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DUBLiN: THE AUTHENTiC FLAVOUR

Historical Notes

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The Irish capital is experiencing a glorious moment thanks to the economic surge of the last few years and its animated street life culminating in the Temple Bar area and Grafton and O’Connell Street. Dublin is also known for its great writers, headed by James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. And for its music, with groups such as The Chieftains, The Cranberries, The Corrs and, of course, U2. This vibrant city has an air of Paris along the River Liffey, but without the grandeur of the French ca-pital. What it lacks in famous monuments it

makes up for in pubs and craic, this inimi-table form of Irish Entertainment that sedu-ces thousands of young Europeans every weekend. No-one can remain indifferent to the city’s shopping streets, festivals and parks. Lovers of golf, rugby and horse ri-ding also have an unbreakable date with Dublin, with its bridges and doors – blue, green, orange – contrasting with the red of the bricks. And birthplace of the mythi-cal Guinness beer with its malty taste and smooth creamy froth. Try it!

The authentic Flavour

Historical notes

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A practical guideDublin is a manageable city, both be-cause of its area and its population of around half a million inhabitants (just over a million if the metropolitan area is included). This guide is based on the most prominent places of interest and is not intended to be an encyclopaedia of the Irish capital. We have chosen the most important sites so that you can enjoy an unforgettable weekend or, at the most, a four or five day break. For this reason, in the following pages we concentrate only on certain neighbour-hoods, monuments and museums, omitting visits to those requiring a long journey, and we offer useful advice to make any stroll through the city more pleasant

Dublin:

Ireland’s principle city celebrated its millen-nium in 1988, but everything indicates that various communities had been established along the Banks of the River Liffey before the year 988. The Celts settled these lands, but it was not until the IX Century, with the arrival of the Vikings, that the first permanent town was established. Invasions from the north were continual at this time, allowing the Danes to tighten their commercial links with the Irish. This understanding was repeated with the Nor-mans, who had strengthened their control over England by the mid XI Century. In the year 1170, Diarmait Mac Murchada took control of the enclave and crowned

himself King of Leinster, the Eastern region of Ireland. He is often considered traitor number one in the history of the country, as he asked King Henry II of England for help to regain the throne and, in doing so, marked the beginning of eight centuries of English domination. Dublin became the centre of the new power, which founded the feudal system. However, until the arrival of Elizabeth I (1558-1603), English domination was limited to the narrow eastern coastal strip. The raids of the fearsome Irish warmongers, camped in the Wicklow Mountains, were a constant treat to the established power.

An accumulation of misfortunes

TheGreat Famine

A spiral of violence

The dark ages for Dublin began in the XIV Century when Scotland attempted an inva-sion and the following devastation caused by the Black Death. There was “light at the end of the tunnel” in 1592 with the foundation of Trinity College modelled on the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, by Queen Elizabeth I. The object of this institution was to offer young Protestants an alternative to European Universities where they could be influenced by Catholi-cism. In 1649, after the English civil wars,

the city fell into the hands of the soldier and politician, Oliver Cromwell. Eleven years later Ireland was once again on the side of the losers at the Battle of Boyne when William of Orange defeated James II who fled to France. The native Irish suf-fered more than a century of strict penal law. The period of Protestant domination lead the city to a prosperous XVIII century and it became the second metropolis of the British Empire after London. Its wealthy

families abandoned the medieval town and moved north where a new neighbourhood of majestic squares and Georgian man-sions was built. This opulence contrasted with the poor Dublin made up mainly of a Catholic multitude. Many important monu-ments were erected during the Georgian era and artists from all of Europe travelled to the city to present their work. One of the most important events of this time was the premiere of Handel’s Messiah, in 1741.

The decades of prosperity were followed by a hundred tumultuous years beginning with the Irish Rebellions of 1798 and 1803, adding to the list of martyrs to the national cause the names of Theobald Wolfe Tone –considered the founder of Irish Nation-alism–and Robert Emmet. But political wrangling took second place when, in the middle of the XIX Century, thousands of Irish emigrated from the country to the city due the scarcity of potatoes, their staple diet, and this era became known as the Great Famine. More than a million people died of starvation or left their native shores in search of a future. The squares and streets of Dublin became home to masses of refugees and the decline of the capital accelerated. This was shortly followed by an increase in the clamour for Irish autonomy. Charles Stewart Parnell was elected as their representative in Westmin-ster in1875 and fought unceasingly for the restitution of Irish Institutions. Known as the uncrowned King of Ireland in the days of his greatest popularity, this was seri-ously damaged when details of a romantic relationship with a married woman came to light, causing many Catholics to disown him.

The resentment of the British impositions began to show its most violent side and in 1882, the Chief Secretary of Ireland, Lord Frederick Cavendish, was assassinated by a group known as the Irish National Invincibles, an extreme faction of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. The foundation of the political republican movement, Sinn Fein in 1906 demonstrated the grow-ing anti-British feeling even more. On Easter Monday in 1916, Patrick Pearse together with other detractors of the English government proclaimed Irish independence at the central Post office in O’Connell Street. After the resulting rebellion, fifteen of the revolutionaries were executed, amongst whom was the leader of the uprising. In the general elections of 1918, the republican candidates for Sinn Fein obtained nearly three quarters of the Irish parliamentary seats. The Irish Republican Army (IRA), the armed wing of Sinn Fein, claimed responsibility for the ceaseless attacks and tension grew.

London answered the spiral of violence by sending a squadron known as the The Black and Tans, the result of which was like trying to put a fire out by pouring on petrol. November 11th 1920, the first Irish Bloody Sunday, marked an escalation in armed violence. The revolutionary leader, Michael Collins, organized the assassina-tion of fourteen British Intelligence officials. The same afternoon, as revenge, a tank opened fire on spectators at a football match. The bloodbath continued until the middle of 1921. A truce was signed and the following Anglo-Irish Treaty led to the creation of the free state of Ireland. The six counties of Ulster that made up Northern Ireland withdrew and remained an open wound although today there are signs that this is healing. However, more deaths were necessary, including that of Michael Collins in 1922, to really calm the situation.

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baroundTransportation Useful advice

The defining leapIn 1932, the former leader of Sinn Fein, Ea-mon de Valera, won the elections and oc-cupied various responsible public offices, including that of president, until 1973. The country joined the European Econom-ic Community in this same year. In spite of the initial prosperity brought about by its entry, Ireland suffered economic difficulties

a railway line with 28 stations that borders the bay of Dublin from north to south, from Howth to Greystones, and crosses the centre of the city in Tara Street and Connolly Station. It operates from Monday to Saturday (6.30-24.00) and Sundays (9.30-23.00). Taxis are a better option for night-time journeys, even though there are night buses from 00.30 and 4.30. At rush hour and especially on Friday and Saturday nights one has to wait longer than at other times for a taxi. Tips are normally between 10 and 15%. There are various types of tickets that save money on long distance public transport. Dense traffic, scarcity of parking places and high costs make hiring a car unadvisable when visiting the Irish capital.

Dublin is as safe as any other European city. As always, it is advisable to avoid soli-tary areas at night, especially the outlying northern districts. In the south, around Dolphin’s Barn and beyond Portobello, drug-related crimes sometimes occur. One should be on the lookout for pick-pockets in crowded spots, such as pubs. It is best to leave items of value at home or out of reach of thieves.

Banks open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 16.00, except on Thursdays when they do not shut until 17.00. Dublin has a wide network of cash machines, most of which will accept international cards. The normal shop-opening times are from Mon-day to Saturday from 9.00 to 18.00, with late closing night on Thursdays, when they

stay open two hours longer. Most shops open on Sundays from 12.00 to18.00. Tips are not obligatory but it is customary to leave between 10 and 15% of the total bill in restaurants and cafes.

Smoked Salmon and much more. Gastronomy in Dublin has changed enormously with the growth of so called “haute cuisine” restaurants. The choice of international and exotic dishes is very wide; Italian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish…..Prices vary according to the restaurant and a “set menu” is often an alternative. Irish cooking uses excellent products such as salmon and oysters. Potatoes are still the alimentary basis

As in Great Britain, Iceland and Portugal, the time zone is that of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), in other words, one hour behind the rest of Western Europe. The climate is damp and mild all year round due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Freezing weather is most unusual in winter in the city, while in summer short periods of high temperatures can occur. Average temperatures are 5ºC in January and 17ºC in July. It rains in any month of the year, but rainfall is slightly more abundant from August to January. The best time to visit Dublin is between April and October, when the temperature is pleasant, or in July and August, the more animated months. However it is a popular destination all year round with its multitude of festivals and different cultural, religious and sporting events, so it is wise to plan your journeys advance.

The city centre is compact and easily visited on foot. The transport system consists of trains, buses and trams, the latter reintroduced in 2004 and with two new lines under construction. The Dublin Bus Company (www.dublinbus.ie) provides communication within the metropolitan area between 6.00 and 23.30, and offers tourist bus routes. Fares depend on the number of stops travelled. The drivers pre-fer to be paid the exact fare. LUAS (www.luas.ie) is a network of trams in opera-tion both in the centre and the outskirts. The green line connects Sandyford with Stephen’s Green, while the red line joins Tallaght with Connolly Station. El DART is

during the eighties. In the 90’s the pan-orama changed radically with the mandate of Mary Robinson, the first woman to be elected president. Dublin was chosen to be the European City of Culture in 1991 and interest rates started to go down at-tracting the opening of new businesses. Foreign investment increased spectacularly

showing rapid benefits. Ireland became known as the Celtic Tiger and its capital improved in every way. Nowadays, as in nearly all of Europe, this prosperity has been transformed into crisis, above all,due to inflation.

bdeliciousGastronomy

New Year’s Day1st January, the first day of the year.

Six Nations ChampionshipThe Irish matches take place between February and April at the Landsdowne Road Stadium, the oldest sports ground of the competition.

Dublin International Film Festival Held in February in various cinemas such as the Savoy, the IFC and the Screen.

St Patrick’s Day ParadeThe Bank Holiday to commemorate the Patron Saint of Ireland on the 17th March is celebrated with processions, fireworks and an infinite amount of cultural events.

Feis CeoilClassical Music Festival in March and April.

Colours Boat RaceThe first weekend in April Trinity College and University College compete in the ancient rowing race along the Liffey.

Bloomsday FestivalEvery 16th June James Joyce is remem-bered with admirers of this writer recreat-ing his novel, Ulysses, set in Dublin.

AIB Music FestivalThis event dedicated to chamber music takes place during the first fortnight in June in various Georgian Houses.

Dublin International Organ and Choral FestivalThis festival also takes place in June with recitals in Christ Church Cathedral, City Hall and the National Concert Hall, amongst other venues.

Temple Bar Blue FleadhThis live blues festival is performed on different stages of Temple Bar during the third week of July.

Royal Dublin Horse ShowAlso known as the Kerrygold Horse Show, it is one of the most important equestrian

in this country and are even served for breakfast, which is usually large including fried eggs, sausages, bacon and toast. Fish and seafood are found in abundance, with one of the most characteristic speci-alities being smoked salmon and turbot. Oysters, mussels, lobster and scallops are the aristocrats of Irish seafood. In terms of meat, pork and the ever-present potato make up the typical Dublin stew eaten frequently on Saturdays. The shepherds’

traditional stew is prepared with lamb. Meals are usually accompanied by whole meal bread. Irish cheeses are well known and include Cashel Blue, Doolin and Dur-rus amongst many others worth trying. A good Irish coffee with cream, sugar and whisky always helps the digestion. The national drink is the pint. Guinness, famous for its malty taste and smooth creamy froth has been made in the city since 1759.

events in the World. It lasts five days, at the beginning of August and the eleven scheduled competitions attract more than 20,000 spectators.

All-Ireland Football FinalIn Croke Park on the fourth Sunday of September the Gaelic football final in played. It is similar to the Australian final.

Dublin Jazz FestivalCelebrated mid-September at various sites.

Dublin Theatre FestivalTakes place in September and October at different venues.

Samhain Halloween FestivalCelebrated throughout the city on 31st. October.

Dublin City MarathonAt the end of October the bravest athletes try to complete the 42 kilometres, 192 metres of this legendary trial.

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bmovingPoints of interest

Temple BarThe night life and the cultural scene of the Irish capital are concentrated in this neigh-bourhood thanks to its infinite number of bars, restaurants, pubs, theatres, art galleries and curious shops. The cobbled streets that form the area between the River Liffey, Dame Street, O’Connell Bridge and Christ Church Cathedral guarantee entertainment for the visitor at any time. The district is named after the property dealer Sir William Temple, who acquired the lands for development around the year 1600. The bohemian air of the seventies of the past century was left behind after an in-depth regeneration brought about by the government in the 1990s and the economic take-off of Ireland. All sorts of occasions are celebrated in these streets, especially in summer and autumn. Within their boundaries we can find the neoclas-sical Town Hall, the Millennium Bridge, one of two of the Liffey’s pedestrian bridges; and the Gallery of Photography, with year round exhibitions. It is worth stopping for a few minutes in Meeting House Square, con-sidered the heart of the neighbourhood. Concerts, film projections and a food mar-ket help to raise the temperature, even on brisk summer evenings. Those who prefer to spend their time shopping should not miss a stroll along Cow’s Lane, an elegant walk-way filled with boutiques and cafes.

Viking DublinTo the west of Temple Bar, between St. Augustine and Parliament Street, around

Christ Church Cathedral we come across this neighbourhood, the historical old town of the Irish capital but nowadays no longer considered central. Scattered with the most emblematic buildings, built during the Anglo-Norman era, such as Dublin Castle, dating from 1204. From Cook Street one can appreciate the Norman wall. Pro-ceeding along Nicholas and Patrick Street brings us to another grand Irish Cathedral, the much loved St. Patrick’s.

LibertiesThe Guinness Storehouse and brewery, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and Kilmainham Gaol, a prison converted into a museum dealing with the Irish battle for independence are some of the attractions found to the west of St. Patrick’s Cathe-dral. It is a working area and contrasts with the more touristy atmosphere of the centre of the Irish Capital. So called because its inhabitants at one time were exempt from municipal taxes.

Northside Georgian DublinTo the south of Temple Bar, in the vicinity of Trinity College, the impressive Georgian mansions, with their different coloured doors can be found, along tree lined avenues. The monumental Irish National Museum and the National Gallery as well as the elegant St. Stephen’s Green are outstanding examples. Grafton Street, probably Dublin’s most well-known pedes-trian backbone and most prestigious shop-ping street leads into this square. Street

musicians lend atmosphere to this popular street adored by shoppers. The most striking shop windows of the exclusive shops and the Brown Thomas department store compete to lure possible clients in-side. This neighbourhood is also classed as literary Dublin, where distinguished writers such as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Samuel Becket and of course, James Joyce strolled.

Southside Georgian DublinUntil a short while ago, the difference between the two banks of the River Liffey were noticeable. The industrial working northern shore contrasted with the upper-middleclass residential southern one, although this has changed in the past two decades. The district clusters around a central axis: O’Connell Street. This impor-tant avenue was planned in the middle of the XVIII century and was then flanked by classical buildings. However, many were destroyed in the Easter Rising. The enor-mous metallic structure, the Spire, installed to commemorate the city’s first millennium, can be used as a reference point when visiting this neighbourhood, with its three theatres; the Abbey, the Peacock and the Gate. Eastwards in the direction of Con-nolly Station, is the financial area, while to the west another outstanding commercial backbone, Henry Street can be found. The animated atmosphere discovered when exploring on foot is completed by the Moore Street food market.

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Trinity CollegeThe oldest university in Ireland was founded in the year1592 and since then students as illustrious as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker y Samuel Beckett have passed through its halls. Visitors can stroll around. With its cobbled squares, gardens and grand build-ings it forms a peaceful refuge from the urban hustle and bustle. The old library holds four million volumes, amongst them a treasure of incalculable value, the Book of Kells, an illustrated manuscript dating from the year 800. Written in Latin, it contains the four gospels of the New Testament, together with explanatory notes and numerous miniatures in all colours. Every year more than half a million people contemplate this wonder whose pages contain labyrinths of geometric forms, fish, birds, cats, lions, horses and wolves. The book collection grows from year to year as the Trinity receives a copy of every Irish and Great British publication. A 30 metre high bell tower occupies the centre of the main square, surrounded by XVIII and XIX century buildings. Built on the site of the All Hallows Monastery, the chapel is the only one in the country dedicated to all religions. The altar’s beautiful glass windows date from 1867. Next to the temple we find the dining-room, rebuilt after a fire in 1984. On its walls hang portraits of dignitaries of the centre. The complex includes one of the best contemporary art galleries in Ireland and the sculpture “sphere within a sphere” by Arnaldo Pomodoro.

The Irish National MuseumThis fascinating museum is made up of three buildings connected by a tourist bus. The Kildare Street section is dedicated to archaeology and history from 7000 B.C. up until the present day. The principal collections of European gold antiques, including the Chalice of Ardagh, the treasure found in the county of Limerick en 1868, are on display. This beautiful example of the handwork of the first Irish Christians (VIII century) is probably the best known piece in the museum, together with the Tara brooch. The Vikings, who dominated Ireland between 800 and 1200, also have a place of pride in this exhibition. In the Merrion Street building one can find a natural history exhibition, while that on show in Benburd Street, to the west of the city, in Collins Barracks, presents aspects of social, military, economic and political history of the country with special attention to the violent conflict between 1916 and 1922.

Dublin CastleFor 700 years considered a symbol of English domination before being formally handed over to the Irish Free State in 1922, this defensive monument, built on King John’s demand in 1204, has evolved over time from medieval fortress to Viceroy’s court and ad-ministrative centre. The largest visible remains of the original structure are found in Bed-ford Tower. The Norman door forms the base of the watch tower from the XVIII Century. At this time the greater part of the castle was remodelled after the previous century’s fire. It has experienced infinite attacks, the most important in 1534 when under siege from the troops of Silken Thomas Fitzgerald, a rebel courtier who broke his pledge of loyalty to the English Crown. Visitors can walk through the official rooms and wander around the squares and museums in the company of a guide. The castle is closed to tourists for mandatory visits and official ceremonies. During the visit, one can enjoy the oriental art collection and manuscripts of Alfred Chester Beatty, the excavated Viking fortifications, the Neo-gothic chapel and the most luxurious Throne Room.

Christ Church CathedralDuring the XI Century, the Vikings erected the first church of the city, made of wood which was later substituted with stone. The present-day cathedral is the result of the XIX century restoration. One is taken back by the majesty of the central nave, flanked by gothic arches, although it is not as perfect as it seems. The north wall has moved about 50 centimetres due to a collapse in 1562. The Norman, Richard de Clare’s tomb, the conqueror of Ireland known as Strongbow, is a replica of the original XIV Century one. It is also worth stopping before the relic of the St.Laud capital, containing the heart of the patron saint of Dublin, St. Laurence O’Toole.

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Guinness StorehouseThis old brewery, partially converted in museum, is the country’s main tourist attrac-tion in number of visitors. In the true heart of Dublin you can discover the history of the name Guinness, discover the original process of preparing the famous black beer by hand, enjoy something to eat and…..savour a pint on the seventh floor, a glass enclosed vantage point with views over the entire metropolis. The firm, founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness, started out in a humble way, but over the years has become one of the main exporting companies of the sector. The factory occupies an area of 26 hectares and was very special in its day because of its auto sufficiency in both electricity and water. The brand is an Irish institution and is found in every corner of the isle. The visit to the mu-seum starts with an interactive demonstration of ingredient selection- above all -barley, hops and yeast – and continues with three dimensional graphic designs detailing every step in the stages of production, from toasting to fermenting, including boiling and spin-ning. The skill with which the wooden barrels are made and stored is also shown in this exhibition, together with the brand’s advertising campaigns.

St. Patrick’s CathedralThe main Protestant Cathedral of the country rises from the site where it is said Saint Patrick baptised various converts in the year 450. As in the case of the Christ Church Temple, originally of wood the structure was substituted for one of stone, a far more hard-wearing material, in the XII Century. Through its history it has been used as refuge for the Huguenots and as stables. The Minot tower, built for defence purposes in the Middle Ages, soars above the remaining structure, in spite of the huge dimensions of the central nave. Many visits start with the tombs of Jonathan Swift and his beloved Stella, to whom he was tutor. The flags of the Irish regiments that fought in the First World War hang in the north transept.

Phoenix ParkWith an area of 707 hectares, this is one of the largest urban Parks in Europe and the most famous in Dublin. It lies to the west of the city and originally, in the XVII century was a large deer reserve. At weekends it is filled with families who spend the day play-ing all kinds of games and sports. Today, both the Irish president and the United States Ambassador have their homes in this green area, where the capital’s zoo is also located. A 27 metre-high cross commemorates the multitudinous mass that Pope John Paul of-ficiated in 1979 before a third of the Irish population. Those seeking a smaller park can choose to visit St. Stephen’s Green, a much more central green area equally well looked after.

National GalleryThis houses an impressive collection of Irish and European art, from the Middle Ages through to the present day. The museum was opened in 1864 and consists of four wings each with four floors. The Irish art section from the XVIII and XIX centuries occu-pies seven halls. Vermeer, Velázquez, Caravaggio, Goya and Murillo, amongst other first class painters, are present through their works in this area dedicated to culture.The rich culture Dublin offers has lead to an emerging film industry and a very varied

theatrical repertoire including classical and contemporary Irish Works. The Temple Bar district is considered the cultural epicentre. Films and Theatre Festivals are annual events as is St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). A large percentage of the cultural events on offer oc-cur in the summer, especially the AIB Music Festival and Bloomsday.

TheatreThe National Irish Theatre, The Abbey Theatre, is legendary. Founded in 1904 by a group of poets including W.B. Yeats, it became famous amongst the avant-garde tides. Nowa-days the classics are performed here. At its sister Theatre, the Peacock experimental theatre is produced.

Abbey Theatre26 Lower Abbey StreetDublin 1(01) 878 7222www.abbeytheatre.ieinfo@abbeytheatre.ie

Orson Wells and James Mason started their acting careers at The Gate Theatre, since it was first opened in 1928, one of the most innovative of Europe. Works by Ibsen, Chek-hov and Oscar Wilde have been performed on its stage. Its cosy welcoming bar is ideal for drinks before or after the show.

The Gate TheatreCavendish RowParnell SquareDublin 1(01) 874 4045/874 6042www.gate-theatre.ieinfo@gate-theatre.ie

At the Gaiety Theatre, the oldest in the city, dating from 1871 musicals and comedies are performed.

Gaiety TheatreSouth King StreetDublin 2(01) 677 1717www.gaietytheatre.ie

The Olympia Theatre, inaugurated in 1879 as a variety hall, now offers musicals.

Olympia Theatre72 Dame StreetDublin 2(01) 679 3323

The Arts Project Centre is probably the most animated acting area in the city, due to the young companies of innovative dance, music, drama and poetry. U2 performed here as a newly formed group.

Project Arts Centre39 East Essex StreetDublin 2(01) 881 9613/14www.project.ie

The Dublin Tourist Office offers all the information and reservations necessary to enjoy every second in the Irish capital. It is found in the old church of St. Andrew and here one can purchase the Dublin Pass, offering discounts at the main attractions, shops, restaurants and other services. Its address is detailed

below:

Suffolk Street(01) 605 7700information@dublintourism.iewww.visitdublin.com

There are other tourist information offices such as that in Dublin Airport.

INFORMATION

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borganizedYOUR NOTES:

MusicThe National Concert Hall is the perfect setting to listen to quality classical music. Dub-lin’s main auditorium is home to Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra. Jazz, contempo-rary and traditional Irish music are also performed.

National Concert HallEarlsfort TerraceDublin 2(01) 417 0000www.nch.ieinfo@nch.ie

Opera Ireland (www.operaireland.ie) and The Opera Theatre Company regularly perform at various venues, above all at the Gaiety Theatre. The largest concerts take place at The Point, which can hold 8.500 spectators. There are plans to refurbish and enlarge the premises to provide a capacity for 13.000. Large shows are also put on at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS).

CinemaCommercial cinemas such as the Savoy or the UGC Multiplex, offer the latest Hollywood premieres. Alternative cinema is shown at the Irish Film Institute and at the Screen.

SportOne can enjoy a hurling match – the Irish national sport, similar to hockey and one of the world’s fastest games – and Gaelic football – a cross between football and rugby – at the Croke Park Stadium (www.crokepark.ie). At the Lansdowne Road Stadium rugby matches, including the legendary Six Nations Championship, are played. Football is also played here or at Tolka Park. Dublin has various teams in the principal national league such as the Bohemians FC (www.bohemians.ie), the Shamrock Rovers FC (www.shamrockrovers.ie) and the Shelbourne FC (www.shelbournefc.ie). Horse Racing can be seen at Leopardstown and Fairyhouse. There is a hippodrome at Phoenix Park where Gaelic football, cricket and soccer can also be played. The Irish are also passionate about Greyhound racing. The Six Nations Rugby Championship from February to April, the Royal Dublin Horse Show –a huge equestrian event that attracts more than 20,000 spectators, the All-Ireland Football Final –at the end of September, the All-Ireland Hurling Final and the marathon at the end of October are the most important sporting events of the year. There are about 100 golf courses in a 50 kilometres radius of the city, most of which are private but, on payment, allow non members to play. The Sillogue Park Public Golf Course is one of the best values for money.

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