| There is plenty more to Dublin than drinking | | | | by ear, listening for the sounds of |
| pints of Guinness in old world style pubs, | | | | traditional or contemporary Irish music. |
| but pub culture remains a huge attraction for | | | | |
| many visitors and with good reason. Dublin | | | | For some visitors, pubs and the pub culture |
| has become a young, vibrant city boasting | | | | are the main attractions for coming to this |
| great nightlife juxtaposed by constant | | | | city as many have been drawn to Dublin by the |
| reminders of the ancient civilisations that | | | | theory that Guinness, which has been brewed |
| have occupied the same streets. Dublin | | | | as the St James's Gate Brewery since 1759, |
| satisfies visitors seeking culture, art, | | | | tastes best in Dublin. Some say the best way |
| history, modern or traditional music, | | | | to experience the culture of Ireland is to go |
| stunning scenery and of course those waiting | | | | into a pub. And indeed the archetypal Irish |
| for a perfectly drawn pint of the dark stuff. | | | | inn is celebrated for its convivial, vibrant |
| | | | atmosphere, friendliness of its customers and |
| Despite the fine museums, historic castles, | | | | staff and what is known as the "craic", the |
| green parks and gardens, visitors always find | | | | Irish expression for fun. |
| themselves back at the pub, drawn together | | | | |
| with all of the other visitors and locals to | | | | People travelling for a long weekend from |
| sit back, have a chat, enjoy some pub grub | | | | Britain may be tempted by a short haul |
| and reflect on the day's activities. There | | | | flight, but should look around for other more |
| are over 1000 pubs in this small city of just | | | | carbon friendly and comfortable options |
| over half a million people and it's one of | | | | before purchasing a ticket. Travel by ferry |
| the youngest cities in Europe with around 50% | | | | from UK to Dublin is becoming increasingly |
| of its inhabitants younger than 25. Dublin | | | | popular, especially for those wishing to |
| was also voted the friendliest city in Europe | | | | explore other regions outside of the Emerald |
| in 2007 so it's no wonder that it is such a | | | | Isle's capital. By taking their car they can |
| popular destination for visitors. | | | | travel around at their own pace so ferry |
| | | | travel is the way to go. |
| Despite its rapid economic growth and | | | | |
| phenomenal rise in living standards and wages | | | | Once you have arrived in Dublin in search of |
| over the last 10-15 years, affectionately | | | | that perfect pint of Guinness, remember that |
| referred to as the Celtic Tiger, traditions | | | | pubs close earlier than in some other |
| live on and are evident to anyone travelling | | | | countries - usually around 12:30am at |
| to Dublin. Pub life is alive and well in the | | | | weekends. Only night clubs and what are known |
| city and although nowadays many more upscale | | | | as late bars may serve beer after hours but |
| restaurants can be found serving up a wide | | | | this is only until the latest of 3am. So, |
| array of global cuisine, traditional pubs | | | | when you do decide to go out, remember to |
| still dot the streets and can often be found | | | | start on those pints of Guinness early! |