The University of Dublin, founded in 1592, is the oldest university in Ireland. Trinity College is the sole constituent college of the University. At present there are over 15,000 students and 1,200 staff members working on the College campus. Standing on a self-contained site in the heart of Dublin, the College covers some 40 acres of cobbled squares and green spaces, around buildings which represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries.

Its sixteen thousand staff and students form a compact academic community and are at the same time an intimate part of the city's life. Dublin offers a particularly congenial atmosphere for students and while small by international standards, it has in all respects the resources of a capital city with a full and varied cultural and intellectual life. The campus is wonderful, with lovely square and amazing buildings. The students are more then happy to stop and take a picture for you to! A must see is the Book of Kells and the Long Library.

Outside Dublin at the shore you can find Dalkey Castle. Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre is housed in the Medieval Goat Castle one of seven original towerhouses 1 of only 2 surviving. A superb example you can climb the ancient battlements for the best views of Dublin the sea and mountains. In the castle you can also glimpse down the original Murder Hole or read about the importance of the town of Dalkey during the middle ages written by Hugh Leonard.

The models and audio visuals will also give you flavour as to how the town developed through the ages from an outport of Dublin up to the Victorian era when Dalkey Quarry provided the granite for the majestic asylum harbour at Dun Laoghaire. In the exhibition you can also find out about Dalkeys famous transport history to travel "on air" with the world acclaimed atmospheric railway or read about the literary greats such as Synge Shaw, Joyce and more contemporary writers who frequent the town. Neighbouring the castle is a quiet early Christian church and graveyard St. Begnets which a stroll around is a magical experience.

There is a historical North-South divide in the city, with the River Liffey marking the divide. The North part of the city has been traditionally working-class while the South has been more affluent. The distinction has mellowed conisderably in recent years, mostly due to the favourable economic conditions of recent times often referred to as the Celtic Tiger.

On the southside of the river, you'll find some of the most important sights (museums, churches, castles and public buildings) concentrated in a relatively small area. At College Green there's the Bank of Ireland and Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university.