Around Dublin, Dublin

Looking over a map of Dublin's transport network, you might think it would be nice to visit Pheonix park for the zoo, the wellington monument and the other attractions - and it has a handy railway station.

nope, sorry. The station is built on the site of the former racecourse and is nothing more than a commuter station stuck out on the N3. Dozens of tourists get caught out every month..it's a long walk from the station - and there are no signposts or clues to help you.

As you are about to step out in the street, remember the cars come from another direction, unless you are from Britain, Australia, New Zealand or other countries that followed the get off the horse on the left side routine.
Dublin has made it easier to remember this because at almost every intersection there is painted on the roadway sign saying... look right...
Follow it carefully.

There has been quite an increase in the amount of beggars / homeless people in Dublin in the past couple of years and they tend to hit the posher or busier parts of town to beg money (makes sense when you think about it!).

I find that some of them are developing more, shall we say, "in-your-face" methods of begging money, for example: sitting under an ATM, standing beside a vending machine with their hand stuck out, walking up and down Dawson st where all the "posh" bars are shaking their little paper cup in front of the people smoking outside looking for change.... not that they ever seem to get much from what I've seen.

You'll also come across beggars in Temple Bar or on the various city bridges.

You'll also see a lot of little traveller kids (gypsies, itinarants) on Grafton st being egged on by their parents to sing in the street to get money.

It's also been known for skangers ("chavs", "white trash") to pretend they're begging for the day and see how much money they can scab off people.

OF COURSE, there are people who have genuine problems and trying to get back on their feet, but don't feel intimidated by the more aggressive sort is what I'm saying here. If you want to do something, donate money to the Simon Community instead.

If you want to go with the bus in Dublin, you need exact the sum it cost. You dont get any change back. Always good to have some coins in euros. If not, ask in the closest shop or pub. They will probably help you. The Irish people are such a friendly people. Never met any bad one yet! I really promise you that you will not have any problems with unfriendly Irish people.

The M50 motorway forms a giant 'C' around the Western side of the city. It was built as a giant-by pass for the city, but now acts as a main arterial route.

It was apparantly named this year as the "World's slowest Motorway". Quite how they came to that conclusion ? I'm notsure, but I'm not doubting it.

This means that if tou plan to use the road during peak hours to get to the Airport or the ferryport at Dun Lagonaire, then you could be in for a shock. The Toll bridge over the Liffey is a particular 'pinch point' and could lead to significant stress if you are racing against time - although the new barrier free tolling should cut this problem down to size.

Allow plenty of extra time, and tune into any Dublin radio station for traffic updates.

This is like every other European capital. Extremely expensive. And as such you should be ready to just accept it and have a good time. Drinks as usual will be more pricey in those areas that seem to cater to the tourists but like everything, if done in moderation, you'll have a great time.

Also, of course, because of the weak dollar to euro it is more expensive than it should be.

Watch out when you get around in Dublin, cause, as in every big city, there are pickpockets!! Especially be very cautious when you get around O' Connel St and Henry Street..it's full of pickpockets but they'll just hit on the unware and distracted people! So don't stand there at the phone box with your bag open you'll get their next victim!

I've been reading through the warnings and I must say that most are complete rubbish. I have walked home from the city centre every night after clubbing. I've never had any hassle. Sure we have junkies and beggars- show me a city that doesn't!
People not doing their research and watching "The quiet man" too many times is the reason that they get into trouble.

Stay away from dodgy parts of town at night (I've never followed my own advice!)

Don't walk around looking like an American (Irish people can spot you a mile off)

Act the way the locals do (DON'T stop abruptly in the middle of Grafton St).

Otherwise, if I, or many other Dubs see people looking lost, we will always stop and ask them if they need directions. We may not be the friendly people out of stereotypical Irish films, but we're not that bad.

As for the Northside/Southside thing- that's an ongoing point of contention among Dubliners and everyone who has been told that the southside is safer has, more than likely, been told so by a southsider.

Apologies for the rant but I don't like to see my city being put down.
If you've any questions, just ask!