Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GreaterDublinsprawlswith1.3millionpeople—morethanaquarterofthecountry'spop-
ulation. But the center of tourist interest is a tight triangle between O'Connell Bridge, St.
Stephen's Green, and Christ Church Cathedral. Within or near this triangle, you'll find
Trinity College (Book of Kells), a cluster of major museums (including the top choice, the
National Museum: Archaeology branch), Grafton Street (top pedestrian shopping zone),
Temple Bar (trendy and touristy nightlife center), Dublin Castle, and the hub of most city
tours and buses. The only major sights outside this easy-to-walk triangle are the Kilmain-
ham Gaol, the Guinness Storehouse, and the National Museum: Decorative Arts and His-
tory branch (all west of the center).
The River Liffey cuts the town in two. Focus on the southern half, where most of your
sightseeing will take place. Dublin's wide main drag, O'Connell Street, starts north of the
river at the Parnell monument and runs south, down to the central O'Connell Bridge. After
crossing the bridge, this major city axis changes its name to Westmoreland and contin-
ues south, past Trinity College and through pedestrian-only Grafton Street to St. Stephen's
Green.
