Dublin City Breaks

Dublin at a glance

Dublin has it all: a charming mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture; a wealth of history and culture; a legendary literary tradition; wonderful shopping, dining and nightlife; and of course fantastic characters! There's so much on offer that it's impossible to discover it all in just one visit.

Founded by the Vikings in the 9^th century, a glorious history is still evident in much of the city’s architecture today. Surviving structures such as the medieval Dublin Castle, Trinity University -  established under the reign of Elizabeth I and the elegant Georgian squares seen throughout the city give Dublin a historic character.

Dublin is a booming city with many cultural sights of interest ranging from the ninth century Book of Kells housed in the magnificent library at Trinity College, to the Kilmainham Gaol with its fascinating tour and exhibit about the history of Irish independence. Over a third of Ireland’s population live in or near Dublin, making it a cultural centre that is bursting at the seams with the very best of Irish dining, entertainment and attractions.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

• Historic attractions
• Art and culture

Getting around

Dublin has a network of trams, trains and buses that operate around the city centre. A pre-paid ticket called a Leap Card can be used for single journeys on one system. Smart cards and tickets can be purchased for separate journeys if more than one transportation method is used.

Literary Tradition

Home to world-renowned writers such as Jonathan Swift, James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, Dublin has a long held tradition of storytelling. Four Nobel Prizes for literature have been connected to authors from this city, and the legacy can still be seen in the atmospheric pubs, university collections and statues immortalising the city’s literary greats.

The literary culture of Dublin continues today with a thriving publishing industry and a number of up-and-coming authors who call the city home. A UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin offers a number of literary based attractions including a wealth of libraries, a National Gallery, a National Print Museum and the Trinity College Library, home to a number of iconic manuscripts.

Shopping in Dublin

Dublin’s shops vary from souvenir laden shamrock storefronts to chic designer fashion goods. In the city centre you will find the notable department stores Brown Thomas, Arnotts and Clerys as well as small independent shops selling hand crafted goods, antiques, jewellery and gifts.

Open air markets are also popular in some of Dublin’s oldest trading areas. Art, books and vintage clothing can be found in many of the markets alongside local organic produce and gourmet food products.

Dining in Dublin

In the evening you will not need to venture far to find satisfaction in a cosy pub, enjoying the traditional music and Irish hospitality. The Irish capital has come a long way from Irish stew and soda bread to produce a number of up-and–coming restaurants that have reinvented the city’s dining appeal. Whilst some restaurants do still serve traditional dishes, a majority of menus will often offer alternative twists on time tested classics.

Must-try local dishes:

• Dublin Coddle – a slow cooked dish containing sausage, bacon, onion and potatoes
• Colcannon – mashed potatoes mixed with kale or cabbage, often served with ham or bacon

Osprey Holidays top tips

The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl - great fun and great 'craic', celebrate Ireland's literary giants - Joyce's Ulysses even begins to make sense!

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Dublin designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

• All travel and transfers on days of your choice
• Accommodation from our handpicked range of Dublin hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.