Posted by Elaine O’Driscoll (Dubai based crew) 07-10-07

IRELAND as seen by Elaine O’Driscoll....

Top tip:        Always plan for rain….

It is not known as the Emerald Isle for no reason, to retain that Emerald look, it is necessary for large quantities of rain to fall.
Rain aside, Leprechauns, Craic and Guinness are also what Ireland is famous for.

Dublin
Should you find yourself in Dublins Fair City, why not start with a tour of the Guiness Brewery and see how a pint of ‘the black stuff’ is made.
A great way to see any city is ‘the big bus tour’, taking you to points of interest around the Dublin City area.  The BIG Bus stops at many local landmarks, Trinity College, the Phoneix Park, home to Dublin Zoo and Aras an Uchtaran , the presidential residence.
Dublin is not short of places to eat and drink.  The most famous area in the city center would be Temple Bar.

Shopping enthusiasts no trip to Dublin would be complete without a trip to Brown Thomas ( Dublin’s answer to Harrods!) on Grafton street, Henry street is another popular shopping area.  To get from one street to the other you can take the infamous Ha’penny Bridge across the Liffey (approx 10 min walk)
For those wet windy days, a short LUAS (tram) ride will take you to Dundrum Shopping Mall.

For those of you not wanting to waste time shopping and would rather see a bit of the coast line, take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) a.k.a. Train.  The DART(train) runs from Howth, via the city, all the way to Greystones, mainly along the picturesque coastline.  Jump off the DART in Bray and you can stroll along the promenade and if you’re really energetic (and it’s not raining) you can climb ‘Bray Head'. Also good if you have children in tow as there is a large amusement arcade just at the foot of 'Bray Head'.

The rest of the country
Try timing your visit to Ireland around at least one festival, The Galway Races, Cork Jazz Festival, The Rose of Tralee to name a few. The crack and the Guiness bring out the best in Irish folk.
The west coast of Ireland has some of the most beautiful scenic countryside and coastline.
Be sure to take in Galway city, visit The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, drive through the Burren, take a boat ride to see Fungi the Dolphin in Dingle.
You’ll find some of the coziest Irish pubs in the small villages and towns around ireland.  Be sure to try a ‘Seafood Chowder’ with 'Brown Soda Bread'.

Accomodation
Whilst there is an abundance of hotels to stay in, my personal preference would be to stay in one of the many Guest Houses (B&B's).  Only then will you truly appreciate a good 'Irish Breakfast'.  So long as it's not peak tourist season or there is a festival on, usually you can just knock on the door and if there is a room free, they are more than happy to accommodate.