Jonny Nexus
First Post
Frukathka said:
Yeah, but the trouble is that you have to go to Swindon and - Mongoose and the Magic Roundabout aside - there's apparently sod all to do or see there.
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Looking for Info on London and Dublin
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Yeah, but the trouble is that you have to go to Swindon and - Mongoose and the Magic Roundabout aside - there's apparently sod all to do or see there.
MonsterMash
First Post
Andrew D. Gable said:I'm planning on a vacation to London next summer, seeing the sights... but not the ones everyone sees. I don't wanna go to the Tower of London, probably too crowded. Likewise on the palaces and castles and whatnot. Nope, my places...
* Newgate Prison (not even sure if this is still here, honestly, I think it burnt down)
* Cleopatra's Needle (yeah, not much to see, but hey)
* British Museum
* Tyburn Tree (I don't even know where it is... in London somewhere)
* Battle Bridge Road (once again, not much to see, but this is supposed to be where Boudicca was)
* And of course, the semi-obsessed me would be doing a lot of hanging about in Whitechapel... one guess why
The old Newgate prison is long gone, with the Old Bailey standing on the site.
The British Museum is pretty much as standard sight, but well worth it and there is a decent gaming shop nearby (playin games in Museum St)
Whitechapel - I remember working that way for 3.5 years recently till 2001 and I did end up doing one of the guided tours. A lot of buildings have changed from the late victorian era, but not all, the area as a whole is becoming quite yuppified now as well.
Other London museums - the Soane Museum on Lincolns Inn Fields is quite interesting.
I studied in Dublin for a short time so I can give you some suggestions about what to see and do:
History / Culture
Dublin Castle
- Beautiful structure with a rich history.
helpful link: http://www.dublincastle.ie/
St. James Gate (Guinness Brewery...where it all started )
- The irish are amazingly friendly, so just ask anyone how to get there and you'll get great instructions. If memory serves, its on the North side of the Liffey River [divies Dublin in half]. At the time I was there it cost 5 pounds to have a full tour and a few complimentary pints. Its the Euro now so im not sure how much it costs... Definitely worth a visit.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Claimed as being the cathedral where St. Patrick himself performed a number of servies. The building is gorgeous.
helpful link: http://www.irish-architecture.com/buildings_ireland/dublin/southcity/patrick_street/stpats.htm
Christ Church
- Another gorgeous building with a rich history in the heart of Dublin.
helpful link: http://www.irish-architecture.com/buildings_ireland/dublin/southcity/christchurch_place/christch.htm
St. Stephen's Green
- Ireland's central park if you will. Its a really pretty oasis in the centre of town and it has inspired a number of great Irish authors such as Shaw and the master...James Joyce. There is also a big shopping centre immediately adjacent to the park called St. Stephen's Place.
helpful link: http://www.dublintourist.com/Info.cgi/steph001.shtml
Grafton Street
- For me, this is what really reminds me of Dublin. Grafton Street is a pedestrian walkway that is lined with shops and vendors. Street musicians line the corners and it carries such an energy - a true Irish spirit. The road is a reddish brick and if you approach it from the O'Connell Street bridge then you should see a wrought iron statue of James Joyce leaning on a cane. You are in the right spot.
Trinity College
- This place made me want to go to university. The courtyard is beautiful and it is lined with great stone statues of prominent Irish thinkers, writers et al. Trinity also maintains a vast library and within it holds the famous Book of Kells - probably one of the most impressive displays of monastic manuscript work ever found. I cant remember but I think the Book of Durrow is there as well...
helpful link (with map): http://www.dublintourist.com/Info.cgi/trini297.shtml
General Post Office
- This is probably one of the most historic buildings in all of Dublin. It iconifies the 1916 revolution from British occupation and marks the spot where the Irish rebels proclaimed their independence. You can still see the bullet holes in the exterior where many were killed in the fighting. Its a must see.
helpful link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin_General_Post_Office
Fun / Party
Dublin has a crazy nightlife and if you like going out for a few pints to listen to some live music, meet new people or just experience the energy, Dublin is the place to be. More specifically, Dublin has a whole district called Temple Bar which is entirely dedicated to entertainment - nightclubs, pubs, music halls etc.
I spent ALOT of time here so if you want some specific places to check out, let me know.
Gaelic Football / Hurling
- The Irish national sports, you can watch them at Crowe Park. Gaelic Football is a mix of rugby and soccer and Hurling is essentially male field hockey and it is actually the fastest sport in the world (not counting F1...but thats not a sport ). They are great games and lots of fun to watch - the crowd generally goes temporarily insane. If you can, get standing tickets for Hill 16 and that will give you the REAL experience.
helpful link: http://www.hill16.ie
Bono's House
- If you're a U2 fan, go and check out Bono's crib. He lives in Killiney Dublin which you can get to by simply hopping on the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit - essentially an above ground subway) and riding South to Killiney. Then just ask around. While I was living in Dublin, I was staying in Killiney so we saw him a couple of times. Many people go to check out his house / castle and everyone who goes signs his door to the compound. Its really neat, you can barely see the wood because of so many signatures. Check it out.
RPG Things
If you are into seeing some seriously RPG inspiring things, then you need to take a trek into the country. I can give you some really cool places to check out in Galway, Cork, Kerry, Kildare, Killiney, Donnegal, Wicklow etc. Places like Blarney Castle, Glendalough (an ancient druidic order site)....actually here is a picture of the graveyard there:
Anyway, if you need any more information, just let me know.
Cheers,
History / Culture
Dublin Castle
- Beautiful structure with a rich history.
helpful link: http://www.dublincastle.ie/
St. James Gate (Guinness Brewery...where it all started
)- The irish are amazingly friendly, so just ask anyone how to get there and you'll get great instructions. If memory serves, its on the North side of the Liffey River [divies Dublin in half]. At the time I was there it cost 5 pounds to have a full tour and a few complimentary pints. Its the Euro now so im not sure how much it costs... Definitely worth a visit.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Claimed as being the cathedral where St. Patrick himself performed a number of servies. The building is gorgeous.
helpful link: http://www.irish-architecture.com/buildings_ireland/dublin/southcity/patrick_street/stpats.htm
Christ Church
- Another gorgeous building with a rich history in the heart of Dublin.
helpful link: http://www.irish-architecture.com/buildings_ireland/dublin/southcity/christchurch_place/christch.htm
St. Stephen's Green
- Ireland's central park if you will. Its a really pretty oasis in the centre of town and it has inspired a number of great Irish authors such as Shaw and the master...James Joyce. There is also a big shopping centre immediately adjacent to the park called St. Stephen's Place.
helpful link: http://www.dublintourist.com/Info.cgi/steph001.shtml
Grafton Street
- For me, this is what really reminds me of Dublin. Grafton Street is a pedestrian walkway that is lined with shops and vendors. Street musicians line the corners and it carries such an energy - a true Irish spirit. The road is a reddish brick and if you approach it from the O'Connell Street bridge then you should see a wrought iron statue of James Joyce leaning on a cane. You are in the right spot.
Trinity College
- This place made me want to go to university. The courtyard is beautiful and it is lined with great stone statues of prominent Irish thinkers, writers et al. Trinity also maintains a vast library and within it holds the famous Book of Kells - probably one of the most impressive displays of monastic manuscript work ever found. I cant remember but I think the Book of Durrow is there as well...
helpful link (with map): http://www.dublintourist.com/Info.cgi/trini297.shtml
General Post Office
- This is probably one of the most historic buildings in all of Dublin. It iconifies the 1916 revolution from British occupation and marks the spot where the Irish rebels proclaimed their independence. You can still see the bullet holes in the exterior where many were killed in the fighting. Its a must see.
helpful link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin_General_Post_Office
Fun / Party
Dublin has a crazy nightlife and if you like going out for a few pints to listen to some live music, meet new people or just experience the energy, Dublin is the place to be. More specifically, Dublin has a whole district called Temple Bar which is entirely dedicated to entertainment - nightclubs, pubs, music halls etc.
I spent ALOT of time here so if you want some specific places to check out, let me know.
Gaelic Football / Hurling
- The Irish national sports, you can watch them at Crowe Park. Gaelic Football is a mix of rugby and soccer and Hurling is essentially male field hockey and it is actually the fastest sport in the world (not counting F1...but thats not a sport
). They are great games and lots of fun to watch - the crowd generally goes temporarily insane. If you can, get standing tickets for Hill 16 and that will give you the REAL experience.helpful link: http://www.hill16.ie
Bono's House
- If you're a U2 fan, go and check out Bono's crib. He lives in Killiney Dublin which you can get to by simply hopping on the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit - essentially an above ground subway) and riding South to Killiney. Then just ask around. While I was living in Dublin, I was staying in Killiney so we saw him a couple of times. Many people go to check out his house / castle and everyone who goes signs his door to the compound. Its really neat, you can barely see the wood because of so many signatures. Check it out.
RPG Things
If you are into seeing some seriously RPG inspiring things, then you need to take a trek into the country. I can give you some really cool places to check out in Galway, Cork, Kerry, Kildare, Killiney, Donnegal, Wicklow etc. Places like Blarney Castle, Glendalough (an ancient druidic order site)....actually here is a picture of the graveyard there:
Anyway, if you need any more information, just let me know.
Cheers,
MrFilthyIke
First Post
I wish I remembered my trip to Dublin, but it was a 5 day whirlwind trip. Beautiful city, nicest darned people I've ever met. 
Macbeth
First Post
WOW! Thanks a ton! Plenty of great ideas. If you could give me some more info on Temple Bar, especially anything music related (I'm a big Irish music fan), that'd be great. Specific places to hang out would be awesome. Thank you again.Gregor said:
And thanks to everybody. I'm kind of set on at least planning the destinations myself (no travel agancies for me), and this thread has been a great resource.
Andrew D. Gable
First Post
Just thought: if you're into odd and bizarre history like I am (as shown in my English post), south of Dublin a little ways is a town called Kilakee. There's a low kind of building (I think a restaurant there now?) that was haunted by a giant black cat back in the 1960s, and then on the crest of a hill behind it (Eagle Hill, I think?) is the burnt-out remnants of an old Hellfire Club meeting hall.
Andrew D. Gable
First Post
Including a street that doesn't even exist anymore (Dorset Street).MonsterMash said:
Ironic that it's so yuppified, given how in 1888 it was one of the worst ghettoes in London... I honestly at times have wondered how much the tourist revenues from the Jack-related brouhaha have helped revitalize Whitechapel. Who knows, maybe Jack was actually a good thing for the old neighborhood, in the long run...
HalWhitewyrm
First Post
I just remembered I had this thread in my subscriptions.
It seems a lot of people have London covered, so here are some suggestions for Dublin/nearby areas.
First of all, while in Ireland, I would strongly suggest you rent a car. If you're going to stick only to Dublin, then ignore that, but if you plan to/would like to take a day-trip or two (and the Irish countryside is something simply not to be missed), a car will be invaluable in getting to the places you want to see fast and easy. There's public transportation available, especially in the Dublin area, but you're at its mercy (though to be fair, while not par with London and other places in Europe, it still works far better than in most places in the US).
The list Gregor (above) gave for Dublin is excellent. To that I would add the Guiness Brewery (it's just a fun place) and Kilmainham Gaol (heartwrenching but important place).
DO NOT MISS THE EXHIBITION FOR THE BOOK OF KELLS!!! It is absolutely amazing and not to be missed while in Dublin.
As far as day-trips, the biggest one I can recommend is to Bru Na Boinne (The Boinne River Valley) and the passage tomb of Newgrange.
(C) 2002 Daniel M. Perez
This is one of those sites that gives you chills when you realize you are standing at a site constructed 5300 years ago, fully 500 years earlier than the oldest pyramid in Giza. The guides are great and informative, and the countryside is beautiful. Since you'll be only in Dublin and won't be able to see the Giant's Causeway in Antrim, or the Cliffs of Moher in the west, Newgrange should be a must.
My wife and I went on our honeymoon two years ago to Ireland and we loved every minute of it. You can take a look at our travel journal at Celtic Honeymoon. You can also skip directly to the section on Newgrange and Dublin. Check out the Links section for useful info as well.
I wish you a great trip!
It seems a lot of people have London covered, so here are some suggestions for Dublin/nearby areas.
First of all, while in Ireland, I would strongly suggest you rent a car. If you're going to stick only to Dublin, then ignore that, but if you plan to/would like to take a day-trip or two (and the Irish countryside is something simply not to be missed), a car will be invaluable in getting to the places you want to see fast and easy. There's public transportation available, especially in the Dublin area, but you're at its mercy (though to be fair, while not par with London and other places in Europe, it still works far better than in most places in the US).
The list Gregor (above) gave for Dublin is excellent. To that I would add the Guiness Brewery (it's just a fun place) and Kilmainham Gaol (heartwrenching but important place).
DO NOT MISS THE EXHIBITION FOR THE BOOK OF KELLS!!! It is absolutely amazing and not to be missed while in Dublin.
As far as day-trips, the biggest one I can recommend is to Bru Na Boinne (The Boinne River Valley) and the passage tomb of Newgrange.
(C) 2002 Daniel M. Perez
This is one of those sites that gives you chills when you realize you are standing at a site constructed 5300 years ago, fully 500 years earlier than the oldest pyramid in Giza. The guides are great and informative, and the countryside is beautiful. Since you'll be only in Dublin and won't be able to see the Giant's Causeway in Antrim, or the Cliffs of Moher in the west, Newgrange should be a must.
My wife and I went on our honeymoon two years ago to Ireland and we loved every minute of it. You can take a look at our travel journal at Celtic Honeymoon. You can also skip directly to the section on Newgrange and Dublin. Check out the Links section for useful info as well.
I wish you a great trip!
EastCoast9
First Post
I'm a Dublin Native, so feel free to ask
Alot of folks have covered most of the well known visitor sights & sites, but if you have any specific questions just shoot and I'll answer what I can. The one thing I can tell you is that August is the off season for professional Rugby Union (might be some pre-season friendly games though).
Anyhow, if you want to know about accomodation, music venues, transport, prices etc. go ahead.
Alot of folks have covered most of the well known visitor sights & sites, but if you have any specific questions just shoot and I'll answer what I can. The one thing I can tell you is that August is the off season for professional Rugby Union (might be some pre-season friendly games though).
Anyhow, if you want to know about accomodation, music venues, transport, prices etc. go ahead.
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