Things to Do in Dublin

Quench your thirst with a pint of the legendary black stuff – which is held to be much better in Ireland than elsewhere, incidentally. Naturally, it goes hand in hand with the city's infamous 'craic' (which loosely means ‘great atmosphere’). Both are in plentiful supply, and come highly recommended.

There's something about a lazy walk down a river when you're in a city. The sky opens up and the air becomes clearer. And the Liffey, inspiration for so much song and legend, is obviously no exception.

The General Post Office is a vital symbol of Irish nationalism. During the Easter Risings of 1916, a free Irish Republic was declared, and the building was the HQ for its leaders. The British retaliation, though, was swift and brutal. You can still see the holes where the bullets peppered the buildings columns and façade.

In 'Ulysses' Joyce chronicles (in the most minute and fascinating detail) a day in the life of the city. You can follow the path of this masterpiece as it meanders back and forth across the city – and perhaps fit in another pint or two of Guinness as you go!

Kilmainham Gaol, in common with all prisons, is a dark and troubling place. Now, with its last prisoner long since released, it makes a fascinating tourist site and houses a museum of the history of Irish Nationalism.