If today Dublin is one of the most visited cities in the European continent, there is more than one factor which contributes to the same. Starting with the Trinity College which is known far and wide for being Ireland’s oldest university, Dublin takes a share of everything quite famous. Founded way back in the 16th century, it is this college which proudly owns the Book of Kells.
This world famous centre of learning has churned out many significant writers as well as thinkers who have carved a niche for themselves in their respective fields, names which include Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett.
Well now, you do not have to be all that religious for St.Patrick’s church to impress you. There are more than a dozen factors which will magnetically draw you to the church. Here are a few of them, at a glance:
· St. Patrick’s is the largest church in Ireland (also the country’s National Cathedral)(reason enough). The church was erected as a tribute to St.Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
· It is believed that it was at this spot, one of the earliest Christian sites in the country, by the “Holy Well” here, that St.Patrick baptized the first local converts from the place.
· Encloses the graves of Jonathan Swift (of “Gulliver fame”)
· The numerous memorial plaques, a door with a hole and the Boyle family tomb add to the pride of the place. The cathedra is so full of mementos that sometimes visitors are baffled wondering as to whether they are at a museum or a chapel. You can look for faces and gargoyles in the impressive stonework.
Opening Times: Admission Euro 4.50
The last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
March - October Daily 09.00 - 17.30
November to February Monday - Saturday 09.00 - 17.00
The city of Dublin is famous for its writers as well as distinguished pieces of literature. The museum has a bit of history weaving around it. Way back the Martello towers were built in Dublin to endure the incursion of Napoleon.The “Martello Tower” which was originally built for defense purposes is one among this series of towers and today functions as a James Joyce museum housing the writer’s works as well as important facets of his life history.
The tower which was made the setting in his magnum opus Ulysses was also given his name to honor the celebrity who made. If you are a fan of this author or rather if you love Ulysses you will be delighted to find that the living room as well as the gun platform (of course, with its picturesque views) are just much as he has described in his book. The collections here include among many other things, the writer’s photographs, letters and personal possessions.
Opening Times: April-October inclusive: Mon-Sat: 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm. Sun & public holidays: 2pm-6pm. November-March inclusive: open by arrangement
Situated in the historical heart of the city, the Dublin castle enjoys one of the most favourable locales. The palatial building dates back to the Norman times and the Record Tower (which is visible today and which is the only remains of medieval Dublin) stands proof to this once magnificent piece of architecture. The Upper Castle Yard, Dubhlinn Gardens and the St Patricks Hall are all worth taking a look at.
Other guided tours at the castle include the State Apartments (venue for many prestigious functions), the Chapel Royal (famous for many a thing) including the beautiful craftsmanship of the galleries and the Undercroft. Housing cultural and regional treasures from around the world is the Chester Beatty Library.
The General Post Office easily finds a place in the “Top ten sights of the Dublin City” and is a must –see if you are lucky enough to get to Ireland and its capital city. This classical edifice which towers the city’s main thoroughfare symbolizes many a thing. And probably that was one of the main reasons why this iconic symbol (which reminds one of the failed Easter rising of 1916) was lovingly renovated and brought back to its former glory.
The building is also home to the fabled Cuchullain statue. What makes one sad is the loss of the missing paintings illustrating the events which happened way back in the year 1916. Another interesting fact about the General Post Office Dublin is that it was the last among the Georgian public building to be built in the capital.
If you fancy the idea of collecting memorial stamps as a souvenir you can very well pay a visit to the Philatelic Office nearby the place.
Opening Times: 8am-8 pm Mon-Sat, 10.30am-6.30pm Sun & Bank Holidays
Get here to take a peep at the Irish literature and its history. The city has been well acclaimed as the home of celebrated literature workers and writers and the Dublin writer’s museum stands proof to this reality. If you are curious to delve into the depths of the city’s immense literary heritage on your Dublin city break, this Museum, a reinstated Georgian mansion is a must-visit. The museum throws light on the books, portraits and letters of the city’s literary celebrities.
The city break visitor can immerse himself into the colossal literary heritage Dublin boasts of, once at this museum. The museum houses works of the city’s literary celebrities who lived centuries ago. This Georgian mansion standing on the Parnell Square is by itself worth seeing. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Opulent plasterwork will welcome you to the Gallery of writers sited in the first floor of the building. This by itself will make your visit to the place worthy enough. The digital audio guide at the museum is the only one of its kind in Dublin. The museum also comes along with a bookshop as well as conference rooms.
Opening Times
January to December incl: Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday and Public Holidays: 11.00am - 5.00pm.
Ticket Prices
Adults: €7.50 (Group rates €6.50)
Concessions: €6.30 (Group rates €5.30)
Child: €4.70 (Group rates €3.70)
Family(2 Adults & 3 Children under 12): €20.00
Highlight:: A probe into the literary heritage of Dublin
Do not leave Dublin if you have not visited the Guinness Store House. This storehouse is in fact one attraction in Ireland which draws the highest number of visitors. This colossal seven-storey building, in the shape of a huge pint of Guinness throws light on the history of the world famous beer. In the limelight of the place, is the Gravity Bar. In addition to the tranquil atmosphere and the terrific views of the Dublin city you can enjoy at the place, visitors are also gifted a complimentary pint.
Guinness Storehouse also provides a lot of facilities to tourists to the place like the Three Bars (Brewery, Source, Gravity), various meeting and events facilities, and even a restaurant and coffee shop.
If you are in Dublin city around Christmas time or the last week of November, this is the place you should be to. The Lord of this medieval castle is said to be the original Santa figure as he used to shower gifts to his subjects. And that marked the tradition of the “Christmas Box”.
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat: 9.30am-5.00pm
Sun: 11.00am-5.00pm
All year round excl Christmas and 6th-9th April 2009.
Admission Prices:
Adults €6
Child €4
Concession: €5
Family: €16
Highlight:: great to be there in the Christmas season
Well, it is said that if you want to know the story weaving around Ireland’s capital city, a visit to the Dublin City Hall would suffice. Exhibits in the city hall sketch out the fruition of today’s Dublin. A few minutes at the place and you are enlightened on over 1000 years of history as well as the multi-hued past of Dublin.
The Malahide castle often turns out to be the highlight of a visit to the city of Dublin. The 250 acres of parkland on which it stands serves as the perfect setting and gifts it a picture-postcard beauty. The castle is sited in Malahide, an appealing seaside town. It remained a private home until 1973.