kids happy for hours and the National Museum has wonderful artefacts from Ireland's Celtic past.
The Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art is justly famous.
You must see the extraordinary, illustrated 8th century Book of Kells in Trinity College. The Chester Beatty museum houses a great collection of oriental art.
The National Gallery is worth a visit. If you like Turner water colours, it opens its magical, gem-like collection only once a year, on New Year's Day.
Dublin travel can't be without Night clubs. It's a great place for clubbing and wild weekends. Many travel there for stag and hen nights. There is a thriving pub culture, with attractive pubs everywhere, many of them providing live music and staying open late.
Shopping: Grafton Street is a pedestrian shopping street with the usual chain stores, with Brown Thomas as the most glamorous.The Powerscourt Centre at the top of Grafton Street is the best known shopping centre.
Sights and activities in Dublin: The architecture for which the city is most famous is its numerous Georgian squares and streets, including Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square. Trinity College dates from Elizabeth 1st and is a must for architectural students. And when you need a break, head for the best known meeting place in Dublin - Bewley's Café in Grafton Street.
If you need some green, try Phoenix Park, one of the largest city parks in the world, along with its deer, zoo, houses of the rich and famous. And if you're interested in history, the Viking Centre is not far away, along with two eleventh century cathedrals.