Dublin has nurtured many a great character: Swift, Goldsmith, Sheridan, Shaw, Yeats, Joyce, Wilde and Beckett. Of all the great cities of Europe, it is one of the smallest, its urban grandeur co-existing with a village-like intimacy. It is a city of fascinating cultures woven from its colourful past, its fun-loving people and its favoured position, unusual amongst European capitals, by the sea, Dublin is a city that is very easy to get to know - and lose your heart to. Around and about Dublin are villages and towns as charming as the city is exciting. Within a short drive are picturesque harbours, beaches, formal gardens, a variety of monuments, historic houses, castles, stately homes and much more.

Famous attractions include;

Trinity College:
Houses Ireland's greatest treasure, the 8th century Book of Kells, a magnificent illuminated manuscript of the four gospels, which was presented to the college in the 17th century.

St. Stephens Green:
Is a fashionable Georgian square which, in 1880, was laid out as a public park. Today, the green is surrounded by the parliament of Ireland, the National Museum, The National Library and the Gaiety Theatre.

The pubs of Dublin:
Colourful, busy and packed with atmosphere, no visit to the city is complete without a visit. Friday nights bubble toe-tapping musical entertainment. There's nothing like it anywhere in the world.

The Halfpenny Bridge:
A charming footbridge built in 1816 across the River Liffey, is a popular landmark. Formally called the Liffey Bridge, it got its nickname from the halfpenny toll you had to pay to cross it.

Grafton Street:
Some would say, is the heart of Dublin. The city's symbol, Molly Malone with her barrow, stands amongst the passers by amid the non-stop music that pervades the street.

Whiskey Corner:
Once Jameson's Whiskey Distillery, is now a museum of Whiskey-making.

Riding, swimming, sailing, walking, cycling, horse racing, music & drama, museums, sightseeing, shopping

St. Margarets, Parkland Course, 27 holes, 9500 yards, Par 71/73.
Portmarnock, Seaside Course, 18 holes, 6276 yards. Par 74. Founded 1894. Designers: WG Pickeman & George Ross.
Druids Glen, Parkland course, 18 holes, Par 72. Designers Pat Ruddy & Tom Craddock.
Elm Park, Parkland course,18 holes, 5929 yards, Par 68. Founded 1927. Designer: Fred Davies.
Woodbook, Parkland course, 6540 yards, Par 71. Founded 1921.

Aberdeen Lodge, Dublin
Kinnity Castle, Birr - 43 miles
Castle Leslie, Glaslough - 85 miles