Dublin is still largely rural country, yet it encapsulates so much that is endearing and exasperating about Ireland that it represents the Emerald isle better than any other town. It's a city of pubs, churches, grand buildings and fine museums. It is indeed a beautiful place, set on a broad river-basin fringed by the majestic sweep of Dublin Bay and the tantalising close to Wicklow Mountains. The central area is compact, and can easily be explored on foot, the capital is by far the largest city in Ireland.