What are the best places to visit in Dublin, Ireland? And where is the best area to live?

Question

We are a couple in our mid-20s and would like to feel the full vibe of Dublin from the nightlife to the sightseeing. And would preferably do that in walking distance (or easy access by public transport).

Streets that we should visit and good 3-4* hotels that are not a way off 100 pounds per room per night will be much appreciated.

Thank you

Answer 1

I'm also a Dub (and write a travel guide, url below) and would agree with Pleiades that hotel prices have risen sharply. I would add that you are normally charged by the person, not by the room, so check carefully before booking. I often receive recommendations from my newsletter subscribers and one mentioned "I stayed at Lynham's Hotel on O'Connell Street and was quite satisfied. The rate was reasonable, considering the prime location, and the staff quite attentive". It is listed as 2 star and is currently listing 79GBP per room (2 people) for May.

My 3 star choice is Buswells but I couldn't find rooms for less that 180 euro (about 120 GP).

You will find plenty of things to see in Dublin in my section "Dublin by foot". Highlights include St Patrick's cathedral* (from where we get the expression "chancing your arm"), Whitefriars Street church (bones of St Valentine, patron saint of lovers and appropriate for you two!), Liffey Boardwalk (just off O'Connell Street), the beautiful and iconic doors of Dublin in Merrion square and environs (if you stay in Buswells, you can see them every night!) and Windmill Lane where U2 cut their first commercial album (bit of a walk but possible by DART to Barrow Street). These are a few ideas - have a look at my site for lots more (and please support my site - you will find links for accommodation).
* = admission charge. If you appear in St Patrick's on weekdays at 1745 and say you are attending evensong, they don't charge you - you can hear the famous choir and have a quick look around afterwards! Check
http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/
and time your visit with a service; mattins and evensong are generally 30 mins while Holy Eucharist is about 1 hour.

Have a great trip.

Answer 2

Here are some ideas for places to visit around the city centre:

Trinity College (see the Old Library and the Book of Kells)

Guinness Brewery

Molly Malone's statue (just opposite Trinity College, heading from College Green up toward Grafton Street)

Dublin Castle

Kilmainham Jail (it's a bit outside the city, but only five or ten minutes on a bus)

Temple Bar (for pubs, nightlife, restaurants etc)

Grafton Street (or Henry Street which is cheaper but not as classy) for shopping

Collins Barracks (five mins by bus from City Centre)

The National Museum on Kildare Street.

The GPO (General Post Office)

The Ha'Penny Bridge (crosses the River Liffey into Temple Bar)

Christchurch Cathedral

Oh yeah, the Viking Splash Tour is great fun! Departs from Dublin Port.

Hotels have gotten very expensive in the City Centre. For a decent three to four star you're looking at around 110-150 Euro per person. The Parliament Hotel on Dame Street isn't bad value for money and it's pretty central without being too noisy. It's cheaper if you stay outside of the city.

Answer 3

i went on a tour in october of 2005 and i was enchanted by the beauty of St. Stephens Green. its a very nice walking park