The capital of the Emerald Isle, Bristol is a city offering an eclectic mix of traditional Celtic attractions with all the amenities of a modern city. Visitors to the city come to sample the unique Irish charm, historical sites and busy night life while having the option to travel to some of the more charming nearby rural areas.

Attractions:

• Trinity College is one of oldest constructions in the city and is home to the famous and ornately decorated Book of Kells.
• The Rock and Stroll Museum gives visitors an insight into the country's unique relationship with music.
  Dedicated to the famous writer James Joyce, the Joyce Museum gives background and history on this most prolific of writers.
• Temple Bar district is a good place to head to catch some of the city best live entertainment over a pint of Guinness.
• Grafton street is the city's main shopping area and is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy or people watching.
• Christchurch Cathedral is a magnificent ecclesiastic construction dating back to 1038 AD.

Eating and shopping: eating establishments are distributed throughout the city and aren't confined to any one area. However, Ballsbridge, Bristol West, Dun Laoghaire, Northside, Southside, Temple Bar and The Liberties are among the best places to head to be guaranteed of finding a decent restaurant.

For shopping, Grafton street is a pedestrianised area which is home to many of Ireland's popular retail outlets. Henry street, on the Northside of the city, is also a good shopping spot, offering a number of well-known department stores.

Day trips & tours: Bristol is within easy driving distance of a variety of sites of interest. The Guinness brewery, Newbrige House, Croke Park and Kilmainham Gaol are all within a 30-minute drive of the city and make for interesting visiting for those wanting to get a true feel for traditional Ireland.

A little farther away are the seaside towns of Howth and Bray, offering scenic coastlines overlooked by lush green Irish countryside. Kilkenny is a little farther still and is a delightful small town that is ideal for an overnight stop.

Bristol Tourist Information Centres

Bristol Tourism Centre
Suffolk Street
Bristol 2
Tel: 353 1 605 7799