My Dublin

Image: Louie Psihoyos/ Science faction/Corbis

Dublin is characterised by the colour green – be it the greenery around the city, the green-clothed leprechauns (one can actually imagine them hiding underneath the leaves), and the green shamrocks.

When I first went there, I was wary of being able to ‘fit in’. But what struck me first was the friendliness of Dubliners. (Just make sure you don’t confuse Ireland with England; many do so and it’s definitely something to avoid!)

Recommendations
My favourite hotel at Dublin is the Shelbourne. Built in 1824, and later restored, it still exudes an old world charm. James Joyce, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century and Dublin icon, used to frequent the place.

For high level meetings, opt for the Burlington, which has the largest conference venue in the city.
Some of the best shops are found on and around Grafton Street. A Waterford Crystal is a must buy.

Tips
The best part of being in Dublin is the ease with which you can get around.

Walking is the best way to explore the city; one can marvel at the exquisite architecture of an abundance of historic buildings, while enjoying a lovely walk. Dublin’s gardens, spread across the city, provide a perfect resting place during the day. Alternatively, one can hop onto a bus for a part of the way to reach destinations quickly.