About Dublin
Information about Dublin
Dublin is a small city and so to get around, a good map and a solid pair of walking boots is all you need. In the last few years Dublin has invested in bicycle lanes throughout the city and this also is a good and economical option for getting around. When the distance is too far we suggest the network of Dublin buses or the new Luas Tram system. Taxis can be flagged down on every street, 24 hours a day. For reaching the suburbs and coast the DART train line is best and for getting out of city for the weekend to the rest of Ireland we suggest the train or a car hire. You can also fly from Dublin to Cork, Galway & Belfast.
Main Attractions
Dublin is home to a huge variety of fantastic museums and galleries and also more contemporary exhibitions, means that there is something to suit all tastes and ages. The national museum and national gallery work in perfect harmony together with the likes of the Museum of Modern Art and the Photography archive in Temple Bar. There exists a perfect mix of state run museums and galleries as well as new private exhibition centers opening up all the time.
While staying in Dublin you should definitely visit one of the 10 most popular attractions:
- Guinness Storehouse
- Trinity College Dublin and The Book of Kells
- Dublinia
- Temple Bar
- Kilmainham Gaol
- The Old Jameson Distillery
- Dublin Castle
- National Gallery of Ireland
- St. Stephen's Green
- Christchurch Cathedral
Cinema of course is another big attraction and Dublin caters for mainstream cineflex lovers and also those who prefer the more independent variety of movie. We also have our famous Jameson Film festival every Febuary. If it is a ‘laugh’ you want Dublin has many famous comedy clubs such as the Laughter Lounge and the International bar stand up and improvisation nights.
Go shopping
Dublin has many shopping areas both north and south of the river. As you would expect there are areas such as Grafton Street which cater for the high end retail brands, boutiques, department stores, souvenir shops and arts and craft markets type shops and other areas such as Henry Street that are more affordable. Whatever your budget, you can dress to impress in Dublin. There are of course some fabulous antique shops throughout the city as well as an abundance of tourist shops to buy your presents to bring home to your family and friends.
Food Glorious Food
If you decide to eat in the pub for any meal of the day you will get great atmosphere, hearty food at a good price and of course the option of washing it down with a drink. However, if the pub is not for you Dublin has hundreds of restaurants covering every ethnic choice of food possible, from karaoke sushi bars to specialist steak houses. For the budget conscious Dublin has sandwich bars, fish and chip shops and supermarkets on every street corner. For those with unlimited budget try any restaurant on the Baggot Street or Stephens Green area of town. The Temple Bar area has a huge selection of fun restaurants for the traveller and all the side streets off Grafton Street hold there personal secrets for the food connoisseur.
After Dark
After dark is really what Dublin is all about for the students. There are hundreds of pubs, clubs and bars guarantee a great night out with great music. In the Temple Bar area, the North and South side of the center and on Stags Head you will find the best pubs and clubs of Dublin, offering a mix of traditional Irish pubs, top DJs and the best bands and performers from all around the world. Visiting these bars gives you the opportunity to get to know new people, which is good for practicing the English language.
Sports
Ireland is sports mad and has tremendous facilities for playing and watching every type of sport. The national games in Ireland are Gaielge football and hurling and these can be watched in our national stadium called Croke park which is located in the centre of Dublin city. Other major sports with their stadium in Dublin are Rugby and Soccer which play there games at Landsdown Road, known for its amazing intimate atmosphere and electric crowd. With so many green areas and parks in the city center and suburbs Dublins inhabitants play sport all year long and you can see the parks full of games, runners, tennis players and walkers at any time.
Although the weather is quite cold in Ireland except for the summer months, the people of Dublin swim throughout the year in the ocean. Take an excursion to the bathing areas of Seapoint, Monkstown or Killiney just outside Dublin or join many of the new fitness gyms being developed in the city most of which have a pool. Smaller sports such as cricket, hockey, tennis as well as fun sports activities such as go-karting and paint ball are also available and very popular.
Chilling Out
Irish people are well known for enjoying relaxation and recharge the batteries. There are plenty of options for chilling out in Dublin. Take a stroll in one of the numerous green parks or relax in a bar or cafe. Visit one of the numerous spas and relaxation centers. Enjoy wandering around the growing number of weekend organic markets throughout the city. The Phoenix park, the largest municipal park in the world is a great place to spend a chilled day, cycling, running, playing sport, frisbee, watching the deer, cricket matches and horse polo or simply relaxing at a picnic. A nice pint of Guinnees or glass of wine in a Dublin city centre bar with a good book is also a splendid way to pass a few hours in total relaxation.
Transport in Dublin
Transport to Dublin
Dublin Airport is situated on the north side of Dublin, 9 kilometres from the city centre. Students arriving at Dublin Airport can either avail of our Airport Transfer service, take a taxi to their destination or alternatively take the airport buses or public buses to the city centre.
Airport Transfer
Private airport transfer can be arranged by the school on arrival only to the Homestay accommodation and is available daily between 08.00 and 22.00. On arrival, the student will be met at the Meeting Point in the Arrivals Hall. A driver will be there, holding a sign with the student’s name. The student will be taken directly to their accommodation. Please note that we need the arrival flight details at least 3 days before arrival.
Taxi
There is a taxi rank outside the Arrivals building. The cost of a taxi from the airport to the Homestay is approximately € 25 to € 45 depending on which part of the city you are travelling to.
Airport Buses
The Aircoach departs from outside the Arrivals Hall every 15 minutes to the city centre and costs approximately € 6 per person. It stops at Trinity College Dublin, St. Stephen’s Green, Burlington Hotel, Bewleys in Ballsbridge, Ailesbury Road, Donnybrook, Leeson Street, and finally back to airport. Once you arrive in the city centre it is advisable to get a taxi to your destination from here.
The 747 AirLink Service departs from outside the Arrivals Hall regularly and runs from Monday to Saturday 05.45 to 00.00 and 7.15 to 00.00 on Sundays from Dublin Airport to O’Connell Street in the city centre.
Public Buses
41, 41A, 41B, 41C city buses also run from the airport to the city centre approximately every 20 minutes from 06.00 to 23.10 Monday to Sunday
Dublin has 3 public transport systems:
Bus
Dublin Bus provides an extensive network of bus routes throughout Dublin. A weekly “Rambler” ticket costs € 18 and provides unlimited travel for seven consecutive days for one adult on all Dublin Bus services.
Tram
The Dublin Luas tram system is a state-of-the-art Light Rail Transit system. Ticket prices vary in relation to your destination.
Bus
The DART train system operates one line along Dublin’s coast from Howth to Dun Laoighaire. A combined weekly bus + DART ticket costs € 26.
