Although the pace of Dublin is not as fast or frenzied as that of London or New York, the capital city sure stands out against the rural backdrop of the rest of the “Emerald Isle.”

Dublin is a vibrant city that blends youth with tradition. The old-world charm the Irish made famous lives on in the youth that frequent the centuries-old pubs and establishments. The average age of Dublin’s 1.2 million residents is 33 years old. This is partially due to the three universities and other educational institutions that reside within Dublin.

Driven by youth, Dublin is a city on the rise. Ireland is changing at a rapid pace, thanks mostly to its adoption of the EU, and Dublin is leading the economic boom and race for revitalization. New buildings are being erected all over the city, especially near the Grand Canal docks.

Dublin’s mark on literature can be felt throughout the city, as it was home to many notable literary kings including James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. It is also a city that embraces music and has deep roots in traditional folk sounds. And let us not forgot that the four band mates of U2 are Dubliners and still call the city home.

From north to south, Dublin stretches about 10 miles and is divided by the River Liffey into the “Northside” and the “Southside.” Most tourists flock to the Southside where you’ll find the popular Temple Bar area, the shops of Grafton Street and the relaxing St. Stephen’s Green. The Northside offers many cultural institutions, bustling city streets and large shopping centers. You can easily travel by foot throughout both sides of the city, using the historic pedestrian-only Ha’penny Bridge or O’Connell Bridge as your connection between the two.

Dublin Travel Guides
 Frommer's Dublin
 Lonely Planet Dublin
 Let's Go Dublin
 Fodors Dublin