by Anna Maria Ryan

Created on: February 01, 2010

Dublin is a very old and beautiful city and is fortunate to still have a lot of the original features and buildings of its foundations still standing. It has had a few transformations over the years; from the days of the rich classes owning the Georgian buildings lined up in the streets; to the poor classes living in those very houses when they became run-down and were gradually turned into slums. All through the sixties, seventies and eighties that saw much poverty and hardship and on to the days of the Celtic Tiger, a time of economic security in Dublin and a chance to restore and promote what makes Dublin great. Dublin is now a major tourist destination and even though we are now in a recession, there is no shortage of people on the streets of the Fair City, seeking that old Irish charm. The following places to visit offer something for everyone:

Shopping:

There are many wonderful shops in Dublin ranging from the multi-chain shops that are seen around the world and the more independent shops that have their own flair. The two main shopping areas in Dublin are Henry St. and Grafton St.

Henry Street is where you will find everyday Dublin folk, from the ladies who sell their fruits and vegetables from carts at the side of the pedestrian walkways, to the girls and boys that work behind the counters of the shops. It is a great street to wander down, enjoying the hustle and bustle, popping in to the shops and there are two shopping centres where you can have a rest.

Grafton St. is on the South side of the Liffey river and has traditionally been more up class, both in the shops that flank the street and in the people that wander through it. Buskers and street entertainers frequent here and in the summer the good ones can draw huge crowds. There is always a wonderful atmosphere in Grafton Street and it also has some lovely cafes and quaint pubs where you can spend some time people watching, a great past-time in a busy city.

Parks:

During a busy day of walking around it is always nice to escape somewhere quiet and take a few moments to collect your thoughts and Dublin has many areas where you can do just that.

St. Stephen's Green is a large, well cared for park situated at the end of Grafton Street. It has many beautiful flowers lining its walkways, a fountain and a bandstand as notable centrepieces, and many other more secluded areas, for those who like their solitude. The park is really lovely to explore, there is nothing like sitting on the grass by the lake on

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