Dublin Hotels

Always a favorite with tourists, thanks to Irish hospitality, charm and an embarrassment of heritage sites, the city now ranks as one of the most expensive in the world.

Dublin is the cultural epicentre of Ireland, with an incredibly active and vibrant arts community you are sure to have plenty of entertainment options available. Dublin's most internationally-famous Temple Bar area with its cobbled streets on the South bank of the River Liffey is a good place to start if you are looking to check out some of the local bands, small arts productions or simply just to enjoy a Guinness or two.

Attractions

As the capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin has some important political monuments spread across the city. The best of the lot, from a tourist standpoint, are the Leinster House and the aptly titled Government Buildings.

Although horribly cliché, the Guinness Storehouse in St. James's Gate Brewery is nonetheless a requisite experience while in Dublin. If you plan to pub crawl in the city and sample the famous stout, why not visit the icon's headquarters? Tours normally end with a pint or three at The Gravity Bar, with a wonderful panorama view of Dublin.

The city of Dublin has no less than eight castles, each with their own distinct charm. While some remain relatively unspoiled, others are now resorts and hotels, most notably Luttrellstown Castle, where David and Victoria Beckham were wed. Swords, built in 1200, and Rathfarnham, a beautiful Anglo-Norman structure, may be the best bets for traditional castle tours within the city limits.

Saint Patrick's, a medieval cathedral built in 1192, has undergone many restorations over the years. Formally known as The National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Saint Patrick, it represents the best of several cathedrals in Dublin.

Farmleigh, once the palatial manor of the Guinness family, was bought by the Irish government in 1999. Now a functional guest house for state visits and foremost tourist attraction, tours of the superb estate and private gardens are available.

Trinity College is the oldest and most reputable academic institution in Ireland. The campus grounds are wonderful for a long walk and several of the university buildings are worthy of exploration.

Grafton Street is one of the foremost retail districts in Europe. The most famous pedestrian section of Dublin is home to several historic monuments and shops, most notably Bewley's Oriental Café.

Events

Dublin hosts many major events throughout the year at Croke Park. With a capacity of over 80,000, only three stadiums in Europe are larger. Premier events here include Gaelic football, rugby and soccer. Of course, if you have the chance to see native sons U2 play here, by all means do so.

The Festival of World Cultures, held in August, is a massive celebration of music and arts that draws a quarter of a million people.

Heritage Week is a festival that commemorates the very best of Irish culture, history and traditions. Held at the end of August, it marks one of the best occasions to be a tourist in Dublin.

Eurocultured is the offbeat, orphan child of festivals in Dublin. Also held in August, it brings together the best street performers and artists from around Europe.

Climate

Tourist season in Dublin generally begins after Easter, reaches a peak in mid-Summer and dissipates in September. The city receives a fair amount of rain, with a monthly average of 30mm.

• Winter (November to February) 1-10°C

• Spring (March to May) 3-15°C

• Summer (June to August) 9-20°C

• Fall (September to October) 6-17°C