Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fitzwilliam & Merrion Square
These two little square parks are
surrounded by fashionable brick-faced Georgian town houses,
each with a distinctive and colorful doorway. Some of Dublin's
most famous citizens once resided here; today many of the houses
are offices for doctors, lawyers, government offices, and other
professionals. This area is part of the Dublin 2 zone.
Ballsbridge/Embassy Row
Immediately south of the Grand
Canal, this is Dublin's most prestigious suburb, yet it is within
walking distance of downtown. Although primarily a residential
area, it is also the home of some leading hotels, restaurants, and
embassies, including that of the United States. There are plenty
of upscale hotels in this part of town, as well as very good B&Bs.
This area is part of the Dublin 4 zone.
O'Connell Street
(North of the Liffey) Once a fashionable and
historic focal point, this area has lost much of its charm and impor-
tance in recent years but could be poised to rebound with the
arrival of the Northside's first designer hotel, the Morrison. Shops,
fast-food restaurants, and movie theaters rim the wide, sweeping
thoroughfare, where you'll find a few great landmarks like the Gen-
eral Post Office and the Gresham Hotel. Within walking distance
of O'Connell Street are four theaters, plus the Catholic Pro-Cathe-
dral, the Moore Street open markets, the Henry Street pedestrian
shopping area, the new Financial Services Centre, the ILAC Cen-
tre, the Jervis Shopping Centre, and the Central Bus Station. Most
of this area lies in the Dublin 1 postal code.
2 Getting Around
Getting around Dublin is not at all daunting. Public transportation
is good and getting better, taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced,
and there are always your own two feet. Central Dublin is quite
walkable. In fact, with its current traffic and parking problems, it's
a city where the foot is mightier than the wheel. If you can avoid it,
don't rent a car while you're in the city.
BY BUS
Dublin Bus operates a fleet of green double-decker
buses, single-deck buses, and minibuses (called “imps”) throughout
the city and its suburbs. Most buses originate on or near O'Connell
Street, Abbey Street, and Eden Quay on the north side, and at Aston
Quay, College Street, and Fleet Street on the south side. Bus stops
are located every 2 or 3 blocks. Destinations and bus numbers are
posted above the front windows; buses destined for the city center
are marked with the Irish Gaelic words
AN LAR
.
