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10 things in Dublin
Forget the travel guide rubbish, instead read this youth guide to Dublin!
1. Visit Phil Lynott
A statue of the brilliant Thin Lizzy bassist was unveiled last year on Dublin's Harry Street. The life-size statue is a must-see particularly for Rock 'n' Roll fans. It perfectly captures the spirit of Lynott as he stands and laughs at the people of Dublin.
Note: If you look at the strings on the bass guitar Phil is holding you'll notice that fans have paid their own tribute by sticking guitar picks behind the strings.
2. Trinity college
The true magic of the university isn't in the tour (the Book of Kells is a bit of a letdown). Just walk through the courtyard and see the tower, the old buildings, the milling students and you'll know what I mean. It's especially striking at night.
Note: Star Wars fans will notice that the Long Room bears a striking resemblance to the Jedi Archives seen in Attack of the Clones. Trinity College considered suing Lucas for architectural theft but, because it was built between 1712 and 1732, when there were no laws regarding this kind of copyright, the charges were dropped.
3. Run across a road in front of oncoming traffic
The common ideology is that if you are standing/walking/madly sprinting in front of a car it will stop. An invaluable part of any Dublin visit.
Note: We do not take responsibility for any injury or death caused.
4. Go to Starbucks
At this point the rest of the world are snorting disdainfully. However Ireland's first ever Starbucks outlet opened on College Green in November 2005 and is still a novelty. They also have comfortable couches which will be welcome after a long day's trekking.
Note: Get a laugh out of watching Starbucks virgins hesitantly ordering a 'grandy cinema late'.
5. See the Spire
In 2000 the Irish government decided to erect a monument celebrating the New Millennium. 3 years later (typical Irish efficiency) the Spire appeared on O'Connell Street. At 120 metres it is Dublin City's tallest structure. If nothing else it is worth a visit to remind oneself exactly where the taxpayer’s money is going.
Note: It's said that in bright sunlight if you look at the Spire from a distance it looks like a computer simulation. Unfortunately there is never bright sunlight in Dublin so we'll never know.
6. Cross the Liffey
The River Liffey is the river on which Dublin was. There are 11 bridges over the Liffey. When crossing choose one of the following because the rest are boring.
The Queen Maeve Bridge: Dublin's oldest, built in 1764.
O' Connell Bridge: The only bridge which is wider than it is long.
The Ha'Penny Bridge: One of Dublin's universal symbols
The James Joyce Bridge: Designed by the same man who designed the Olympic Stadium in Athens and it lights up at night.
Note: If you're crossing over to the Northside of the city beware lest you find that the shirt's been stolen off your back.
7. Go to Temple Bar
With it's narrow cobbled streets, eclectic shops and vibrant (read drunken) nightlife, Temple Bar is a hotspot for Dublin's cool kids. It's the city's cultural centre and is rich in film, theatre, music and all visual arts. If you're skint there's plenty of outdoor cultural events as well...and they're free!
Note: At any given time there will be gangs of teenagers clad in black hoodies floating around Temple Bar. Don't worry; they'll grow out of it.
8. Buy a scratch card
No matter where you go in Dublin it is impossible to do a day's shopping or sightseeing without being confronted by someone trying to sell you a scratch card for €3. You should buy one just to try and get them to go away.
Note: They won't.
9. Get stuck in traffic on the Quays
Experience real Dublin life with this inescapable jam, mornings and evenings from Monday to Friday. Expect lots of angry beeping of horns and mutters of "Operation Freeflow me arse".
Note: If you choose to take part remember that there's no turning back no matter how bestial you become.
10. Buy a ridiculous, overpriced Irish souvenir
Whether it's a bodhran or a miniature sod of turf, this will remind you how different Ireland was to what you expected. Make sure to sue the author of any travel book that guaranteed a leprechaun sighting!
Note: When you buy this souvenir hear my voice saying "I told you so".
Enjoy your trip!
By: Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin
The opinions of writers featured on SpunOut.ie do not necessarily reflect the views of the SpunOut.ie team or those of Community Creations. We try to give everyone a chance to have their opinions heard but we are not responsible for inaccuracies contained within these.
