Frommer's Portable Dublin
Chapter One
Seeing the Sights
Dublin is a city of many moods and landscapes. There are
medieval churches and imposing castles, graceful Georgian squares
and lantern-lit lanes, broad boulevards and crowded bridges, picturesque
parks and pedestrian walkways, intriguing museums and markets,
gardens and galleries, and-if you have any energy left after all
that-electric nightlife. Enjoy!
1 The Top Attractions
Áras an Uachtaráin (The Irish White House) * Áras an
Uachtaráin (Irish for "House of the President") was once the Viceregal
Lodge, the summer retreat of the British viceroy, whose ordinary
digs were in Dublin Castle. From what were never humble beginnings,
the original 1751 country house was expanded several times,
gradually accumulating splendor. President Mary McAleese recently
opened her home to visitors; guided tours originate at the Phoenix
Park Visitors Centre every Saturday. After an introductory historical
film, a bus brings visitors to and from Áras an Uachtaráin. The focus
of the tour is the state reception rooms. The entire tour lasts 1 hour.
Only 525 tickets are given out, first-come, first-served; arrive before
1:30pm, especially in summer.
... read full excerpt from Frommer's Portable Dublin, 5th Edition ebook
