"tvdm's Doables on Dirty but Dazzlin ..." a Dublin Travel Page by tvdm

The Irish capital is something of a tough case. Most people who visit either love it immediately or are having a tough time seeing the good things through the grime and gloomy weather. It's true that this city doesn't have a single bit of the romantic Ireland that many tourists (and yes, most happen to be American) still expect to find here. Dublin, in truth, really is much more than that, and despite the problems that the last ten years' modern urbanisation has brought, the city has only gained in attractiveness. The many facets that encompass Dublin and how it's registered in people's minds truly don't do it enough justice. More than anything, Dublin as a whole is much more than the sum of its parts!

I lived in Dublin from September '99 until January '05, where I kept myself busy working for an airline. After long deliberations, I said Dublin farewell as I decided to go back to my Dutch roots. Still, the city sure captured a place in my heart. When I was there I could get annoyed by its shortcomings, but I do miss Dub now that I'm gone!

The Big Smoke is a vibrant and lively city; a culmination of 10 years of prosperity in Ireland, commonly referred to as The Celtic Tiger's engine! There's loads of things to see and do here. Although Dublin may not have the grandeur of Paris, the monuments of Rome or the noctornal edginess of Amsterdam, the city boasts a specific charm. The vibrant pub life is only one example of this; its focal point being the renovated and over-used Temple Bar area (see the picture). There's no craic like the craic in Dub whilst enjoying your pints of Guinness, or Black Stuff as it's called here! Moreover, in recent years the opening of many new restaurants and the restoration of old monuments has been another boost to the attraction of Dublin.

If you need any specific info on this Dirty Old Town, let me know!