Castleknock is a charming area on the north side of Dublin city. This up-market area boasts some lovely architecture, from Georgian houses to impressive mansions.  The area is home to numerous wonderful restaurants, which serve cuisine from across the globe. The area is also a popular destination for northsiders who want to avoid the chaos of Dublin city, but want to enjoy a lively night out. Castleknock is located close to the beautiful Phoenix Park, which is the largest urban park in Europe.

The Liberties is a historic area located on the south side of Dublin city centre. This busy district is home to stunning buildings such as the impressive, 19th century Christchurch Cathedral, and the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Further west, visitors can take a trip around the Guinness Storehouse, where they can learn the history of the nation’s favourite beverage, and perhaps even try a drop! This busy, working class area is home to some stunning architecture, much of which was developed by the Guinness company. One notable building is the lovely Liberties College, which was a residence for Guinness employees.

Dalkey is an attractive suburb on the south coast of Dublin. The area is home to two beautiful castles, and it is dotted with numerous colourful buildings. The area has a charming, Mediterranean feel, and it is filled with countless delightful, little restaurants and cafes. The area is famed for the numerous fashion boutiques that run along its main street. Just off the coast of this delightful area, visitors should take a trip to Dalkey Island. Home to feral goats, seals, rabbits, hares and seabirds, the island is a wonderful spot for nature lovers. It also offers a stunning view of the bay, where common bottlenosed dolphins and harbour porpoises can often be seen.

Ballsbridge is a popular destination for visitors to Dublin city. Home to some of the city’s finest hotels, the area is located just south of the bustling city centre. The area boasts numerous wonderful restaurants and fancy bars, and it is a famed location of international embassies in Ireland. Ballsbridge is also home to the large RDS stadium, where shows and concerts are regularly held. The area is crossed by the Dodder River, where kingfishers and bats can regularly be spotted. Also in the area is the lovely Herbert Park, a popular destination for Dubliners on their lunch breaks.

Howth is a pretty fishing town resting on the northern tip of Dublin Bay. This is one of the north side’s most up-market areas, and many of its lovely buildings date back to Norman times. A huge rocky outcrop known as Howth Head, offers a stunning view of the Bay. Visitors should also take some time to explore Howth Castle, which stands in beautiful gardens (particularly during the summer when flowers are in bloom). Another popular destination is Ireland’s Eye, a small island that stands just off Howth’s coast. This island is home to large seabird colonies, including a small population of puffins.

Temple Bar Dublin is famed as the cultural quarter of Dublin city. Located on the south side, not far from the River Liffey, the area is home to numerous unusual shops, galleries and performance spaces. The area is a regular haunt for buskers, and it is a popular meeting point for the city’s young sub-culture members (be they goths, metallers or hip hop MCs). The area holds weekly events such as the Cow’s Lane Fashion Market and Speaker’s Corner. At night, the lively pubs and clubs are always full and exciting, but the area is certainly not for the faint-hearted!

Dundrum Dublin is a charming area on the south side of Dublin city. The is home to a lovely, sleepy village with unique boutiques and cosy little cafes and restaurants. The village is dotted with beautiful little cottages and attractive shop fronts. On the outskirts of Dundrum, visitors can explore the ultra-modern shopping experience that is the Dundrum Town Centre. This huge centre includes high-end restaurants, fancy stores, cinemas and theatres, as well as fast food establishments and budget clothes shops. The area is served by the Luas tram system.

Rathmines Dublin is a lively area on the south side of Dublin city. This bustling suburb is home to a large student population, and outside the city centre, it is possibly Dublin’s most exciting nightlife destination. Dotted with traditional pubs, modern bars, nightclubs and hotels, the area offers lively clubs alongside poetry nights and singer/songwriter evenings. The area is also home to plenty of interesting and unusual boutiques, as well as wonderful cafes and restaurants. Rathmines is served by a regular bus service.

Ranelagh Dublin is a sleepy village on the south side of Dublin city. This charming neighbourhood is home to a youthful, yet generally wealthy population ensuring that it is home to numerous trendy bars and cafes. For food-lovers, Ranelagh is dotted with plenty of delightful little eateries, serving cuisine from across the globe. This bustling area is also home to many gourmet food shops, as well as a weekly food market. The area is home to many unique boutiques and vintage clothes shops, and it is a wonderful destination for anyone looking for left-of-centre purchases. The area is served by the Luas tram system.

Sandymount Dublin is a beautiful seaside town on the southside of Dublin City. Easily reached on the DART Train system, the town combines a sleepy coastal suburb with a stunning stretch of beach. The village itself is home to a charming little park that is surrounded by delightful little shops and restaurants. Just a short walk from here, Sandymount Strand offers a beautiful stretch of golden sand that is popular amongst kite surfers. To the north, the beach leads to the beautiful Irishtown Nature Reserve, which is home to local and migratory waterfowl, while to the south, the beach leads to an impressive Martello Tower.