Dublin Favorite Tips by sourbugger Top 5 Page for this destination

Half the world is Irish Irish History Review

Favorite thing: It would seem to me that about half the world claim to be of Irish descent. It's a 'cool' race to be a member of. Never had an empire, never invaded anywhere. Built most of America (and Britain come to that), but is widely thought of as a pastoral idyll.

It's not surprising that vast numbers of tourist are keen on trying to pick up their Irish roots. Some have been known to turn up to tourist information at Dublin Airport demanding to be sent in the right direction for the 'Ryans of Kerry'.

Of slightly more practical use is the resident geneologist who gives a free hours consulatation if you stay at the Shelbourne hotel in Dublin. E-mail her with what you have beforehand and she will get going before you arrive.

If you don't have the money for that five-star service there are plenty of others who will offer their services for a price. Be warned - many will tell you a right load of old rubbish in return for the hefty whack of the tourist dollar on their desk.

Nicknames for the statues Irish History Review

Favorite thing: You are never very far from a bronze in Dublin, and unusually the monuments themselves become part of the history of the nation.

For example the new spire in O'Connell street is on the site of Nelson's column which was blown up by the IRA in the 1960's. Others in Pheonix park and elsewhere were also attacked back in the 1920's & 30's. Queen Victoria escaped such a fate - but was sold to Australia!

Fondest memory: The Dublin sense of humour really come through in the nicknaming of the various monuments. Here are a couple of my favourites:

1) Molly Malone in Grafton street - known as the 'Tart with the cart'.

2) The shoppers in Batcherlors walk (near Ha'penny bridge) - known the 'Hags with the bags'.

- unfortunately the 'Floozie in the Jacuzzi' is currently without a home - which somehow seems appropriate. It also had the nickname of the "whore in the sewar" which only rhymes in a Dublin accent (As in the 'haw-arr' in the 'Saw-arr'.)

As the big pointy thing is in the site now perhaps I could suggest a nickname for the pointy thing:
"The spike through the dyke" - What do you think ?