Enjoy the Emerald Isle

Dublin is a palpably youthful yet richly historic city — established by the Vikings in the 10th century — that offers diverse rewards to visitors of all ages. The hip, colorful Creative Quarter makes a convenient launchpad for first-time Dublin visitors, with many of the city’s major attractions within walking distance — including the sometimes Hogwarts-y Trinity College, serene St. Patrick’s Cathedral and sprawling Dublin Castle.

Also nearby is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, the Guinness Storehouse. Guinness is almost synonymous with Ireland and the storied brewer’s influence on Dublin extends beyond its stout beers to include housing and parks created by the company, hundreds of jobs and distinctive delivery trucks criss-crossing the bustling city.

Incredibly, the Storehouse — a seven-story visitor center at the heart of the centuries-old St. James Gate Brewery — is visited by more than half of Dublin’s 2.2 million annual overseas holidaymakers. Far transcending a traditional “factory tour,” it uses elaborate interactive attractions next to meticulously restored historic artifacts to tell the story of how Guinness (the beer and the brand) has been crafted.

Top off your visit with a free pint amid 360-degree city views at the crowning Gravity Bar. For a very different take on Dublin, try Skerries — a bucolic seaside town 18 miles to the north. Overlooked by 16th century windmills and the stoic Skerries Lighthouse, this unpretentious settlement’s sweeping bay includes rugged islands and, closer to shore, a chance to step into St. Patrick’s mythical footprint amidst seaweed-strewn rock pools.

Nearby Ardgillan Castle, in Balbriggan, provides glimpses of a bygone Ireland in its stately décor, grim subterranean servants’ quarters and groomed 194-acre grounds.

–PAUL ROGERS