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There are plenty
of places to visit and lots to see and do in Dublin city
and its environs. Here we have recommended some of the
most popular throughout the city. Combine all the sights
on a city bus tour or walking trail - see museums, art
galleries, castles and trace the history of Dublin through
the ages. Take a trip to out to the seaside or stroll
the city streets and window shop. go horseracing or spend
a day in the largest park in Europe, The Phoenix Park
and visit the Zoo!! Lots to see & do!!
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| The Irishguide Recommended Places
to Visit |
The Old Jameson Distillery
(MAP) nestles in Smithfield village in the heart
of old Dublin. Irish Whiskey can trace its history back to the
6th Century. Now in this remarkable setting youcan take a guided
tour and trace the fascinating craft of whiskey making on a
guided tour of the distillery, and finish off by a complimemntary
tasting! Click on the button and visit the Old Distillery website
to find out all you need to know...
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Journey through time and experience the drama and magic of Dublin's
history over 400 years. Located in the heart of the medieval
city, beside Christchurch Cathedral, just a 10 minute walk from
Trinity College, the Dublinia exhibition portrays life in medieval
Dublin from the coming of the Anglo-Normans in 1170 and up to
to 1540. Dublinia’s aim is to interpret and explore our medieval
heritage and to entertain and educate visitors from Ireland
and overseas. Well worth the visit!
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Casino Marino -
The Casino was designed by Sir William Chambers as a "small house" for James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont. It is one of the best examples of 18th century neo-classical architecture in Europe. The Casino contains 16 finely decorated rooms. It is located off the Malahide Road at Marino, 3 miles north of the of Dublin city centre.
Buses: 20A, 20B, 27A, 27B, 42, 2C
Off the Malahide Road, Marino, Co. Dublin. 01 833 1618
£, by Guided Tour Only, Duchas
Drimangh Castle -
Ireland's only fully restored medieval castle with a flooded moat. Built in 13th century, now restored, Drimangh has a great hall with hand carved oak roof and balconies, a richly coloured medieval floor and a murder hole. The grounds include a formal 17th century style garden.
Longmile Road, Dublin 12, Co. Dublin. 01 4502530
Dublin Castle -
Built by the Normans in the 13th century upon earlier frotifications, the castle is sited at the junction of the Rivers Liffy and Poddle. Only two of its original towers and a portion of the medieval wall remain. Dublin Castle includes the State Apartments, Undercroft and Chapel Royal which are all open to visitors. There is also a Restaurant, Heritage Centre and Craft Shop.
Buses 50, 54A, 56, 77
Dame St., Dublin, Co. Dublin.
Malahide Castle -
Except for a period during the Cromwell incursion, the Talbots resided at Malahide until 1976, making it one of the oldest castles to be continuously inhabited by the same family. Both a fortress and private home, the Castle is set in 250 acres of parkland near the town of Malahide. The house is furnished with beautiful antiques and includes an collection of Irish portraits from the National Gallery.
Bus: 42
Malahide, Co. Dublin. 01 8462184
Rathfarnham Castle -
Rathfarnham Castle is thought to have been founded in 1583. Built by Adam Loftus, a Yorkshireman, the Castle has an interesting history. The 18th century interiors by Sir William Chambers and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart were declared a National Monument in the 1980s. The Castle is undergoing restoration where visitors can see layers of the Castle’s earlier existence uncovered during this work.
Bus: 16, 16A, 47, 47A, 47B
Dublin 14, Co. Dublin. 01 4939462
£, by Guided Tour Only, Duchas
Swords Castle -
Swords Castle, dating from 1200 AD, is in the centre of north Dublin. The Castle, built as a summer palace for Archbishop Comyn, a Norman Baron, is currently being restored to include a heritage centre.
Dublin, Co. Dublin.
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National Botanic Gardens -
These colourful gardens cover a total area of 19.5 hectares, part of which is the natural flood plain of the river Tolka. The gardens contain a large plant collection which includes approximately 20,000 species. There are four ranges of glasshouses including the recently restored Curvilinear Range. Notable features include herbaceous displays, rose garden, rockery, vegetable garden, arboretum, extensive shrub borders and wall plants.
Bus: 13, 19, 134
Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Co. Dublin. 01 8377596
Tours Available, Duchas
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre -
Phoenix Park is one of Europe's largest city Park's. The Visitor Centre includes exhibits on the history and wildlife of the Park. Next to the Visitor Centre is the fully restored Ashtown Castle, a 17th century medieval tower house.
Phoenix Park, Dublin, Co. Dublin. 01 6770095
£, by Guided Tour Only, Duchas
St. Stephen's Green -
Dublin’s best known Victorian public park is at the centre of the Capitol. The 22 Acre Park includes tree lined walks, shrubberies, colourful flowerbeds, herbaceous borders, rockeries and an ornamental lake. There is a uniquea garden for the visually impaired located in the Garden. Convienent to many Dublin hotels, shopping and other attractions, St. Stephen's Green is a great place to relax whilst touring. Free lunchtime concerts can be heard in the Park during the summer months.
Dublin, Co. Dublin.
Duchas
The Iveagh Gardens -
Designed by Ninian Niven, the Iveagh Gardens is one of Dublin's the finest parks. Created in 1863, the Gradens include a rustic grotto, cascade, fountains, maze, rosarium, archery grounds, wilderness and woodlands.
Clonmel Street, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 4757816
Duchas
War Memorial Gardens -
Dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War, the Gardens were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The names of those who perished are listed in the Garden's Bookrooms. The Gardens, covering an area of 8 hectares on the south bank of the Liffey, includes rose gardens, lily ponds, herbaceous borders and extensive tree plantings. One of Europe's the most famous memorial gardens, this is a place of architectural interest as well as poignant beauty.
Islandbridge, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin. 01 6770236
Tours on Request, Duchas
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Book of Kells -
The Book of Kells is one of history's most famous books and is the best surviving example of an early Christian illuminated manuscript. The Book is housed in a musum at Trinity College. Though its magnificent jewelled cover was removed by the Vikings, the intricate artwork depicting the four gospels, continues to fascinate visitors from all over the world. The Book of Kells exhibit also includes information on The Book of Durrow, the Book of Armagh, the Book of Mulling and the Book of Dimma and how they were produced. The Book of Armagh and the Book of Durrow are located nearby in the Old Library of Trinity College.
College Street, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6082320
Christ Church Cathedral -
Christ Church Cathedral is the seat of the Church of Ireland's Bishop in Dublin. Restored in the 19th century, , the current Cathedral combines Romanasque and Early English Gothic architecture. The "Strongbow" monument within the Cathedral honors Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, who initiated the construction of the first stone Cathedral on this site in 1170.
Christ Church Place, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin.
G.P.O. -
The General Post Office, or GPO. was the center of the 1916 Easter Uprisinng. Built originaly in 1815, the neoclassical facade still bears scars from the fighting in 1916. Still operating as a post office, the GPO is a major lanmark in the Capitol.
General Post Office, O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, Co. Dublin.
Grand Canal -
The Grand Canal links Dublin with the River Shannon and the River Barrow. Th canal was built between the years of 1756 and 1804, with further branches built during the nineteenth century. Trade boats carrying heavy goods plied the canal until 1960, including deliver of kegs of Guiness Stout. The Canal is an excellent venue for fishing or a quite stroll.
Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6777510
Duchas
Kilmainham Gaol -
This former jail, is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe. Its history covers some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland’s development as a nation from 1796 to the 1920s. Some of Irelamd's most famous historical figures, including Robert Emmet, Thomas Francis Meagher, Charles Stewart Parnell and De Valera and a host of others in Irish history are associated with the Gaol.
Buses: 51, 51B, 78A or 79
Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin. 01 4535984
£, by Guided Tour Only, Duchas
Lusk Heritage Centre -
Lusk Heritage Centre includes a medieval belfry, a round tower and a 19th century church, all built over a period of almost a thousand years. The Round Tower was part of a monastery, founded in the 6th century by St Macculin. The tower house was built in 16th century The belfry contains an exhibition on medieval churches of North County Dublin and a magnificent 16th century effigy tomb.
Bus: 33
Lusk, Co. Dublin. 01 8437683
£, Tours on Request, Duchas
Royal Canal -
Like the Grand Canal, the Royal Canal, links Dublin with the River Shannon. It was actively used until 1961 when it fell into disrepair. Government restoration of the canal has been going on since 1987 with the support of the Inland Waterways Association and the Royal Canal Group . This includes developed for hiking along the tow path and fishing. The walking route currently extends as far as Mullingar, a distance of 77km / 48 miles.
Dublin, Co. Dublin. 01 6777510
Duchas
St. Mary's Abbey -
Founded in 1139, the Abbey was a daughter house of the Benedictine Order of Savigny until it became Cistercian house in 1147. Until its suppression by Cromwell in the 16th century, it was one of the largest and most important monasteries in Ireland.
Chapter House, Meetinghouse Lane, Dublin, Co. Dublin. 01 8721490
£, Tours on Request, Duchas
Trinity College -
Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, is the oldest University in Ireland. In the heart of the city, the forty-acre campus includes beautiful 18th and 19th century granite buildings and is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Trinity College's many outstanding graduates over the centuries include Edmund Burke, Jonathan Swit, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Samuel Beckett and two Presidents of Ireland. The College was one of the first to admit women, granting degrees as early as 1903. The College is the home of The Book of Kells, one of history's most famous books. Also located at Trinity College is the Old Library. The main room is 213 ft long and contains over 200,000 volumes, including the Book of Armagh and the Book of Durrow.
College Green, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6081177
Waterways Visitor Centre -
Ireland's canal system, connecting Dublin with the Shannon River in the West and the Barrow River in the Southeast, is one of the late 18th century's engineering marvels. Today, the Grand Canal is navigable from the suburbs of Dublin to the River Shannon. The second major canal through the heart of Ireland, the Royal Canal, is in the process of being restored to navigation. The Visitor's Center is located next to Pearse St. Bridge on the Grand Canal Basin. The Centre includes an exhibition introducing Ireland’s Inland Waterways, a multimedia presentation, an exhibit about the men who built the canals and working models of various canal engineering features.
Grand Canal Quay, Dublin, Co. Dublin. 01 677 7510
£, Tours on Request, Duchas
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Dublin Civic Museum -
The Dublin Civic Museum covers all aspects of life in Dublin from early Viking times, to the present
Bus number 10, 11 and 13
58 South William Street, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6794260
Dublin Writer's Museum -
Housed in a restored 18th century building, the collection includes manuscripts, rare editions and artifacts from some of Ireland's most famous writers.
Parnell Square, Dublin, Co. Dublin.
Dublin Zoo -
Located in Phoenix Park to the North West of the City Centre. This is the world's third oldest public zoo, founded in 1830. The Zoo is 30 acres large and has a large collection of wild animals as well as hundreds of tropical birds. On view are Gorillas, Rodriguez fruit bats, Snow Leopards and the many other endangered species.
Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin.
Hugh Lane Gallery -
The Gallery's permanent collection includes a wide range of Irish and International paintings, sculpture, prints and stained glass. The collection, established in 1908, traces the development of Irish art in the 20th century, from the nationalist inspired canvases of Sean Keating to the modernism of Mainie Jellet and Mary Swanzy. The acquisition of contemporary work continues with works from Sean Scully, Agnes Martin and Joseph Beuys.
Buses 3, 10, 11, 13, 16, 19
Charlemont House, Parnell Square North, Dublin 1, Co. Dublin. 01 8741903
Irish Museum of Modern Art -
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland's national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. The Museum is located on the grounds Royal Hospital in the main building building. The Museum includes a formal garden, meadow and medieval burial grounds as well as other historical buildings. The Museum presents a wide variety of modern art from both Irish and international artists.
Buses: 79, 80
Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin. 01 6129900
Tours on Request, National Cultural Institute
Kerlin Gallery -
The Kerlin Gallery, established in Dublin in 1988, has a selection of Irish and international contemporary art. The Gallery is located just off the main Grafton Street thoroughfare.
Annes Lane, South Anne Street, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6709093
National Gallery of Ireland -
The National Gallery of Ireland, founded in 1854, was opened to the public in 1864. The Gallery is the repository of the most important and representative collection of Irish art from the 17th to 20th centuries, as well as the national portrait collection. . The Gallery also has works of all the major schools of European art (13th to 20th centuries). There are masterworks by Fra Angelico, Caravaggio, Poussin, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Reynolds, as well as works by Irish masters: Thomas Roberts, James Barry, Roderick O'Conor, William Orpen, Nathaniel Hone and Jack B. Yeats. The Gallery includes the Yeats Museum, which is dedicated to the artistic works of Jack B. Yeats (1871-1957).
Bus: 10, 5, 6, 7, 7a, 8,13, 44, 48a, 62
Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6615133
Tours on Request, National Cultural Institute
National Library of Ireland -
The National Library of Ireland, founded in 1877, was based on the collection of The Royal Dublin Society. The Library has over 5 million items including books, manuscripts, prints, drawings, photos, maps, newspapers and microfilms. The library's research facilities are open to students and others with valid research needs. One of the libraries most popular facilities is the Genealogy Service which assists those researching their family history in Ireland. Genealogical Office is supplemented by the Heraldic Museum, both of which are located at 2-3 Kildare Street.
Bus: 7, 7A , 8, 10, 11, 13
Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6030200
Tours on Request, National Cultural Institute
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks -
The National Museum at Collins Barracks traces Ireland's economic, social, political and military history. There is also a section devoted to Ireland's the decorative arts. The collections cover the development of a vast range of arts and crafts including ceramics, silver, glassware, period furniture and weaponry. Many of the exhibition include interactive monitors that give comprehensive information about the artifacts on display.
Bus: Museumlink , 25, 25A, 66, 67, 90,91,79
Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7, Co. Dublin. 01 6777444
Tours Available, National Cultural Institute
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street -
The National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, opened in 1890, contains artifacts dating from 7000 BC to the 20th century. The Treasury contains outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art including the famous Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard. Exhibits include: Ireland's Gold (the finest collection of prehistoric gold artifacts in Europe), Prehistoric Ireland, the Viking Age, the Road To Independence and the newly added Ancient Egypt.
Bus: Museumlink , 7, 7A. 8, 10, 11, 13
Kildare Street, Merrion Row, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6777444
Tours Available, National Cultural Institute
National Photographic Archive -
The National Photographic Archive, opened in 1998, is part of the National Library of Ireland. The archive holds an extensive collection of photographs relating to Irish history, topography, cultural and social life. The collection includes many late nineteenth and early twentieth century topographical views and studio portraits. Photographs taken during the Rebellion of 1916 and the subsequent War of Independence and Civil War are especielly notable.
Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6030200
Tours on Request, Duchas
Natural History Museum -
The Natural History Museum, opened in 1857 is a zoological museum containing a large collection of world wildlife. The Irish Room is devoted to Irish mammals, sea-creatures and insects, including the extinct giant Irish deer and the skeleton of a basking shark. Other exhibits include a sixty-foot whale suspended form the roof, a Giant Panda and a Pygmy Hippopotamus. The Blaschka Collection of glass reproductions of marine specimens is one of the museum treasures.
Bus: Museumlink, 7, 7A, 8
Merrion Street, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6777444
National Cultural Institute
Oscar Wilde House -
Oscar WIlde resided here for the first 23 years of his life. The two lower floors are opened to the public for guided tours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The house is furnished in the Irish Georgian style. Owned by the American College, the upper floors are used by their students for classes.
American College Dublin, 1 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 6620281
Pearse Museum -
Patrick Pearse, one of the "heros of 1916", once ran St. Enda's school where the museum is now housed. The museum includes exhibits dedicated to his memory, a nature study room with displays on Irish flora and fauna and an audio-visual show titled "This Man Kept a School". St. Enda's park which surrounds the museum, is one of Dublin most beautiful parks, with its riverside walks, waterfall and walled garden.
Bus: 16
St. Enda's Park, Grange Road, Rathfarnham 16, Co. Dublin. 01 4934208
Tours on Request, Duchas
The Chester Beatty Library -
The Library, created by the late Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, has an extensive collection of manuscripts, prints, icons, miniature paintings, early printed books and objects d'art from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. These include: Egyptian papyrus texts, illuminated copies of the Qur'an and the Bible, European medieval and renaissance manuscripts, Turkish and Persian miniatures, Buddhist paintings, exquisite Chinese dragon robes and Japanese woodblock prints. This unparalleled collection covers the complete scope of human creativity from the third century BC to modern time.
Bus: 5u, 50, 50A, 56A, 77, 77A, 77B
The Clock Tower Building, Dublin Castle, Dame St., Dublin, Co. Dublin. 01 4070750
Tours Available, National Cultural Institute
Waxworks Museum -
The museum includes a "Chamber of Horrors" and a childrens fantasy section as well as representations of some of Ireland's leading historical figures such as Robert Emmet, Wolfe Tone, Parnell. Ireland's literary heritage is represented by Joyce, Yeats and their contemporaries.
Granby Row, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Co. Dublin. 01 8726340
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National Concert Hall -
The National Concert is Ireland's premiere venue for an extensive programme of visiting international artists and orchestras, as well as concerts of jazz, contemporary and traditional Irish music. The Hall was designed in the classical style for the Great Exhibition of 1865.
Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin. 01 4170077
National Cultural Institute
The National Theatre (Abbey & Peacock) -
The Abbey and Peacock Theatres make up The National Theatre. Founded in 1904 by poet William Butler Yeats, Lady Augusta Gregory and Edward Martyn, the Theatre presented some of the earliest works of Yeats, Synge, O'Casey and Shaw. It continues on the cutting edge of Irish theatre, including plays by Brian Friel, Frank McGuinness, Tom Murphy and Marina Carr. The company continues to attract world wide critical acclaim for its award-winning productions,
26 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin, Co. Dublin. 01 8872200
Tours on Request, Duchas
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Dublinia -
Across from Christ Church Cathedral, in the old Synod Hall, is an informative and entertaining multimedia exhibit on life in medieval Dublin. Dublina includes a scale model recreation of Dublin at the beginning of the 16th century, a reconstruction of a 13th century Liffy dockside and excellent views of Dublin today from the tower.
St. Michael's Hill, Christ Church, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin. 01 6794611
Visit their web site
Jameson Distillery -
The Distillery, dating back to 1780, includes exhibits on the history and making of Irish whiskey. There are guided tours in a variety of languages ad well as a restaurant, pub and gift shop.
Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7, Co. Dublin. 01 8072355
Visit their web site
Guinness Hop Store -
The Guinness Hop Store is located in a beautiful 19th century building just beside the Guinness Brewery on James Street. The Guinness Zone at the Store, takes you through the history of Guinness and how it all started, including their innovative advertising campaigns and the world famous “Guinness is Good for you” posters. There is a model of the Cooperage and Transport Museum as well as a traditional pub where you can sample a complimentary glass of their finest brew.
Admission Charge: £5
James St., Dublin 8, Co. Dublin. 01 453 3645
Viking Splash Tours -
This innovative company uses restored World War II amphibious vehicles called "ducks" to conduct guided tours of Dublin by land and "sea" (along part of the Grand Canal).
Independent Tourist Office, O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, Co. Dublin. 01 8553000
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Ireland
