The

St

ts en ud

Guide to Ireland

Table of Contents
Around the Apartments.7 Grocery Shopping.8 Restaurants and Pubs.....10 Shopping...17 Night Life......23 Gay Scene..25 LGBT in Ireland.....26 Travel and Sightseeing...28 Tours...28 Transportation.....30 Daytrip Destinations.......31 Parks......34 Planning Spring Break....38 Where to go....41 Helpful Websites.....45 Maps..46

Authors
Editor Darin Boutet Layout Rachel Salois Photos Jordan Hamilton Maps Ian Davis Writers Patrick Moore Lindsey Lauble Brian Fabiano Professor Julie Moloney

Introduction
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the first edition of The Students Guide to Ireland. Student handbooks and city guides for study abroad programs are traditionally written by the resident staff of those programs. Many of those staff members are far removed from their student years, gave up clubbing and staying in hostels a long time ago, may not be on as tight a budget, and often arent experiencing the location through the eyes of a new visitor. With that in mind, Champlain College Dublin decided to develop a new handbook to introduce their students to the wonders of Dublin and Ireland; a handbook written by and for the students. This document is the first edition of that handbook, researched and written by the students of the WRT 231 course Technical Writing in the Spring 2011 semester under the guidance of faculty member Julie Moloney. This handbook will be distributed to all incoming Champlain College Dublin students, and as a living document will be updated by those students as they gain familiarity and comfort with living in Ireland. Thanks to the students who put in a huge amount of effort in producing this inaugural edition, and thanks to Julie Moloney for guiding the process. Sincerely, Dr. Stephen Robinson Director and Associate Professor Champlain College Dublin May 2011

Around the Apartments

ATMs and Money It is important to pay attention to your money while in Dublin. Due to our different credit card system, most of us need to use cash while studying abroad. ATMs are your best friend, but make sure that they havent been tampered with. There is an ATM right on Thomas Street just up Francis Street from the apartments. The exchange rate fluctuates and you may have to pay international fees depending on your bank. TD Bank has minimal international fees and it is easy to set up an account in Burlington. If you have online banking remember that your account balance is in dollars and not euros. It is easy to take out a 300, but that can be close to $420, it can really add up. A good practice is to check the euro to dollar rate before you take out money. If it seems high, wait a few days because it could go down. Create a budget. During the first few weeks, track your spending. Then figure out where you spend money and budget accordingly. Make sure your bank account can support your spending. Groceries Grocery shopping in Dublin can be daunting whether you are an experienced shopper or regular at the Champlain dining hall. The stores in Dublin are nothing like Vermonts Shaws or Price Chopper. They are much smaller and have less variety but offer mostly everything you need. Another big difference between America and Ireland is the butchers, produce vendors and smaller specialty stores such as a Mediterranean shop on Thomas Street. Dont let this scare you though, meeting butchers and befriending produce vendors is good because they may give you better deals. Customer loyalty is definitely a plus. Another aspect of groceries to consider is dividing up food with your roommates. Some people choose to do individual shopping while others may split it two and two, three and one, or have everyone share food. Each way is very doable but sharing can work out very well if you divvy up who cooks and who cleans. It saves on space in the fridge as well which is a plus because they are not as big as normal fridges.

Create a budget. During the first few weeks, track your spending. Then figure out where you spend money and budget accordingly. Make sure your bank account can support your spending.
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Grocery Stores
Lidl On Thomas Street Lidl is similar to an American grocery store. It has bread, milk, meat, pasta, produce, etc. You can make this your one stop shop and has the basics for a meal. Pasta is usually between 59 and 89 cents. Bread is between 69 cents and 1.19. It is a cheap place to buy your general foods. Explore the store on your first few trips to familiarize yourself with whats available. Tesco On Thomas Street and other locations in Dublin Tesco is a convenient store. It is a chain around Ireland and has general foods like sauces, pasta, peanut butter, and frozen pizzas. It has relatively the same products as a Cumberland Farms in America does. The premade sauces range from 2.00 to 4.00 but they are really good. The Tesco Express on Thomas Street is close by and offers all these necessities. There are also some packaged meats, a small bakery aisle, and spices. It has very basic foods but may be priced higher than Lidl. Tesco can be a good place to go if you are in a hurry and need a cheap frozen pizza to heat up. Marks and Spencer On Henry Street and Grafton Street Marks and Spencer is a hybrid food and clothing store. This is one of the closest stores to an American grocery store you will find in Dublin. They have meat, produce, and pre-made meals that are delicious and easy to prepare. It is a good place to go if you dont feel like making a whole meal from scratch and just want to buy things you just need to heat up. Meath Street Off of Thomas Street Meath Street (off of Thomas Street) is full of butchers and produce vendors. Sometimes it can be more expensive than going to other stores like Lidl and Marks and Spencer, but there are always deals to be found. The meat is often more fresh and sometimes you can watch as they prepare your cuts. The produce is sometimes less fresh but you can usually find peppers, onions, chilies, mushrooms, and of course potatoes. There are several butchers and produce shops on Meath Street so check out the options for the best deals. For example, one butcher may have a deal on chicken while another will be having a sale on other meats. With the produce, always check it thoroughly before you buy it. Look over the fruits and vegetables for blemishes or possible rotting. Recommended on Meath Street are Dunnes Butcher and Fayes which is not on Meath but is very close to the intersection on Thomas Street.

Temple Bar Market Temple Bar The Temple Bar Market happens every Saturday. Vendors sell prepared foods, produce, and other goods such as clothing and jewelry. The prepared food is always delicious. From crepes, to fajitas, to coconut sweet potato soup, to pork, potatoes, and cabbage they are all a great way to start a Saturday. There are a few butchers there but they tend to be more expensive than Meath Street. Pharmacy Items Unlike the United States, you will not find ibuprofen or Tylenol in just any store. In Ireland you have to go to a pharmacy for these items. There are two pharmacies on Thomas Street. One is on the corner of Thomas and Francis close to the apartments and the other is farther down on the left hand side. They also have face wash, since the 2 Euro store does not. 2 Euro Shop On Thomas Street The 2 Euro Shop is the equivalent to a dollar store in America. Most everything in there is 2 or 2 for 3. This is where you can buy shampoo, soap, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, zip lock bags, paper towels, and toilet paper. It is really cheap and close to the apartments so it makes for a quick trip. Spar A few locations on Thomas Street and all over Dublin Spar is another convenient store. It can have a smaller selection than Tesco depending on which one you go to. They have general foods as well such as bread, milk, and premade sandwiches. Spar tends to be a bit pricey and isnt highly recommended for everyday shopping. If you are in a pinch needing milk or pasta and Lidl is closed then Spar is a good choice.

1. Eggs are not refrigerated so do not look for them in a fridge. 2. Chicken fingers are called Chicken Goujons. 3. Ground hamburger is called minced beef. 4. Pickles are called gherkins. 5. Food expires more quickly, so dont buy in bulk.
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Pubs and Restaurants

There are many things to do in Dublin, and you will quickly learn that food is excellent entertainment. Below are a few selected restaurants that offer something unique, whether its different food items, presentation, or atmosphere. While this offers a great insight to some of Dublins great places to dine and drink, dont be afraid to explore new restaurants and pubs in Dublin, this is your semester, enjoy it!

(Price per person)

= Low price, 1-10 Euro = Medium Price 11-20 Euro = High Price 21+ Euro
Queen of Tarts Cows Lane, Dame Street, Dublin 2 Queen of Tarts is one of the best places to get a pastry or cake in Dublin. They offer great lunch and breakfast specials that will make you want to come back. The bakery items are highly recommended as they are all freshly made and packed with flavor that will make you melt. Try the Apple Tart or the Baileys Chocolate Chip Cheesecake if you are looking for a great snack or dessert. Caf Sol Multiple locations, closest to campus, 33 Lower Hatch Street Dublin 2 Good selection of sandwiches, soups, and premade salads. Sandwiches can be had for as little as 2.75, great for a quick meal between classes, as it is 5 minutes away from campus. Dont forget to try the muffins and soups while you are there! Gerrards 4 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2 Slightly fresher than Caf Sol if you want a custom sandwich, with the freshness comes a little more price, at around 5.00 for a good sandwich. Gerrards does have what they call the Fiver Deal, which is a cold sandwich, chips, and water for 5.00. Gerrards offers a selection of sandwiches, soups, bakery items, and hot meal choices for those a little hardier.

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Pablo Picante 131 Baggot Street, Dublin 2 Offers a selection of well-wrapped burritos for those wanting something more than a sandwich. These burritos are quite large and full of flavor with fresh ingredients that you will want to come back; slightly further away than Gerrards or Caf Sol, but well worth the walk if you want a massive burrito for a low price. Picante offers a Beefy Barbacoa filled with lime rice, shredded beef, cheese, and a well-proportioned amount of beans, all for 5.95. This burrito weighs over a pound and will keep you full for a day of classes. Artizan 5 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2 Artizan is another upscale version of Caf Sol that offers a very delectable selection of sandwiches, soups and salads. This is a cut above Caf Sol and on par with Gerrards for pricing and quality. Artizan is unique for their create your own salad. They offer a selection of salad items and the price is based on weight. All of the salad items are well prepared; try a variety and figure out what type of salad you are! Bagel Factory Multiple Locations, Closest to campus, 103a Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2 Think bagels are just for breakfast? Well forget that, because the bagel factory offers a selection of fresh made bagels that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a snack. The menu is diverse and offers interesting bagel sandwiches that will be certain to fix your hunger and be delicious at the same time. The All-Day Eggworks is a great sandwich packed with egg, bacon, sausage, portabella mushroom, and tomato on your choice of bagel. Its inexpensive and they offer a selection of fresh smoothies and juices to go with your food item. Check out the other unique combinations and be surprised what you can put on a bagel! Leo Burdocks Multiple Locations, Closest to apartments, 2 Werburgh Street, Dublin 2 Claiming to have the best fish and chips in Ireland, they could very well be right. For 8.95 you get a large piece of fish and more chips than one person can really handle. They offer a variety of cod, haddock, and other fish types in addition to a variety of sauces including a garlic dipping sauce that is a must have. It is a small hole in the wall take out place, but gets plenty of business from the locals and tourists alike. If you want a good meal to take home and eat, Leo Burdocks is your best bet. Low price for the amount of food you get, and if you got a hankering for fish, Leo can help you out. 11

P. Borza Thomas Street, Dublin 2 Perhaps the closest place to the apartments to buy food, and certainly the cheapest. This is a new opening in the spring of 2011 so its still getting its feet on the ground, but so far its been a success. You can get six chicken wings for around 3.60. Look for the specials of the day, sometimes you can get a huge portion of fries and the six wings for 4.50. Other fare includes fish and chips, burgers, and some hot sandwiches. I would liken it to an Irish McDonalds, as its fast, cheap and offer Irish fare in addition to typical fast food. P. Borza wont blow your mind but the food does have flavor, and for the price it cannot be beaten, try it out. Mongolian Barbecue 7 Anglesea Street, Dublin 2 This restaurant is great for dinner or lunch. Their lunch special is one bowl with as much beef, chicken, pork, seafood, vegetables, spices and sauces as you can pack in. All for 5 euro. For this you also get a bowl of rice and a pitcher of water. How it works, you take a bowl from the counter and start filling it with whatever you want to eat. Everything from Beef to broccoli, chicken to onions, the barbeque has it all. They offer a wide variety of sauces to poor over your selection as well as a vast quantity of spices as well. After you fill your bowl with as much as you want, you hand it off to the cook and they barbeque it, Mongolian style, right in front of you. Super fresh and fast, how delicious it is depends on you! Dinner allows multiple bowls and more options for 19.95. This is a must hit if you have some time to sit and enjoy the well-designed and comfortable interior. Recommended for lunch or dinner, but lunch is the best deal in town. (Lunch) (Dinner) Tom Kennedys Thomas Street, Dublin 2 Close to home and full of fun, Tom Kennedys is great place to drink and be social. Most of the crowd is older Irish men who have been coming there for years. They will welcome you in with open arms as long as you are friendly and outgoing. Pints are priced competitively, but to break the Champlain Bubble come here and enjoy the fun. On Fridays they start karaoke, which can be very entertaining. Older gentlemen who have no business singing will get up and sing songs you have never heard of. Can be a great time, but make sure to be respectful of them and their pub. Good place to start being a regular if you are looking for something like that.

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Porterhouse Multiple Locations, Closest to Apartments, 16 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 Porterhouse is a must hit for anyone who enjoys a good pint and live music in addition to delicious fare. Walk in and enjoy four floors of comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere and after 7pm on the weekends, 11pm on weekdays there is a live music. Theme is variable, but traditional Irish is popular. As for food and drink Porterhouse is quality. The Porterhouse is primarily a brewing agent. Two brews to try, the Fruli, aimed at the ladies is a strawberry flavored beer that will tantalize your taste buds. Another beer, more for gents is the Brainblaster. This strong ale is full flavored and goes well with a meal or alone. Fare at Porterhouse is just as good as the brews. The burgers are large and cooked to perfection with grade A ingredients. The bangers and mash is a recommendation as well. Offers spiced sausages, fresh potato mash, and onion gravy over the top served in a popover-like bread bowl. The whole meal is loaded with flavor and highly recommended. If you are not too full from the meal, try some dessert too! All of the choices will yield satisfaction, but if you like chocolate try the brownie with ice cream. The ice cream is homemade and creamy, and the brownie is one of the best I have ever had. Porterhouse is highly recommended as it does everything well, food, drinks, atmosphere, and entertainment. 13

The Pale High Street, Dublin 2 One of the more widely known pubs by Champlain students, it offers a load of American based sports and activities. The Superbowl is shown late at night here and there are typically parties of a varying nature for other sport events. Sometimes other football games and basketball games are shown on the screens and the drinks are fairly cheap. Enjoy a good conversation over a pint, watch a game anything goes at the Pale. Please note some students ran into problems with the Pale giving back incorrect change after buying a couple drinks. If you go, count your change. Bakers Thomas Street, Dublin 2 Bakers is a great pub with a great clientele. Go to Bakers before six to enjoy a good selection of classic pub food including burgers, fish and chips, Guinness Stew and more. Pints are competitive and the addition of food and friendly staff will make the trip worthwhile. Typically there is a sports game of some nature on the screens, and dont be bashful to make conversation with the locals. Bakers has a great atmosphere that you can sit and eat, drink and chat all evening and not realize it. Highly recommended for their crispy fish and chips, guaranteed to fill even the hungriest people. Marks and Spencer Dine In Henry Street Or Grafton Street Marks and Spencer offers a series of delicious and balanced meals for purchase. These meals are offered in the refrigerated section of Marks and Spencer, and have lots to offer. You get an entre, two sides, and an appetizer of some kind for 12.50. This meal is geared for two people and promises to fill you up (and if anything leave leftovers for the next day.) These meals give full instructions on how to prepare them and it typically takes about 40 minutes using just your oven and some careful timing. Go for the Indian or Chinese if you want the best packaged meal youve ever had, and for the price for two eating in it cannot be beat.

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Ciao Bella Roma 24 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 Craving good Italian food? Well look no further than Bella Roma. They offer a great selection of Italian dishes like pastas, pizza, and the like. Bella Roma is somewhat difficult to notice, as its not very well advertised in the front, but once found its a goldmine for all things Italian. I was told that when the Italians come to Dublin to visit they all stop in to see those in charge at Bella Roma for a taste of home, so its got to be good right? Very right. Glancing over the menu is daunting because of the vast assortment of choices, but you can be sure anything you pick will be good in some way. The waiters and waitresses are very nice, and it may just have been me, they all seemed to be Italian themselves. To start your meal off and give you a taste before you get your meal try the fried mozzarella. These are not mozzarella sticks; they are slices of real mozzarella cheese fried with spices and herbs. Talk about melt in your mouth deliciousness. For dinner try a pizza because this is one of very few places in Dublin that allows take home boxes. The pizzas were well proportioned, fresh, and full of flavor. Create your own or select a special its up to you, but you cannot really go wrong. For the best pizza and pasta at a reasonable price try Bella Roma. Eddie Rockets Multiple Locations, Closest to apartments, 77 Dame Street, Dublin 2 Eddie Rockets is for those that miss a nice greasy burger and fries. They offer a selection of Burgers, sandwiches, and other diner food that is common is the U.S. Drink menu offers something for everyone from American Soda (rubbish), to delicious milkshakes. Employees wear classic diner outfits from the 1950s; and the addition of red cushy booths and an unhealthy amount of neon lighting completes the mood. Sit at the counter or a booth and pick something from their extensive menu. Burgers, though not seemingly good, are quite delicious. Full of flavor and packed with fixings, they certainly would beat out most diner burgers in the U.S. Food is relatively cheap, and is a good place to come with some friends and get a kick out of the attempt at American culture. Highly recommended, the smokestack and cheese fries. Top it all off with an aero bar milkshake and you have a good dinner for the homesick. (Substitute chocolate or vanilla for Aero bar for maximum home sickness reduction)

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Salamanca 1 Saint Andrews Street, Dublin 2 Salamanca is for those that want something different in their diet. First and foremost, Salamanca is a tapas bar. This means you buy a bunch of dishes and sample a little bit of each. Get a gang together and go, as this will maximize the tasting of each dish. This restaurant offers a variety of choice for all palates, and will please anyone. It is more upscale so dont get caught wearing just jeans and a t-shirt. The quiet atmosphere is not quite as fun as Porterhouse, but if you have a group of friends who want to do something different Salamanca is your place. Food is the best you can get in town, and the price is slightly reflective of that. Dont forget to try some good wine or champagne while there!

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Shopping

As soon as you arrive in Dublin,

youll notice that its a very fashionable city. Ladies walk down the sidewalk in teetering heels and the men here seem to have a much better grip on understanding how to buy a pair of well -fitting jeans than some guys I know back home. If youre looking to upgrade your wardrobe while youre here, Henry and Grafton Street might be where you want to head first. They are both pedestrian streets that are bustling with shoppers, buskers, and sight seers whenever the stores are open.
That being said, most of the stores youll pass on the major shopping streets are high quality, but not high creativity. You may find that youre paying a steep price to look the same as everyone else. If so, take the time to explore the side streets just beyond Grafton, and stumble upon the lesser-known stores which tend to be more diverse.

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Henry Street
Located on the north side of the Liffey, and about 15 minutes from the apartments, Henry Street is a pedestrian area with plenty of department stores and clothing shops. Youll find a few shops you recognize from home, like H&M, but while youre there, you might as well check out some less-familiar equivalents, like Pennys, River Island, and Dunnes.
Champion Sports 1 Henry Street, Dublin 1 If youre looking for a football jersey, Frisbee, or soccer ball before you head over to Phoenix Park, stop in to Champion Sports for some reasonably priced sports equipment. Many students choose to start going to the gym or working out while in Dublin. If you need some athletic clothes while here, Champion Sports will definitely be a helpful store. Dunnes 34 Henry St, Dublin 1 There are three Dunnes stores on Henry Street, but the one closest to the Spire is the one you want, because it has the best selection of young womens and mens clothes. Dunnes is a department store with very reasonable prices. Its a great place to buy basics like sweatshirts and tank tops. JD Sports Mary Street, Dublin 1 Head to JD if you are looking for some sportier trends. Like any sports apparel store, the new arrivals are quite pricey, so look on the offers racks to get a deal. Its definitely the place to go for trendy sneakers or jerseys. Marks & Spencer Ilac Centre, Henry St, Dublin 1 (also on Grafton Street) This is a great department store for men to find some classic items like sweaters, jeans, and button-down shirts. Prices are a bit higher than other department stores, but if you strike out in the clothing department, you can always head down to the grocery store on the basement level and stock up on some luxury snacks. Office 6 Henry Street Its not hard to find shoe stores in Dublin, but Office is a cool shoe store for both men and women. Theyve got a wide variety of sneakers and dress shoes in their tiny shop, and theres usually as many shoes on the sale rack as there are at full price.

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Pennys 41 Henry St, Dublin 1 A crowded but cheap superstore with the latest trends. Great for buying knockoffs, like 2 Euro fake Uggs. Dont go there to buy a comfortable pair of shoes, but do go for a cheap pair of sunglasses. Guys especially, If youre a fan of vintage Batman, Superman, and other superhero apparel and sarcastic underwear, Pennies is all you need to revamp your wardrobe.

River Island 12 Henry St, Dublin 1 An ultra-fashionable clothing, shoes, and accessories store for men and women. Its the perfect place to find Friday night outfits at mid-range prices. River Island follows the latest trends, but has higher-quality garments that will probably last longer than Pennys clothes. If youre interested buying anything from a cardigan to a Batman belt buckle, you can probably find it here.

Top Shop 1 Henry St, Dublin 1 This store is a maze of high-priced, high-fashion clothing, shoes, and make-up. Its not the type of place youll want to go shopping at every weekend, but its fun to check out once or twice.

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Grafton Street
Grafton Street is set between Temple Bar, Trinity College, and St. Stephens Green, making it an easy place to visit on the weekends or on the way home from class. It has similar stores to Henry Street, but you can also find some more unique shops on the streets surrounding the pedestrian area. The best way to enjoy Grafton is to grab a cup of coffee and wander through the crowds and buskers in search of the most interesting shops on the surrounding streets. Theres also a mall at the top of Grafton street, which you can check out if youre looking for some stores similar to what you might find in America.
Avoca 11-13 Suffolk St, Dublin 2 If you want to find the perfect souvenir for your sister, mom or grandmother, try Avoca. It has five floors of kitchen goods, clothing and accessories, bath products, and food on the top and bottom levels. The atmosphere is friendly and its a fun store to poke around in to see what wacky or cute items you can find. Accessorize 38 Grafton St, Dublin 2 As the name implies, Accessorize is the store to find headbands, purses, jewelry, and more. Picture Claires for a college-age crowd. The prices are mid-range and the quality of the merchandise seems to be slightly higher than stores with similar products. Carousel 20 Exchequer St, Dublin 2 If you want to buy a fun dress while in Dublin, Carousel should be the first shop you head to. With a generous selection of vintage and second hand dresses at reasonable prices, Carousel is a colorful store for Saturday afternoon browsing. Muji 5 Chatham St, Dublin 2 You might not notice Muji (off of Grafton Street) unless you were looking for it, but its a great store to pick up any travel items that you may need for spring break or for practical items you forgot at home, like a toothbrush holder or a good pair of scissors.

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Oxfam 52 South King Street There are several Oxfam stores in Dublin, including Oxfam Books in Temple Bar, but the Oxfam located off Grafton Street is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. Oxfam is a nonprofit organization that helps craftspeople in impoverished countries sell their goods with fair-trade practices. Oxfam stores can vary widely, but this one has some great gift items, like ceramics, scarves, jewelry, and toys that all do their part to prevent poverty. Powerscourt Mall 59 William St, Dublin 2 This unique shopping mall is located just a block away from Grafton Street, but its a quiet relief from the bustle outside. With creaky wooden floors and dainty shops, Powerscourt is the place to shop for some craft supplies (check out This Is Knit), fun housewares, or unique gifts. There are also several reasonably-priced cafes and restaurants inside with excellent food. TK Maxx St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre, Grafton Street, Dublin 2 Once you arrive in the Augustine Apartments, you may find that your room is lacking some baking and cooking-wear, like mixing bowls or cookie sheets that you feel you cant live without for the semester. Like TJ Maxx in the US, TK Maxx is the store to find inexpensive house ware items, and while youre there you can also check out the discounted clothing and shoes for girls and guys.

Shopping isnt just for the ladies in Dublin. Lads, here are some options for you!
Diesel Outlet A decently priced store, especially considering how expensive Diesel apparel normally is. A good place to look if youd like to get a good deal on otherwise expensive clothing. Or try...D Man, Brand Central, Aqua, Quiksilver, Bertoni, Best Menswear, Diffney, Motion Picture Gents, and Unique.

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Unique Shopping Experiences Flea Market 12 Newmarket, Dublin 8 On the last Sunday of every month, the Dublin Co-op hosts a flea market from 11 am to 5 pm. Check it out for wild and weird clothing, knick knacks, jewelry, books, and more that could make unique souvenirs. Youll find some yard sale-looking booths with used items, as well as some vendors handmade crafts. Theres also a few stalls selling homemade snacks, breakfast foods, and delicious smoothies if you make your way to the main room of the indoor flea market. Howth Market Located at the Harbor, just outside the train station If youre looking to get out of the city hubbub and do some quieter shopping an strolling, check out the farmers market in Howth on Sundays. Theyve got similar food vendors to the market in Temple Bar, plus plenty of artists selling their crafts and vendors with used books and antiques. Its a cheap afternoon trip (the train ticket is 4.40 Euro return,) especially if you have parents or visitors who want to see the greener, more scenic Ireland. You can buy souvenirs such as candles, pottery, and jewelry made by real Irish artists, as well as buy a lunch and eat out on the beach. Read more at www.irishfarmersmarkets.ie/howth.html.

For any major purchases you make in Dublin, be sure to ask for a VAT tax-free receipt at the register. You can return your receipts in the Dublin airport on the way home and receive the VAT tax (16 to 21% of the price) back in the last 60 days of your visit.

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Night Life

Dublin is a city that stays alive day and night. Youll see that the sidewalks in Temple Bar and Trinity College area are just as crowded at midnight as they are at noon. If you go out on a Friday or Saturday night, youll find that most pubs in clubs are standing room onlyexpect them to be loud and crowded. If youre looking for a more relaxed night out, Thursday or another weeknight might be better. You wont have a hard time finding pubs and clubs in Dublin, but here are a few suggestions of places to start on your first nights out.

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Cobblestone 77 King Street North, Smithfield, Dublin 7 For a night of conversation and music with friends, the Cobblestone is the perfect low-key pub. There are trad musicians set up in front to provide some pleasant background noise. Its quiet enough that youll probably be able to find an open table without waiting and order your drink without shouting at the bartender. Porterhouse 16-18 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 Porterhouse, located in Temple Bar (as well as other locations throughout Dublin) is a great place to start a night out. Live music and some Dublin-brewed beers make Porterhouse a friendly pub to get acquainted with Irish night life. It can get crowded, especially when the music gets started, but you can usually find a table on one of its three floors if you search around a bit. Unlike most places, this is not the pub to order a Guinness or Smithwicks; instead, try some of the Porterhouse originals like Porterhouse Plain (a Guinness equivalent) or Fruli (a strawberry beer.) Messrs McGuire OConnell Bridge, Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 Also, if you get tired of Porterhouse, you can walk slightly farther to Messrs McGuire, which has a similar vibe and overlooks the Liffey. They, too, have an in-house brewery and several floors of seating, including the Old Library Bar upstairs and the Brewery Bar in the basement. Peadar Kearneys Dame Street, Dublin 2 You can head to Peadar Kearneys (64 Dame Street, Dublin 2) a two-floor pub with music on the ground level, and then a lounge with pong tables downstairs, where you can chill with friends or strike up a conversation with the bartender. The drinks are moderately priced, and the basement is a great place to visit if youre missing those Burlington house parties and want that relaxed, yet rowdy atmosphere. Purty Kitchen 35-37 Essex Street East Dublin 2 Purty Kitchen is definitely the club to bring the night home. Located in Temple Bar, Purty Kitchen is everything youll need if youre feeling high energy at 1 am. With a band on the ground floor and a DJ (and dancing) and the second and third floor, youll definitely be able to get your groove on here. There is a cover charge if you arrive after 11, but its definitely a must-visit club while youre here. As an added bonus, its only a short walk back to the apartment when youre ready to leave, so you and your friends should be able to make it home safely.

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Or if youre not into the trad sessions at CobblestoneTry This!

The Thomas House 86 Thomas Street Dublin 8 This small pub and music venue located on Thomas Street offers a great night time activity. The music that is played is skacore, punk, and psychobilly. The atmosphere inside is great; there's loud music, cold pints, and plenty of people to talk to. Definitely visit this place if you are into the genre of music played here.

Gay Scene
The George 89 South Great George Street, Dublin 2 The George is one of the most popular and famous gay bars in Dublin. Every night, the building turns into a roaring night club with good music, nice staff, and everything you need for a good time. Shirleys Bingo Sundays is a funny variety show that is held at the George every week, hosted by the TV Star Shirley Temple Bar. You can also enjoy a live Jazz band that will play while you enjoy some free tea, compliments of the band. Friday nights are especially busy and the club is the main focus. Another fun show to attend is their weekly SaturGay Karaoke Drag show. It hard to find better entertainment than flamboyantly dressed drag queens lip syncing 90s pop songs. No cover before 11:00pm, after 11 a cover of 5-12 could be charged; this varies depending on what show is on. Check their website www.thegeorge.ie for admission fees. Pantibar 7 Capel Street, Dublin 1 A bar in Dublins City center, very close to Henry St. Pantibar is an extremely unique spot; it puts on the one of the widest variety of shows one can find in a single, small venue. All sorts of acts, ranging from cabaret to drag to burlesques shows, can be found here; they even have a stand up/improvisation night on Mondays at 9. Pantibar is a great destination for a classy, relaxing evening. Fees vary depending on the entertainment that night. Go to www.pantibar.com to get a detailed list of their weekly happenings as well as fees.

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The Front Lounge/The Back Lounge 33 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 The first thing one notices about this bar is that it has two entrances. One is the entrance to The Front Lounge and on the opposite side is the entrance to The Back Lounge; this bar goes straight through the center of a building, connecting the two seemingly separate entrances in the middle. Located in Temple Bar, just across the street from the Belong 2 main offices and less than a ten minute walk from the apartments. There are also plenty of great places around the area to get some good food after a night at the pub. Very nice atmosphere, but It can get very crowded so arrive early!

LGBT Community in Dublin

BeLonG To 13 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 With tolerance on the rise in Ireland, the LGBT Youth in Dublin require a safe space to go so they can be themselves and meet other members of the LGBT community. BeLonG To is an organization that was founded on the basis of this public need. It provides LGBT services for youth ages 14-23 through a variety of different meetings and workshops to educate and build support for youth in Ireland. Ladybirds A female identified peoples group for the younger crowd. Some socializing occurs over tea and coffee before the meeting starts and you get down to business. Though sometimes they just have the craic! Over 18s A group that is only for Belong 2 members over the age of 18. Due to the young age of many members of Belong 2, there is much that cannot be discussed in the other groups. This group is to give support for the more adult aspects of the LGBTQQAI community. Individuality The trans* group held at the Belong 2 offices. A great mix of trans* folk attend these meetings and they focus on the trials of being a member of the trans* community. It is an excellent support group for anyone who is questioning their own gender or for advice/support on their gender identity. Sunday Group (Location changes to 105 Capel - Outhouse) This meeting occurs at the caf on Capel St. It is a youth group held on Sundays at 3pm (time may change). Workshops for younger members happen here that can range from gay rights in Ireland to special drama workshops that the Belong 2 staff hire out for! This group is a lot of fun and is a wonderful place for youth to go relax on a lazy Sunday.

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Outhouse 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1 Outhouse is a community resource center located on Capel Street, very close to Henry St. It also provides several meeting spaces as well as workshops in order for members of the LGBT community to reach out and find one another. This center is more focused on the adult crowd in Dublin, but I would still encourage checking it out, they have some great resources and groups! Caf Located on Capel St. (roughly a 15 minute walk from St. Augustine). It is a great, LGBTQQAI friendly place to go for a coffee, to do homework, or to just relax. Library Upstairs there is a FANTASTIC literary selection. Everything from memoirs to poetry to fiction can be found on their shelves. Definitely worth checking out! Womens Group One of the many groups offered at the center. This particular session is for female identified people specifically and is a great way to meet some older women in the community.

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Travel and Sightseeing in Dublin and Beyond

Brewery and Distillery Tours

Breweries, distilleries, and pubs are part of Irish culture and are big attractions to visitors. Some of the biggest attractions are the breweries and pubs. I recommend the brewery tours so you can learn how the beer made and where it comes from. The two tours in Dublin are the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery.
Guinness Storehouse St. James gate The Guinness Storehouse is one of the most well known destinations in Ireland. It is a staple of Dublin tourism and is even close to the apartments. It is just about a block after Lidl on Thomas Street. The Storehouse is mostly about how Guinness is made and where the ingredients come from. However, dont expect a tour, as it is more of a museum rather then a brewery tour. I was disappointed that the Storehouse did not include the live production of the beer. However, the Gravity Bar at the top of the storehouse gives an amazing 360 degree view of Dublin and the Wicklow mountains on a clear day. 11 Euro with Student discount Rating 3/5

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Jameson Distillery 7 Bow Street You will learn how Irish whiskey is made and see the history of Jameson as a part of the Old Distillery guided tour. The lucky ones will be chosen to be a whiskey taster where at the end of the tour you get to sample three different types of whiskey in addition to your free Jameson drink of preference. You will sample an Irish whiskey (Jameson), a Scotch Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label), and an American whiskey (Jack Daniels). As this is a tour through their old distillery, do not expect to see the production line. The gift shop has a good selection of Jameson souvenirs that you might want to send home. The gift shop also has special blends of Jameson that you cannot find anywhere else. Although they are pricey, it would be the perfect gift for a father or grandfather who is a whiskey connoisseur. 11 Euro with Student Discount Rating 4/5 Smithwicks Brewery Parliament Street, Kilkenny The Smithwicks Brewery is a must-see stop destination in Kilkenny. On this tour you will learn the history of Smithwicks and see the beer being brewed and the factory in operation if you go on a weekday. The tour includes a free pint at the end in their cellar bar. The guide will pour the beer in a way that maximizes the flavor. You wont have a better Smithwicks anywhere else. 10 Euro Rating 5/5

Backpackers Pub Crawl This pub crawl meets at the Trinity College gates and will take you to four or five different pubs around the city. This is a great activity to do towards the beginning of the semester because you will see different pubs and find out which ones you like. Its a great way to meet people and the tour guides are cool. It starts at 8 and you shouldnt expect to get back until late. As part of the 10 euro fee you will get access to drink specials and a couple free shots as well as entry into a club. 10 Euro Find out more and book online at backpackerspubcrawl.com

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Public Transportation
Using the Rails LUAS The LUAS is a train line that is a great way to get around Dublin. There are two lines, the red line and the green line. The green line begins at St. Stephens Green and the red line follows the River Liffey on the North side. You can possibly use the LUAS is to reach The O2 Arena at The Point or The Dundrum Shopping Centre outside the city. DART The train system in the Dublin area is called the DART. Using this train system you can reach the small towns just outside of the city if you need to get some fresh air and see some countryside. The cost of a return ticket is about 5 euros a person. The nearest station to the apartments is the Tara Street Station which is along the river heading east. Tara Street Station This is a stop along the DART and commuter rail so you will use this stations for areas around Dublin. It is on Georges Quay in Dublin 2, along the Liffey. Irish Rail The Irish Rail is the train system that you will use when you want to travel outside of Dublin. You can travel to most places around Ireland like Sligo, Cork, Kilkenny, or Westport. Tickets are usually booked beforehand and the ticket prices vary. Connolly Station Connolly is the biggest rail station in Dublin and you can access the DART and the Irish Rail from this station. This station goes to destinations north of Dublin. This station is north of the river in Dublin 1. Heuston Station This is a large Irish Rail station that is close to the apartments. The Irish Rail destinations tend to go north from this location. It is located in Dublin 8 along the river Liffey.

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Patricks Daytrip Destinations

Howth Howth is a beautiful fishing community. The day I went started with beautiful weather, but while we were there a squall came off of the ocean and completely surprised us with some intense winds and rainfall. You might want to check the weather and bring a raincoat before heading up there. The real appeal of this community is being able to walk around the hillside trails on the far side of the town. There are trails going through this area in many different directions and we recommend picking one at random and taking it. You never know what you might find. Bray/Greystones The hike between Bray and Greystones is one of my favorite memories of studying abroad. You start in Bray and as you walk south along the beach you find a trail that can take you to Greystones which is another seaside community. You might see some trails that take you up the hills along the way and it is recommended that you take these trails as you make your way south. I ran into a horse farm and this giant cross on my hike. It made me feel like I was either in Lord of the Rings or on a religious pilgrimage of some sort. This daytrip will definitely take up the entire afternoon, so pack a lunch.

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Malahide Malahide is a very small rural community that you can access using the DART. There is not much in the town, but there are a few nice mom and pop shops. I bought myself a nice blazer at a store here and while it was still an investment, it was far cheaper than anything I found in Dublin. The main attraction is Malahide Castle and the surrounding grounds. It is recommended that you go on a nice day. The day I went it rained the entire time so I could not enjoy the grounds as much as I would have liked. The castle was more of the palace type, so dont go expecting some castle ruins. If you are into the palace type of castle, then you will find this interesting, which is what I prefer. Kilkenny- To get to Kilkenny you need to take the Irish Rail system. The tickets are more expensive than the DART or the LUAS because the trains go further throughout the country. A round trip ticket will set you back about 30 euro unless you are able to get a deal on tickets. There is a lot to do in Kilkenny so it is completely worth it. The town itself is beautiful. It still has plenty of shops and things to do. There is Kilkenny Castle which features a tour that will cost you a couple euro to go on and there is also a tea room where you can get a breakfast croissant and some tea. There is also the Smithwicks Brewery tour which is really incredible and worth visiting. Across the street from the brewery is the Rothe House which is an old house that has been kept up throughout the centuries. You can see old swords and tools and some clothing there. If you go during the spring, you can see the gardens that are apparently very pretty, but I sadly went in the winter when everything was bare. There are two beautiful old churches to see in Kilkenny. St. Canices Cathedral was built in the 13th century. There is a fee to enter and it closes its doors around 4:00 so if you want to visit then it is recommended that you go earlier in the day. St Marys Cathedral is free to enter and has an interesting history. It was built during the Famine to create jobs for the community. It was funded by the Smithwick family and that really shows how important the brewery is to the communitys history. It is also possible to walk outside the city and see some country roads which can be a nice way to spend the time between when all of the tourist activities close before your train leaves.

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Above: Kilkenny Castle

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Parks

Dublin's parks are a relaxing break from busy city life. Each park has something different to offer, whether it is sports, gardens, or just a place to sit down. Some of these are close to the city center and you may be surprised to see whats behind the gates.

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Croke Park The headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), this is Dublin's principal stadium located on the north side, 15 minutes from O'Connell Street. It holds 82,000 fans who go to see mostly Gaelic football and hurling. Soccer and rugby are also played here, but not very often. Tickets are usually cheap, around 15, and can be purchased online through Ticketmaster. When attending a game here, be sure to look up what entrance to use for your ticket before the game. Otherwise, you might go to the wrong gate and have to walk around to the correct gate, missing valuable game time. Also, make sure to check the weather because some seats in the stadium are not under cover. One final note, alcohol cannot be brought into the stadium and you cannot sit in your seat with an alcoholic drink. Irish National War Memorial Park The location of the Irish National War Memorial Gardens is across the river Liffey from Phoenix Park, and is dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in WWI. The gardens here are beautiful with columns and a sunken rose garden that is full of roses in the spring and summertime. Be sure to visit here to have a pleasant picnic on the grass or a relaxing sit on the plethora of benches. Merrion Square Park One of Dublin's finest surviving squares, this park is just two streets northeast of St. Stephen's Green. It is home to many beautiful flowerbeds and statues. A notable statue here is of a relaxed looking Oscar Wilde sitting on a rock and it is the only colored statue in Dublin. On sunny days, this is a great alternative to St. Stephen's Green because it is less packed and close to the academic center. Phoenix Park Found in the west of the city, this is the largest park in the city center of Dublin. Its 1,750 acres include many different sports fields, monuments, an old fort, a small lake, and two residences. The residences are where the president of Ireland and the United States Ambassador live. Note that it is the best and closest park to play Ultimate Frisbee in. Overall, if there is a sport that you want to play, you will most likely be able to do so here. Also, be sure to find the ice cream truck that drives around the park for a refreshing treat. Renting Bikes The Phoenix Park Bike Hire facility located on Chesterfield Ave, left of the gate as you enter the park, is a great way to explore. They offer single or tandem bikes that start at 5 and 10 an hour respectively. With prices so cheap, it is convenient to rent a bike for a few hours to see the entire park or to explore the city. Further information can be found at their website http://www.phoenixparkbikehire.com/index.html.

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Dublin Zoo The third oldest zoo in the world, its 59 acres are located on the north side of Phoenix Park. There is a wide variety of animals here, like rhinos, giraffes, and monkeys, most of which can be seen at other zoos. But, if you want to spend the day walking outdoors in the nice weather, visit this zoo. Admission prices are 14 and their business hours can be found on their website, www.dublinzoo.ie.

St. Stephens Green One of the more popular green spaces in the city, this is the park you will pass going to the Academic Center. Its 22 acres offer many statues, a garden for the blind, a pond, and water fountains. Also, it provides a shortcut to Grafton Street from the Academic Center. During the day, it is the perfect place to relax between classes or have a picnic. Note that this isn't the type of park to play sports and that the Garda will harass/ fine you for doing so. Also, expect there to be a lot of people here on sunny days. OTHER PARKS The parks listed in this section are generally not as popular because of their location. However, do not let this deter you from visiting them, as some contain awesome features and things to do. Blackhall Green A 10-minute walk northwest of the St. Augustine Apartments, this small green has just one playing field for soccer and two tennis courts. Brickfields Park Mainly a sports field, this 27-acre park features two soccer fields, a tennis court, and a well-used playground. It is located on the South side of Dublin, just southwest of the St. Augustine Apartments. Be sure to visit here to see the Dublin based BluebellMaryland football club's matches. amonn Ceannt Park Named after one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, this 42-acre park features a multitude of athletic facilities. It is located on the south side of Dublin, near Mt. Argus Park. It contains a sports field with a cycling/running track, basketball court, tennis courts, and two soccer fields. Mount Argus Park Connected to Mount Argus Parish, this small park does not offer many activities. It is located on the south side of Dublin near amonn Ceannt Park It is a lovely place to sit by the small pond or in the open field and relax.

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Herbert Park Located in Dublin 4, this park consists of 32 acres of space with a perimeter that's almost exactly one mile, making it a popular route for joggers and walkers. The park itself is split into two halves by a road, also called Herbert Park. The smaller, northern half contains a bowling green for the sport of Bowls (very similar to Bocce and Ptanque), a children's playground, and multiple tennis courts. The larger, southern half includes a formal garden, a large duck pond that is also home to carp, and multiple soccer fields. .North Bull Island A beautiful nature reserve and bird sanctuary just north of Dublin, this 5 km long island is a popular walking and recreational area for Dubliners. It is easily reached by taking the DART to Raheny. Recreational activities here include walking, golfing, kite surfing in the shallow water, kite sandboarding along the beach, and cycling around the island. St Anne's Park Formerly owned by members of the Guinness family, this 250-acre park is located just north of Dublin's city center. It is easily reached by taking the DART to Raheny. The park consists of multiple playing fields, tennis courts, and gardens. In addition, on the park's eastern edge, there are multiple BMX trails amongst the trees. Be sure to stop by this park on your way to North Bull Island.

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Planning Spring Break

Living in Ireland offers a fantastic gateway to traveling throughout the rest of Europe. Now that you have arrived in Dublin, its important to start thinking about the places you want to go outside Europe for fall or spring break, Easter holiday or even just a weekend trip. (Of course, as long as the weekend trips are not on a reserved weekend.) Flights One of the most important things about planning your trips is booking your flights early in advance. Even for destinations as close as London, there is the risk of paying a fortune if booking within even a month of the trip. Losing money because of the exchange rate is bad enough; this is an opportunity to easily save some quid. Aer Lingus and Ryan Air are two of the most popular budget airlines and both should be compared for each trip. Often times, the tax of these flights is much more than the fare, so buying at off-peak times such as mid-week and early morning may be tax-free.

Decide if you want to check a bag. Often times, this will be an unnecessary expense for even a weeklong trip. This means you have to watch your liquids and sharp objects to avoid getting thoroughly searched in airport security. Leave extra space in your bag if you are an extreme shopper.

Caution- Be sure of your arrival airport.

Sometimes budget airlines fly to small airports outside the city and the cheap flight will be canceled out by the expensive transportation to and from the airport. Add the cost of transportation to the airport to the total cost of your flight.

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Places to Stay Hostels in Europe are surprisingly affordable and a safe hotel alternative. One of the primary differences between a hostel and a hotel is the aspect of shared accommodation. You may find yourself sleeping in a room with strangers, however they are usually other students in the same boat. Although each hostel is different, they usually have a common area, kitchen, bathroom and a combination of shared and private bedrooms. It is always worth looking into a private room, even if it costs slightly more for the insurance that your things are safe. Make sure the shared room has a place to lock up belongings. Whether a hostel has lockers, breakfast, computers, or a towel should be listed on the website. Dont assume that your hostel has something, unless it is listed on your online reservation website. Hostels are usually the most inexpensive way to travel, but there are many hotels available as well. Often times these dont offer the opportunity to meet other travelers. Be careful with cheap hotels, as they dont cater to student travelers and wont provide the assistance you may need on your trip. Whichever you choose will depend mostly on what you are looking for.

You dont want to end up with lumpy beds and dirty bathrooms. Make sure you read reviews on Hostelbookers, Google or other relevant websites. In addition, map the location of the hostel or hotel and make sure is close to places you want to see.

Food Eating can be a very costly in an unfamiliar city, especially if restaurants are your every meal. Usually, hotels or hostels can recommend a nearby grocery store and you can easily prepare food in the kitchen if there is one available. However, restaurants are part of the traveling experience, so be sure not to miss out! You already know where to find inexpensive food in Dublin. Therefore, pack enough snacks to last you a few days on your trip. Anything bought in a familiar Dublin grocery store is likely to cost less than places in a tourist center or your destination. Not to mention the space in your bag used for the food you brought will allow some extra space for souvenirs on the way home after you eat it!

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Many of the large cities have an overwhelming amount of restaurants, to the point where it can be difficult to choose. Use the menus posted outside or a travel guide to find something interesting, new and within your price range. Do you know what dim sum is? I didnt. But it was fun to try anyway! (It is small portions of Chinese foo, similar to the Spanish Tapas in case you were wondering.)

If your hotel or hostel serves a breakfast in the morning, take advantage of this! Its usually nothing amazing and served early but it can save you from buying a meal. Rough night? Just go back to bed after!
Getting Around Trains or subways are one of the best ways to get around unfamiliar areas. Cities without trains will have bus systems like Dublin. Even though they may be slightly intimidating and complicated, they can save significant amounts of money. Cabs are unpredictable cost-wise and dont typically make sense unless you have a large group to share the cost, while an airport express bus or train will make more sense with a smaller group. Whether you are staying in a large city or a smaller town, public transportation can be your friend or your enemy. Most of the time it works out great, however it doesnt if you are at the wrong station. If you are trying to make a flight, bus or train, make sure you have a plan B if possible.

Get directions from your arrival destination to the place you are staying, before your trip by printing out a Google Map. This will save you from frustration of getting lost as soon as you arrive.
Have Fun After your first trip outside Ireland, things will get much easier. There will be aspects of your trip that work very well and aspects that dont. Its best to learn from your previous mistakes, dont be discouraged and plan another trip for the future!

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Finding a Place to Go
Take out a map of Europe; close your eyes and point. This is the best way to choose a destination for your trip; there are so many options. Europe has an assortment of tourist destinations, so almost anywhere you choose will be manageable!

Research and More Research

Champlain students have enjoyed many different destinations, experiencing much of the major cities all over Europe. Typically, there is much more to do in the cities, while the smaller areas are better for a day trip. This is a matter of opinion, but regardless it is useful to know what to expect at each place before you arrive. Research will help you plan how long you should stay at a particular destination and not waste time. Being bored in Nice, France because you already covered the city twice is equally as discouraging as not planning enough time to see everything in Barcelona.

Check out the next page for some tips and suggestions from other Champlain students!

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What We Found
Do I tip the cab driver? Should I expect everyone to know English? These are questions you may not think of until you are trying to communicate with a cab driver the cost of a ride in France. These are what some real Champ students wish they knew about their destination before they left. We surveyed students who traveled during spring break of the Spring 2011 semester.

ed exploring rtugal I lov Po e h I learned th round. I wis a e. re going ther nguage befo la

France I wish I knew more about

the small culture differences like whether or not you need to tip in a restaurant.

Italy Wish I had known th e lack of English everywhe re and that N aple is a better day trip and not to s/Pompeii stay for a couple nights.

Berlin, Germany

I wish I knew more about things to do in Berlin and that the Reichstag would be closed, as well.

n more, t wish I had know Portugal I do no by everything we ed being surprised I lik stumbled on.

Marse i Italy I wish I had known that knew lle, Fra nce how d I wis there isn't much to do in Alghero in could i the off-season and that not many 've go rty the city h I ne som was s o people there speak English. ewher e else I .

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that I would Slovenia I wished out Slovehave known more ab that everyone nia. All I knew was , but it was a said it was beautiful in parts, but Barcelona, Spain I wish I had bit industrial looking known more of what you should see. We didn't know much about ll very safe sti Barcelona and
where to go. Also how mu ch food and such was going to cost.

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Helpful Websites
Dublin 2600 This is Dublin's local chapter of 2600, the hacker quarterly magazine. They hold meetings on the first Friday of every month to discuss technology and socialize. Meetings are open to everyone, from beginners to technology gurus, and are a great opportunity to break the Champlain bubble. The general agenda, even though the meetings have no agenda, is to meet at Tower Records on Wicklow Street and then to head to another location for food, drinks, and a chat. Their website is http://dublin.2600.ie/. Yelp.com This website hosts local searches for a plethora of restaurants and stores, as well as reviews of them. It is very simple to use. You just visit the site, enter what you want and where you are, and it will populate the screen with possible matches and suggestions. This website is very helpful if you are on a budget, as it will tell you the average price of an establishment. Also, be sure to look at the reviews of restaurants before you visit them, so you will not end up wasting your money on bad food. Citydeals.ie Groupon CityDeal is one of those deal-of-the-day discount websites for stores and activities located in your city of choice. Once you choose a city, like Dublin, you click on the daily deals button and it will show you an offer. If you remember to regularly check this website out daily, you will save precious money on some things you would normally do/buy, as well experience some new things. Definitely add this website to your normal daily browsing routine. livingsocial.com Living Social is another deal-of-the-day website that offers discounts on nearby restaurants, spas, sporting events, hotels, and other local attractions. This website has a social networking aspect to it, in which you share a deal that you found with a few friends. If you get enough friends to buy, you could get that deal free. It is recommended that you register your email address and location so the website can send the deals directly to your email, making sure that you will not miss anything.

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Downtown Dublin

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Downtown Dublin

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Around the Apartments

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