Places to go in Ireland

Just across the river is O’Connell Street, the main thoroughfare of the city on which you will find the GPO (General Post Office) and the Dublin Spire landmark. The GPO is historically important as it was at the centre of the 1916 Rebellion that marked a turning point in Irish history, and although a failed rebellion, started the process of ending British occupation of Ireland, which ended some five years later.

The Dublin Spire is a recent addition to the city skyline and obtains criticism and praise in nearly equal measure. It sits in the centre of O’Connell Street where once stood Nelson’s Pillar. This was erected during British occupation of Ireland but was blown up by the IRA in 1966. Much discussion took place for nearly 40 years as to what to replace it with and eventually the bland Dublin Spire took its place.

Ireland tour packages offer you a little one finds the Four Courts complex of buildings and close by is the Jameson Distillery in Smithfield. Of course, one cannot visit Dublin without being aware of its most famous product – Guinness. The famous stout, black with a white collar, was founded and is brewed in Dublin. The brewing complex is on James Street and nearby is one the busiest attractions in Ireland, the Guinness Storehouse, where visitors can learn about the history the product and test some free samples whilst observing the city from a high viewing platform.

Dublin tour packages are a home to many parks and the most prominent city centre one is St. Stephens Green, a beautiful oasis of calm in the buzzing city. Beside it is the most famous shopping street in Dublin, Grafton Street. Nearby is Merrion Square Park and in Ballsbridge, the magnificent Herbert Park. However, outshining them all is the Phoenix Park to the west of the city centre, which is the largest city park in Europe, comprising 1760 acres.

Located in this huge unspoilt green area is Dublin Zoo one of the biggest visitor attractions in Ireland. The Phoenix Park contains the residency of the Irish President, Aras an Uachtarain and also that of the US Ambassador. Fallow deer have occupied the park since the 17 th century and the place is a haven for walkers and picnickers. It is one of great amenities for the people of Dublin and visitors alike.

Dublin tour packages take you to a city with a great buzz to it. Areas like Temple Bar, Baggot Street and Stephens Green boast great pubs, restaurants and night- clubs. There is a huge range of accommodation from hostels to five-star hotels. Famous Dublin hotels include the Shelbourne Hotel on Stephens Green and the Gresham Hotel on O’Connell Street. U2, the famous Dublin rock group, own the funky Clarence Hotel on the south quays.