The illuminated work was composed by Monks in 800 AD and is arguably the most famous Celtic manuscript. Named after the Abbey in Kells that housed the manuscript for centuries, the 340 folio work was given to Trinity College in the 17th Century. It was bound in four volumes in 1953 and now resides on permanent display at the Old library.

To get to the illuminated manuscripts, you must enter through Fellow’s Square. There is normally a long line at the entrance and an admission fee of 9 Euros for Adults, 8 Euros for Students and Senior Citizens, and free tickets for children under 12.

The first room past the entrance is dimly lit and framed by warm dark wood. It has large panels entitled, “Turning Darkness into Light,” explaining how the book was made. Only four pages from two volumes are ever displayed at once. The current illuminated pages on display are from the Gospel of St. Luke and Folios on the entombment of the body of Jesus. Text pages are from the Gospel of Saint John. The volumes are under glass, and many visitors will anxiously crowd around to peer at the elaborate lettering and gilded illustrations.

The Book of Armagh is another early manuscript housed in the library. Written mainly in Latin in the 9th century AD, many believed in was produced by Saint Patrick himself. Actually, it was written in part by a scribe named Ferdomnach of Armagh, for a member of Saint Patrick’s family. This book is also very special to the Irish people, and the current pages on display are from the Revelation of Saint John.

The final Celtic Tomb in the collection is the Codex Usserianus Primus, written in Irish. It has been badly damaged and discolored over the years, but it retains its grandeur as the oldest surviving Irish Manuscript.

To leave the Book of Kells exhibit, visitors must walk upstairs through the Long Room. It is more akin to walking through a time machine than onto another floor: The Long room is majestic and antiquated. It is 65 meters long with over 200,000 works of some of the library’s oldest books. The shelves reach two stories high, with exhibitions of beautiful botanical illustrations under glass. Marble busts line the hall, in tribute to great writers and philosophers of the past. The overall experience in the room is reverential and impressive.

Although hassles such as a relatively high admission fee, lines and a predominant gift shop at the entrance may cause a minor annoyance, the Book of Kells and the Long Room are definitely worth a visit during your next trip to Dublin.

Top 5 Dublin Hotels near Trinity College:

• Hotel The Lombard – Townhouse – Double room from €64
• Hotel  O’Donoghue’s – Guesthouse – Double room from €90
• Holiday Inn Dublin City Center – 3-Star Hotel – Double room from €75
• Hotel The Westin Dublin – 5-Star Hotel – Double room from €179
• Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane – 4-Star Hotel – Double room from €199

Photo of Book of Kells design by Psd

Bram Stoker who wrote Dracula hailed from here and the Irish people have been celebrating All Hallows’ Eve in various forms since the days of the Celts and it is thought that the Jack o’ Lantern originates from Ireland. Enough about the history! –you might be saying. What can you actually do here during the Halloween season?

Here are a few of the best activities for the year 2009:

• Halloween Festival and Parade

The Halloween Festival and Parade is a carnival-style parade arranged by the Dublin City Council which starts at 7:00pm and consists of people dressing up with a spectacular conclusion of lights and sounds. Also (very) suitable for children – but they’ll have to be on their feet for quite some time so rest up well beforehand.

• Lillie’s Bordello Halloween Night

Lillie’s Bordello is one of Dublin’s most well-known and well-to-do nightclub (scrap that, it is Dublin’s most well-known and well-to-do nightclub), and their annual themed Halloween is well worth going to, with the guests expected to don Halloween costumes. With Bordello’s exquisite decor and stellar reputation, it should be a night to remember. Particularly attractive even to those who hate Halloween is the vast drink menu, which contains a wide range of Cocktails, Wines, and Beers.

• Hidden Dublin Halloween Walks

You’ll be transported from the City Centre of Dublin in a bus to the site of the Hellfire Club, a largely gutted old ruin where a clique of 18th Century big-wigs decided to form a society where all sorts of pagan, blasphemous rituals were said to have took place. Many people have reported a sense of unease and strange things are said to have been seen there – including, by old accounts, an actual visitation of the devil himself. The package is complete with a guide who’ll provide information and historical snippets about the history behind the Club. It’s strictly for adults only, of course.

• The Pavilion Theatre -The Old Dark House

Showing from the 29th and 30th of October, at the Pavilion Theatre near the Harbour, is a dark comedy titled “The Old Dark House” where five travellers seek refuge in a lonely part of Wales and get taken in by a rather bizarre family. The initial running of this was so successful that it was completely sold-out. It’ll likely equate to a fun evening out. Discretion is advised though as it’s not particularly suitable for the nippers.

Top 5 Dublin Hotels to stay during the Halloween Season

• Hotel Merrion Hall – 4-star hotel in the Embassy District – €109
• Shelton Park Hotel – 3-star hotel 15 min away from the city center – €55
• Hotel Lansdowne – 3-star hotel in the heart of Georgian Dublin – €69
• The Castle Hotel – 3-star hotel in Dublin city center – €99
• Schoolhouse Hotel – 4-star hotel housed in a former parochial school – €134

Photo of Halloween celebrations in Smithfield Square, Dublin, Ireland, by djcult

• Air France US recommends a trip to Marseille, France, for the city’s great food, wine and weather.

• Adrian Reynolds found a good Persian restaurant in Milan, Italy.

• Krishna De tweets about the Celtic Music Festival that will take place 22-29 August in Dublin, Ireland.

• The Spot of Main is looking for volunteers for this weekend’s Bellevue Strawberry Festival.

Each year there are free celebrations across the city, with a special focus on Merrion Square. The central point of the city hosts a fun fair, puppets and circus acts during this year’s Saint Patrick’s Festival, which runs from March 12th to 17th.

Laughs

The Republic of Ireland has been voting on the funniest up-and-coming comedians this year, to give visitors a taste of true Irish humour during St Patrick’s Festival. Plan a trip to the Laughter Lounge between March 12th and 14th for the Best of the Fest to see the top five comedians perform. The Best of the Fest shows are on for three nights only in Eden Quay in the city centre.

Ceilidh

The can-can kicks, line-dances and straight upper body movements made famous by Riverdance group in the Eurovision song contest in 1994 will be on show at St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin. Sean Keane and The Irish Scattering take on the mantle to close the celebrations at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on March 17th. The musicians and dancers perform some of the best known Irish songs and there are readings from celebrated Irish authors. Admission to the event starts from €18, so book a seat early.

Parade

Five days after the night show in the city centre kicks off the celebrations, the St Patrick’s Festival parade of people in costume, marching bands and floats takes to the streets. Expect thousands of spectators, revelling in Irish stout and the fun-filled atmosphere. The parade has been described as an “unmissable” part of the event, so scope out a good vantage point early, preferably near the pub.

Guinness

Temple Bar area will be packed throughout the festival as punters queue for pints of the black stuff in historic drinking houses and sample Irish food traditionally eaten around St Paddy’s Day: local bacon and cabbage. If this does not appeal there is plenty of dark stout to try, including Guinness, which should come served with the symbol of Ireland – the shamrock – imprinted on top.

Language

Once the Irish were ostracised for their strong accent by foreigners, this year the Gaelic language celebrated around the city as part of the festival with a Gaelspraoi series of songs, dance and performances. Gaelic is more widely spoken in the south of the country and remains a compulsory subject in state-funded schools. Useful phrases for St Patrick’s Festival would be: what’s the craic (what’s up), conas ata tatu (how are you) and pogue mahone (kiss my a**).

Cost

Festival-goers should reserve early and brace themselves for increases in the cost of accommodation. Expect to pay €3 for a coffee, an average of €6.88 for a take-out meal and €1,300 for a luxury two-bedroom apartment for the month on a normal day, according to the Mercer price indicator.

Photo of St. Patrick’s parade in Dublin, Ireland by  infomatique

• Dublin for kids

Planning a family trip to Ireland? In this travel blog post, Beth lists the 5 best kids attractions in Dublin including Imaginosity, The Ark, Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo and Chester Beatty Library.

• Attractions for Kids in Paris

Planning a family vacation in France? Milafel reviews 5 Paris attractions for children including the Eiffel Tower, the kid-friendly Cité des Sciences de Paris La Vilette,  Centre Georges Pompidou,  a Seine River cruise and Disneyland Paris.

• What to Bring  when Traveling with Kids

In this blog post on what to bring when traveling with a baby, Shabana gives great packing tips and provides a checklist of children’s clothing, first aid box, travel gears and baby toys.

• Tips for Flying with Children

Traveling by air with a young child can carry with it some extra challenges. Amy gives 5 useful tips for flying with preschoolers and how to deal with new airline regulations and security lines.

• Child Friendly resorts in Andalusia

Looking for a kid-friendly accommodation in Marbella or another beach resort in the South of Spain? Check out some of our best family friendly hotels in Andalusia including Atalaya Park Hotel in Estepona, Alanda Club in Marbella and Envia Hotel in Vícar.

Photo of  by  JadedJulia

1. Visit Trinity College

Once considered the learning ground for wealthy Protestants (at one time, attending the university could have led to excommunication by the Pope) Trinity College is now Ireland premiere university. It’s worth visiting the lush well-kempt grounds for an afternoon walk and for a glimpse at the famous Book of Kells, ensconced in the main university library.

2. Eat at Rick’s Burgers

Although cheeseburgers aren’t a traditional Irish staple, they certainly are tasty! Located on Dame Street, the burgers at Rick’s are juicy, delicious and freshly made for each customer. Queues start forming at night when the Temple Bar crowd passes through.

3. Go Shopping

There are number of ways to satisfy your desire to shop in Dublin. Visit Dundrum Shopping Centre; it’s the newest and largest shopping centre in the city boasts a number of well known brands: H&M, Topshop, etcetera. When the completed, it is set to be the largest shopping centre in Europe. If you are looking for antiques, the antique quarter on Francis Street was created in 2003 and boasts a number of rare furniture pieces and curiosities for those seeking something vintage. In the Temple Bar area, cheeky adult stores and punk clothing shops dot the streets. When you are weary of all the clothes and accessories, the best bet is to head to a bookstore, which range in size from the independent stores in each neighborhood to the gigantic British import, Waterstones.

4. Take part in a literary pub crawl

James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Mary Lavin, Oscar Wilde, Paula Meehan and William Butler Yeats are some of the most acclaimed writers of the English language and all of them happen to be Irish. In order to soak up some of Dublin’s cultural heritage, a literary pub crawl can be a fun and enlightening experience. Two actors will lead you through four pubs, acting out various excerpts from the renowned author’s works.

5. Visit an art gallery or museum

State art galleries and museums are all free in Dublin. The National Gallery in Merrion Square, The Hugh Lane Gallery in Parnell Square, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art in the old Royal Hospital, Kilmainham are among the largest art collections. The National Museum of Archaeology and History, Decorative Arts, and Natural History are spread around the city.

Photo of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, originally posted by cortomaltese

Feeling broken hearted? Brave New Travelers recommends 5 trips to help you move on after a break up, from exploring the roads of North Africa to having fun with your best friend in Amsterdam.

Traveling around Europe and looking for “high Culture on a low budget“? Do not miss the London’s British Museum and the Rath Museum in Geneva, Switzerland…

… And check out these free Paris museums too: Musée Cernuschi (Paris 8th), Musée de la Vie Romantique (Paris 9th) and Musée Zadkine (Paris 6th).

Looking for a cool destination for your next vacation? According to Concierge.com, Tel Aviv, Israel, is the # 1  holiday spot for 2009.

You might imagine something like the beautiful Corrs or you might favour something along the lines of the slightly less aesthetically pleasing to the eye The Pogues. Either way there’s going to be violins, guitars, drums and great voices, but what you really need is a good bar to do it all in. There’s obviously no shortage but to come up with a list is nigh on impossible. Here are just a few of the best bars for a sing along on the island.

The Pavilion Bar – Cork

Located in the Huguenot area of the city just off the rather commonly named Patrick Street, Pavilion Bar is an all out music and drinking experience. Not only are there live acts almost every night of the week, but there’s a bit of comedy sometimes too, a great bar full of great drinks, and a late licence for the place to turn into a nightclub. There’s a really interesting mixture of live acts, from the cool and up and coming likes of Fionn Regan to people you might not have heard of unless you live in Cork.  Not only will it be your traditional Irish songs, but bands playing all brass, singer songwriters and even a wee bit of ska thrown in there for da craic. Well worth a look.

Jagger’s Common Room – Dungannon

Head up to Northern Ireland for some of the most up to date contemporary Irish live music at the fairly new (since 2005) Jagger’s Common Room. You might not find the likes of The Chieftains plugging in their harps in this place but you will find some of the coolest new live music from all different styles, from indie to ska to blues and to rock. There’s also a great opportunity for you yourselves to get up and in front of the mike, as Sundays are Unplugged nights, where you can show the room why you’re as good as any of those on The X Factor. Worth a look if you’re not too fussed about tradition.

Eamonn Doran’s – Dublin

If you want to go straight for the jugulars, so to speak, look no further than this place. Like many of the bars and pubs in Dublin, especially around the Temple Bar area, you will find a mixture of ‘real’ establishments and then those out to get the Americans in their doors and spending their travellers cheques. Eamonn Doran’s live music bar is the real McCoy but isn’t just exclusive for locals. It’s a great place to not only have a few quiet drinks with mates but also get to witness some amazing Irish music played with the rawness and drunkenss you’d expect. It’s got everything you could want, from great pints of the black stuff to plenty of cool people watching cool music and even a pizza place inside to satisfy that hunger when it kicks in. Not to be missed.

Photo of Irish band playing live music in Cork originally posted by Txapulin

San Francisco

Recommended by: Federica, 30, information architect
I just got back from San Francisco where I went on honeymoon with my husband Luca (also a Venere.com employee). San Fransisco is my favorite city because every area is so different from the next one. I especially liked Fisherman’s Wharf with its excellent sea food.
Tip: Have San Francisco clam chowder, enjoy!

Copenhagen

Recommended by: Simone, 34, software developer
I love Copenhagen! I like the fact that its landscapes are flat, I like the bicycle traffic and the absence of sky scrapers. I especially like Danish Museum of Art & Design. Copenhagen has a high quality of life and excellent food and yummy salmon.
Tip: The city center is a must-see.

Pienza, Tuscany

Recommended by: Mascha, 27, junior SEO
Pienza is a small gem, the typical Tuscan village like you would imagine when you watch pasta commercials. The little town square is lovely and Pienza has been an inspiration to film makers like Federico Fellini who regularly visited the town. It was also the setting for the successful Minghella movie The English Patient.
Tip: Visit the monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena at 20 km outside of town. The monastery was the setting for most scenes of The English Patient.

Dublin

Recommended by: Francesco, 32, credit controller
I lived in Dublin for 3 years and although I don’t find the city itself particularly beautiful, it does have a very relaxed and joyful atmosphere and the people are open and friendly, ideal for a weekend break. It is also very suitable as a destination for tourists traveling alone, being that it is so easy to meet other people. There are several great parks for walking or cycling, such as Phoenix Park and St. Stephen’s Green Park.
Tip: The village of Howth in the suburbs of Dublin is definitely worth a visit.

Berlin

Recommended by: Rita, 31, software developer
I am an architecture enthusiast and I love visiting Berlin. Berlin is full of great works by extrovert architects that also use ecological technologies. I especially like the building of the Reichstag (where the German parliament is housed) because of its historical appearance on the outside and the modern insides of the building, including its solar panels.
Tip: order pork shanks for dinner

Ravello

Recommended by: Alex, 28, SEM Analyst
I lived in Ravello, Amalfi Coast, for 10 years and still love to return often. It’s in the heart of the Amalfi Coast but contrary to other towns in the area the historical center of the town is at 300 metres (980 feet) of altitude. It doesn’t get too hot or crowded during the summer months. There is a great annual visual arts festival from June to September that I wouldn’t miss. Also, there is a boat connection to nearby Positano, Capri and Amalfi for day trips.
Tip: Visit the Villa Cimbrona and the Villa Rufolo where festival events are being held at sunrise. For dinner go to the Ristorante Cumpa Cosimo or to the upscale restaurant of the Hotel Palumbo.

Shopping in Rome. Good news for shopaholics traveling to Rome this weekend: summer sales will officially start on Saturday, July 5th.

World Beer Tour. Forbes.com invites you to take a world brewery tour. Amongst the 18 craft breweries mentioned in the article are the Brooklin Brewery in New York City, Guiness in Dublin, and Buller Pub & Brewery in Buenos Aires.

Beijing Olympics risks. Washingtonpost.com posts an article on dog bites, one of the problems that travelers could experience while attending the next summer Olympic Games in China.

Backpacking Travel. Travelblogs.com publishes an interview with Phil Goldman. Author of Taste the Tuna Fish Ice Cream! blog, Phil has traveled extensively in Asia from Thailand to Japan.

The city has become practically overrun with restaurants, so rather than waste time trying to separate the delicious from the duds, use this handy guide to the Top 5 restaurants for eating alone in Dublin.

1. Avoca

11 – 13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2

Don’t be fooled by the fact that Avoca is actually a multi-level department store, or blinded by the incredibly bright, kitschy yet cool stock – it’s actually got a fantastic deli in the basement and a hard to beat café on the top floor. Old favourites like Caesar salads rub shoulders with signature dishes like chili salmon on these jam-packed menus so there’s usually something to suit every taste. Staff won’t blink at lone diners in either place, but Avoca does get crowded during the city’s 1pm lunch hour so try to arrive early to beat the rush or late if you feel like taking your time over a lengthy cup of tea. The location, just steps from Trinity College and Grafton Street, also makes Avoca hard to beat.

2. Cake Café

The Daintree Building Pleasants Place, Dublin 2

Many Dubliners wonder if the Cake Café isn’t an urban myth – sure they’ve heard of it, but can anyone actually find it? The trick is to get yourself to Camden Street and then walk through the Daintree paper store (the staff doesn’t mind, they’ll even point you in the right direction). You’ll emerge into a quirky cool courtyard and the bonus is that with half the city unaware of its location you’ll almost always be able to snag a table. Linger over an afternoon tea of bite sized treats or satisfy your hunger with one of the café’s delicious salads or sandwiches. All ingredients are organic, so you might even be able to convince yourself that the tarts and cakes are good for you. If the sun is making an appearance, ask for a table outside so that you can gaze at the unexpected wall décor.

3. Dunne & Crescenzi

14/16 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2

Like any great Italian restaurant, the focus at Dunne & Crescenzi is on the food, not how many people are being served. Ask for a table near the window and watch the world go by as you tuck into some of the best pastas this side of Italy. The lunch menu in particular is good value, and no one will rush you through a glass of wine in order to flip a table. In fact, if you leave without savouring a post-meal coffee you’ll seem practically speedy in comparison to others.

4. O’Neills

2 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2

It’s true, O’Neills is a bit of a tourist trap due to its location but if you’re looking for pub grub it can’t be beat. The full carvery will leave your plate groaning under the weight of meat and veg, though sandwiches and delicious seafood chowder are also available. If you’ve got nothing else on, grab yourself one of the tiny nooks and enjoy your feast while watching the televised sporting events or chatting away to a new neighbour. Even as a single diner you won’t remain anonymous if you stay at O’Neills for very long.

5. The Bistro

4/5 Castle Market, Dublin 2

If you’re looking for something slightly more upscale, head to the pedestrianized Castle Market and get yourself a seat at The Bistro. This family run restaurant welcomes parties of all sizes and does take reservations, though you won’t likely need them on weeknights. Enjoy their elegantly simple fare (don’t miss the fried Brie to start) and good wine list, and don’t miss the typically Irish banoffi pie for dessert. Prices won’t break the bank and the staff are always solicitous. The perfect recipe for a quiet meal.

Photo of Dublin O’Neill’s pub originally posted by ktylerconk

The Irish love children, so don’t feel you need to leave your own at home the next time you visit Dublin.

In fact, there are many city attractions that run special kids programs that you might want to look into to make sure the little ones are looked after.

1. Imaginosity

Imaginosity is Dublin’s newest children’s museum and it is run according to the principle that all exhibits should combine creative learning and play. From “The Climber” (a two storey climbing and crawling space) to the Town Centre (where young visitors can assume the role of a community member) to The Construction Company (where play hardhats and hammers are essential), parents and kids will both enjoy this hands-on museum. Imaginosity can be reached by taking the Green LUAS (tram) line to Sandyford. Family Saver tickets are available for families with at least three adults and children over the age of three.

2. The Ark

The Ark was Europe’s first “cultural centre for children” that dedicated itself to programming by, for and about kids. The Ark routinely books shows and exhibitions that incorporate all of the arts and most major types of media. Many events are age-specific, so be sure to check the recommended guidelines before booking in, and don’t forget to ask if an accompanying parent is needed (for some workshops parents will be superfluous). The Ark is situated in Temple Bar and therefore can be reached by taking any city centre bus. Ticket prices vary per program.

3. Phoenix Park

At over 1700 acres the Phoenix Park is the largest urban, enclosed park in Europe. When the kids need to stretch their legs don’t hesitate to bring them here for a quick run around. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the wild deer herd that resides in the park. Plan to visit on the weekend and you might also be able to enter Aras an Uachtaráin, the home of the Irish President. Just 1.6 mile away from the center of the city, the Park is accessible both by bus and the Heuston or Museum stops on the red LUAS (tram) line. Entrance to the park is free.

4. Dublin Zoo

Situated inside the Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is home to more than 200 different types of animals and birds. If you’re visiting with young children you won’t want to miss the Children’s Pets Corner or the “train” ride through the African Plains. Kids of all animals will likely enjoy the City Farm which doubles as a petting zoo for animals such as goats, turkeys, sheep and donkeys. The Zoo is best reached by bus or the Heuston or Museum stops on the red LUAS (tram) line. Family tickets are available.

5. Chester Beatty Library

Though its exhibitions are not specifically designed for children, the Chester Beatty Library has a number of multimedia displays that children will likely enjoy. The Silkworms Club also offers a number of events for children aged 6 – 11 years that include arts and crafts, music and dance, and of course fun and frolics. Family days also take place around major cultural holidays such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Christmas and Easter. The Chester Beatty Library is located behind Dublin Castle and is best reached on foot from the city centre. Entrance to the Library is free.

Photo of Dublin Imaginosity museum originally posted by Maurice Frazer