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The Visitor Attractions of Ireland
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| Dublin | Louth | Meath | Wicklow |
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| East Coast |
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The East centres on Dublin a capital city that has few equals in accessibility to good walking. You can see the hills from the City Street, and a bus ride will take you to the start of half-a-dozen walks that will keep you happy for an hour or two. Further away but still easily accessible for a day's walk are the Wicklow Mountains, a 100 kilometre long rounded ridge of granite into which the Ice Age carved some beautiful valleys of which Luggala and Glendalough are the finest. |
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There are many circular walks to be made in these mountains, with access from the good roads, which edge them both to the east and west, which are well-served with buses. The walking is generally easy, though there are boggy sections to be |
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crossed.The main ridge makes a fine long day's walk over a series of rounded summits. On a clear day you can see Snowdon Mountain in Wales. Because they are close to Dublin, you will find plenty of walkers out on these hills at weekends, but if you want solitude you can find it during the week. |
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The Wicklow Way starts in Marlay Park a short bus ride from Dublin city centre and works its way down the east side of the mountains, looking into the best of the valleys as it goes south through woods, over rough pasture and along lanes, the first section of a Waymarked Way that you can follow all the way to Kerry. |
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| Dublin |
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| Click here to know more about Dublin |
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Ardgillan Castle & Demesne |
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Balbriggan |
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Built by Rev. Robert Taylor in 1738, this fine 18th century country-manor house is surrounded by 80ha of woodlands and gardens. It overlooks the sea 30km north of Dublin city. Ardgillan houses the permanent exhibition of 17th century"Down Survey" maps of Ireland. The garden contains a fine Victorian conservatory and rose garden. A unique 20 alcove fruit wall is one of the features of the Walled Garden which also includes sections for herbs, vegetables and Irish plants.
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The Chimney Viewing Tower |
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| Dublin 7 |
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One of the most prominent features of Smithfield Village is The Chimney Viewing Tower. The existing distillery chimney has been toped with a two-tiered glass enclosed viewing platform and affords 360 degree panoramc views of the city. The viewing platform is served by a glass lift which runs along side the chimney. Watch Dublin awaken with a champagne breakfast or withness the sun set in style behind the Phoenix Park with champagne and canapes for a private and unforgettable event.
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Custom House Visitor Center |
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| Custom House Quay |
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The Custom House, designed by the renowned James Gandon, was completed in 1791 and is one of Dublin's finest heritage buildings. It has played a unique role in Dublin's Social, economic and political history over the past 200 years. The Visitor Center is located in and around the Dome or Clocktower area which contains the most important interior features to have survived the destruction of the building by fire in 1921 during one of the most dramatic events of the War of Independence. The Visitor Center includes: a Gandon museum with information and displays on his life and work in Ireland; the history of the Custom House itself, including the 1921 fire and subsequent restoration, and on many Government offices and important characters who have had offices in the building in the two centuries since it was completed.
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| Dublin Writer's Museum |
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| 18 Parnell Square |
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The Irish Literary is one of the most illustrious in the world, famous for four Nobel prize-winners and for many other writers of International renown. In 1991 the Dublin Writers Museum was opened to house a history and celebration of literary Dublin. Situated in a magnificent 18th century mansion in the north city center, the collection features the lives and works of Dublin's literary celebrities over the past three hundred years. Swift, Sheridan, Shaw and Wilde, Yeats, Joyce and Beckett are among those presented through their books, letters, portraits and personal items. The splendidly resorted Georgian house is a pleasure in itself with its sumptuous plaster work and decorative stained -glass windows. The museum holds exhibitions and readings and has a special room devoted to children's literature. The magnificent Gallery of Writers is an ideal setting for banquets and receptions, while our modern lecture rooms meet the demands of the conference planner.
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| Deepwell |
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| Blackrock |
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The house originally called Fairy Hill, was built on this site in 1810. Re-named Deepwell it was "substantially renovated" in 1840. It stands on a 1.2ha site overlooking Dublin Bay with Howth Head on the skyline. In 1842 a lease of the lands at Deepwell was awarded by the Hon. Sydney Herbert to Richard Samuel Guinness Esq. Who occupied the house for some years. His daughter Adelaide married her cousin the 1st Earl of Iveagh in 1873. The house was acquired in 1942 by the present owners. The garden was re-designed in 1995 by Mitchell & Associates and now contains a formal or italianate garden on axis with the north fa‡ade. Helen Dillon advised on the planting. There is a herb garden adjacent to the house. The garden won a Distinction prize from the Institue of Landscape Gardeners in 1996. Deepwell contains a collection of Irish paintings and furniture.
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Fernhill Gardens
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| Sandyford |
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The giant Wellingtonian redwoods in the broadwalk at Fernhill form a cathedral like aisle. Beyond them stretches the greenness of the Victorian laurel lawn and a magnificent springtime blaze of color from rhododendrons and azaleas. Many of these specimens were introduced from the Himalayas by the William Hooker expedition. At Fernhill you can see an increasingly rare example of an enclosed Victorian vegetable and flower garden. Many of the trees in the estate date back 200 years and the work of Judge William Darley, who collected plants from all over the world, has been continued by the Walker family.
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| Fry Model Railway |
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| Malahide |
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The Fry Model Railway is a unique collection of handmade models of Irish trains from the beginning of rail travel to modern times. One of the world's largest miniature railway, the exhibition is unique in that it is a working railway covering an area of 2,500 square feet. Situated in the beautiful grounds surrounding Malahide Castle, this delightful collection is a treat for railway enthusiasts, children and adults alike. The beautiful engineered models are from a collection originally built up in the 1920's and 1930's by Cyril Fry, a railway engineer and draughtsman, with each piece assembled with the finest attention to detail. Irish and International exhibits from the earliest railway developments are run on a Grand Transport Complex which includes stations, bridges, trams, buses, barges and even the river Liffey - pick out the models of Cork and Heuston Stations, O'Connell Bridge and other Dublin landmarks, perfectly constructed in miniature.
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Garden of Remembrance
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| Parnell Square East |
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Designed by Daithi Hanly and dedicated to the memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom. The large sculpture by Oisin Kelly is based on the theme of the "Children of Lir". The garden is intended as a place of quiet remembrance and reflection. As Garden contains steps there is restricted access for visitors with disabilities.
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| The Hugh Lane Gallery |
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| Parnell Square North |
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Located in Dublin's Cith Center, the Hugh Lane Gallery houses one of Ireland's foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. The original collection, donated by the Gallery's founder Sir Hugh Lane, has now grown to include almost 2000 artworks, ranging from the Impressionist masterpieces of Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas to works by leading national and international contemporary artists. |
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The most spectacular recent acquisition is Francis Bacon's 7 Reece Mews studio donated to the Gallery by John Edwards, together with its entire contents numbering over 7000 items. Drawings, slashed canvases, books and correspondence were among the fascinating items found in the studio. The studio is supported by an Audio Exhibition Gallery with some of the artist's unfinished paintings and a Micro Gallery where the visitor has access to an edited version of the database of the contents of the studio on touch screen terminals. A number of temporary exhibitions ranging in subject are held throughout the year. The Gallery also holds regular lectures, concerts, tours and art workshops for children.
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| The James Joyce Center |
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| 35 Nth Great Georges ST |
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The James Joyce Center is housed in a beautifully restored 18th Century Georgian Town House located only 300 meters from O'Connell Street. The Center is dedicated to the promotion of a greater interest in the life and works of James Joyce. The Guinness Reference Library houses an extensive collection of Joyce's works, Joycean criticisms and books relating to Dublin. On exhibit is the original door from No. 7 Eccles Street, fictional home of Leopold Bloom. The magnificent 18th century drawing room of the Earl of Kenmare holds Joyce's most treasured family portrait collection. The Paul Leon furniture is also on display as well as a photographic collection of 1900's Dublin and exhibitions exploring Joyce's background and inspiration. Facilities include a well-stocked bookshop with a vast range of Joycean books and gifts and an Education Programme. The James Joyce Center organizes guided walks through Joycean Dublin. Departs Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 14:15. Bookings Necessary. Bloomsday Festival 12th-16th June 2002.
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| James Joyce Museum |
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| Sandycove |
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The James Joyce Center is housed in a beautifully restored 18th Century Georgian Town House located only 300 meters from O'Connell Street. The Center is dedicated to the promotion of a greater interest in the life and works of James Joyce. The Guinness Reference Library houses an extensive collection of Joyce's works, Joycean criticisms and books relating to Dublin. On exhibit is the original door from No. 7 Eccles Street, fictional home of Leopold Bloom. The magnificent 18th century drawing room of the Earl of Kenmare holds Joyce's most treasured family portrait collection. The Paul Leon furniture is also on display as well as a photographic collection of 1900's Dublin and exhibitions exploring Joyce's background and inspiration. Facilities include a well-stocked bookshop with a vast range of Joycean books and gifts and an Education Program. The James Joyce Center organizes guided walks through Joycean Dublin. Departs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 14:15. Bookings Necessary.
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| Kensington Lodge Gardens |
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| Dunlaoghaire |
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The house dates from 1790 and was probably a dower house for the historic Malpas family who were owners of land from Bakers Pub to Killiney Bay. A walled garden of approximately one acre features box hedges, mixed herbaceous borders. The walls are covered with shrub roses dating to 1930. Established fruit trees and shrubs add to an old world atmosphere. A contrasting garden created over the last thirty years features specimen trees, shrubs, herbaceous and moisture loving plants. Also architecture and sculptural forms of plants have been used to great effect to create a gravel garden.
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Lusk Heritage Center |
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| Lusk |
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Lusk Heritage Center comprises of a 10th/11th century round tower, a medieval belfry and a 19th century church. They form a unit, although they were built over a period of almost a thousand years. The belfry now houses an exhibition on medieval churches of North County Dublin and also the magnificent 16th century effigy tomb of Sir Christopher Barnewall and his wife Marion Sharl. Ask the guide on site about discounts to other Duchas sites in the area. Restricted access for visitors with disabilities. No access for wheelchair users.
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Malahide Castle
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| Malahide |
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Malahide Castle, set on 250 acres of parkland in the pretty seaside town of Malahide, was both a fortress and a private home for nearly eight hundred years, and is an interesting mix of architectural styles. The Talbot family lived here from 1185 to 1975 when the last Lord Talbot died. This castle is the oldest to be continually inhabited by the same family and apart from a period during which they were evicted by Cromwell. The house is furnished with beautiful period furniture together with an extensive collection of Irish portrait paintings, mainly from the National Gallery. The history of the Talbot family (who lived there) is recorded in the Great Hall, with portraits of generations of the family telling their own story of Ireland's stormy history. The contours of the surrounding parklands have changed little in 8 hundred years, retaining a sense of the past. The delightful demesne was created Lord Talbot de Malahide between 1948 and 1973 and contains over 5,000 different species of trees and shrubs. The grounds are also open to the public, and appeal to all visitors, young and old.
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| Marlay Demesne |
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| Rathfarnham |
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Marlay House was built c1794 by Mr. David La Touche the then governor of the newly established Bank of Ireland. The estate today comprises some 200 acres of parkland. The 4.5 acre Walled Garden is near the main house and consists of restored regency ornamental and kitchen gardens. The ornamental garden boasts an extensive display of Period plants, ranging from herbaceous borders to shrub beds. The Head Gardener's house, orangery, arbor and water features combine to create a distinctive atmosphere. Located just over the wall, the kitchen garden houses a fine collection of Regency fruit trees, vegetables and associated bothys.
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| National Museum of Ireland |
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| Kildare Street |
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The National Museum of Ireland was opened in 1890 and was the result of the merging together of several Irish Collections. The Museum contains artefacts and masterpieces dating from 2000 B.C. to the 20th century. The archeological collections consist of the National Treasury (which includes the Ardagh Chalice and Tara Brooch), the Or - Ireland's Gold exhibition which features the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe. Prehistoric Ireland, an exhibition whose main purpose is to introduce the visitor to the everyday material culture of the time. Viking Age Ireland focuses on Irish Archaeology from 800 - 1200 AD. Ara Thoir na Saoirse - The Road to Independence deals with Irish history from 1916 - 1921. Ancient Egypt - An Exhibition highlighting the museum's collection of Egyptian archaeology.
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National Theatre (Abbey & Peacock Theatres) |
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| 26 Lower Abbey Street |
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The National Theatre comprises the world famous Abbey and Peacock Theatres. Founded in 1904 by the poet William Butler Yeats, Lady Gregory and Edward Martyn, the theatre stands today on its original site at the corner of Abbey Street. Since its opening production of On Baile's Strand by W.B. Yeats, the theatre quickly gained an impression on audiences with plays such as 'The Playboy of the Western World' by J.M. Synge (which caused a riot on its opening performance), 'The Whiteheaded Boy' by Lennox Robinson (1916), 'The Shadow of a Gunman' (1923) and 'The Plough and the Stars' by Sean O'Casey (1926). In recent years, the Abbey Theatre has continue to attract critical acclaim at home and abroad for its productions including Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel, Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness and The Wake by Tom Murphy. The prime objective of the National Theatre is to provide a performance space for Irish dramatic writing, the revitalization of plays from the Irish repertoire and to present classics of the European and world stages. Apart from productions, the theatre also presents a range of pre-show talks and events as well as a wide programme of outreach and education projects.
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| National Wax Museum |
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| Parnell Square |
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Discover a world where fantasy and reality combine and heroes of the past and the present come alive before your eyes. Look twice at the man reading his Irish times in the lobby of the museum. See the Children's World of Fairytale and Fantasy. This display is truly a joy for children as they wander through the Kingdom of Fairytales to find the magical lamp and the all powerful genie! The main section of the wax exhibition broadly reflects the historical and cultural development of Ireland. Here you will find life-sized figures of heroes such as Robert Emmet, Wolfe Tone, Parnell, the 1916 leaders, our Presidents and Taoisigh; together with the literary figures: Joyce, Yeats and their contemporaries. A particularly attractive feature is the life-size replica of Leonardo de Vinci's 'Last Supper'. Displays have an informative and educational narrative which can be heard at the touch of a button. The Chamber of Horrors is for the brave. For those who don't enjoy the sound of clanging chains and blood curdling screams, there is a separate entrance to the Hall of Megastars. Here patrons will meet the stars of the glittery world of rock and roll in the form of: Michael Jackson, Madonna and all time great Elvis Presley. For a family outing or just for plain adventure the National Wax Museum is well worth a visit.
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| Newbridge House |
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| Donabate |
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This delightful 18th century manor is set on 350 acres of parkland, twelve miles north of the city center and boasts one of the finest Georgian interiors in Ireland. Each room open to the public has its own style of antique and original furniture - indeed the house appears more or less as it did 150 years ago. The house was built in 1737, to a design by Richard Castle, for the Archbishop of Dublin, and contains elaborate stucco plaster-work by Robert West. The period atmosphere of the house is further accentuated by the presence of a fully restored courtyard, surrounded by: a dairy, estate worker's house, carpenter's shop and a blacksmith's forge; all displaying 19th century tools and implements. The grounds also contain a 21 acre traditional far, complete with farmyard animals, a delight to any young visitor and perfect for school tours and large groups.
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Skerries Mills |
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| Skerries |
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The Skerries Mills Complex comprises a watermill, 5-sail windmill and 4-sail windmill with associated mill races, mill pond and wetlands. The history of the mills can be traced to the early 16th century and a bakery was established on the site by 1840. All three mills have been restored to working order and are a rare example of 17th, 18th and 19th century industrial history.
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St. Mary's Abbey |
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| Off Chapel Street |
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St. Mary's Abbey is one of Dublin's best kept secrets. Once the wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland, today it is unrecognizable. Two rooms remain - the Chapter House and the Slype. The Abbey, founded in 1139, played a large role in the affairs of the state until its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1539. It was in the Chapter House that 'Silken' Thomas Fitzgerald started his unsuccessful rebellion in 1534. Today it contains a fascinating exhibition put together by Duchas The Heritage Service along with the Dublin Archaeological Society and the History of Art Department of Trinity College, Dublin. |
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| Off Chapel Street |
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| Dublin City |
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Temple Bar represents a concentration of predominantly contemporary arts and cultural practices. Meeting House Square is a spectacular open-air performance square located off Eustace Street (see adjoining map). It is surrounded by a cluster of innovative cultural center which are well worth a visit. These include the Temple Bar Music Center, Arthouse, a multi-media center for the arts; the Gallery of Photography; the Irish Film Center and Irish Film Archive; the Gaiety School of Acting and the Ark, a Cultural Center for Children and most recently the National Photographic Archive. A free programme of events takes place during the day and evening and includes: an outdoor image gallery; concerts; film screenings and a Food Market. The Food Market which takes place every Saturday from 9.30 to late afternoon, is unique to Dublin. It concentrates on small producers and growers and the home produced goods on sale include: breads, cakes, pastries, farmhouse cheese, fruit, oils, olives, smoked fish, chocolate, fudge, organic vegetables, venison, pates and terrines and sushi. The Book Market is a gathering place for independently minded booksellers and readers of all tastes and genres. An elective mix of rare and unusual finds, as well as literary staples. The Book Market is open every Saturday from 11.00 to 18.00. Up-to-date information on the events programme is available by directly telephoning the Temple Bar Culture Line (01) 671 5717. Full events listings are also published in free brochures available through outlets in the area or from 18 Eustace Street.
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| The Talbot Botanic Gardens |
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| Malahide |
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The Gardens as they exist today were largely created by Lord Milo Talbot in the years 1948 to 1973 and cover an area of over 8ha - 6.5ha of shrubbery and 1.5ha of Walled Gardens. An emphasis has been placed on the cultivation of plants from the Southern Hemisphere - many species and varieties collected by Lord Talbot. Genera which are particularly well represented are Olearia, Azara, Escallonia, Pittosporum, Syringa, Hypericum, Clematis, Euphorbia, Nothofagus, Salvia and Berberis. The collection continues to be expanded with the addition of new species and varieties. Seed exchange has been resumed and many additional semi-tender species have been planted.
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| Drimnagh Castle Restoration Project |
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| Drimnagh |
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Until 1954 it was one of the oldest continually inhabited castles in Ireland and is an outstanding example of an old feudal stronghold. It is the only Irish castle still surrounded by a flooded moat, a very picturesque feature, described in 1780 as a "very deep ditch of water supplied from the greehills" - it is now stocked with fish. The Castle, built of local grey limestone, consists of a restored Great Hall and medieval undercroft, a tall battlement tower with lookout posts and other separate buildings including stables, old coach house, dairy and folly tower One of the most attractive aspects of Drimnagh Castle is the garden - a formal 17th century layout with box hedges, yews, mop head laurels and an allee of hornbeam.
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Rathfarnham Castle |
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| Rathfarnham |
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The date of the foundation of the castle is uncertain but recent research would suggest 1583. It was built by Adams Loftus, a Yorkshireman. The castle has a colorful interesting history with 18th century interiors by Sir William Chambers and James 'Athenian' Stuart. It was declared a National Monument in the mid-1980's. The castle is presented to visitors as a castle undergoing active conservation. The visitor can see tantalizing glimpses of layers of the castle's earlier existence undercovered during research.
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| Bank of Ireland |
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| 2 College Green |
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This center of 20th century commerce is one of the most striking of Dublin's 18th century buildings. Built in 1729 to house the Irish Parliament, it became redundant when the British and Irish Parliaments were united in London, when the Irish Parliament voted itself out of existence. It would be a shame to leave our noble city without spending a few moments in one of Europe's most unique chambers, the Irish House of Lords where the Irish Parliament once sat in this magnificent chamber with woodwork in Irish oak, you can see the 18th century tapestries and a sparkling Irish crystal chandelier of 1233 pieces dating from 1765. The Bank of Ireland Arts Center, in the old bank armoury, Foster Place, is host to the 'Story of Banking Museum'. This exhibition reflects the role played by Bank of Ireland in the economic and social development of Ireland over the past 100 years.
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| Chester Beatty Library |
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| Dublin Castle |
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The Chester Beatty Library opens a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. Its rich collection of manuscripts, prints, icons, miniature paintings, early printed books and objects d'art from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe offers visitors a visual feast - all the result of the collecting activities of one man. Egyptian papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur'an, the Bible, European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights of the collection. Turkish and Persian miniatures and striking Buddhist paintings are also on display, as are Chinese dragon robes and Japanese woodblock prints. In its diversity the collection captures much of the richness of human creative expression from about 2700 BC to the present day.
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Dublin Castle, State Apartments
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| Dame Street |
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Originally built in the 13th century on a site previously settled by the Vikings it functioned as a military fortress, a prison, treasury, courts of law and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. Rebuilt in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Dublin Castle is now used for important State receptions and Presidential inaugurations. The State Apartments, Undercroft, Chapel Royal, Craft Shop, Heritage Center and Restaurant are open to visitors. (On occasions the State Apartments only may be closed for state purposes_. Access for visitors with disabilities to State Apartments, Chapel Royal and restaurant.
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Dublins City Hall - The Story of the Capital
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| Dame Street |
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Located in the City Hall, The Story of the Capital is a multimedia exhibition focusing on many of the events that have impacted on the city. The exhibition tells the story of Dublin's development throughout the millennium, creating the unique character of the city we know the day. The city treasures on display include the Great Dublin Civic Sword dating from 1403, the Great Mace from 1665, the Lord Mayor's Chain of Office and medieval manuscripts. City Hall was designed by Thomas Cooley and built between 1769-1779 as the Royal Exchange for the merchants of Dublin. Dublin Corporation acquired the building in 1851 and City Council meetings are still held here. Restored between 1998-2000, the building now allows visitors to appreciate the original proportions of the building and the beauty of its architecture.
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| Findlater Wine Merchants Ltd |
| 10 Upper Hatch Street |
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Visit fine wine shop and Museum of Irish Wine Trade seen through exhibits of the history of the Findlater firm and family. Situated at the top of Harcourt Street on the junction with Hatch Street. |
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| Iveagh Gardens |
| Clonmel Street |
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The Iveagh Gardens are among the finest and least known of Dublin's parks and gardens. They were designed by Ninian Niven in 1865, as an intermediate design between the 'French Formal' and the 'English Landscape' styles. They demonstrated the artistic skills of the landscape Architect of the mid 19th century and display a unique collection of landscape features which include Rustic Grotto's and Cascade, sunken formal panels of lawn with Fountain Center Pieces, Wilderness Woodlands, Maze, Rosarium, American Garden, Archery Ground, Rockeries and Rooteries. The conservation and restoration of the Gardens commenced in 1995 and to date most of the features have been restored, for example the Maze in Box hedging with a Sundial as a center piece. The recently restored Cascase and exotic tree ferns all help to create a sense of wonder in this 'Secret Garden'.
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| National Concert Hall |
| Earlsfort Terrace |
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The National Concert hall is Ireland's most prestigious music venue. This magnificent building was designed in the classical style for the Great Exhibition of 1865. It subsequently became the center piece of the emerging UCD (University College Dublin) before its inauguration as Ireland's National Concert Hall on September 9th 1981. As well as weekly performances by the NSOI (National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland), the National Concert Hall promotes a programme of visiting international artists and orchestras, as well as concerts of jazz, contemporary and traditional Irish music. In addition to this, its popular Education and Outreach Programme presents concerts and events for families and children throughout the year.
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National Gallery of Ireland |
| Merrion Square West |
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Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1854 and opened to the public in 1864. In addition t the national collection of Irish Art, the portrait collection and the Yeats Museum, the gallery houses European Old Master paintings. Access for visitors with disabilities to all public areas in the gallery. Gallery tours available year-round, school tours for the visually and hearing impaired visitors may be booked through the Education Department. The picture clinic which appraises works of art brought to the gallery by the public, is held by the Curators on the first Thursday of each month (10.00 - 12.00) in the Shaw room. 'Gallery News' also published quarterly provides free information on events and activities. |
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| Natural History Museum |
| Merrion Street |
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The Natural History Museum which is part of the National Museum of Ireland, is a zoological museum containing diverse collections of world life. The Irish Room, on the ground floor, is devoted largely to Irish Mammals, birds, sea creatures and insects. It includes the extinct giant Irish deer and the skeleton of a Basking Shark. The World Collection has a center piece, the skeleton of a 65 foot Whale, suspended from the roof. Other displays include the giant panda and a pigmy Hippopotamus. The Blaschka Collection consisting of glass reproductions of marine specimens is one of the treasures of the museum. |
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| Newman House |
| 85-86 St. Stephen's Green |
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"You haven't seen Georgian Dublin until you've seen Newman House". Newman House is made up to two of the finest Georgian Buildings in Dublin. Famous for their spectacular plaster decoration, both houses are also home to some of the most magnificent 18th century interiors to be found in this city. The subject of a major restoration programme since 1989, Newman House now offers the visitor a unique opportunity to encounter the elegance and grace of Georgian architecture and design. The building is steeped in history. In the mid 18th century, Cardinal Newman founded his Catholic University here and many celebrated historical and literary figures have since been associated with Newman House. Gerard Manley Hopkins, Jesuit priest and remarkable poet, was Professor of Classics here from 1884 to 1889. He died in the building and the room where he lived has now been restored in his honor. James Joyce was a B.A. student here from 1899 to 1902. A classroom, decorated as it would have been at this time, survives and can be visited on our guided tour. Admission to Newman House includes the guided tour and an exhibition on the restoration project here. Our guided tour will explain the history, heritage and restoration of the building, as well as helping visitors, young and old alike, to imagine what life was like for the inhabitants of a house such as this in the 18th century. |
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| Number Twenty Nine |
| 29 Lower Fitzwilliam Street |
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An example of the elegant terraced houses built for the middle classes during the 18th century. It was restored by the ESB and the National Museum of Ireland and houses an exhibition of home life in Dublin during the general period of 1790-1820. Here the owners have sought to recapture the atmosphere and furnishing of a typical comfortable home of that period. From the basement to the attic is housed a unique collection of artefacts and works of art of the time from elegant living rooms on the ground and first floors, to the family bedrooms and playrooms above. It is a rich treasure house of superior Irish craft work, some original, some made by today's crafts people working to designs and materials of the period. A short audio-visual presentation is introduced by Mrs. Beatty who moved into the house in 1794. She explains the lifestyle of an 18th century middle-class merchant family. Visitors are then taken on a guided tour of the exhibition. Visitors should budget 1 hour for their visit to the exhibition and then relax in the tearoom and browse in the gift shop. |
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| Powerscourt Town House Center |
| South William Street |
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Now an award winning shopping center this palazzo was built for the 4th Viscount Powerscourt, Richard Wingfield, as a family town house. Of magnificent cut stone the design by Robert Mack was built between 1771 and 1774. The fine rococo plasterwork in the staircase, hall and salon was executed by Irish stuccodores James McCullough and Michael Reynolds. Unusually the house and its offices were laid out around a hollow square, this has now been enclosed and is a center for fashion, antiques, crafts, restaurants and cafes. The refurbished Powerscourt Town House was nominated by the Irish Government as a national demonstration project for submission to the Council of Europe as part of its 1981 European Campaign for Urban Renaissance.
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St. Stephen's Green
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Probably Ireland's best known Victorian public park. This 9 hectares (22 acres) park is a sanctuary from the bustle of the city's streets with tree line walks, shrubberies, colorful flowerbeds, herbaceous borders, rockeries, an ornamental lake and a garden for the visually impaired. Lunchtime concerts are performed during the summer months.
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| The National Library of Ireland |
| Kildare Street |
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Founded in 1877 based on collections acquired from the Royal Dublin Society. It holds an estimated five million items. There are collections of printed books, manuscripts, prints and drawings, photographs, maps, newspapers, microfilms and ephemera. The library's research facilities services include regular programme of exhibitions open to the public and a geneology service. It is a deposit library under the Copyright Act and a deposit center for the publications of many international organizations. The library aims to acquire all printed manuscripts by Irish People or relating to Ireland. It is the reorganized Irish bibliographic center. |
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Trinity College Library and Dublin Experience |
| College Street |
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Trinity College Dublin is the oldest University in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Situated in the heart of a busy European capital, Trinity is famous for graduates such as Swift, Goldsmith, Wilde and Beckett. A visit to Trinity with its majestic 18th century buildings and squares is like stepping back into another age, an opportunity to experience the peace and quiet of another era. The Old Library built between 1712-1732 was renovated to coincide with the College's 400th anniversary in 1992. Visitor facilities include The Treasury - which houses the Book of Kells and other early Christian manuscripts; The Long Room - the largest single chamber library in the world, containing 200,000 of the library's oldest books in its oak bookcases: The Colonnades - a new exhibition area which features changing exhibitions and a Library Shop. The Dublin Experience located in the Arts Building is a multi-media representation of the history of Dublin from Viking times to the present day. |
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| Waterways Visitor Center |
| Grand Canal Quay |
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A modern building constructed in the Grand Canal Basin, beside Pearse Street Bridge and the IDA Enterprise Tower. The Center houses an exhibition designed to introduce the visitor to the story of Ireland's inland waterways and the range and diversity of activities and experiences they offer. Attractions include an audio-visual show and working models, showing various engineering features, as well as interactive multi-media presentation. Access for people with disabilities to ground floor. |
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| Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church |
| 56 Aungier Street |
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Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church stands on the site of a pre-Reformation Carmelite Priory (1539). Nothing remains of the older buildings. The foundation stone was laid in 1825. IN 1856 and 1868 the church was considerably extended and enlarged. The architect, George Papworth (1781-1855) was also the designer of Dublin's Pro-Cathedral. St. Valentine: The church contains the remains of Saint Valentine give by Pope Gregory XVI to Fr. Spratt from the cemetery of St. Hippolytus, Rome, in 1835. St. Valentine's fame, together with the fact that his feast fell on February 14th, seems to have accounted for his association with the old customs observed on that date. They were springtime beliefs and traditions. There was a belief that the birds mated on February 14th, girls would chose their Valentine sweetheart on that day and later the custom of sending greeting cards (Valentines). The crocus, which flowers about this time, is St. Valentine's flower. St. Albert's Well is also located in the church. A relic of the saint is dipped in the water on his feast (August 7th) and a prayer is said in which Albert is asked to grant healing of body and mind to those who use the water. Our Lady of Dublin: The life size figure in oak has had a varied and interesting history. |
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GAA Museum |
| Croke Park |
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Founded in 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Association is Ireland's largest sporting and cultural organization. Croke Park is the home of Ireland's unique national games of hurling and football. The GAA Museum in Croke Park has been designed to facilitate an experience of an integral part of the fabric of Irish life and heritage. It looks at the birth and growth of the GAA at home and abroad, and its unique role in the national movement and cultural revival in Ireland. Historic exhibits and databanks give you an insight into the past. Touchscreen technology brings you the historic moments, the great names and games. Specially designed interactives allow you test yourself in the skills of Ireland's most popular sports. Here in the GAA Museum you will experience part of what we Irish are, through a unique window into our sporting, cultural and social traditions.
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The Casino, Marino
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| Off the Malahide Road |
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Designed by Sir William Chambers as a pleasure house for James Caulfield, 1st Earl of Charlemont. It is one of the finest 18th century neo-classical buildings in Europe. The Casino, meaning "small house", surprisingly contains a total of 16 finely decorated rooms. The interior is accessed by a stairway. |
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National Print Museum |
| Haddington Road |
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What was once a soldier's chapel is now home to Ireland's printing heritage. Built in the 1860's, today it houses a unique collection of artefacts and machines from all sectors of the printing industry in Ireland. Step into our printing workshop of yesteryear. Experience how those first compositors, of centuries past, typeset letter by letter and line by line. The visit also includes an audio-visual show.
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Old Jameson Distillery |
| Smithfield Village |
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The Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield Village is in the heart of Old Dublin. Irish Whiskey can trace its history back to the 6th century. Almost like a tour of a working distillery you can follow the fascinating craft of whiskey making through the different stages from grain intake to malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling. Finally the tour culminates in the Jameson bar for a traditional Irish Whiskey tasting session. Other facilities include Distillery Gift Shop and Restaurant. |
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| Christ Church Cathedral |
| Christ Church Place |
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Viking Dublin's Cathedral was built on this site c.1028 and briefly became a Cathedral priory under the Benedictines at the end of the 11th century. In 1162, the archbishop of Dublin, Laurence O'Toole (later canonized as patron saint of Dublin) introduced the canons regular of St. Augustine to the Cathedral. In the 1180's the Anglo-Normans, led by Strongbow who is buried in the Cathedral, gave the building the shape we know today, including the crypt which can still be visited. The building was restored in 1871-8.
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| Dublin Zoo |
| Phoenix Park |
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As Ireland's number one fee-paying attraction, Dublin Zoo caters for people of all ages. The Zoo plays a vital role in the World Zoo Conservation Strategy, with many of our animals participating in international breeding programmes. Dublin Zoo is committed to education and research and we provide educational programmes throughout the year such as the "meet the keeper programme". Catering facilities, picnic areas, a spacious gift shop and a variety of children's play areas ensure a fund day for all the family. In the Summer of 2000 Dublin Zoo will open a new 33 acre extension to the Zoo called "The Africa Plains"; which includes larger animal paddocks to accommodate the larger African animals such as Rhino, Hippo, Giraffe, Antelope, Bongo. See also the Chimps on "Chimp Island".
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| Dublin's Viking Adventure |
| Temple Bar |
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Your opportunity to travel through time at Dublin's Viking Adventure, an exciting, live and interactive experience of life in Viking Dublin. Our Norse guide takes you on a fascinating journey through a Dublin of long ago. Walk the narrow streets of the Viking town of 'Dyflin' where you can chat to the locals, observe their daily work and even experience the sounds and smells of the city, imaginatively and accurately recreated and brought to life. Located close to Wood Quay, the heart of the 9th and 10th century Viking city, the Viking adventure also houses an extensive collection of artefacts discovered during the excavation of this site, considered to be the most important of its kind outside Scandinavia. These excavations revealed a might store of Viking artefacts and provided information that has made Dublin's Viking Adventure as authentic as it is entertaining. An engaging exhibition to be enjoyed by all - historians, students and anyone interested in Dublin's cultural heritage. |
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| Dublinia |
| Christ Church |
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The all new exhibition at Dublinia, located adjacent to Christchurch Cathedral, brings the turbulent history of medieval Dublin vividly to life. Visitors experience life in the Middle Ages at first-hand - walk through the streets and laneways of the old city, visit the Merchant's House and climb aboard ship at Wood Quay. Discover how artifacts are found and dated, view a scale model of the 16th century city and finally visitors come face to face with a medieval citizen when they view the dramatic facial reconstruction of the medieval skeleton found at Wood Quay.
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| Irish Museum of Modern Art / Royal Hospital Kilmainham |
| Kilmainham |
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The Irish Museum of Modern Art presents, through collection and temporary exhibitions, an exciting and innovative range of Irish and International art of the 20th century. The museum also has strong community and education programmes as well as national touring and artist's work programmes. The work of major historical figures is regularly juxtaposed with the work of younger contemporary artists to create a debate about the nature and function of art and its relationship with the public. The Museum opened in 1991 in the magnificently restored Royal Hospital, which includes a formal garden, meadow and medieval burial ground as well as a series of other historical buildings. |
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| Kilmainham Gaol |
| Inchicore Road |
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One of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from the 1780's to the 1920's. Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration. The tour of the prison includes and audio-visual show. Tours may be arranged for visitors with special needs by prior arrangement.
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| Marsh's Library |
| St. Patrick's Close |
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| Marsh's Library, built in 1701 by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh (1638-1713) is the oldest public library in Ireland. It was designed by Sir William Robinson. The Library contains some 25,000 printed books from the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries. Subjects include Theology, Medicine, Music, Law, Travel, Ancient History and Classical Literature. The interior of the library remains unchanged, with beautiful dark oak bookcases and three elegant wired alcoves or 'cages' where readers were locked in with rare books. It is a magnificent example of a 17th century scholars' library. |
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| National Museum at Collins Barracks |
| Benburb Street |
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Collins Barracks is Ireland's new museum of the decorative arts and of the economic, social, political and military history of the state. The site of the museum was acquired by the National Museum in 1994 and is the oldest military barracks in Europe, as well as the oldest continuously occupied barracks in the world. On display are artefacts from weaponry, furniture, folklife and costume to silver, ceramics and glassware. From the finest in design and materials to the simplest and most humble, each and every object has its own unique and particular story to tell including: Etruscan vases, gauntlets worn by King William at the Battle of the Boyne, a life belt and oar salvaged from the wreckage of the Luisitania and the pocket book carried by Wolfe Tone whilst imprisoned in Collins Barracks during 1798. |
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| Phoenix Park Visitor Center |
| Phoenix Park |
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A lively & entertaining exhibition on the history and the wildlife of the Phoenix Park is on display in the Visitor Center. Here the visitor can enjoy a historical interpretation of the park from 3,500 B.C. to the present day and can also view an audio-visual presentation on the Phoenix Park through the ages. Adjoining the Visitor Center is the fully restored Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house that probably dates from the 17th century. Access for people with disabilities to the ground floor. |
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| Saint Patrick's Cathedral |
| St. Patrick's Close |
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Saint Patrick's Cathedral has contributed much to Irish life throughout its long history (it was founded in 1191). Jonathan Swift was Dean of Saint Patrick's from 1713-1745, during which time he expressed his 'savage indignation' at appalling social conditions in Ireland. He was also Dean when Handel's Messiah received its first performance in 1742 sung by the combined choirs of Saint Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedrals. Living Stones, the Cathedral's permanent exhibition, celebrates the Cathedral's place in the life of the city, its history and its role at the dawn of the third Christian Millennium. It emphasizes that the Cathedral is not a museum, but a building embracing the past to herald the future. |
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| Shaw Birthplace |
| 33 Synge Street |
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'AUTHOR OF MANY PLAYS' is the simple accolade to George Bernard Shaw on the plaque outside his birthplace and his Victorian home and early life mirrors this simplicity. The first home of the Shaw family and the renowned playwright at 33 Synge Street has been restored to its Victorian elegance and charm, and has the appearance that the family have just gone out for the afternoon. The neat terraced house is as much a celebration of Victorian Dublin domestic life as of the early years of one of Dublin's Nobel prize winners for literature: full of nostalgia and the atmosphere of another time. It was in this house, opened to the public in 1993,, that Shaw began to gather the store of characters who would later populate his books, from the drawing room where Mrs. Shaw held many musical evenings, to the front parlor and children's bedrooms. This charming residence is a wonderful insight into the everyday life of Victorian Dublin and a pleasure to all who visit.
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| ST. Audoen's Church |
| High Street |
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Sited in the heart of the walled medieval city, St. Audoen's is the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin. It is dedicated to St. Ouen the 7th century bishop of Rouen and patron saint of Normandy. The Guild Chapel of St. Anne houses an exhibition on the importance of St. Audoen's Church in the life of the medieval city. Visitors will be able to see the part of the church still in use by the Church of Ireland as a parish church. They can also view the recently restored 17th century memorials to the Sparke and Duff families and the 15th century effgial tomb to Baron Portlester and his wife. The site is partially accessible to visitors with disabilities. |
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| War Memorial Gardens |
| Islandbridge |
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These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914-1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the granite bookrooms in the gardens. These gardens are not only a place of remembrance but are also of great architectural interest and beauty. They are one of four gardens in this country designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944). The others being Heywood Gardens, Lambay Island and those in Howth Castle. Sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree planting make for an enjoyable visit to the gardens in any season. |
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| Guinness Storehouse |
| St. James' Gate |
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The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of the Guinness brewery in Dublin. IT is a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in 'Gravity', the sky bar, with a complimentary pint of Guinness, an astonishing view of Dublin! Often surprising, always entertaining, the adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant, pint-shaped hear of glass. As you wander up through Guinness Storehouse, you'll discover what goes into making the Black Stuff - the ingredients, the processes, the passion. You'll meet Arthur Guinness and find out how the drink that carries his name has been transported around the world. You'll see how Guinness has been advertised over the years and visit Guinness, at Home and Abroad. Drop into the Source Bar for a relaxing pint of Guinness or enjoy good Irish food in the Brewery Bar. Or you can stop awhile to enjoy the latest exhibition in the Gallery. And if you'd like a souvenir to remind you of your trip to the home of Guinness, there's plenty to choose from in the Store |
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Botanic Gardens |
| Glasnevin |
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Ireland's premier Botanic Gardens, covers a total area of 19.5 hectares (48 acres), 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 and cultivated varieties. There are four ranges of glasshouses including the recently restored Curvilinear Range. Notable features include herbaceous borders, rose garden, rockery, alpine yard, arboretum, extensive shrub collections and wall plants. A new Education and Visitor Center opened in September 2000. Gardens are accessible for visitors with disabilities but there are some steep gradients. |
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| Dublin Brewing Company |
| Smithfield |
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The Dublin Brewing Company is Dublin's second biggest brewery. A craft brewery, it was established in 1996 and is based in the Smithfield area of the city. It freshly brews four beers (D'Arcy's Dublin stout, Beckett's Dublin Beer, Maeve's Crystal Beer and Revolution Red Beer) from all natural products and without the use of additives and preservatives. The draught versions of the beers are not pasteurized. All Dublin Brewing Company beers have a distinctive fresh, clean and robust character. |
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| Louth |
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| Click here to know more about Louth |
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| Beaulieu House & Gardens |
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| Drogheda |
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Beaulieu is situated on the banks of the river Boyne downstream from the town of Drogheda. Built in 1666 by Sir Henry Tichbourne, it is of Dutch Architecture and one of the earliest examples in Ireland of an unfortified house. The present owner, Mrs. Sidney Waddington (nee Montgomery) is descended directly from Admiral Lord Collinswood on her mother's side and from Sir Hentry Tichbourne on her father's side, the house having passed from Tichbourne, Aston, Tipping and finally Montgomery. The walled garden is reckoned to have been designed by Van De Hagen and is one of the earliest examples of an Irish walled garden. Mrs. Waddington is an avid gardener and apart from its historical interest the garden is well worth a visit from a horticultural point of view. |
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County Museum Dundalk |
| Dundalk |
Located in a beautifully restored late 18th century warehouse, the County Museum hosts a wide variety of events and activities, including an extensive programme of permanent and temporary exhibitions, drama, concerts, films and lectures. The County Museum tells the story of Louth's archaeological, social, natural and industrial heritage. The display7s combine authentic artifacts, models, audio-visual presentations, touch screen interactives, films and graphics to present the origins and evolution of the County from the Mesolithic period to t |
