You don't have to be a Greek hero to enjoy Dublin's charm. Well, Leopold Bloom is an example of that, being the protagonist of Ulysses and the most well-known character of Irish novelist, James Joyce, a writer who 100 years after being born still continues to attract tourism to the Emerald Isle of the Atlantic. Beyond Trinity College, its cathedrals and churches and the many taverns exported around the world, the Irish capital offers dozens of places in its surrounding areas that any good tourist should have on their agenda. Some of our users who have found homes in Dublin through Spotahome have filled us in on where exactly these places are. Here they are:
1. Sandycove
In the South East of Dublin, every 16th of June, which is Bloomsday in Ireland, the biggest fans of Joyce's work start their pilgrimage to Sandycove, which is an area of the Capital city that acts as the starting point for the most popular experience in honor of Bloom himself. The Dublin-born writer lived for a week there, in the Martello Tower, which is a former fort used against the Napoleonic invasion and now also known as a James Joyce museum. From the top of the tower, you can gaze out at the dull blues and greys of the Atlantic Ocean, but also at the cold waters that surround the Forty Foot promontory, a popular place for people who aren't afraid of low temperatures. You can get to Sandycove by taking the commuter train that connects the different parts of Dublin together which is known as the DART.
2. Malahide
Located 16km north of Dublin, Malahide is famous for its magnificent medieval castle which rises over the East of the town and is only a ten minute walk away. With a huge range of pubs and restaurants, the area became popular in the Georgian era as a coastal destination for the richer people of Dublin. You can get to Malahide by taking the DART, but there are also bus tours available from Dublin which include a trip to the little town of Howth as well.
3. Howth
This small town is found in a peninsula 13km away from Dublin centre. Also reachable by public transport, the fisherman's village of Howth is a favourite amongst fish lovers as it is a lot fresher and a lot cheaper than what you will find in Dublin. Take a stroll along the dock, observe the peacefulness of the port, maybe even sit on a bench and listen to an Enya song, or say hello to the seals…, there are many charms on offer at this coastal town from which you can see Ireland's Eye, a small uninhabited island.
4. Wicklow Mountains
A little further away, 30km south of Dublin, there is the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which could be the ideal getaway for those who want to get to know the charms of the Irish inland forests. If you want to feel like Hilary Swank in the 2007 movie P.S. I Love You..., this is the place for you. For those of you who have even more time to spare, just south of the National Park, you will find the monastic city of Glendalough, with beautiful ruins dotted across the green fields of the valley and history that runs throughout the hills there. There are busses in Dublin centre that directly link it to the park.
5. From Bray to Greystones
This 7km walk is a popular day trip amongst those who explore the outskirts and surrounding areas of Dublin. With a spectacular view of the coast, this path which runs between cliffs offers a haven of peace and nature for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you want to take movie-like photos and take advantage of the sun's rays --believe it or not it is sunny there-- along one of the adjoining beaches, the walk between Bray and Greystones is an ideal option for you.
