www.womanthismonth.com 65 March 2015 DUBLIN Laden with the nostalgia of a 1,000-year history and literary culture, Dublin today is a bustling city filled with the young and hip. The ever-expanding metropolis is located on the east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey, which splits the city into two parts – the more historically rougher north and the touristy south. The terrain is lush and the air carries an uncanny informality that allows you to spend hours in a pub chatting over pints with strangers. From churches, historic buildings and museums to urban shopping havens, cafés and the ubiquitous pubs, there’s a lot to see and do here. Discover the stately houses and elegant parks of Georgian Dublin or take a walk through Temple Bar through quaint taverns, restaurants, shops and art galleries. With its down-to-earth and friendly atmosphere and welcoming and open-hearted people, it’s no surprise the city is one of Europe's top tourist destinations. Take a quick day trip to Glendalough or the 'Valley of Two Lakes' one of Ireland's most prominent monastic sites, nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. GALWAY Often called the most Irish city in Ireland, Galway, on the scenic western cost of the country, is where Celtic culture, music and literature have long thrived. Steeped in history, the place today has a unique, artsy, bohemian yet contemporary vibe. Students make up a quarter of the town’s population. Remnants of the medieval walls lie between shops selling Aran sweaters, handcrafted Claddagh rings and stacks of second-hand and new books. When not having a leisurely walk, you might find yourself at one of the many brightly painted pubs that heave with live music. There are cafés that offer frontrow seats for observing street performers and weekend parties are aplenty. Beyond the food, the legendary brews and the vibrant entertainment scene, Galway is a great headquarters to explore the exceptional scenic beauty the west of Ireland is known for.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==