Dublin’s irrepressible spirit
By Rick Steves
Tribune Media Services
updated 8:02 a.m. MT, Wed., June 17, 2009
While Ireland’s famed “Celtic Tiger” economy is now more of a sickly kitten these days, the country is still vibrant as can be for travelers. And Dublin offers the best (and many would say only) urban thrills in the Republic of Ireland. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Ireland’s capital.
Trinity College welcomes visitors with student-led tours. With a particularly erudite version of the Emerald Isle’s gift of gab, your guide explains how Ireland’s top university was started in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I to establish a Protestant way of thinking about God. Originally the student body was limited to rich, Protestant males. Now Catholics and women — even Catholic women — are welcome.
While the 30-minute tour will teach you about the architecture and history of Ireland’s most prestigious college campus, it’s most enjoyable simply as a chance to hang out with a witty Irish college kid as he talks about his school.
