Dublin, the stunning Irish capital, has echoes of more than two centuries of history. Over the past decades, a small town, which for many years has retained the appearance of a settlement of the early 20th century, has been reborn into an energetic and prestigious metropolis. The most prestigious hotels, giant shopping centers and ultra-modern buildings have sprung up near old pubs and shops. This unique combination will inspire any vacationer in Ireland.
Dublin Castle: Luxury Behind Formidable Walls
Dublin is a real treasure trove of a wide variety of attractions, the impressive representative of which is the impressive Dublin Castle. This most powerful fort of the Middle Ages, until 1922, was the central outpost of Ireland, as well as the whole of Britain. It also served as the residence of kings and dignitaries. Today the castle is accessible for visits and is always happy to meet and delight numerous tourists. Outside, the austere fortress shows the viewer the embodiment of strength and power, and inside it is the personification of wealth and luxury. Room floors shine with the glamor of stunning carpets, walls are adorned with huge paintings, and painted ceilings are decorated with filigree chandeliers. The inner courtyard of the castle periodically acts as an exhibition area for a wide variety of expositions.
St. Patrick's Cathedral - Dublin's main shrine
One of the key symbols of Dublin, and the whole of Ireland, can rightfully be considered the Cathedral of St. Patrick, the most revered priest of Ireland and the patron saint of its lands. The place where the cathedral was erected is famous for the fact that it was here in the 5th century that the baptism of Ireland by St. Patrick took place. At this time, a small wooden church was built here, and only the 13th century marked the construction of a stunning stone cathedral.
The most famous dean to head St Patrick's Cathedral was Jonathan Swift, renowned author of Gulliver's Travels. It was within the walls of the cathedral that the great Irishman was buried, in whose honor an entire exhibition was exhibited inside the building, including many of the writer's works, his desk and chair, and even a death mask. In addition to the Swift exhibition, the premises of the cathedral store many of the most varied sculptures, paintings and monuments capable of expressing the historical past of Ireland in all colors without a single word. For example, heraldic banners are hung over the cathedral choirs, mentally transporting the contemplators at the time of the consecration of the chosen knights to the Order of St. Patrick.
Phoenix Park: 700 hectares of happiness
Tourists looking for picturesque natural landscapes will be amazed at Dublin's Phoenix Park, one of the largest parks in Europe with an area of over 700 hectares. The main pride of the stunning park is the huge population of fallow deer, freely walking along the picturesque territory. In addition to the charming horned guests, there are many other attractions in the park, including:
• a huge monument in honor of Wellington;
• a giant Corinthian column, the top of which is decorated with a phoenix;
• the stunning Papal Cross, erected in honor of the visit of the Supreme Pontiff to Dublin;
• the snow-white residence of the President of Ireland;
• the magnificent Dublin Zoo, housing more than seven hundred beautiful representatives of the fauna.
Not far from the entrance to the park, there is the "Fifteen Acres" area, which was once a famous place of knightly duels and tournaments, and now is used for entertaining games and sports competitions.
Not going to the pub - not going to Ireland
Being in Dublin and not visiting a traditional Irish pub is like going to Giza and not seeing the pyramids. The look of classic Irish pubs does not change from year to year, keeping the good traditions of old Ireland. One has only to sit on a hammered bench at a well-knit table and sip cold Guinness to the sounds of national rhythms, as if immediately transported hundreds of years ago.
Holidays in Dublin will open to tourists a rich variety of natural, architectural and historical attractions. A trip to the capital of Ireland will be an incredible adventure that will leave a wonderful mark on your memory forever.
