Dublin

Birthplace of some of the greatest names in literature, music and design, Dublin has inspired several generations of artists. A true literary capital, recognized as such by UNESCO, Dublin can boast of having given birth to four Nobel Prize winners in Literature: George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney.

If you love painting, don't miss the National Gallery or the Dublin City Gallery, which notably houses Francis Bacon's authentic studio, transferred from London in 2001. But music also flows through Dublin's veins: it's where huge stars like U2, Sinead O'Connor and Thin Lizzy got their start, not to mention the more traditional sounds of The Dubliners and The Chieftains.

For a 100% Irish pub experience, head to the Temple Bar district. Located in the center of Dublin, this neighborhood shows remarkable vitality, day and night. It's a must for discovering the warm atmosphere of pubs, wonderful gathering places for the Irish: a true social institution of the green isle! West of the old town, on the south bank, the Liberties Quarter offers another face of Dublin, more working-class, but also more authentic. This is where the entertaining Guinness Storehouse reveals the secrets of making the famous beer, and also allows you to taste it—in moderation, of course…

And for an authentic Dublin experience, don't miss the greyhound races, which take place notably at Shelbourne Park and Harold's Cross: a unique spectacle that Dubliners come to watch in the evening, after work, to bet on the best dogs.

For a more family-oriented stay, there's no shortage of activities either: a stroll at Dublin Zoo, a visit to the Iveagh Gardens with their fountains and waterfall, a walk in Saint Stephen's Green or even a picnic in Phoenix Park, where the presidential palace (Áras an Uachtaráin) is located and where wild deer even live!

In the surrounding area, between sea and mountains, County Dublin also holds countless treasures. Following the horseshoe-shaped Dublin Bay, from Howth to Dalkey, treat yourself to an invigorating swim from 40 Foot at Sandycove, a boat cruise to the islands departing from Malahide, a sailing session in Dun Laoghaire or a kayak trip up the River Liffey… You could even go hiking in the Dublin mountains: between Wicklow Mountains National Park and the thousand-year-old monastic site of Glendalough, these heather-covered hills abound with spectacular views and legends!

• Old Jameson Distillery: discover the secrets of making the famous Irish whiskey in this historic distillery. Interactive guided tour with tasting and the opportunity to become an "official tester" for an immersive experience.
• Christ Church Cathedral: majestic medieval cathedral founded in 1030, the oldest in Dublin. Impressive Norman architecture, remarkably preserved medieval crypt and covered bridge connecting it to the former synod hall.
• National Museum of Ireland: free admission to this exceptional museum housing Irish archaeological and historical treasures. Collections of Celtic goldwork, Viking objects and medieval artifacts, including the famous Ardagh Chalice.
• Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA): free admission to this museum housed in the elegant 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Irish and international contemporary art collections in an exceptional architectural setting surrounded by gardens.
• Dublin Writers Museum: tribute to the great Irish writers (Joyce, Wilde, Beckett, Yeats) in an elegant Georgian mansion. Rare manuscripts, first editions and personal memorabilia trace the extraordinary Irish literary tradition.
• Hugh Lane Gallery: free admission to this municipal art gallery housing a remarkable collection of Impressionists and modern Irish art. Don't miss the reconstruction of Francis Bacon's Parisian studio.
• Little Museum of Dublin: intimate and captivating small museum telling the story of Dublin in the 20th century through everyday objects and souvenirs donated by Dubliners. Guided tours full of anecdotes in a Georgian house.
• Irish Whiskey Museum: interactive journey through the history of Irish whiskey, from its monastic origins to its current renaissance. Comparative tasting of different styles and discovery of distillation techniques.
• Dublinia Museum: fun and interactive immersion into Viking and medieval Dublin. Life-size reconstructions, authentic archaeological objects and panoramic view from St. Michael's Tower over the historic city.
• Chester Beatty Library: free admission to this exceptional collection of manuscripts, rare books and art objects from around the world. Illuminated treasures, Egyptian papyri and Islamic manuscripts in a modern setting at Dublin Castle.

• Kilmainham Gaol: iconic former prison in Irish history, detention center for the leaders of the 1916 Rising. Moving tour of the austere cells and execution yard, a poignant testament to the struggle for independence.
• Have a drink in a church: the faithful don't pray to the same god at The Church! Indeed, Arthur Guinness got married there in 1761 and his bust sits at the end of the bar… Yes, we did say a bar, since this church now welcomes customers who come to drink a beer or enjoy an Irish specialty. What an atmosphere!
• Become a leprechaun at the Leprechaun Museum: you know, that little fellow with the red beard and a big green hat? Well, he has his own museum in the Irish capital, and it's quite an original museum! From the moment you enter, you're the size of this legendary leprechaun and you're immersed in an environment where the furniture is gigantic… A visit that appeals to adults and children alike!

• Irish breakfast: traditional breakfast featuring sausages, bacon, beans, fried tomatoes and eggs cooked to your liking. There are different variations with mushrooms, hash browns (grated potato patties), pudding (a kind of white or black pudding), smoked salmon or haddock, all accompanied by toast and sometimes even real bread.
• Irish Stew (national dish): mutton, lamb or beef stew.
• Coddle (or Dublin pot): sausages, bacon, potatoes and onions.
• Corned Beef with cabbage: combination of corned beef and boiled green cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs (thyme and parsley). Usually accompanied by potatoes.
• Guinness: full-bodied dark beer with a thick texture and creamy foam.
• Smithwick's: red ale with a slight caramel taste.
• Irish coffee: cocktail composed of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and sugar, with a touch of cream.