Dublin

Dublin needs to examine first glance like a fairly modern city. Founded by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago (you can see the archaeological evidence, at the Dublinia Museum), the Irish capital feels like a mythic place. While you won't see the historic buildings of many other European cities, the charm of the Irish capital lies in it culture and people. Duck into one of Dublin's 600+ pubs to hear an Irish music jam session. A literary city like no other, experience Dublin literature on a literary pub crawl or visit museums dedicated to the written word. Wish to medieval illustrated manuscripts? Look at the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Want something a little more recent? The Bram Stoker Museum showcases the life of the Dracula author. Of course, Ireland wouldn’t be the same ones without its beer or whiskey, so a sojourn to the Guinness Storehouse or the Old Jamestown Distillery is a highlight. Keep up the partying in the restaurants and bars of Dublin's vibrant Temple Bar district, where you can sleep in a hotel owned by members of U2.