Ireland Guide
Dublin
More than a quarter of the Republic of Ireland's population of almost four million lives within the Greater Dublin area. Intensely proud of their city, Dubliners seem to possess an innate sense of its heritage and powerful literary culture, and can at times exhibit a certain snobbishness towards those living in Ireland's rural backwaters (people often termed "culchies"). Locals are noted for their often caustic, but engaging, brand of humour, as shown in the numerous and sometimes bawdy nicknames given to many of the city's landmarks (the Millennium Spire, for instance, has all manner of sobriquets including "the eyeful tower" and "the stiffy by the Liffey"), but there is also a warmth in their welcome – it's easy to find yourself drawn into conversation or debates in bars and cafés (or, if you smoke, outside them). Dubliners are also increasingly style-conscious; where once the city looked inwards for inspiration, today it glances both east and west, to Europe and America, catching new trends and bringing a decidedly Irish slant to bear upon them.
Highlights
1 Trinity College Admire the illuminated Book of Kells and the magnificent Long Room, or just enjoy the architecture.
2 The National Museum Stunning prehistoric gold and Christian treasures are the highlights of this well-presented collection.
3 The National Gallery A graceful showcase, especially for Irish art and the vibrant Yeats collection.
4 The Chester Beatty Library An elegant, world-renowned display of manuscripts, prints and objets d'art.
5 Kilmainham Gaol Tour the city's most historic prison and visit the museum for fascinating insights into Republican history.
6 The Croke Park GAA Museum The superb stadium home of Gaelic games also houses one of Ireland's best museums.
7 The Cobblestone A magnet for traditional-music fans and an atmospheric pub to boot.
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