Image Name: Art and Nature in Dublin
When you think of Dublin, your mind might conjure up images of historic docklands, redbrick terraced houses, and the calm shallows of UNESCO-listed Biosphere Bay. Your first visit to Dublin may evoke strong emotions as the cityscape seemingly drifts into this wildlife-teeming bay. Dublin, a city you may never have lived in, can still hold a special place in your heart due to its rich history and welcoming atmosphere.
Why Dublin is the European Smart Tourism Capital of 2024
Dublin’s commitment to balancing the needs of people with nature is one of the reasons why it has been named the European Smart Tourism Capital of 2024 by the European Commission. The city has developed new experiences that allow you to explore “what it means to be Irish.” These experiences are designed not only for the millions around the world connected by the Irish diaspora but also for those like you who want to immerse themselves in local life.
Innovative Tourism Experiences
The Dublin Discovery Trails app is an excellent tool for transporting you from the streets of modern-day Dublin to significant events that shaped the city’s history and culture. This app allows you to follow guided tours and hear emotional anecdotes recounted by residents of inner-city tenements. A “Stargate”-style gateway also live broadcasts with New York, allowing users thousands of miles to communicate, connecting Dublin’s rich past to a global audience.
Dublin defeated 30 challengers from 17 nations to win this championship. The city was evaluated on sustainability, accessibility, digitalization, cultural legacy, and originality. The 1,100 residents who provided feedback on a survey helped curate experiences that are meaningful not only to Dublin’s 592,000 citizens but also to its 8.6 million annual visitors.
Historical Ringsend
If you tell Irish people that your family is from Ringsend, their faces might light up with bittersweet historical significance. Ringsend is where Oliver Cromwell landed in 1649, offloading troops for his conquest of Ireland. It’s also from here that millions he drove out fled overseas. The early 2000s saw a significant social and economic shift as tech giants moved into the docklands’ historical industrial landscape, blending modernity with the area’s rich history. Despite these changes, Ringsend retains a strong community spirit, where you can enjoy quick-witted Dubliner chat (craic) in village shops and gastro pubs.
Exploring Dublin with Technology
Using the Dublin Discovery Trails App provides a new viewpoint on exploring the familiar docklands. At designated virtual reality spots, your smartphone blends the real-world perspective with innovative technology that brings historical events to life through animation, audio, and 3D graphics. A 360-degree panorama of the Custom House during the War of Independence (1919-1921) shows steam-powered Guinness barges sailing the River Liffey, soldiers feasting at the Crimean Banquet, and flames ablaze. Along the way, individuals from the past appear to narrate stories about their lives, including the unknown docker’s daughter Maggie Doyle and Captain Bligh, who surveyed Dublin Bay in 1801.
Art and Nature in Dublin
More themed routes are being developed, delving further into the events and personalities that defined Dublin. Anseo (meaning “here” in Irish Gaelic) is an open-air modern art gallery and the first of its kind in Ireland. The walking trail in Dún Laoghaire features 28 commissioned mural artworks that highlight local characters, maritime culture, and nature.
Sandymount Beach, part of the world’s only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a capital city, is merely a 2-kilometer walk from the docklands. Nature is reclaiming derelict port structures, as seen on the 10km return “South Wall” coastal walk to Poolbeg Lighthouse, where bird colonies thrive on abandoned moorings. This walk passes through nature parks and along a seawall that stretches 1km into the water, where you might spot harbor porpoises.
Image Name: Coastal Towns and Local Culture
Sustainable Practices and Scenic Views
Dublin showcases sustainable practices all along its 30km bay. One notable initiative is found in Howth Head, just a 25-minute train ride away. The panoramic view from the top is regarded as “one of the world’s best views” by the late English author HG Wells. On your hike, you might encounter Ireland’s only indigenous and rare Old Irish Goat. These goats, managed by herder Melissa Jeuken and a group of local volunteers called The Goat Squad, are part of a DNA breeding program aimed at preserving the breed and managing the landscape. The goats graze on highly flammable gorse plants, creating firebreaks and preventing wildfires.
Coastal Towns and Local Culture
The gorgeous DART train stops at several coastal communities along the bay, each with its own distinct character. The southern suburb of Dalkey is frequently compared to the Amalfi Coast for its Riviera ambiance and to Hollywood Hills for its celebrity residents. However, the true stars are the seals, who are frequently seen resting on sea cliffs.
The traditional city attractions have also evolved. Croke Park, Ireland’s largest sporting arena, has a wheelchair-accessible bridge that provides a spectacular view of the cityscape from 17 stories above. A guided Skyline Tour of the stadium’s roof perimeter teaches visitors about the Gaelic Games’ cultural significance.
Experiencing Gaelic Games
Irish soccer international Niall Quinn, who played Gaelic sports in his youth, recommends experiencing the spectacle of hurling. This ancient game, deeply rooted in Irish mythology, can draw crowds of up to 80,000. Hurling is not just a sport; it represents a cultural salute to Ireland’s quest for independence. All-Ireland final day is considered even more significant than St. Patrick’s Day by many Irish people.
EPIC Irish Emigration Museum
To learn more about Irish heritage, go to the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum on Custom House Quay. This totally digital museum highlights Irish immigrant stories and the diaspora’s global effect. The museum’s immersive exhibits, interactive games, and multimedia displays chronicle the lives of over 300 emigrants and their descendants. You can meet historical individuals such as Billy the Kid, listen to Bram Stoker’s Dracula speak in your ear, and laugh together with Oscar Wilde and Father Ted.
EPIC is a powerful reaffirmation of identity and a celebration of roots, demonstrating how Irish heritage is intertwined with the history and culture of practically every country. As one visitor put it, “If you’re not Irish, you’ll wish you were.”
Conclusion:
Dublin in 2024 promises a unique blend of historical significance, modern innovation, and sustainable practices. Whether you are exploring the city with the Dublin Discovery Trails App, enjoying the coastal views, or immersing yourself in the cultural significance of the Gaelic Games, Dublin offers an enriching experience that deeply connects you with what it means to be Irish.
