Dublin
Once a Viking stronghold, Dublin is now the capital of Ireland. True to its medieval times, Dublin is located near a coastline which used to be the sign that a city would be well to do, since most of the commerce used to be done by sea. Over the course of the centuries, the city of Dublin has experienced its ups and downs, but nothing has been able to deter the city from attaining and holding on to its glory.

As you arrive in Dublin – probably at the Dublin airport – you will be greeted by the welcoming center of your airline. It is probably a good idea to purchase a Dublin map that not only lists the names of streets but also lists great ideas for sightseeing as well as some noteworthy institutions, such as museums, and perhaps also their hours. While these Dublin tourism maps are a bit more expensive, they are well worth the extra money. As you peruse the map of Dublin, you will find information about the Gate Theater, the Temple Bar, Stephen’s Green, and the Dublin zoo. Since no sightseeing tour of Dublin would be complete with the Leinster House and various other buildings that attest to the former pomp and circumstance that ushered in parliament, you will need to reserve these trips for the daytime.

As you find your way around Dublin - Ireland has a well developed public transportation system - a Dublin bus or car rental (if you really feel that you cannot do Dublin justice without your own transportation) will take you to the various hotels in Dublin. Usually it is a good idea to register your reservation with Dublin hotels, especially during tourist season, but some Dublin hotels will have spare rooms available – yet they usually are not known for their views or amenities! As you set up shop in your hotel room, once again study the map of Dublin to find out where the Dublin castle and Dublin city schools are which you might wish to include in your sightseeing itinerary. The more you become familiar with your surroundings, the more you will notice a pattern that will help you to plot a course that could be traversed in one day. Do not underestimate the usefulness of your hotel’s concierge, since she or he will have valuable tourist information that can help you make the most of your time in Ireland.