|
County Dublin
If you’re into golf, there are dozens
of courses to play in the county around Dublin. Nearly a quarter of
Ireland’s golf courses are within an hour’s drive of the capital
city. North Bull Island has two and there are two more in Howth.
Portmarnock Golf Course is the location for many of Ireland’s main
tournaments.
Whilst you are looking at the most
populated county in Ireland, you’re also looking at a load of
interest and fascination. The southern hinterlands are areas of real
beauty. To leave the city behind and drive up into the hills around
Tilbradden Forest is sheer delight and the fact that they are so
close and accessible is a bonus. There are lovely beaches between
the holiday resort of Bray and the port of Dún Laoghaire, together
with a pleasant seafront drive.
Dún Laoghaire is the home of the
James Joyce Tower. A Martello tower that was built to defend the
coast against the threat of Napolean, Joyce stayed here for a while
in 1904. It was featured in Ulysses and now houses an
exhibition of Joyce ephemera. To the north of the Liff ey, there are
more beaches, but the terrain is generally fl atter. While the
beaches are often crowded in summer, they are still thoroughly
enjoyable.
Worth a
look...
Howth Built on a hilly
promontory overlooking Dublin Bay, it’s a charming mix of old and
new. The cliff top walk is spectacular while the harbour is a
delight.
Ireland’s Eye This was
originally a sanctuary where monks lived. The ruins of St Nessan’s
church are still to be seen and there’s also a Martello Tower, built
to thwart Napoleon. The island turned out to be an easy target for
pirates and the monks had to abandon the place. Now it’s a bird
sanctuary and boat trips are available out to it.
Malahide Castle Originally
12th century (but nothing left today), it’s a three-storey house
open to visitors. Lots of beautiful fi ttings, loaned by the
National Gallery, make it a "must see". There is Talbot Botanical
Gardens next door and a super Fry Model Railway, a detailed model of
Dublin City.
|
