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 A natural habitat |
Causeway Road Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
No bulls here, but there's plenty of birds and unusual flora to discover if you want to get away from the city streets for a while. Bull Island is the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a capital city and is home to foxes, shrews, badgers and rabbits, as well as being an important over-wintering ground for wildfowl. Arctic migrating birds are the main tourists visiting the island, but it's well worth seeing this important and little visited treasure in the heart of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: MacGBeginss |
 Photo: Dee |
 Photo: johnpruddy |
 Photo: AgentVic |
 Photo: reinoud.vaandrager |
 Photo: John Grossier  |
 Photo: amfreid |
 Photo: Paul VAN BEVEREN |
 Photo: Julien |
 Photo: abbeyred |
 Photo: Matt Mueller |
 Photo: Fanny Meyer |
 Photo: patflan |
 Photo: Eamon McNulty |
 Photo: Claude Lacey |
 Photo: John Flanagan |
 Photo: asia_zdrojewska |
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A Northside retreat |
Bull Island Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
Held in fond esteem by real Dubliners, Dollymount Strand was the setting for thousands of days by the sea before the dawning of cheap international sun holidays. The area is now the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a capital city. The strand is part of Bull Island (which was formed when harbour improvements caused a sand spit to evolve) and it is a classic example of sand marsh ecology. If you're feeling energetic, this is a great place to fly kites, and it's worth visiting if only to see the somewhat kitsch Virgin Mary at the end of the promenade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Donnelly |
 Photo: Conor O'Gorman |
 Photo: Taz Nelson |
 Photo: Terri O'Sullivan |
 Photo: David Maury |
 Photo: MacGBeginss |
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Restoration and Renovation |
Custom House Quay Docklands Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 818 3300 http://www.dublindocklands.ie/ |
The Dublin Docklands is a place of rejuvenation. The Development Authority has declared a new bridge to be constructed over the River Liffey. Its aim is to improve the quays by providing better and easier pedestrian access. Along with the bridge, the Authority is launching a fresh retail and dining destination. Not far away from the pedestrian bridge, George's Dock has also undergone a massive promotion, complete with new lighting, seating and impressive water features. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Skinny-dipping in the city |
Sandycove Beside the Tower Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
Named not for its size but because the 40th Regiment of Foot used to be stationed in a battery above it, the Forty Foot was a men-only swimming hole for years, where nude bathing was the rule. Times being what they are, women and families are now allowed and the bathing place has now assumed a new atmosphere - and a new modesty ensues! A nearby sign reads: "togs required by order"! If you still want to bathe au naturel, note that a small section is reserved for nude swimming. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: thecolourblue |
 Photo: Andy Gilham |
 Photo: spud murphy |
 Photo: Soloman Lam |
 Photo: Andrew O'Reilly |
 Photo: Mark Granier |
 Photo: Jane Flanagan |
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Spectacular monastic settlement |
Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland +353 404 45325 |
Glendalough monastery (situated about thirty kilometers from Dublin) was founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. It is difficult not to be profoundly affected by the dramatic beauty of the saint's chosen retreat. The monastic remains - including a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses - sit in a glaciated valley with two lakes. A modern visitors' center has an interesting exhibition and an audio-visual show. French, German, Spanish and Swedish guided tours are available all year through advance booking. Walkers can choose from a selection of trails through the nearby woods. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jaq Delaney |
 Photo: Rebecca |
 Photo: Travis Crawford |
 Photo: Travis Crawford |
 Photo: Miguel Moreno |
 Photo: Erin G. Berg |
 Photo: RAMON RAMON |
 Photo: Nicolas Curri |
 Photo: Henry Scott |
 Photo: Kevin Knodl |
 Photo: MatthiasG |
 Photo: Rebecca |
 Photo: jpzip with Nokia N95 |
 Photo: Sylvia Gutiérrez Sán |
 Photo: Liam Casey |
 Photo: Steve Ashton |
 Photo: Tatiana23 |
 Photo: Robbin Merritt |
 Photo: Anne Poulsen |
 Photo: Wei Yei Chow |
 Photo: Alaniss |
 Photo: Cristina |
 Photo: picterries |
 Photo: Hans verbist |
 Photo: FlowersMadeEasy.ie |
 Photo: Pamela Dancil |
 Photo: austrianApe |
 Photo: pauline.rouzieres |
 Photo: Derek Anuen |
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All kinds of everything |
Leeson Street (Baggot Street Bridge) Dublin Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
The Grand Canal is undoubtedly the better preserved of Dublin's two canals, and a stroll along its banks is like taking a wander through the essence of Dublin. The lush canal banks pass through working-class apartments, nouveau and not so nouveau-riche areas, business districts and red-light areas and culminates at the Grand Canal Basin. On one side of the basin you will find Misery Hill, so called because of the utter poverty it once witnessed, and on the other side you will find one of Dublin's newest and most exclusive penthouse apartment complexes. For those interested in angling, coarse fishing for roach, hybrids, perch, pike, tench and eels is free all year round. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: patricious_z |
 Photo: Sarah |
 Photo: Douglas Barry |
 Photo: John Wallace |
 Photo: Salim Virji |
 Photo: Eoin Mulvey |
 Photo: Fiona Lynam |
 Photo: Timmok |
 Photo: Jacobo Tarrío |
 Photo: Brian Good |
 Photo: Tom Allen |
 Photo: WISH IT ALL LOOKED A |
 Photo: nectarous |
 Photo: Denzil Lacey |
 Photo: Brianog |
 Photo: CharlieSue |
 Photo: dyspan |
 Photo: kmpuskas |
 Photo: Martine Moeykens |
 Photo: markemcmullan |
 Photo: Colleen Lynch |
 Photo: Wassaily Booslaeugh |
 Photo: Live tha Dream |
 Photo: Marta Lyczko |
 Photo: Dario Berardi |
 Photo: sharonosuillibhan |
 Photo: Malachy Geelan |
 Photo: Pilar de Francisco |
 Photo: Courtney Moore |
 Photo: Ben Morgan |
 Photo: HolaHolaCherryCola (Nathalie Márquez Courtney) |
 Photo: c_niamh |
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A walk out! |
Riverside Road (Between Ha'penny Bridge and O'Connell Bridge) Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 222 2222 (Dublin City Council) |
The Vikings are believed to have sailed on the river Liffey, situated on Ireland's East Coast. The panoramic view of the area enhances the river's importance as it makes for a perfect destination to stroll or take an evening walk. So get those shoes out and scout the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Heron |
 Photo: leapleg |
 Photo: Darragh Bracken |
 Photo: Michael Debets |
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Walk with a fine coastal view |
Portmarnock Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
The village of Portmarnock is on the DART line from the city centre, just north of Howth. The strand affords views of Howth Head and the little offshore island called Ireland's Eye. Summer will find Portmarnock beach packed with locals pretending they are in a much warmer climate and even swimming in what has to be consistently cold water. This is a great place for a good outdoor session, so take a frisbee or football with you. On breezy days, Portmarnock is a fine spot for a long bracing walk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Audrey |
 Photo: Catherine MacBride |
 Photo: TonyS07 |
 Photo: tynka |
 Photo: Siobhán Pepper |
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A lesser-known river |
Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 (Dublin Tourism Centre) |
While arguably still in the shadow of the famous Liffey, the Dodder happens to be the largest of Dublin's hidden rivers. The Dodder snakes through the southern part of the city, opening up at Dodder Valley Park and reaching the sea at Merrion Strand. There are pleasant walks along the river in Milltown and you can appreciate a waterfall from the comfort of the Dropping Well pub on Milltown Road. For those interested in fishing, the best spots can be found between Firhouse and Ballsbridge; access to the river is best from public parks. Sea trout and brown trout are plentiful here and membership cards can be obtained from most fishing tackle shops in the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Beast in the Rain |
 Photo: Darren Kelly |
 Photo: Maurice Frazer |
 Photo: Philip O'Toole |
 Photo: Lesley Trenier |
 Photo: fintysworld.com |
 Photo: C Ní Dheaghaidh |
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Love-hate relationship |
Parkgate Street Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 (Tourism) |
All Dubliners have a love-hate relationship with the River Liffey. Watching the sun set into the river over the Ha'penny Bridge could bring a tear to the eye, yet a well-known Dublin song celebrates 'the Liffey as it stank like hell'. When a millennium clock was placed in the river it was immediately christened 'The Time in the Slime': the slime obscured the face and the countdown clock had to be removed. The river is in the process of being cleaned up and it thankfully no longer smells as bad as it once did. For those interested in fishing, the river is rich in perch, pike, and roach. Salmon and trout can also be taken between Lucan and the Memorial Park in Islandbridge. Coarse fish anglers should note that these stretches observe club regulations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caroline van Oosten |
 Photo: Nick Graham |
 Photo: Mark McGowan |
 Photo: Caroline Reusch |
 Photo: Eamon Brett |
 Photo: Lisa Stout |
 Photo: Arvydas |
 Photo: Kit Logan |
 Photo: jariL |
 Photo: Red Mum |
 Photo: orangebrompton |
 Photo: Fabrizio Angius |
 Photo: lookbeyond |
 Photo: Jerry Godwin |
 Photo: *Judy* |
 Photo: jeghiz |
 Photo: Mark Wiewel |
 Photo: Dave McKane |
 Photo: Trey Wheeler |
 Photo: Andrea Flannery |
 Photo: IVICA ERDELJA |
 Photo: Francesco Montalbano |
 Photo: DARNEA (Andrea Leese) |
 Photo: Daniel Stockill |
 Photo: SEBASTIAN WEST-SKINN |
 Photo: Chris (Trieste, ITA) |
 Photo: Carl Whitbread |
 Photo: rvswenson |
 Photo: mmuzichuk |
 Photo: Lucas James |
 Photo: Marguerite Mérey |
 Photo: Alessandra Canelli |
 Photo: Obscura2006 |
 Photo: marte_i_am |
 Photo: Phil Powell |
 Photo: kenchie_ok |
 Photo: jik333dz |
 Photo: Kimberly Terrell |
 Photo: phil_t_p |
 Photo: Luc |
 Photo: Rob Sangster |
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Tranquil city retreat |
Phibsborough Dublin, Leinster Ireland http://homepage.eircom.net/~rc... |
Once an important part of Dublin and Ireland's transport network, the section of the Royal Canal that passes through the city is generally in a state of disrepair. One of the more charming stretches of the canal between Drumcondra and Phibsborough passes by the imposing towers of Mountjoy Prison. Like so many parts of Dublin, it is immortalised in a song, The Auld Triangle!. For those interested in angling, coarse fishing for roach, perch, pike, tench and eels is permitted between locks one to seven all year around. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Juhani Myllynen |
 Photo: Adrian Weckler |
 Photo: Shane Lewis |
 Photo: Shane Lewis |
 Photo: ard_an_ri |
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City centre beach walk |
Sandymount Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
Close to the city centre, and accessible on the DART (Dublin's light rail system), Sandymount Strand is a long expanse of fine sand. The tide goes out almost two miles at its lowest point and so this is a favourite spot for those seeking space and freedom from the city. Not great for swimming or bathing because of quickly changing tides, it remains an excellent location for walking or running. The strand even has a literary claim to fame: it was a favourite haunt of James Joyce, featuring in the opening chapter of Ulysses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin McLaughlin |
 Photo: valentina nisi |
 Photo: Mark Stanley |
 Photo: leapleg |
 Photo: Duncan Jones |
 Photo: Dara Mulhern |
 Photo: DRayL |
 Photo: Aart Nicolai |
 Photo: John Kavanagh |
 Photo: Alan Brady |
 Photo: eclipsechaser |
 Photo: Dylan Cotter |
 Photo: -FiNK- |
 Photo: Robert Dempsey |
 Photo: Clare Mulvany |
 Photo: Timmy O'Mahony |
 Photo: Shane Phelan |