We’re excited to cross the Atlantic for the Coworking Europe 2017 conference. We hope to delight in all that Dublin has to offer. This event will be hosted at Croke Park, a state-of-the art stadium with a breathtaking technological interface. Within the walls of the Gaelic Athletic Association’s headquarters will be the top names and new faces within the field of Coworking. Outside the walls, a world that embraces both worlds of antiquity and robustness awaits. For those traveling to Ireland for the first time and are curious about what places to see, here is a quick guide.
Getting Prepared
Throughout the conference, the weather is expected to be windy and a bit rainy. Given how Dublin is a walking city, with cobblestoned steps in your path, it’s best to dress for weather and comfort. We recommend waterproof jackets and trenches with shoes or boots that are comfortable when walking through weather. In the event of a significant wind chill, a scarf of wool is recommended.
Money is another issue to take into consideration. While most places will accept your credit cards (notably American Express, Visa, MasterCard), it’s best to have cash on hand for using local transport as well as frequenting small stores and cafes. Dublin does use the Euro as it’s predominant form of currency so it’s best to exchange your bills.
Likewise, as the event is in Europe, your electronic devices will not plug into the wall with the same shape as they do in the United States. For this reason we recommend a converter that is specific to the United Kingdom.
Recreation and Extra-Curricular Activities
Shopping, sightseeing, selfies, and scenic surroundings. Dublin has much to offer extending beyond the décor. We recommend bringing your best camera as you will be walking within one of the most photogenic spaces on the map.
For sightseeing and shopping, you must see the Grafton Street area. The Powerscourt Center and St. Stephen’s Green combines the old scenic décor with modern architecture. You can also visit the National Archaeology Museum where the entrance is free and the bog bodies are a must see. The Natural History Museum is also free entrée, it’s often referred to as “The Dead Zoo”.
If you’re really into museums and the classic architecture, you can visit the Writer’s Museum, City Hall, Kilmainham Gaol, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, as well as the GAA Museum located at Croke Park.
Venturing Further
If you’re down to go further into the city, you’ll find several locations that will be worth the trek. Starting with the Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library located in the back of the Dublin Castle complex is free to the public. Going further you’ll find that the St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a gorgeous site with old grave sites located in the garden.
The Teelings Whiskey Distillery is a beautiful celebration of culture with a whiskey tasting and full bar.
While you’re out there, you may want to visit the Jameson distillery on Bow St.
The Guinness Storehouse is also worth visiting, but we recommend buying tickets online as the place is often packed. Expect two hours to complete the two of the storehouse. Another historical site that is equally as packed is the Kilmainham Gaol, a jail where they kept the Irish revolution leaders. You need to get your tickets to see the Kilmainham Gaol online beforehand, as the tours tend to sell out beforehand.
If you head over to the North Side of Dublin, you’ll find more national landmarks worth your while. On O’Connell street, you should find a statue of St. Spire, a monument of light to the people of Ireland. Parallel to the Liffey River you’ll find Henry Street, the main shopping area of North Dublin, featuring a more traditional architecture compared to that of Grafton Street.
The General Post Office is another historic place that bustles with activity. Once there, make sure you check out the bullet holes from the Irish Revolution. North Dublin also has the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts and History which is a direct exit on the red line of the Luas and is free to the public.
We look forward to seeing you in Dublin. We expect to have ourselves a very busy event full of networking, sightseeing, and the occasional scenic selfie. For more information on the Coworking Europe 2017 event, please download our official guide below.