Dublin

Ireland's historic and culturally rich capital is famously warm - at least in the welcome from friendly locals, if not always the temperature

- WORDS CHRIS DWYER

The Book of Kells

Dublin's dazzling literary history is writ large by giants including James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, but a much older work reflects extraordinary ancient artistry. Right in the heart of the city, Trinity College is Ireland's most prestigious university and its Old Library is home to the Book of Kells, a ninth-century illuminated manuscript featuring intricate calligraphy and illustrations painstakingly created by monks. While you're here, don't miss the Long Room - a jaw-dropping hall decked with marble busts and ancient tomes on floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves. After soaking up all that scholarly history, walk in the footsteps of alumni like Bram Stoker - and aviation giants Michael O'Leary and Willie Walsh.

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