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The Temple Bar area was slated to be demolished and used for parking only ten years ago. Today, Temple Bar is the center of night life for Dublin, especially for the tourists. Shops, pubs, clubs, museums, hotels and hostels all in the middle of the city. To find less touristy and more traditional pubs you will have to do so outside the Temple Bar area. On the edge of Temple Bar is the amazing Christ Church Cathedral. Also see St. Patrick's Cathedral. 
Outside of Dublin, the East Coast of Ireland is not nearly as interesting as the West Coast. A good day trip from Dublin is to the city of Waterford where they make the most beautiful crystal in the world. You get a factory tour and a chance to buy the crystal at reduced prices. 
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Dublin, the capital city. The home of Guinness, an acquired taste. Ok, so it's not my favorite city. In fact, it pales in comparison to other European capitals. It is dirty, congested, aesthetically unpleasing, very expensive and is difficult to navigate; it is not uncommon for a street to change names five times in less than 1/4 mile. If you have only a few days to spend in Ireland, do not spend them in Dublin. Having said all that, Dublin is also very progressive, artistic and musically hip. Trinity College is impressive.
Dublin is also a city of beautiful parks. Two worth noting are Phoenix Park, northwest of the city center (easy bus access) and St. Stephen's Green at the bottom of Grafton Street, the main tourist and shopping street. Phoenix Park is a huge expanse of open land with horses for rent and also contains the Prime Minister's residence. St. Stephen's Green is a beautiful park with manicured gardens and fountains. Getting around Dublin (BUY A MAP) is interesting. You can walk to most attractions. The city has an extensive and inexpensive bus sytem (route maps available from the Tourist Office on O'Connell Street.) The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train system is limited but expanding. Taxis abound but they always seem to have fares. Start walking as you try to hail a taxi. 
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