Dublin
Dublin is but a 45 minute flight from my home city of Birmingham, but I had never been before. Why I hadn't is a mystery. A lively city centre, Guinness, beautiful parks, Guinness, elegant Georgian squares, Guinness, warm friendly people, Guinness......ermm yes, I have to admit the Guinness IS rather good!
My visit - the first of many, hopefully - was in November 2000. The weather was a little chilly, but the warm welcome made up for that. Dublin is a fine city, with a quite compact, walkable centre. Located on the River Liffey and facing a broad sweeping bay that leads to the Irish Sea, it is a vibrant city too - musically and culturally - with a great history.
Originally called Áth Cliath, the name Dublin comes from "dubh-linn" which means a "black pool" - this pool emerged at the point where the River Liffey met the River Poddle. There is so much history here, so many fine museums and churches, the castle to explore, that I couldn't cover it all in a few days. Which means I'll have to go back soon....ahhhh...Guinness!
To see the full-size photos, click on the thumbnails.
Dublin is a busy place. I know it’s a capital city but it was busier than I expected it to be. Try walking down Grafton Street through the crowds of shoppers – or try finding a parking space around St Stephen’s Green! You’ll know what I mean. Grafton Street is the main shopping street, running north from St Stephen’s Green to Trinity College. 
Dublin’s full of talented buskers, and I’ve read that on a Saturday Grafton Street is virtually impassable for the crowds surrounding them; well I don’t know about that, but late Sunday afternoon it was none too easy to negotiate!
The statue of Molly Malone, a famous 18th century street trader, can be found at the end of Grafton Street opposite the College. It took ages to get this picture as Molly’s plinth appears to be a popular resting-place for foot-weary shoppers!
Trinity College is known around the world. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, it was built on the site of a confiscated monastery. The library holds the largest collection of books and manuscripts in Ireland, including the famous Book of Kells.
When we walked around the inner courtyards it was dusk; this one photo was taken through the entrance arch. I felt it was very atmospheric at that time of day, but as my next attempt (which I rather hopefully thought of calling “Trinity at Dusk”) was none too successful, I’ve included here a picture of the imposing frontage in daylight, taken from College Green – which is not, as its name suggests, a tranquil expanse of grass criss-crossed by the footsteps of learned academics, but a very busy bit of road!
Just across College Green from Trinity is the rather striking - and windowless - Bank of Ireland. It was built between 1729 and 1739 and was originally the Irish Parliament House. However, it relinquished this function following the Act of Union with Britain in 1808, and following negotiations became the Bank of Ireland headquarters. 
From College Green head west along Dame Street, turn right at the ultra-modern Central Bank building, and plunge into the narrow streets of the Temple Bar district. Here you will find pubs, art galleries, craft shops, restaurants and much more; this area has become a hive of activity in recent years and is very popular with tourists. I have happy – if a little vague – memories of a good night in Bad Bob’s!
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