An alternative Dublin guide for tourists, written by a native. It is not intended to be a comprehensive tourist review but somewhere to find the best expert information about alternative Dublin. It contains detailed information and advice about Dublin's attractions, people, history, transport, music, culture, sport and night life. Additionally, you will find Irish facts, trivia, links and sayings. Join the free newsletter and get advice on hotels and B&Bs with a monthly acommodation update including an exclusive topical article and occasional features about fun tips and advice. subscribe to free newsletter here.

Dublin is situated on the River Liffey (An Life), which is a beautiful, crystal clear stream at its

source in the hills of County Wicklow and a brown, treacle-like substance at its entry into Dublin Bay. The medieval city was situated quite close to the mouth of the river on the south side (now near Trinity College); the early settlers were responsible for dividing the future pattern of the city into an almost tribal north-south divide. The commercial centre is mainly located on the south side including the Central Bank, although some of Dublin's finest buildings are on the north side such as the Custom House, the Four Courts and the Rotunda Hospital.

Great fun tip: As a visitor the most important item to possess is a TFI Leap card which enables you to hide your ignorance of the Euro coinage system, skip queues by entering the bus on the right-hand side of the door and ride any bus which comes along (with the exception of certain peak-hour services). They are excellent value too and it is possible to make serious incursions into Dublin's wonderful city providing you are armed with a route map. You can request it it posted to your mailing address for free. See Train, tram and bus for more.

Time-saving advice: You can buy the Leap card mentioned above when you arrive at the airport; however, the tourist information oftens gets busy and you have to wait your turn for service. In the airport's T1 carpark foyer, Wrights shop sells them.

Great extreme tip: send a free 'live' postcard during your visit - details on this page.

Useful banking tip: Most banks in Ireland do not open until 10am and close at 3 or 4pm. You can now check opening hours on their websites (search for "Bank of Ireland" or "Allied Irish Bank"). Many regional banks even close for lunch

Top advice: Dublin people often use an informal name for a street or road such as "James' Street" If you can't find it in an index, try putting a "Saint" or "St." before it.