Dublin, Ireland

Building on its historic roots and traditions, modern-day Dublin has grown into one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in Europe. Once the muse of literary legends like Joyce, Beckett, Shaw and Wilde, Dublin has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature. The city’s ties to great manuscripts far predate those authors, as you can witness in the Old Library of Trinity College where the hand-illuminated 9th-century Book of Kells is displayed. Countless other icons of literature and history are housed in the National Library and National Museums, and the city’s spirituality comes alive in St. Patrick’s and Christ Church cathedrals. For secular pursuits, Grafton Street buzzes day and night with pubs, performers and premier shopping, while St. Stephen’s Green presents a 22-acre oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle. Many would not consider a trip to Dublin complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse to learn the history of Ireland’s iconic beer – and get certified in how to properly pour it.