Overview:
It is estimated that half of Dublin’s population is under 25-years-old. Add to that, its 2009 recognition as the friendliest city in Europe and you get a top locale for a stag party weekend. Dublin, which is Ireland’s capital and largest city, has seen significant growth in recent years and has a thriving multi-cultural community. Whether socializing, touring the city’s architecture, dining, drinking or dancing - Dublin has something for everyone.

Getting Around:
Even with trains and buses Dublin has a serious congestion problem. Especially in the city centre, walking or renting bicycles are the best ways to get around. If motorized transportation is mandatory - an excursion afield for example - avoid going during rush hours. Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at racks or called for service. Be warned, it can be hard to find a cab outside the pubs at closing time during your stag party in Dublin.

Must See/Must Do:
• Pub Crawl - Several are offered in the city. Try the Dublin Footsteps walking tour that departs from the Bewley’s Building. Literature and Georgian architecture woven together with some of Dublin’s best pubs - a great introduction to the city.
• Golf - The Deer Park Golf Course is a public facility with an 18-hole course and two nine-hole courses overlooking Dublin Bay and the scenic countryside.
• Bulmers International Comedy Festival - Usually held in September, this three-week long festival features hilarious international performers at over 20 venues.
• Visit the Guinness brewery at St. James Gate – brilliant!

History and Culture:
Dublin – or at least the area where the modern city rests – was first settled perhaps as far back as the 1st Century B.C. The Norse would then rule the Emerald Isle for many years before eventually ceding power. Modern Dublin sustained heavy damage during years of fighting that began in 1916 with the Easter Rising. The War for Independence followed and then the Irish Civil War. Following the partition of Ireland in 1922, Dublin became the capital of the Irish Free State and eventually the Republic of Ireland. Since 1997, the face of Dublin has changed dramatically with the influx of foreign investment that spurred unprecedented economic growth that lasted until the worldwide recession hit in 2008. Even so, Dublin remains a vibrant city with a strong multicultural sense of community.

Nightlife:
Dublin has after-dark action to satisfy any stag do. Pubs, restaurants and clubs dot the urban landscape and the locals are known to be some of the friendliest in Europe. Dublin is also a city fond of comedic arts and a good stand-up act is not hard to find. For laughs on your stag party in Dublin, try Banker’s specialising in providing up-and-coming comics an arena for fine-tuning their improvisational chops. For a more traditional affair, try Auld Dubliner. It’s popular with tourists but the atmosphere is festive and it’s a great place for your stag party to brush up on Irish drinking songs.

Eating:
Whether it's fine food or pub grub your stag party favors, Dublin has it all. Try Bang Café for a quality feast of Irish cuisine. But there are also abundant opportunities for American, Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern, European, vegetarian and seafood. Many places offer reasonable prices and portions are usually large, especially at Dublin’s pubs. Selections from the sea are particular favorites, so be sure to try the smoked salmon and oysters – goes great with a Guinness on a stag party weekend in Dublin.