Dublin is a place that defies comparison like few other cities can. The only Irish metropolis (itself rather small by world standards) bears but little in common with the surrounding Irish countryside. Irish culture, itself unique in the world is on full display and in full strength. Although Dublin sees its share of tourists it retains its character and charm while being very easy to explore on foot.

A stroll through the historic core of Dublin along the Liffey reveals an embarrassment of world class locations within an easy stroll or pleasant bus ride of each other. The Ha’Penny Bridge provides the city’s face its eyebrows, and the famous Temple Bar can’t be missed for a cold frothy Guinness.

A (very) short hour-ish plane ride and a 20 minute bus trip from the airport are all that separated Dublin from its somewhat dire neighbor London. If you are making the effort to reach London you owe it to yourself to visit Dublin and soak in the Irish culture in the absolute center of it all.