Over the past decade, Dublin has well and truly shed its insular tendencies. Fuelled by its strong ‘Celtic Tiger’ economy, the city has embraced change and is today, a thriving, cool and cosmopolitan metropolis and one that city-break travellers can’t seem to get enough.

Dublin offers a blend of old and new with its rich history, churches and historical buildings plus a wealth of chic restaurants and trendy bars. If you’re a fan of Guinness, why not visit the popular Guinness Store House, where you can find out about the history and making of the beer not forgetting your free pint at the end! Discover the vibrant Temple Bar with its cobbled streets on the south bank of the River Liffey, offering a hub of restaurants, bars and art galleries. Whether you want to discover the stately homes, picturesque parks or merely enjoy meandering your way round the city, its friendly atmosphere and charming people make this a popular tourist destination for all to enjoy.

Famous people born in Dublin include actors Colin Farrell and Gabriel Byrne, singers Bob Geldof and Ronan Keating, and writers George Bernard Shaw and Bram Stoker.

• Visitor numbers have nearly trebled since 1997 and airlines have reacted to this with many new routes and prices down to unprecedented levels, making Dublin a very cheap and convenient place to get to.
• A fascinating and turbulent history with historical landmarks round every corner.
• A range of fine and trendy hotels and restaurants have been added to Dublin’s traditional mix.
• There are plenty of key sights to see including classic Georgian architecture, Trinity College and impressive cathedrals and art galleries.
• The warm Irish welcome remains, as do the myriad of bars and cafes alive with Dubliners enjoying the ‘Craic’.
• Shopping, boosted by a plethora of young fashion designers, has taken on a new dimension.