Much of the city's varied history and architecture can be admired from a simple walking tour, from the "Dublin Spire" built in the millennium to the gothic-style St Patrick's Cathedral and the ancient castle which stands guard above the banks of the River Liffey.

The National Library and National Museum are, surprisingly, free to explore, along with the Colin Barracks and the castle's courtyards and Chapel Royal. If you are in Dublin on a Tuesday, there is also a free tour of the House of Lords which is well worth a visit for anyone interested in the country's troubled politics.

For a taste of Ireland beyond the capital, a reasonable bus ticket and short ride will allow you to enjoy the fifty acres of the National Botanic Gardens. To the south, Sandycove has a renowned bathing spot to tempt brave travelers into the chill of the Irish Sea whilst Killney hill boasts a fantastic (and free) panorama of the city below.

Eating and Drinking

Dublin may be better known for its barrels of Guinness but it still houses some good quality eateries. If you are drawn to a traditional meal, many pubs will offer a variation on "Irish Stew," although recent cosmopolitan influences mean international restaurants are often more affordable.

Another good budget bet is the Cedar Tree off Grafton Street which serves hearty Lebanese fare at a good price, particularly the early-bird special. The set lunch at Ristorante Romano on Capel Street, meanwhile, offers excellent value for money on Italian dishes.

Alternatively, you could pick up lunch from recommended Munchies Sandwich Bar and head to nearby St. Stephens Green. Here you can picnic away from the bustle of the city and enjoy the quiet company of James Joyce's statue and the park's resident ducks!

Nightlife

As a modern, lively city, Dublin also has plenty of entertainment after dark. Temple Bar is renowned for housing more pubs than even the most seasoned drinker can crawl between but it can be uncomfortably crowded during tourist season and its reputation has pushed up the price of a Guinness. For a cheaper drink, nearby Camden Street is a similarly enjoyable night out and sticking to pints and stout can stretch those Euros still further!

Walking through the streets at night, you're as likely to hear traditional music issuing from the door of a bar as pop tunes and, as late licensing means there is little distinction between pubs and clubs in Ireland, adding music to your evening often comes without the inconvenience of paying entry.

Hard-core clubbers may be tempted to experience the Gaiety Theater which becomes an electronic/dance club at weekends. As it stays open till very late and has five floors of DJs spinning beats, it offers surprising value for money. Just remember to pick a hostel with a late curfew to avoid spending the night on a bridge by the Liffey!

Where to Stay

And when it comes to places to stay, Dublin is packed with good, reasonable accommodation, with the prices at Dublin Hostels ranging from €16 for a dorm bed at Kinlay House, to €23 for a rather swanky private room at the Dublin City Bunkhouse.

It's never a bad idea to check out a variety of Dublin hostel photos before deciding on your bed for the night. But frankly, Kinlay House and Dublin City Bunkhouse make an attractive pair, and are right up there with the very best hostels in Dublin, anyway.

As both hostels are centrally located and Dublin itself is relatively compact, it's possible to explore the whole of the city on foot. Which gives you all the more opportunity to soak up its unique atmosphere and save a little extra cash as you do so!

James Joyce

Anyone familiar with the work of James Joyce will relish a trip to the setting of many of his novels. Dublin is intrinsically linked to the work of the modernist author. One of his most famous books, Ulysses, is set in a day in the life of the city and several tours and guided walks allow travelers to follow in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom.

Travelers can also visit the Martello Tower in Sandycove where the novel opens. Situated eight miles south of Dublin, the tower is now a dedicated Joyce museum.

Alternative Joyce landmarks just around the corner from practically all hostels in Dublin, include the Custom House which is mentioned in the Eumaeus episode of Ulysses, or the General Post Office in O'Connell Street.

Oscar Wilde

Dublin's other famous son Oscar Wilde has also contributed to the city's tourist scene.

A must visit in the city is, of course, the Oscar Wilde House Museum. Supported by the American College, Dublin, Wilde's birthplace is open to visitors throughout the year and has been lovingly resorted to its Georgian grandeur.

In Merrion Square Park towards the south of the city, visitors can find a statue of the author, who once lived at a house on the edge of the traditional square.

Samuel Beckett

Samuel Beckett was born in the Foxrock area of Dublin and is also regarded as one of the city's most revered exports.

The Samuel Beckett Theater at Trinity College is where the playwright's influence is strongest. The campus theater plays host to a series of annual events including the Dublin Fringe Festival, the International Dance Festival and the Dublin Theater Festival.

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin is a must for fans of all three authors. Not only did Wilde and Joyce study at the institution, so did Stephen Dedalus - the main character of Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.

Other famous names to grace the halls of Trinity College include Jonathan Swift and Dracula author Bram Stoker.

The Oscar Wilde Centre for Irish Writing regularly runs events to celebrate the works of the famed author and playwright, as well as the achievements of new and lesser-known

Upon arriving in Dublin airport I hired a car to explore the whole of Southern Ireland.

Dublin is a metropolitan city and it can be very confusing driving through the city of Dublin for the first time as you have to negotiate the one-way traffic systems. On the way to my hotel I noticed a variety of ornate Georgian doors. They are usually crowned with a segmented fanlight and a heavy brass knocker. These doors are very elegant and represent a time of real prosperity in Dublin.

Temple Bar

Once I had found my hotel and had unpacked I visited the cultural quarter of Temple Bar and the shopping areas such as Grafton Street. I sampled a pint of Guinness in an amazing café/restaurant called Café en Seine which had a deceivingly small exterior and an interior that was enormous inside.

The National Museum of Dublin

The next day I went to The National Museum of Dublin, which houses a collection of artefacts dating from the Stone Age to the 20th Century. There were items such as belt buckles that were decorated with traditional Celtic patterns and I was very impressed with the skill of the craftsmanship. Some of the most exquisite items were: -

St. Patrick's Bell - A 12th Century bell housed in a decorative jewelled shrine made of bronze.

Tara Broach - An ornate broach, which dates back to the 8th Century, decorated with gold, filigree and entwined around amber and enamel.

Trinity College

After some refreshment I then proceeded on to Trinity College, which houses the Book of Kells. The famous book is a richly decorated medieval illuminated manuscript created by monks who fled to Kells in 806 AD. Each page contains highly intricate lettering combined with interlacing spirals and symbolism. Within Trinity College is the majestic library called The Long Room, which houses over 200,000 antique texts and a beautiful spiral staircase.

Kilkenny Design Centre

Kilkenny is described as Ireland's loveliest inland city - and I can see why. I walked up the charming, traditional high street with coloured houses, which are a common feature of Southern Ireland.

The Design Centre houses a shop with local craft for sale including jewellery, glass, textile and wood. There was also an exhibition showing work originated from the Kilkenny Design Studios. Within these small studios you are able to see the artists at work.

Waterford

Waterford is Ireland's oldest city and on first sight seems very industrial with many factories. Waterford is of course famous for its crystal and there was a large variety of decorative crystal on display including chandeliers, wine carafes etc.

Cork

I had decided to stay at Lotamore House, an elegant Georgian residence in Cork. I found the place full of character, including rich warm colours, intricate furnishings and exquisite antiques. All the bedrooms were decorated differently and included a flat screen television. I noticed in the living room damask patterned wallpaper, a popular feature of Georgian interiors. The staff were very accommodating and made me a bacon buttie upon request.

Blarney Castle

While in Cork I decided to visit the Blarney Castle. It was built by King Dermot McCarthy in 1446 and its design is typical of a 15th Century tower-house. I climbed right to the top where the legendary Blarney Stone is situated. Kissing the Blarney Stone is a long-standing tradition and is supposed to give the person the gift of talking Blarney - talking with eloquence.

Kinsale

Kinsale is another of Ireland's very pretty towns, with pastel coloured houses and handcrafted shop signs. It is a popular yachting centre and also famous for eating out. While I was walking around I discovered a traditional horse-drawn caravan.

Bantry

I first decided to visit Bantry House, which is a short walk from the bay, but it was unfortunately closed. I had a good look around the large gardens that overlooked the bay and the view of the harbour, Whiddy Island and the Caha Mountains was fantastic. The Italian garden at the back of the house is inspired by the Boboli gardens in Florence and also include the “Staircase to the Sky” - a large stone staircase.

Ring of Kerry

I drove around the Ring of Kerry but I didn't have much luck with the weather. Frequent snow showers and a heavy mist had descended, taking away the chance of taking any inspiring photographs of the hills and coastline. I drove through some charming fishing villages, free from the trappings of commercialisation - this was the real Ireland that I wanted to see.

Glin Castle, Limerick

On the banks of the River Shannon stands the majestic Glin Castle where I was fortunate to stay for the night. It was originally owned by the Knight of Glin and his wife Madam Fitzgerald for over 200 years. It is housed on an estate of 500 acres of dairy farm and parkland. The castle is full of Irish paintings and antique furniture that the patrons have collected over the centuries. Influenced by Robert Adams, the castle takes on a Georgian theme and is luxuriously furnished throughout.

Galway

The final destination on my journey through Southern Ireland was Galway, a lively university city. As I was there for St. Patrick's Day the streets were bustling with people out for a good time.

St. Patrick used the shamrock to symbolize the trinity of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The shamrock has been associated with St. Patrick and Ireland ever since.

My trip to Southern Ireland had been cultural and enlightening and I will not hesitate in returning to explore further the charm of this beautiful country.