The National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland was established in the 1860s and has since amassed an impressive collection of art, both Irish and European. Before one even enters the building, it’s hard not to pause a moment to take in its external appearance. The gallery is a traditional, noble-looking stone building on the Merrion Square side, while its Millenium Wing, which one can enter from Clare Street, was built in the Brutalist style and presents an ultramodern appearance to passers-by on that side of the building. Some of the highlights from the collection include Caravaggio’s “The Taking of the Christ”, which was thought to be lost until the 1990s when it was found in a Jesuit building in Dublin, Irish painter William Leech’s “Convent Garden, Brittany c. 1912” and the beautiful, expressionist works of Jack B. Yeats, brother to the renowned poet William B. Yeats.

The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin by Kaihsu Tai

The Chester Beatty Library

This intimate museum is nestled between Dublin Castle and its Coach House. It was established in the year 2000, won “European Museum of the Year” in 2002 and has been described by The Lonely Planet guide as “not just the best museum in Ireland, but one of the best in Europe”. The museum hosts a small, but wonderfully curated collection of manuscripts, ancient texts, prints and drawings and its “Sacred Traditions” section gives a comprehensive and fascinating view of Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. One of the highlights of the collection is one of the first illustrated versions of “The Life of the Prophet”. As well as the permanent collections, the museum hosts interesting temporary exhibitions and has a wonderful little café where you can eat Middle Eastern food as you mull over what you have seen.

Chester Beatty Libary, Dublin, Ireland by Charles Curling

If you are planning on staying in Dublin, once you have organised your accommodation, you should read up on some of the other museums in the city as there really is something for everyone, so you won’t be disappointed during your stay in the capital of the Emerald Isle.

This article was written by travel agent Timothy Smith who organises short term lets Dublin for tourists.

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Old Town harbour at night, Dubrovnik, Croatia by hozinja

There are so many awesome places to visit and fabulous things to do in Croatia that you would never be able to pack them all into one trip. However, while you’re there, don’t miss out on these three outstanding places and activities.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is among the most romantic cities in the world. The southern-most point in Croatia is even more romantic than Paris. It’s surrounded by the clear, beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea. The walls of the city were built in the medieval period. During the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik was bombed heavily from 1991 to 1995. Most of the wreckage has been repaired, but you can still see residual mortar damage and bullet holes in the stone houses. While you’re in Dubrovnik, check out the Bell Tower. Bronze statues on top of the tower strike a gigantic bell on the hour. Rector’s Palace is home to a Croatian historical museum. Placa Stradum, also called Old Town, is in the center of the city. The perpendicular streets are lined with tourist shops and sidewalk cafes. Many of the buildings date back to the mid-1600s. At night, Placa Stradum is filled with people enjoying the pleasant weather and the excitement of the city.

Marina Kremik

After visiting Dubrovnik, go to Marina Kremik for a Croatia yacht charter from “The Split,” which is right in the center of the coastline. You’ll never forget leisurely sailing across the crystal clear Adriatic waters. Marina Kremik sits in a picturesque bay surrounded by vineyards that are hundreds of years old. These are the vineyards that produce the famous Babic wine. Kremik is one of the nicest ports in the entire world. It is well-lit and secure. If you love the sea, you will absolutely love Marina Kremik. The Kornati National Park and Split Airport are only about 30 km from the marina. Kremik has shopping, a seaside restaurant and all the facilities you need to sail around the Adriatic Sea.

Mljet, Croatia by Bruno

The Island of Mljet

The third must-see destination in Croatia is the Island of Mljet, which is famous for world-class SCUBA diving. Mljet has underwater caves, coral reefs and an abundance of unique, exotic sea life. It is home to the largest stony coral reef in the entire Mediterranean Sea. The elongated island is parallel to the Peninsula of Peljesac and directly across the Mljetski Channel, which is only eight km wide. Mljet is very close to Dubrovnik. Some people believe that Mljet is Homer’s fabled island of Ogygia, which was mentioned in his epic tale “The Odyssey.” It is where the goddess Calypso enchanted Odysseus and kept him as her lover for seven years when he traveled home from the Trojan War. There is a cave near Babino Polje that resembles Calypso’s lush hideaway. It is uncertain whether Mljet was Homer’s inspiration, but it is beautiful enough to be a mythical paradise.

Jesse Dugan and his team of expert writers guest blog for sites all over the web in several different categories. Follow him @JesseDugan

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One of the most beautiful buildings in Dunkerque is certainly the local town hall dating from the early 20th century. Amongst others, we can notice the facade of the hero image of Jean Bart and his crew. Hall is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Equally beautiful is the Gothic church of Saint-Eloi. During the Second World War was almost completely destroyed, retained only the front wall. Reconstruction took place at the beginning of this millennium, as a reminder of the horrors of war were left craters in the facade of bullet holes. Church of Saint-Eloi was originally connected with a bell tower, in the late 19th century, these buildings were separated. Now, there is a busy street between them. Even the bell tower is part of UNESCO.

Near the port of Dunkerque is Leughenaer tower, which was originally part of the fortifications. Interesting is also the chapel of Notre Dame des Dunes.

In the port we can visit the Maritime Museum, just opposite is a beautiful ship Duchesse Anne, which is also a popular destination for visitors.

View Dunkerque (Dunkirk) – northern city in France in a larger map

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