Landing in Dublin, one suddenly feels at home and at ease. Perhaps it is just my Irish heritage, but truly, the people, sights and sounds are just so embracing. And how can you not like an Irish accent???

The pedestrian lights have a red, amber and green person as well as a seconds countdown till when the lights go green to walk - proper efficiency indeed - I shall never knock the mental capacity of the Irish again.

First stop for any dedicated traveler, the Guiness Factory. It is great fun and when I visited I was only charged the student entry fee (I was no longer a student) when I told the staff member that my name was Kathleen Frances. I tried my first ever Guiness (at 11am) - not nearly as bad as I had imagined. After learning lots and drinking said beer in a top level bar, that overlooks all of Dublin, one must let loose in the gift ship. Guiness slippers, vintage posters and underwaer are some of the standouts here.

Kilmainham Gaol is a must on any visit to Dublin. This tiny island has a remarkable and proud history that is highly intriguing. Shut in the 1920's, the gaol was opened in a museum capacity since the 60's, and is a very important source of Irish history and the struggle for independence.

Trinity College, the big university in the heart of Dublin, is also worth a look. As is a photo with the statue of Molly Malone - an alleged wench who went round selling fishes, as the song goes. The Dublin Writers Museum is a standout for booklovers, with a very tempting and well-stocked museum shop.

For retail therapy, hit O'Connell Street in the city centre for some good shopping, including all the UK fabourites like H&M, Topshop and Primark/Penneys.

Dublin is a welcoming place that is impossible not to love. Even if you visit in Winter (as I did), the weather will be overshadowed by the warmth of the people and the great vibe in the city. Have a beer (or thirty), grab a steak pie or Irish stew and immerse yourself in the fantastic and vibrant history of this proud city.