Dublin: A great buzz, a good laugh

There are a host of attractions on offer in Dublin – some are fixed and others are movable feasts. Among the temporary exhibitions on show are Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures, which is on display until July 24 at the Royal Dublin Society in Ballsbridge Dublin 4. The exhbition allows visitors the chance to experience ‘first hand’ the moment that archaeologist Howard Carter entered the treasure-laden burial chambers of Egypt’s most famous Pharaoh, Tutankhamun.

Not bored of the dance
Then there’s the Dublin Dance Festival from May 13 to 28 at the Dublin City Centre and the Skerries Traditional Music Weekend from May 13 to 15. The Dance Festival presents the best contemporary dance the world has to offer, with a focus on Asian choreographers. The Skerries Weekend is for Ireland’s leading exponents of tradtional dance and music, at a variety of venues.

Guinness anyone?
Dublin is Guinness’ spiritual home and the best place in the world to sup its most famous export. Learn how to pull a perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse. Then enjoy a drink in its dazzling 360-degree bar which affords knockout city views. Guinness’ advertising hall of fame is well worth a look as it includes commercials that date back to 1929.

History of the bog people
History buffs should swing by the free National Museum of Ireland, where standout exhibits include two 2000-year-old bog people, who were preserved in bogs until they were discovered in 2003. Historians believe the bodies were sacrificed to the gods of fertility to guarantee a good harvest.

Drinking your tipple
Drop in at boozers such as Hogan’s on George Street and the spruced up Whelan’s on Wexford Street, famed for its live music and late bar. Stop for a cheeky pint at Dublin’s oldest boozer, the Brazen Head, founded in 1198, which offers traditional Irish music every night of the week.

Factfile

When to go: anytime.

Getting there: fly direct to Dublin with Ryanair and Aer Lingus.

Currency: Euro,

1 GBP = 1.19 EUR.

Getting around: Dublin is easily explorable on foot.

Going out: a beer is £3.50.

Accommodation: shared dorms from £10, private rooms from £17.

See: visitdublin.com