Dublin, Ireland's capital, is a city steeped in history, but also buzzing with youthful energy, from its gracious Georgian squares and terrace, wide streets and splendid public parks to the intimacy of its pub and cafe life, Dublin is a place where the cosmopolitan and the charming converge in an atmosphere of delightful diversity.

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A thriving cultural centre, celebrated for its great writers- James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Brendan Behan, Sean O'Casey and George Bernard Shaw - and also world-renowned musicians like U2, Sinead O'Connor, Thin Lizzy, The Dubliners and the Chieftains, Dublins past and present abounds with artistic creativity. Here, area and the imagination are living presences in the talk and song of the people echoing through the bars and streets. Dublins attractions are many - two great cathedrals, palatial castles, superb museums and galleries, and Guinness brewery , the lively spirit of Temple Bar - but most importantly, it is the warmth and wit of its people that has never ceased to win the heart of the visitor. Christ Church Cathedral Christ Church Place, Dublin 8

Enjoying the Craic

Dublin's oldest building has exquisite examples of late Norman and early Gothic Architecture. Trinity College Dublin, is famed for its great treasures, including the book of Kells, the books of Durrow and Armagh and early Irish Harp.

Kilmainham Gael, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, this famous prison where the leaders of the 1916 Easter rising were detained, offers guided tours and exhibitions.

The James Joyce Museum Sandycover, Co.Dublin.

The Martello Tower, where James Joyce set the first chapter of ULYSSES, now a museum devoted to his work.

The Guinness Brewery St James, Gate Dublin 8, is an essential stop for any visitor to Dublin. The brewery has a fascinating exhibition on the world of Guinness.

Malahide Castle, both a fortress and private home for almost 800 years, is an interesting hotch potch of architectural styles.

Literary History

Starting at the source of the North West Passage, in Dublin, James Joyce (1892 - 1941), is probably Ireland's most famous literary son. From his self enforced exile in France, Joyce captured beautifully the Dublin of his time, Ulysses and Dubliners and a Portrait of the Artist as a Young man and not forgetting Finnegan's Wake are only some of best known writings.

Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950) who spent his early life in Synge Street, Oscar Wilde (1845 - 1900), whose home is now the American College, are both commemorated today by plaques marking their birthplaces.

Bram Stoker (1847 - 1912), author of Dracula in Marino Crescent and Oliver St.John Gogarty (1878 - 1957) in Stephen's Green. Jonathon Swift (1667 - 1745), author of Gulliver's Travels, was Dean of St.Patrick's Cathedral, where he is buried, Sean Casey (1880 - 1964) author of The Shadow of a Gunman, Juno and the Paycock and The Plough and the Stars, are just teasers for what lies ahead for the literary entusiast, or indeed anyone who wishes to get a true feeling for one element of Dublin and Ireland's history.

Indeed, how would such a diverse city fail to continue its famous literary traditions? Not very easily is the only answer and the likes of James Plunkett's (b.1920 - ) epic Strumpet City (1969), gives a comprehensive picture of Dublin from 1907 - 1914. Flann O'Brien (1911 - 1966), Hugh Leonard (b.1926 - ), Roddy Doyle (b.1958 - ) and Samuel Beckett (1906 - 1989) are all modern examples of Dublin's rich tapestry of writing stars and their styles. This tapestry is not just reflected in their writings. Dublin has developed a more physical celebration of this tapestry in the form The James Joyce Museum for example. The setting for the opening of Joyce's Ulysses, acclaimed as the greatest and most influential novel of the twentieth century, the tower was opened as a museum in 1962 and is devoted to the life and works of Joyce. Amongst the collection at the tower, are letters, photographs, portraits and personal possessions. The James Joyce Museum, Joyce Tower, Sandycove, Co Dublin.

The Dublin Writers Museum, 18 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Tel: 00353 (0)1 8722077, Fax: 00353 (0)1 8722231. This further tribute to Ireland's immense literary heritage, is housed in a magnificently restored 18th Century townhouse. The house has been owned by such illustrious owners as Lords, MPs the Jameson distilling family and the City of Dublin Technical School. Since 1991 however, the Dublin Writers Museum has been located in 18 Parnell Square. The museum holds holds many readings and exhibitions and has a special room devoted to children's literature and is an essential visit for anyone who wants to discover, explore or simply enjoy Dublin's literary history.

Yet, Dublin is only the starting point of the North West Passage and most certainly only the start of the literary history along the route.