Famous for its cultural heritage and charming hospitality, Dublin lies between Howth in the north and the headland of Dalkey to the south on a wide bay. The River Liffey, which flows into the harbor, slices the city in two. Several bridges span the north-south divide, the most famous of which is O'Connell Bridge. Any are a lovely place to stroll and take in the essence of the capital.

Pre-independence Dublin was once the second city of the British Empire, the graceful Georgian architecture and picturesque parks bearing testament to a troubled legacy. Ireland's capital has given the world such renowned literary figures as Yeats, Beckett, Joyce, Shaw, and Wilde. Dubbed a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, Dublin's written tradition stretches back to AD 800 with The Book of Kells, now on permanent exhibition at Trinity College.

Although Dublin sprawls rather than soars, the city center is easily explored on foot, and a convenient transport network takes you wherever you wish to go. Find the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in Dublin.