Sure, Dublin’s lively Temple Bar district may be the center of St. Patrick’s Day revelry, but it seems like the festive holiday mood is an every day occurrence here. The brightly colored exteriors of many traditional Irish pubs are ornately decorated, often coordinated with the changing seasons. An eclectic mix of music, ranging from old Irish folk songs to jazz and rock classics, floods the streets from a variety of bars and clubs. Street buskers and specialty shops also make this distinct district a charming, fun place to roam.
Wander beyond Temple Bar and explore more of Dublin.
We started our journey through Ireland’s largest city at Dublin Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Its brooding gothic-style facade immediately transports you back to medieval Ireland.
Another Gothic inspired historic landmark is the enormous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with its panoramic stained-glass windows. For me, walking through the various alcoves was a dark and foreboding journey, as several marble and brass statutes grimly stare-down and point at passersby, as if non-believers will be condemned to eternal damnation.
Then there’s the Door of Reconciliation, a symbol of peace that ended a war between two families, or clans, the Butlers and the Fitzgeralds. When the leader of the Fitzgerald family extended his arm through a hole in the sanctuary door to the leader of the Butler family, both shook hands and agreed to stop fighting. It lead to the famous Irish expression “To Chance Your Arm.”
A short walk from the cathedral is prestigious Trinity College, a world-class university attracting international students. Trinity College was founded in 1592 and is in the bustling city center of Dublin.
The public is welcome to stroll the campus and visit some of the many historic buildings, especially the Old Library, which is a breathtaking sight. The library houses the 9th century Book of Kells, a stunningly beautifully handcrafted calligraphy manuscript of four gospels from the monastery of Kells, in County Meath, Ireland.
The Old Library houses a treasure trove of Irish history and cultural heritage. The busts of famous philosophers line the aisles, and the massive shelves hold thousands of rare books. You’ll also see a gorgeous rare medieval harp purportedly owned by the High King of Ireland, and more commonly seen in the logo of a Guinness Extra Stout, perhaps Ireland’s most beloved pub brew.
Dublin has rich offerings for history lovers and party goers. An exciting destination with a welcoming spirit sure to bring a smile to your face long after a visit here.
