Dublin is famous for its pubs, but why not go direct to the source for that pint? The Guinness Storehouse makes the nation’s most popular product: ale. The Storehouse is part of the original brewery which dates back 250 years. It has seven floors of exhibits devoted to the black brew; the tour ends with a pint in the Gravity Bar overlooking the city.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

At the pubs you can sing Dublin’s most famous song, “Cockles and Mussels,” about fishmonger Molly Malone. Better yet, visit the bronze statue of Dublin’s most famous maiden as she sells her wares on Grafton Street. Molly Malone wasn’t just a legend; she was a real person who died in a cholera outbreak.

Molly’s statue is across the street from Trinity College, so now is a good time to visit the Book of Kells in the Old Library. The Book of Kells features ornately decorated pages of the Four Gospels in Latin. Trinity College is an important historic site, having been founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Famous students include Samuel Beckett and Oliver Goldsmith.

Next stop is a visit to Ireland’s largest church and national cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, named in honor of the country’s patron saint. The parish church dates back to 1191 and was named a cathedral in 1224. It stands next to the well where it is said St. Patrick baptized converts on a visit. One of Ireland’s most famous satirists, Jonathan Swift who wrote “Gulliver’s Travels,” was dean of the cathedral beginning in 1713.

End your list of the top five things to do in Dublin with a visit to Dublin Castle, built in the early 13th century and is some of the city’s oldest surviving architecture. See remains of an earlier Viking fortress on the grounds. Today, the castle is used for state functions and is the swearing-in place for Irish presidents.

View Five Things to do in Dublin Ireland in a larger map

The post Five Things to do in Dublin | Ireland appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Bea y Fredi

Belfast is situated on the east coast of Northern Ireland, in the shadow of the mountain range, including Cavehill, which is believed to inspire Jonathan Swift in his famous novel Gulliver’s Travels. Thanks to its location, which is an important place in the mouth of the River Lagan, the city became ideal for shipbuilding in the 19th and 20th centuries. This is a sector that certainly made Belfast famous worldwide as the gigantic cruise ship Titanic was carefully constructed here in the shipyard Harland and Wolff in 1912.

Historical economic success of Belfast is also reflected in the massive, remarkable and impressive buildings, which return us to the era when this city was at the forefront of industrial growth of Britain and Ireland. Belfast architecture has an entirely different appearance in comparison with other cities on the island. The top sights of Belfast include the popular clock tower – Albert Memorial Clock situated at Queen’s Square or wonderful City Hall built in Baroque Revival style.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by William Murphy

The attractiveness of Belfast, however, definitely does not end with its appearance. It is a city full of energy and a paradise for lovers of culture, gastronomy and music. Discover the Queen’s Quarter that is home to the largest university in Ireland. It is full of young people who enjoy student life. Belfast features the vast spaces that are just created for spectacular festivals. The city is well known for its legendary party spirit and atmosphere.

It is also one of the most exciting places where you can dine outside the home, with an impressive and talented young chefs in highly valued restaurants, which in any season stimulates your appetite. It would be a mistake not to mention that Belfast has also its own song. It was sang by Boney M., a world known euro disco band created by German record producer Frank Farian. I am sure you know it!

View Belfast – the birth place of Titanic Ireland in a larger map

The post Belfast – the birth place of Titanic | Northern Ireland, United Kingdom appeared first on Best of European Union.