Cruise destination Dublin Ireland

 Dublin, Ireland has a lot going for it as a cruise destination. There are landmark buildings, lots of history, and museums housing great works of art. There are pubs, cafes and restaurants to support Dublin's reputation as one of Europe's leading party towns. Most of the major attractions are in the city center, which is very walkable. Moreover, the city center is not very far from where the cruise ships dock.

Admittedly, the facilities for cruise ships are not that great. The ships berth in what is essentially a cargo area. However, the port plans to build a cruise terminal and until it is completed the existing facilities are no worse than those in many other European ports.

I find Dublin to be a romantic city. Perhaps it is because despite centuries of struggle, conflict, and defeat, hope for a better future has continued throughout the course of its history. Indeed, even now with the disastrous end of the Celtic Tiger economic boom, people seem to carry on in a relaxed, good-natured way. Of course, the presence of a large number of young people in Dublin feeds this hope for the future and adds to the city's vibrancy.

Dublin, and Ireland in general, is not that easy for foreigners to understand. It is far more complicated than it is portrayed on television and in the movies. There are conflicts arising out of the centuries of British rule. There are religious conflicts. There are class conflicts. There are issues concerning the role of the church and there are issues related to Ireland's role in the European Union. While it has been said that there are 40 shades of green in the Irish countryside, there are just as many shades of gray around all of these issues.

All of this makes Dublin a fascinating place to visit. You can accept what you see on the surface and have a very nice time in the city looking at its architecture or enjoying a pub. Or you can peal back the layers and try to understand what you see on a deeper level. What makes Ireland especially interesting is that there is always another layer.

Beyondships' coverage of Dublin begins with an overview page that provides some essential information about the city and which presents a concise summary of Dublin's story. It is at: http://www.beyondships3.com/ireland-dublin-overview.html

Next, we have a photo guide showing many of Dublin's attractions. http://www.beyondships3.com/ireland-dublin-attractions.html

We also have a page on the Dublin cruise port. http://www.beyondships3.com/ireland-dublin-cruise-port.html

There are also two photo-illustrated articles that go into more depth about two of Dublin's most popular places to visit. The first is about Dublin Castle, a palace built by the British that has been preserved and which is still used by the Irish government. http://www.beyondships3.com/ireland-dublin-castle.html

The second is about visiting the splendid Powerscout Estate and Gardens not far outside of Dublin City. http://www.beyondships3.com/ireland-powerscourt.html