This ingenious city guide to Dublin packages a concise full-color mini guide with a color fold out map. The mini guide contains the top 25 attractions; itineraries, walks, tours, and excursions; capsule reviews of key hotels, restaurants, shops, nightlife, and more; and concise travel facts about getting there and getting around. The full-size color foldout map comes complete with detailed city coverage; neighborhood blowups; public transport, hotels, points of interest, parks, and more. This convenient two-in-one travel resource is perfect for the on-the-go traveler who only needs the highlights of Dublin.

Introduction to Dublin

Founded by the Vikings more than one thousand years ago, Dublin holds the winning ticket when it comes to location. Mountains, green fields, and coastline mark the city limits and the wide open spaces of Phoenix Park breathe life into the center. The River Liffey cuts through from west to east, shaping the city into two seemingly distinct halves -- a densely populated, working class district to the north giving way to a more affluent and privileged area in the south -- but look closer and you will find many exceptions and contradictions on both sides of the river.

Dublin was transformed in the 18th century by the vision of its Georgian architects. Subsequent modernization has largely worked in harmony with their designs and contributed to a new urban landscape. The all-glass frontage of the Financial Services Centre soars above the city's old port on the north side, while Temple Bar is an omnium-gatherum of contemporary architecture, converted warehouses, and rediscovered buildings along the cobbled streets between the river and busy Dame Street.

---

Excerpted from Dublin
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.