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Dublin Hotels
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Dublin is
unique among the capital cities of Europe. It is on the
sea with a bay of harbors and swimming areas; it lies
nestled among hills and mountains; and it contains
Phoenix Park, the largest park on the European
continent. Dublin's streets have been described as
bustling and lively. They have also been called
congested. As all of these descriptions are accurate,
the excitement of the city can best be enjoyed by moving
from point to point via the comfort and convenience of
local bus and rail service.
Within half an hour of Dublin's city center there are
mountain walks, historic homes and gardens, sandy
beaches and fishing villages. Within Dublin there are
countless places of interest to explore. It is a city
steeped in history and tradition, but it is also
youthful. Of the one and a half million people in
greater Dublin, about half are under 25. It is a city
that welcomes visitors of all ages. Activities for the
family include enjoying the nature preserve, the grazing
deer, the 700 animal zoo, and the well tended, formal
gardens of Phoenix Park. There is a hands on center
where children can design and produce pottery pieces.
Other family possibilities are horseback riding, sailing
and the thrill of the interactive Dublin Viking
adventure that recreates the sights, sounds and smells
of Dublin as it was 1000 years ago.
Dublin began as a Viking trading post called Dubh Linn
(Dark Pool), which soon merged with a Celtic settlement
called Baile Átha Cliath (Town of the Hurdle Ford) -
still the Gaelic name for the city. Because most of the
early city was built of wood, only the two cathedrals,
part of the castle and several churches have survived
from before the seventeenth century. Much of the "newer"
construction is from the Georgian period of the
eighteenth century. Recent modernization has worked in
harmony with the beauty and grandeur of the past.
Fine museums and art galleries recall Dublin's long and
colorful history, while the pubs and cafes buzz with
traditional Irish entertainment. Trinity College, St.
Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Christchurch
Cathedral are all at the top of almost every visitor's
list. Dublin's many other attractions range from sea
world, museums and art galleries to the prestigious
Guiness Brewery and the Temple Bar which is the center
of restaurants and nightlife.
Dublin is Europe's leading center for computer software,
with more than 100 international companies and a growing
home market. It is also a thriving center for culture
and is home to the great literary tradition of Shaw,
Yeats, Joyce and Beckett. It is the source of musical
talent in groups ranging from the Dubliners and the
Chieftains to U2. Street-side cafes and pubs are alive
with animated conversations, and visitors can easily
find themselves included in the discussions of sports,
music, politics, and literature.
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