Ireland is a fascinating and mysterious island nation, one of turbulence and beauty, extravagance and controversy. The shifts in power have led to some political upheaval, but when visiting splendid Dublin, none of this should come into play. After decades of violence, the Irish government finally declared a cease-fire in 1994, and since that time, as peace has increased, tourism throughout Ireland has escalated. This is a fantastic thing because Ireland is a wonderful place to visit when all is well. Dublin is an extraordinary city that is best experienced on foot. Many of the best sites are in a compact section of the town, and while others might require a vehicle to reach, there is no other experience like walking the streets of Dublin. The charming suburbs are glorious, and the small cafes and coffeehouses are enchanting. There are a number of elegant museums in Dublin, and a couple of outstanding galleries and concert theaters. You will never get bored in Dublin, and this is why many visitors to the area stay here longer than planned.

Along the outskirts of Dublin you will find the most relaxed and subdued portion of the community. The days are to be enjoyed, is their philosophy, and you should not miss the clean air and lively sporting events. Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, and nearly one-third of the population of the country resides here. Speaking in relative terms to the rest of the world, Ireland is a very young country when it comes to the average age of its citizens. This is no exception in Dublin, and in fact, Dublin is just about the youngest city in Ireland. Largely comprised of college students, Dublin is a town whose number one priority is revelry. There are plenty of pubs and clubs to go around, but there is so much more to this city that makes it a spectacular place to visit. The last few years have been a remarkable transformation period for Dublin, with new homes, buildings, and offices being built with no end in sight. The city is booming and has been called the most beloved capital in all of Europe. As tourism increases and Dublin expands, purists hope that it will retain at least some of its grace and small town feel. My suspicion is that it will, but for now the balance of quaint elegance and lively entertainment is absolutely perfect.