IRELAND’S TOURISM INDUSTRY has grown steadily for years, reaching record numbers in 2016 with 9.5 million trips to the Emerald Isle. Dublin exudes an independence and quaint allure, from its ancient bridges over the River Liffey to winding cobblestone streets.

Temple Bar Square offers a unique blend of upscale dining, shopping, history and urban flair. The neighborhood, revived in the 1980s as a cultural hub, expands from the south bank of the River Liffey to Dame Street, Trinity College and Fishamble Street.

Residing on more than 40 acres of sprawling green, Trinity College boasts incredible architecture and history. The impressive buildings, dating back to the 1500s, retain one of the finest historic landmarks in the Temple Bar District: Trinity College Library.

Steps from the Trinity College lawn, The Bank on the Green bar and restaurant occupies a beautiful stone building once an Irish bank, maintaining an incredibly ornate décor and serving libations and farm-to-table cuisine. Chefs and servers make use of the bank vault for food service, as a blinking light on the vault door alerts servers when food is ready.

Dame Street runs parallel to the River Liffey through the Temple Bar District, offering sophisticated dining at The Ivy and historic sights such as Dublin Castle and City Hall. A five-minute walk away, Grafton Street, famous for high-end shopping, boasts a picturesque pedestrian walkway.

Encounter Ireland’s rich and rugged history, proudly displayed throughout the city with memorials to countless revolutions, uprising and unifications. Landmarks of Ireland’s revolutionary and literary history make up the bulk of Dublin, melding into the city’s culture and allure.

The Northside and Southside economic/cultural divide is still evident in Dublin, with the River Liffey acting as a border. The recent roadwork in Dublin’s city center ultimately will inch toward closing that divide by offering more accessible and affordable public transportation between the two sides.

To say Dublin is a city bursting at the seams with activity and charm is an understatement. Luckily, this city is easily walkable and brims with idyllic accommodations for visitors.