There are so many good reasons as to why you should visit out capital city, just naming 5 is going to be a feat in itself! During the next few months, Dublin will host national and international sporting events and legends from the music world will descend on the capital to give unforgettable performances. Shopoholics will have died and gone to heaven with so many shops to choose from. And there is also plenty to see from an Arts and Culture point of view.
Sporting Events
Over the next few months or so, the capital is going to play host to a number of national and international events. Between Rugby, World Cup Qualifiers, and Gaelic Games, it sure is going to be a very busy time at Croke Park stadium (affectionately known as Croker to the locals!).
There’s a chance for runners with different levels of experience to take up the challenge in the Great Ireland Run 2009, The Docklands Fun Run or perhaps save yourself for that elite meeting and major charity event, The Adidas Dublin Marathon.
Also on offer in Dublin is the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, The Fáilte Ireland Horse Show and if you are looking for something different, you could look in on some big muscly men throwing their weight around at the Wrestlemania Revenge Tour.
Shopping
Avid shoppers have died and gone to heaven here. Grafton Street and Henry Street, both pedestrianised streets are the main areas that shoppers tend to hit when they visit the capital. Key stores in this shopping Mecca are, Brown Thomas, Clerys, Arnotts and the Ilac Centre.
You could always opt for some of the big shopping centres outside the main thoroughfare. Choose from the Dundrum Shopping Centre or the Tallaght Shopping Centre for a myriad of shops and all in the one spot.
Then again you might prefer the atmosphere of the markets. Temple Bar Markets is one of the best markets and it plays host to 3 different markets, now surely you wont come home empty handed after a visit here!
And of course a must see has to be Moore Street, if for nothing else but to experience the sheer entertainment of the haggling and bargaining between the vendors and the customers.
Concert Venue
During the coming months, Dublin has a variety of national and international artists performing in the city.
The younger generation is sure to snap up tickets for newer bands like Girls Aloud and Snow Patrol. R & B Queen Beyoncé Knowles plays two dates at The O2 in May and Rock Chic Pink will sure make the O2 a lively spot in April and October.
Legends Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner and Eric Clapton turn the clock back belting out all those well-known tunes that appeal to all audiences.
Former boy band heroes Take That and our own Boyzone pull out all the stops to bring you unforgettable shows.
Then of course what must be the ultimate gig of the Summer Concert Season, the Gallagher Brothers headlining at Slane.
Classical music lovers need not despair. You are not forgotten! Il Divo are live at the O2, for three dates starting the end of February. While world renowned artist Andrea Bocelli performs live in March.
Take an Open Top Bus Tour
An open-top bus tour is a marvellous way to see the sights of any city and the same goes for Dublin. The tour bus will take you past many of the capitals well known sites, for example, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Trinity College and much more. The tour can be a hop-on hop-off basis giving you as much or as little time as you want at each stop. The ticket is usually valid for 24 hours.
Art Galleries and Museums
If you were to visit all the Art Galleries and Museums in Dublin, you would certainly need alot of time on your hands!
The Irish Jewish Museum was previously a synagogue and houses a wide variety of photos, certificates, books and artefacts. Of special interest is a section dedicated to Chaim Herzog, the Irish born president of Israel.
The National Transport Museum has exhibits dating back over 100 years. On display are vehicles by manufacturers no longer trading and vehicles that were in by-gone days the must have brand.
The Original Print Gallery houses Irish and International works. Regular exhibitions by individuals and groups are held at the Gallery.
The National Gallery of Ireland has over 2500 paintings and approximately 10,000 other works. Within the gallery you will find the Yeats Museum and paintings by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso.
Just a few ideas there as to why you should choose Dublin as your next city break, so as we say in Gaelic: Slán Go Fóill! (Bye for a while).
Check out our Dublin hotels page now and find a hotel for your city break in Dublin!
If you know of any more major events taking place in Dublin in the near future, why not let fellow readers know and pop it into the comment box below.
