Dublin

Ireland has a rich culture that, along with its people, has been exported around the world. Ireland, in fact, has two cultures: the historical Gaelic culture and the more recent English-speaking culture which largely replaced it. It can be worth digging a bit deeper, to learn about the older world that lies beneath. It is a world still living, though not always visible. Some Irish history has been very dark indeed, but it remains a land of poets, story-tellers, and musicians, with marvellous scenery, an advanced knowledge economy, first-rate infrastructures, and leading industries, with a high gross domestic product and standard of living. There are the megalithic tombs of Brú na Bóinne, older than the Egyptian pyramids, used as inspiration for some famous Celtic symbols that came later.

Ireland

If you are visiting the UK, got some extra time and want to discover around the island, Ireland is an excellent destination(there might be a separate visa requirement so make sure that you check). I believe visiting the capital and the biggest city of Ireland, Dublin, is a good choice for the first time visitors, after that you can always come back to this lovely country for more. In this post I will be sharing my own weekend experience in Dublin as a first timer and hopefully I can provide some useful tips and suggestions for your trip to the land of Guinness.

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Flights to Dublin from the UK are cheap in general, in my case I have bought the tickets around 2 months before my travel date which was May and they were around 30 pounds return, not bad at all! Dublin offers variety of accommodation choices, from fancy hotels to affordable yet clean hostels. But there was one thing that surprised me the most when I was looking for hostels, my choice of stay in many trips, the prices were higher than what I expected and many off them were fully booked. We did not end up booking the one we wanted but our random choice [The Abrahams Hostel](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/) ended up being just great! You can always read the reviews and call in for more information when making a choice.

I believe a weekend is plenty of time to enjoy Dublin. The transportation from and to the airport is really easy and cheap. You can discover the city and the museums during the day, maybe take a short trip to outside the city centre and do a nice pub crawl at night. The Temple Bar area with its medieaval atmosphere is a well-known tourist attraction to experience the famous Irish pubs. But if you are like me and want to stay away from the over-priced touristy places( even if you are a tourist), You can find many other pubs around the city to enjoy a pint of Guinness for couple Euros less. I would say go for a nice meal at least for one night to enjoy some Irish cuisine, my suggestion would be the oldest pub of Ireland, [Brazen Head](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/), but make sure to have a reservation or go early because it is always packed! There are plenty of places to explore in the city to chose from, the Guinness factory is known as one of these but to be honest I have skipped it during my trip as I am more interested in the final product:) 

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You can even have a little escape while you are having your Dublin trip. Howth is a beautiful fishing town only an hour away from Dublin. You can just take a city bus or train there and back for as little as 4 Euros. It is a great place for a little picnic by the water or for an early dinner.                         I will be sharing more activities to do in Dublin, I hope you enjoy it!

In continuous occupation since its establishment in 1204 AD, Dublin Castle has played a prominent role in Ireland's history.The State Apartments are among the most prestigious State Rooms in the country and are home to St. Patrick's Hall and the James Connolly Room. They can be visited both as part of a guided tour and as part of a self guided visit. The thirteenth century remains of the Gunpowder Tower and the 19th Century baroque style Chapel Royal can also be visited as part of the Guided Tour.

Dublin Castle

### Discover the Rich History and Architectural Beauty of Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is home to a plethora of historical and cultural landmarks. One such iconic site that should be on every traveler's itinerary is the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral. With a history dating back almost 1,000 years, this cathedral is not only a testament to Dublin's rich heritage but also a stunning architectural masterpiece.

#### Historical Significance

Christ Church Cathedral, also known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, holds immense historical significance. Founded in the early 11th century by the Viking king Sitric Silkenbeard, it has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the Reformation, and the evolution of Dublin itself. The cathedral was rebuilt in stone in the late 12th century under the Norman potentate Strongbow and underwent extensive renovations in the late 19th century.

#### Architectural Marvels

As you step inside Christ Church Cathedral, prepare to be awestruck by its breathtaking beauty and intricate architectural features. The soaring arches, intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained glass windows create an atmosphere of grandeur and tranquility. The cathedral's floor tiles are also a sight to behold, adding to its overall splendor.

One of the highlights of Christ Church Cathedral is its 12th-century crypt, which now houses a charming cathedral cafe. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal or a cup of coffee in this historic setting. The crypt is also available for hosting special events, such as wedding receptions and Christmas parties, providing a unique and memorable experience.

#### Things to Do and See

While exploring Christ Church Cathedral, be sure to take a guided tour to fully immerse yourself in its rich history and cultural significance. Knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories and insights, allowing you to appreciate the cathedral's role in Dublin's past and present.

If you're lucky, you might even have the opportunity to ring the famous bells while visiting the belfry. The sound of the bells resonating through the cathedral is a truly magical experience.

#### Nearby Attractions

Located in the heart of medieval Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral is surrounded by other notable attractions. Just a short walk away is St. Patrick's Cathedral, another stunning medieval cathedral that is well worth a visit. The Dublinia museum, which explores the city's Viking and medieval past, is also nearby and provides further insight into Dublin's history.

#### When to Visit

Christ Church Cathedral is open to visitors throughout the year, making it a must-see destination regardless of the season. However, if you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during weekdays or early in the morning. The cathedral's serene atmosphere is best experienced when it's not too crowded.

### Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Christ Church Cathedral

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a unique experience in Dublin, a visit to Christ Church Cathedral is a must. Discover the rich history, marvel at the architectural wonders, and soak in the tranquil ambiance of this iconic landmark. Plan your trip accordingly and prepare to be captivated by the beauty and grandeur of Christ Church Cathedral Dublin.

Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

Founded in 1916 this heath land links style course was designed by the renowned golfer and course architect James Braid, a 5 times winner of “The Open” Golf Championship who can count the design of the prestigious Kings and Queens Courses at Gleneagles amongst his greatest achievements. James was well known for including dog-leg design golf holes in his course designs and the 5th hole in particular is an excellent example of how he blended a great golf hole into the unique Howth Heathers. The exceptional views from the 16th tee are worthy of mention in any golf guide.

Howth Golf Club

Dublinia is one of Dublin’s top visitor attractions with three exciting exhibitions, Viking Dublin, Medieval Dublin and History Hunters! All located at the historic crossroads of old Dublin.
The Viking and Medieval Dublin exhibitions bring the city to life in an exciting and contemporary way for all ages.  Unearth the city’s past at the History Hunters exhibition and see Dublin from a new perspective.
Come away knowing more about the citizens of Dublin throughout the ages!

Dublinia

Estd 1766 One of Dublin's oldest, most beautiful and best loved pubs. Attentive Bartenders, a warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere await you.

The Long Hall Pub

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A Weekend Trip to Dublin

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I am Idil Birben. I am from Istanbul,Turkey but currently I am doing my masters in Media and Communications at City University of London. I have always been passionate about traveling, getting to know new cultures and people, as well as exploring my own secret spots. I am one of those people who are constantly looking for flights and affordable destinations. Writing about my experiences and helping others to enjoy my discoveries make me really excited and finally I got this opportunity with this lovely team. I hope you all enjoy my pages and I am always open to content suggestions. Happy travels!

A Weekend Trip to Dublin

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