A Complete Guide to All Dublin Attractions

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Ha'Penny Bridge or Half Penny Bridge crosses Liffey Street Lower to Merchants Arch. The elliptical arched metal bridge originally had a wooden gangway when it was constructed in 1816. The bridge has a 43 meter span, 3 meter width and is 3 meters above the water. Today 30,000 people walk across the bridge every day!

Before the bridge was built people would take ferries across the river. The ferries were often overcrowded and sometimes even capsized. When the bridge was constructed the ferries became redundant. William Walsh was the former ferry owner and a city alderman. He was compensated with

£3,000 and a lease on the bridge for 100 years. Walsh charged Dubliners Image By: HalfPennyBridge-Public Domain a ha'penny to cross the bridge, which was the same price he had charged Image Source: for a ferry ride. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha'penny_Bridge#mediaviewer/File:HalfPennyBridge.jpg

The bridge gets its name from the ha'penny toll but officially it has been called the Liffey Bridge since 1922. It is also known as Triangle, Iron Bridge and Wellington. The bridge remained the only pedestrian bridge crossing the Liffey River until Millennium Bridge was built in 1999.

Address: Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland Transportation: Luas: Jervis. Bus: 39B, 51, 51B, 51C, 51D, 51X, 68, 69, 69X, 78, 78A, 79, 79A, 90, 92, 206

Dublin Castle was built on a site that had previously been settled by Vikings. It was constructed for King John of England from 1204 to 1230 to defend the city and the King's treasures. Today the site covers more than 44,000m², has 2 museums, 2 cafes, a conference center, 2 gardens and the most prestigious State Apartments in the country. The State Apartments were built for the viceregal court and are the site of Ireland's Presidential inaugurations.

The architectural style is typically Norman with the castle buildings and defensive walls surrounding an interior courtyard. On each corner is a circular tower. It was constructed on the banks of the River Poddle to use Image By: Eigenes Werk the river as a natural defense on two sides. The river also provided water Image Source: for the castle's moat. During the Middle Ages the Great Hall was built, it http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin_Castle#mediaviewer/File:E4395-Dublin-Castle.jpg was used as Parliament House, a law court and as a banquet hall. In 1673 the castle suffered fire damage. Then it was transformed into a Georgian palace leaving little trace of the former castle. The Record Tower is the only part of the structure which has survived from the original 13 th century building.

The castle has a complex and fascinating history. It has been occupied since its establishment in 1204 and played an important role in Irish history. Visitors can see the Chapel Royal, wander the grounds, visit the Chester Beatty Library and the museums independently but visits to the State Apartments are with a guided tour only. The castle is now used for official State occasions but the general public can visit on a 45 minute guided tour which must be booked in advance.

Address: 5 Ship Street Great, Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 645-8813 Admission: Adult €10, Child €4 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9:45am-5:45pm Web: http://www.dublincastle.ie/

Originally a wooden 5 th century St. Patrick's Church was located here on the site said to have been where Saint Patrick baptized converts. In 1191 the church became a cathedral and construction began on the building we see today. The Protestant St. Patrick's Cathedral was completed in 1260. In the 1870s extensive renovations were made which incorporated many Victorian Era elements and decoration.

It is the National Cathedral for the Church of Ireland and the largest cathedral in the country. However it is not the seat of the Archbishop of Dublin. That honor goes to the other Dublin cathedral, Christ Church. St.

Patrick's is the site for several official State occasions like the Image By: Porsche997SBS Remembrance Day ceremonies. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Patrick's_Cathedral,_Dublin In 1432 the choir was established and pupils sang in the premiere performance of Handel's Messiah in 1742. You can see a composition in one of the church display cabinets.

The cathedral has a 43 meter high spire. Inside the cathedral has a magnificent mosaic floor and high vaulted ceiling. Look out for the Door of Reconciliation where a hole was cut so that the Earls of Kildare and Ormond could shake hands in the 1492 Butler-Fitzgerald Dispute.

Many famous names can be seen among the 700 buried here including the former cathedral Dean and author Jonathan Swift. The burial monument and gravestones include six Celtic grave slabs dating back more than 1,000 years.

Address: Saint Patrick's Close, Dublin, Ireland Corner of Patrick St. and Upper Kevin St. Phone Number: 01 453-9472 Admission: €6.50 Opening Hours: Mar-Oct Mon–Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am–10:30am, 12:30pm–2:30pm, 4:30–6pm / Nov–Feb Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am-10:30am, 12:3pm0–2:30pm Web: http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie Other: Last admission 30 min. before closing Transportation: Bus: 49, 49A, 49X, 50X, 54A, 56A, 77, 77A, 77X, 150, 151

The Temple Bar area is on the south bank of the River Liffey and bounded by Liffey street, Dame Street, Westmoreland Street and Fishamble Street. The Temple Bar area is considered the cultural quarter of the city. A number of cultural institutions are located here including the Gallery of Photography, Irish Film Archives, Gaiety School of Acting, the Irish Stock Exchange, Arthouse Multimedia Centre and many more.

Several dynamic bars and nightclubs are located here as well as the Temple Bar Pub. The pub and area were named after Sir William Temple (1555-1627), Provost of Trinity College and Master Chancery in 1609. He had his house built on the corner of Temple Lane and Temple Bar Street Image By: Joseph Mischyshyn which was newly reclaimed land. His son Sir John Temple bought more Image Source: land in the area which was reclaimed with the help of a new sea wall. The http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dublin_-_Temple_Bar_Street_-_Callshop_and_Temple_Bar_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1614454.jpg 17 th century word "Barr" meant a raised estuary sandbank. Hence the name Temple Bar as the Temple family's land lay alongside the River Liffey and the new sea wall. With a clever twist of the word Bar there is now a famous pub in the area – the Temple Bar.

The Temple Bar Pub occupies a corner property and is brightly colored on the outside. The pub was established in 1840 and has been making customers smile ever since. The pub is famous for its beer garden, music nights, craft beer, oysters, Whiskey Tuesdays knowledgeable and friendly staff, the largest whiskey collection in the country and the best Guinness in the city. It might be useful to know that kids are allowed in the pub until 9pm and live musical performances are daily from 2pm-2am.

Address: 47/48 Temple Bar St. Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: +353 1 672 5286/7 Admission: Web: http://www.thetemplebarpub.com/ Transportation: DART: Tara St. Luas: Jervis. Bus: 37, 39, 39A, 39B, 39C, 49X, 50X, 51, 51B, 51C, 51D, 51X, 65X, 68, 69, 69X, 70, 70A, 77X, 78, 78A, 79, 79A, 90, 92, 206

The College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Elizabeth is the only college of the University of Dublin. It was founded in 1592 and is one of seven ancient colleges in the UK and one of the best colleges in the world as well as Ireland's oldest college. The college was established to consolidate the rule of the Tudor monarchs in Ireland and with its Protestant affiliation Catholics were only allowed to enter from 1793. Catholics required permission from a bishop until 1970. Women first attended the college in 1904.

The college is located on College Green and covers 47 acres with most of the builds constructed around traditional courtyards. Visitors come to Image By: Niaz marvel at the beautiful grounds and buildings, to learn about the famous Image Source: alumni and to see the Library of Trinity College which holds Ireland's most http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College,_Dublin#mediaviewer/File:Trinity_College,_Dublin,_Ireland_(Sculpture_of_George_Salmon).jpg precious books including the Book of Kells.

College Park runs through the college grounds and the most impressive historic buildings are on the western side of the campus. Here you can see the 30.5 meter high Campanile, bell tower designed by Sir Charles Lanyon and sculpted by Thomas Kirk in 1853. Other impressive structures on this side of the campus include the Examination Hall designed by Sir William Chambers, the Chapel, Graduates Memorial Building, the Provost's House, Museum Building and Rubrics, the college's oldest buildings. On the campus grounds are the Samuel Beckett Theatre and the Douglas Hyde Gallery of contemporary art. Other points of interest include the Science Gallery where hot scientific issues are discussed. The Java City Café offers drinks and snacks; at the Accommodation Office you can arrange to stay on campus during college holidays June to September and there is the Geological Museum which holds a collection of 8,000 specimens. Visitors can take organized tours of the college and/or visit the Library of Trinity College.

Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 896 2320 Admission: Museum €3; Book of Kells €9-€28 Opening Hours: Museum Mon-Sun 10:30am-4pm; Book of Kells May-Sept Mon–Sat 8:30am–5pm, Sun 9:30am-5pm / Oct-Apr Mon–Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 12pm-4:30pm Web: http://www.tcd.ie Note: Tours leave from Front Gate and are purchased from Trinity Tours Desk.

The Guinness Storehouse is located in the St. James's Gate Brewery; it is housed in a seven-storey historic building. The Guinness experience takes you through the company's history and role in the Irish culture.

The visit begins at the foot of a giant beer glass in the Atrium . Visitors learn about the art of crafting beer. The Master Brewer guides you through the brewing process. In the Cooperage and Transportation section you can learn about this craft and see barrels being formed by a master cooper. One of the displays deals with the distribution and love of Guinness around the world. There is a section on Guinness Advertizing including award winning adverts and the famous logos. Guinness Ambassadors teach Image By: Jamt9000 visitors the right way to pour a beer (so that there is not too much froth). Image Source: Then you are awarded a certificate for learning this new skill. The use of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness#mediaviewer/File:St._James%27s_Gate_Brewery,_Dublin,_Ireland.jpg Guinness in the kitchen is covered in the Brewing Dining Hall . At the top of the building is the Gravity Bar where you have panoramic views across the city. In the Connoisseur Bar you can try the top four types of Guinness – Draught, Original, Foreign Extra Stout and Black Lager. The visit ends with the Guinness Store where there are merchandise, treats and souvenirs. Your ticket includes a free pint and the site is open daily.

Address: St. James Gate, Dublin 8, Ireland Phone Number: 01 408-4800 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30am-7pm Admission: Adult €18, Child €13.50 Web: http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/Index.aspx

This was the only museum in Ireland to win the "European Museum of the Year award." The museum collection was gathered by mining magnet Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968) and is hailed as one of the finest private collections of manuscripts and books in the world. It was established in 1950 to house Beatty's private collection.

The diverse collection covers the treasures of many great cultures and religions from around the world and spans a period from 2700BC to present day. The museum holds an East Asian Collection; Islamic Collection and Western Collection. The collections on display include paintings, miniatures, icons, manuscripts, rare books, calligraphic works, Image By: Jonsafari objects d'art, prints, decorative art, drawings and more. There are also Image Source: Egyptian papyrus texts, Medieval Armenian texts, Manichean texts, 260 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Beatty_Library#mediaviewer/File:CBL_Quran.jpg illuminated Qur'ans including some from the 8 th century and medieval texts. The museum's Biblical Papyri date back to the 2 nd -4 th century AD and include the earliest known copies of the Gospels as well as early Old Testament texts. The East Asian Collection has a number of scrolls from China and the largest collection of Jade books from the Imperial Court outside of China. There are also textiles and decorative art work from the Far East, 17 th century Japanese painted scrolls and Japanese woodblock prints. In all there are approximately 6,000 items.

There is a beautiful Reading Room which holds reference material in the field of book collection, book binding, calligraphy, religion, illuminated manuscripts, prints, and the history of writing. Access to the Reading Room is by appointment only but the general public is welcome to visit the library where admission is free. Families can download (or pick up at the library) activity workbooks for kids aged 3 to 8 to enhance their experience at the library. You can visit the library without a guide or take the free scheduled tours on Wednesdays at 13:00 and Sundays at 15:00 and 16:00.

Address: 2 Palace St, Dublin, Co. Dublin City, Ireland Phone Number: 01 407-0750 Admission: Opening Hours: Mar-Oct Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Nov-Feb Tue-Fri 10am-5pm Web: http://www.cbl.ie Transportation: Bus: 37, 39, 39A, 39B, 39C, 49, 49A, 49X, 50, 50X, 56A, 65X, 70, 70A, 70X, 77, 77A, 77X, 123. Luas: Jervis

From the 1780s to 1920s this gaol was the site of several major events in Ireland's history. Many of the leaders of the Irish rebellion were held here and some were even executed here by the English and later by the independent Irish nation. The gaol was constructed in 1796. The gaol was the site of public hangings until the 1820s. In 1891 a hanging cell was built. Males, females and children were kept in dark dank 28m² cells in groups of up to five. The youngest prisoner even kept at Kilmainham was 7 years old. The conditions were crowded and the prisoners were ill treated. In 1924 the Irish Free State closed the gaol.

The gaol is hailed as a monument to nations fight for independence. In Image By: Sean Munson addition to housing leaders of several rebellions in the fight for Irish Image Source: nationalism the gaol was also used during the Irish War of Independence http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilmainham_Gaol#mediaviewer/File:Kilmainham_Jail.jpg in 1919-21.

Visitors are taken on a tour of the prison; the tour includes an audio-visual show. You can see crafts done by the prisoners; the cells; a mural painted by Grace Gifford while she was held here; Robert Emmet's cell; prison courtyards; the place where prisoners were executed and a plaque marking the executions of the leaders of the 1916 Rising. There is an exhibition of the political and penal history of the gaol and its restoration.

Address: Inchicore Rd., Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Ireland Phone Number: 01 453-5984 Admission: Adult €9, Child €7 Opening Hours: Jan-June Mon-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm, Jul-Sept 9:am-6:45pm, Oct-Dec 9:30am-5:30pm Web: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/KilmainhamGaol

The IMMA holds the country's collection of modern and contemporary art. It is housed in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, a 17 th century building. The hospital dates back to 1684 and was a home for retired soldiers for 250 years. In 1984 the building was restored and in 1991 it became the home of the museum. It was the country's first national modern and contemporary art museum.

There are 3,500 works of art in the museum, they are by Irish and international artists. The collection is continually growing and new pieces of significance are added each year. The collection includes 1,200 Old

Master prints including pieces by Rembrandt, Goya and Durer. Several of Image By: Public Domain the museum pieces are displayed in the grounds. On the grounds are Image Source: formal gardens, lawns, a meadow and an historic burial site. There are set http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Museum_of_Modern_Art#mediaviewer/File:IMMA_north_facade_wiki.jpg routes which are arranged to take you passed the interesting works of art on the grounds.

Address: Royal Hospital, MIlitary Rd.,Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Ireland Phone Number: 01 612-9900 Admission: Opening Hours: Tues-Fri 11:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-5:30pm, Sun 12am-5:30pm Web: http://www.imma.ie Other: Last admission 45 min. before closing. Transportation: Luas: Heuston. Bus: 26, 51, 51B, 78A, 79, 90, 123

This branch of the National Museum is housed in the former Collins Army Barracks. The barracks drilling grounds, firing ranges, courtyards, old barracks, billets, stables and riding school are converted into galleries and exhibition space.

The collection includes about 150,000 objects. The collections cover Arms and Armor, Asian Objects, Ceramics, Eileen Grey, Fine Art and Graphic Art, Flags, Furniture, Glass, Jewelry and Costume, Lace, Metalwork, Military History, Numismatics, Philatelic and Postal History, Childhood, Costume, Easter Week, Scientific Instruments, Musical Instruments,

Textiles and Transportation. Among the museum's highlights is Michael Image By: Public Domain Collins' Great Coat. This is the coat he was wearing when he was shot in Image Source: 1922. Michael Collins (1890-1922) was an Irish revolutionary leader and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collins_Barracks,_Dublin#mediaviewer/File:Collins_Barracks_Museum_front.JPG went on to be the first Commander-in-Chief of the Free Irish State. He is considered one of the founding fathers of the free nation. Clarke Square is one of the original barracks' squares. The iconic Eileen Grey E1027 table is another museum highlight. You can see an original copy of the Proclamation of the Republic dating back to the Easter Rising of 1916 and signed by Padraig Pearse and six others. The museum holds 40 of the woodblock Hiroshige Prints.

On the last Sunday of each month there is a free tour. Four times a year there are tours of the Conservation Studio and there are other Curators tours. The museum hosts regular events, talks and tours including military enactments.

Address: Collins Barracks, Benburb St. Dublin 7, Ireland Phone Number: 01 677-7444 Admission: Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm Web: http://www.museum.ie Transportation: Luas: Museum. Rail: Heuston. Bus: 39B, 70N

This Protestant church is built on the site of a Danish Christian chapel constructed in 1095 to serve the remaining Vikings in Ireland. The church operated as a Catholic church until the Reformation. It is the only church on the north side of the Liffey River which retains surviving elements of the Viking foundations. The present church was constructed in 1686 for Church of Ireland parishioners. The church interior has some magnificent woodwork. The church organ dates back to 1724 and it is believed that Handel composed his Messiah on this instrument.

What really draw in the tourists to this church are the five long vaults. Here you can see coffins and mummified remains of several bodied including a Image By: Foxhunter22 400 year old nun. Other interesting bodies in the vaults are those of the Image Source: Shears Brothers who participated in the 1798 Rebellion and were executed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Michan's_Church,_Dublin by the British; a 2 meter tall male thought to have been a Crusader and a body with a severed hand and feet. The dry conditions in the vaults deteriorated the wood of the coffins revealing and preserving the mummified bodies. It is forbidden for Catholics to open coffins in search of mummies but as in this case the coffins disintegrated due to natural circumstances it is permissible to ogle at the bodies. Visitors have been fascinated with these mummies since Victorian times and it is thought that they may have inspired Bram Stoker, author of Dracula.

The church is closed to visitors on Sundays and there is a fee for viewing the vaults.

Address: 10 Church Street, Dublin 7, Ireland Phone Number: 01 872-4154 Admission: €5 Opening Hours: Nov-Feb Mon-Fri 12:30-2:30pm, Sat 10am-1pm, Mar-Oct Mon-Fri 10am-12:45pm and 2-4:45pm, Sat 10am-1pm Web: http://www.stmichans.com/

Grafton Street is Dublin's most famous shopping street; it runs from St. Stephen's Green to College Green. The street is lined with historic buildings and points of interest as well as many high-end shops, spas, service stores, theatres, galleries, cafes, bars, hotels and restaurants. Grafton Street is named after Charles II's illegitimate son, the 1 st Duke of Grafton who owned land in the area. Development of the street began in 1708 and it became a prestigious residential street following the construction of the O'Connell Bridge in 1794.

Today most of Grafton Street is pedestrian-only. The Grafton Street experience includes the street entertainers. Places of interest near to Image By: Donaldytong Grifton Street include Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral, the Chester Image Source: Beatty Library, the National Library of Ireland, the National Museum, the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grafton_Street#mediaviewer/File:Grafton_St,_Dublin.jpg National Gallery, National History Museum, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and the Old Jameson Distillery. The Trinity College Provost's House (where the head of the college resides) is on Grafton Street.

Address: Grafton St. runs from St. Stephen's Green to College Green, Dublin, Ireland Web: http://graftonstreet.ie/ Transportation: Bus: 11, 11A, 11B, 14, 14A, 15A, 15C, 15X, 20B, 27C, 32X, 33X, 39B, 41X, 46B, 46C, 51X, 58X, 70X, 84X

Marsh's Library is a Renaissance library opened in 1707; it was Ireland's first public library. The building was commissioned by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh and designed by Sir William Robinson the country's Surveyor General. It holds a collection of more than 25,000 books and manuscripts. The library has stood unchanged for the last 300 years and still has its original oak bookcases. There are 3 wire enclosed alcoves or cages from the 1770s and the original seating and shelving. Modernization has only happened in the cataloging of the books on computer and the addition of a conservation bindery.

th th The books in the library date from the 16 to 18 century they include 80 Image By: Sitomon books printed before 1501, 430 books printed in Italy before 1600, 1,200 Image Source: books printed in England before 1640 and 5,000 books printed in England http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsh's_Library#mediaviewer/File:Marsh%C2%B4s_Library.jpg before 1700. There are many liturgical works as well as Bibles in a number of languages and books on music, mathematics, medicine, Judaica, theology books and missals. There is a separate room for books and newspapers related to Irish history printed in the last 100 years. The library's most valuable collection is the Edward Stillingfleet (1635-1699) Collection. Cicero's Letters to his Friends' (1472) is considered the most beautiful of the library's books. Other important works in the library include a volume of the Lives of the Irish Saints (1400) in Latin. The library is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays and there is an entrance fee.

Address: Saint Patrick's Close, Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 454-3511 Admission: €3 Opening Hours: Wed-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Mon-9:30am-5pm Web: http://www.marshlibrary.ie Other: Closed public holidays and last week in Dec Transportation: Bus: 49, 49A, 50X, 54A, 56A, 77A, 77X, 150, 151

This rectangular 22 acre park opened to the public in 1880. It is known for the many Victorian elements and the Victorian Era park layout which has survived all these years. The Victorian layout was funded by Sir A.E.Guinness of the famous brewing family. The park has trees and shrubs planted along the perimeter which date back to 1670 when the park was only accessible to Dublin's elite. In 1815 the winding paths and iron fences were added. Among the surviving Victorian features of the park is the lakeside gazebo where visitors can escape the bad weather and the Victorian Swiss shelters in the center of the park.

3.5km of paths crisscross the park and on the western side of the park is a Image By: Michal Osmenda popular waterfall and Pulham rock work. The artificial lake is home to water Image Source: birds. The park boasts a garden geared towards the visually impaired. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Stephen's_Green There are several sculptures throughout the park as well as children's playgrounds. The park includes both landscaped gardens and flowerbeds as well as open heath. The park's Fusiliers' Arch was constructed in memory the Royal Dublin Fusiliers who died in the 2nd Boer War. A beautiful fountain lies within the Leeson Gate. It is adorned with a bronze statue called Three Fates. The statue was a gifted to Ireland commemorating Operation Shamrock when 500 child refugees were rescued by the Irish in WWII. There are a number of statue in the park including one by Henry Moore, a bust of Yeats and Lord Ardilaun. There are free regular lunchtime concerts in the park.

Address: St.Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 475 7816 Admission: Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-7pm, Sun 9:30am-7pm Web: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/dublin/ststephensgreen/ Transportation: Luas: St. Stephen's Green. Bus: 20B, 32X, 33X, 39X, 40A, 40C, 41X, 46B, 46N, 46X, 51X, 58X, 70B, 70X, 84X, 92

The museum is located on the first floor of a beautiful Georgian building. The collection is comprised of artifacts dating between 1900 and 2000 and originating in Dublin. The items include photographs, artifacts, letters, advertisements, postcards, household items, art and memorabilia. Most of the items on display were donated to the museum by people in Dublin. The objects tend to tell a story and shed light on some aspect of life in 18 th century Dublin. The items are almost without exception originals.

The Little Museum of Dublin has been called a people's museum as it chronicles the history of the city as seen through the lives of the residents.

There are approximately 5,000 items in the collection which are spread Image By: littlemuseum over one floor of the building while another is used as the Hatch & Sons Image Source: Irish Kitchen cafe and a third is the museum office. Items in the collection http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Museum_of_Dublin come from important periods of Dublin's history like the Easter Rising in 1916, the visit of JFK and other social, historical, cultural and political Dublin landmark events. There is even a new section devoted to the Irish band U2. The museum arranges guided walks, "I Love Dublin" classes for kids and a greeting program where tourists can book a "meet and greet with a local.

Address: 15 St. Stephen's Green, near the corner of Dawson St. Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 661-1000 Admission: €7 Opening Hours: Daily Fri-Wed 9:30am-5pm, Thurs 9:30am-8pm Web: http://www.littlemuseum.ie/

The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript of the Biblical New Testament Gospels in Latin and created in a British or Irish Columban monastery dating back to c.800AD. It is believed to have been created on the island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland and completed in the Abbey of Kells. It is one of the nation's treasures and an example of expert calligraphy and insular illumination at its best. The term " insular " art comes from the Latin for island referring to the UK where the artistic style was distinct from the mainland European style. The illustrations are intricate and detailed including beautiful images and iconographic motifs with Celtic and Christian symbolism. It consists of 340 folios (pages) which were grouped into 4 volumes in 1953. The pages are calf vellum Image By: Nic McPhee (parchment made of calf skin) and the calligraphy is in iron gall ink while Image Source: the colors are produced with a number of substances. The Book of Kells is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_College,_Dublin#mediaviewer/File:Trinity_College_Library-long_room.jpg named after the Abbey of Kells where it was housed for many years. Today the Book of Kells can be seen in Trinity College Library, Dublin also known as the Old Library.

Visitors to Trinity Collage Old Library can visit the Treasury and see two volumes of the Book of Kells are on display as well as other historic manuscripts. Upstairs is the Long Room which holds 200,000 old and valuable books kept in antique bookcases. Exhibitions are regularly held in the Long Room. The Long Room is 65 meters long and was built between 1712 and 1732. There has an upper barrel-vaulted ceiling and upper gallery bookcases which were later additions to the structure. Since 1801 the unique library has had the right to claim a free copy of every book published in the UK and Ireland. A collection of marble busts of writers and philosophers line the room. You can see a wooden 15 th century harp and the model used to design the national emblem. It is possible to tour Trinity College campus which includes a visit to the library.

Address: Trinity College, College St., Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 896-2320 Admission: €11 Opening Hours: May-Sept Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm, Sun 9:30am-5pm / Oct-Apr Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 12pm-4:30pm Transportation: DART: Pearse St., Connolly St. Luas: Lower Abbey St., St. Stephen's Green.. Bus: College Green entrance: 7N, 15N, 15X, 44N, 46N, 48N, 49N, 51D, 51X, 54N, 56A, 70B, 70X, 77A, 77N, 92. Nassau St. entrance (for Old Library/Book of Kells): 25X, 32X, 33X, 41X, 51D, 51X, 58X, 67X, 84X, 92

The former Parliament House in Dublin's College Green is Bank of Ireland's largest and oldest branch . The building was designed by Edward Lovett Pearce and purpose-built to house the first Irish parliament, it was completed in 1739 and was used by the parliament until 1801.

The building was the first two-chamber parliament house (Lords and Commons Chambers) in the world. The Act of Union was passed in 1800 officially closing the Irish Parliament and passing power to Westminster. When the building was sold in 1803 further additions to the structure were designed by James Gandon and completed in 1785. There is a distinctive coffered ceiling and Irish oak panelling in the Image By: Ardfern Lords Chamber. The building's original large tapestries depicting the Image Source: Bank of Ireland Centre - Parliament House Battle of the Boyne and the Siege of Derry date back to the 18th century. There is a magnificent chandelier with 1,233 crystals dating back to 1788. Three sides of the building's exterior have a colonnade of Ionic columns with the royal coast of arms carved in the pediment above the entrance. Several of the original parliament's features have survived and can be seen by visitors.

When not in use, visitors can enjoy a guided visit of the House of Lords chamber on Tuesdays or make an unguided visit Monday to Friday.

Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 661-5933, ext. 2265 Admission: Opening Hours: Mon-Wed/Fri 10am-4pm, Thur 10am-5pm

St. Teresa's Church is located down a side alley off of busy Griffon Street and Clarendon Street. This picturesque 18 th century church has been servicing people for the passed 200 years and offering a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of Griffon Street. The church is best known for its excellent choir and its fascinating history. The church was established by the Barrefoot Carmelites (Discalced Carmelites).

The Discalced Carmelites were a separatist branch of the Carmelite Order founded in the 16 th century by St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. The Discalced Carmelites lived a modest life devoted to the poor and today's community of the St. Teresa's Church is directly linked to those Image By: Jcmurphy original friars who came to Ireland in 1625. Having changed location Image Source: several times over the years the friars finally settled at the present location http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Clarendon_Street_(St_Teresa's)_Church,_Dublin where the church – Clarendon Street Chapel opened its doors in 1797.

The church architecture is modest with a granite exterior and elegant interior. The arcades have intricate moulding and granite columns. There are several interesting works of art on the church walls and classic stained glass windows. One of the points of interest is Hogan's Dead Christ, a life-size white marble figure of Christ lying in a tomb (1829). The church hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year and welcomes guests to their regular mass. If you come to mass on Sunday at 11am you can hear the churches renowned choir and appreciate the churches natural acoustics.

Address: Clarendon St. Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 671-8466 Admission: Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-8pm Web: http://www.clarendonstreet.com Transportation: Bus: 15A, 15B, 44, 61, 100X, 101X, 109, 111, 133, 140

All those interested in Irish whiskey will love this Dublin attraction! The Old Jameson Distillery attraction is located off Smithfield Square and is in the original site of the distillery which operated from 1780 to 1971. The distillery is spread over two levels. The atrium has a glass floor through which you can see the original fermentation vats.

Visitors to the site are taken on a tour of the facility led by an expert. You step back in time and discover the history of the Jameson distillery through recreated distillery scenes. Visitors get to know the three ingredients used to make Irish whiskey. The tours last an hour and include a free shot of whiskey and some of the visitors on the tour are chosen to participate in a Image By: IProspectIE whiskey tasting tutorial. These lucky drinkers receive an Irish Whiskey Image Source: Taster certificate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Jameson_Distillery#mediaviewer/File:Old_Jameson_Distillery_Still_Room.jpg

Visitors can taste some of the Irish whiskey in one of three bars, have a meal at the 3 rd Still Restaurant and buy Jameson Irish gifts. Those who want to take whiskey tasting to a whole new level can try comparing Jameson to other whiskeys (at an additional fee). The site also offers The Barrelman's feast - A three course meal accompanied by live entertainment, hosted by a costumed actor playing the barrelman and of course whiskey. If you are traveling around Ireland then there is another Jameson Experience in Midleton, Cork.

Address: Bow St., Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, Ireland Phone Number: 01 807 2355 Admission: €14 Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10:00am–6pm Web: http://www.jamesonwhiskey.com Transportation: Bus: 67, 67A, 68, 69, 79, 90

This is the home of all national archaeological treasures of objects found in Ireland. The National Museum has several sections and archaeology is one of them. The Archaeology Museum is located on Kildare Street and was first opened in 1890.

The collection includes more than 2 million artifacts with the oldest dating back to 7000BC and others from the 20 th century. The collections are displayed in 7 galleries. The Or-Ireland's Gold Exhibition is one of the largest collections of gold in Europe. Among the Ancient Egyptian collection is a gilt and painted cartonnage case of a mummy; stelae; tomb furniture; Ancient Egyptian jewelry and household objects. In the Viking Image By: Mark Healey Land exhibition you can see finds from excavations in Dublin. In the Image Source: Prehistoric Ireland collection there are finds from excavations throughout http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonycavan_Man#mediaviewer/File:Bog-body_Clonycavan-Man.jpg Ireland. The collection includes bronze weapons, a reconstructed Passage Tomb, prehistoric tools and Neolithic farm equipment. The Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition includes Iron Age bog bodies thought to have come from some kind of primitive ritual sacrifices. The Treasure holds iconic artifacts like the Ardagh Chalice. Other sections include Medieval Ireland 1150-1550 ; Ceramics and Glass from Ancient Cyprus and Life and Death in the Roman World.

The museum is housed within the highly decorated building in the Victorian Palladian style. The entrance has a neo-classical colonnade and inside is a 20 meter high domed rotunda modeled on the Pantheon in Rome. In the rotunda are more columns. In the central court is a magnificent balcony with cast-iron columns and decorated capitals. A mosaic floor depicts scenes from the zodiac and there are Majorca fireplaces and carved wooden doors.

Address: Kildare St. Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 677-7444 Admission: Free Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm Web: http://www.museum.ie

The church has an elevated location in the historic area of the city. It is an Anglican Church and one of only 2 Protestant cathedrals in the city. This is Dublin's oldest cathedral; the original wooden structure was founded by the Hiberno-Norse in 1038; a stone Anglo-Norman building followed in 1172 and construction continued into the 1200s when Gothic architectural elements were introduced. The church was restored in the 1870s and redesigned by G.E. Street who added many Victorian touches. It was at this point that the external buttresses and tower were added and the façade was completely recovered with stone. Features of both structures are present today. Image By: Ingo Mehling th The highlights of the church architecture include the remains of the 13 Image Source: century Chapel House and the transept Romanesque portal. The ceiling http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Christ_Church_Cathedral_(Dublin).jpg above the nave has beautiful vaulted arches. The carved capitals of the columns lining the nave and the choir have survived from the earlier structure. You can see a fully armed knight on Strongbow's Tomb who died in 1196. The choir screen was created in the 1875 changes and the brass lectern is from the Middle Ages. Take a look down at the magnificent tiled floor.

The Chapel of St. Laurence O'Toole (not the actor but a figure who died in 1180) holds a heart shaped iron reliquary said to hold the saint's heart. Other points of interest are the Lady Chapel and Dublin's oldest crypt where you can see the Treasures of Christ Church exhibition. Complete your visit by following the covered bridge (1875) which connects the church to the Old Synod Hall where you can see the Viking multi-media exhibition.

Visitors can attend one of the daily services; take a guided tour of the church and belfry or an audioguide.

Address: Winetavern Street, Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 677-8099 Admission: Adult €6.50, Child €2.50 Opening Hours: Mar-Oct Mon-Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 12:30pm-2:30pm/4:30pm-6pm / Apr-Sept 9:30am-7pm, Sun 12:30pm-2:30pm/4:30pm-7pm / Nov-Feb 9:30am-5pm/12:30pm-2:30pm Web: http://www.christchurchdublin.ie Other: Last entry 45 min. before closing (Mon–Sat) Transportation: Bus: 37, 39, 39A, 39B, 39C, 39X, 49, 49A, 49X, 50X, 54A, 56A, 70, 70A, 70X, 78A

Romantics should head for this Catholic church. Here you can see St. Valentine's relics. The relics once lay in the cemetery of St. Hippolytus in Rome but in the 19 th century they were given to the Irish Carmelite, John Spratt by the Pope. Spratt brought these relics to the Carmelite church. On Valentine's Day each year soon-to-be-married couples come to get the Blessing of Rings at a special Mass.

The church was founded in 1279 and in the 16 th century a Carmelite priory stood on the same site. The present structure dates back to 1825 and is the work of architect George Papworth (who designed St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral). The church has 16 shrines which are surrounded by Image By: DubhEire candles giving the interior a magical glow. In one of the shrines is a grotto Image Source: scene depicting Our Lady of Lourdes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitefriar_Street_Carmelite_Church#mediaviewer/File:Whitefriar_Street_Carmelite_Church.JPG

St. Albert' shrine holds the relics of this 14 th century saint. On St. Albert's feast day a relic is dipped in St. Albert's Well and the waters are said to gain healing powers. In the church there is a 16 th century life-size wooden sculpture of Our Lady of Dublin. It is said to have been discovered in a secondhand store in 1824 having been discarded after the Reformation. The church has some exquisite stained glass windows some dating back to 1831.

Address: 56 Aungier St. Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 475-8821 Admission: Opening Hours: Mon/Wed-Fri 8am–6:30pm, Tue 8am–9:30pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 8am-7:30pm Web: http://www.whitefriarstreetchurch.ie/ Transportation: Bus: 16, 16A, 19, 19A, 83, 122, or 155

The Irish National Gallery holds a world-class collection of Irish and European fine art. In 1852 William Dargan initiated the idea for a major exhibition on Leinster Lawn in Dublin. The exhibition proved so popular that it sowed the seeds for a permanent exhibition. It took 10 years of committee discussions and proposals before the construction of a new building to house the gallery began. It was designed by Francis Fowke and was officially opened in 1864. In 1968 the building was extended according to the designs of Frank DuBerry. In 2002 the museum was again expanded to house its ever growing collection.

The collection consists of approximately 15,000 works of art spanning from Image By: Johannes Vermeer th th the 13 to 20 century. There are works representing all the major Image Source: European schools of art over this period and work by all the great http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Gallery_of_Ireland#mediaviewer/File:DublinVermeer.jpg European masters. In addition the museum holds the most comprehensive collection of Irish art in the world. The collection is divided into paintings and sculptures; prints and drawings; the national portrait collection and the Yeats Collection. In the painting and sculpture collection you can see works by Barry, Canova, Rubens, Goya, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and many more. Among the national portraits are paintings of Seamus Heaney(1939-2013), Sir John Perceval(1660-1686), Ronnie Delany(b.1935), Jonathan Swift(1667-1745), Maeve Binchy(1940-2012) and many more. The Yeats Collection consists of work by the artist Jack B. Yeats and holds material relating to his family and life.

The museum holds what is dubbed "Ireland's favorite painting" – Frederic William Burton's Hellelil and Hildebrand, The Meeting on the Turret Stairs. This romantic water color painting depicts the princess passing her bodyguard whom she has fallen in love with. The ill fated lovers were doomed as her father disapproved of the soldier and had him killed. Entrance to the National Gallery of Ireland is free.

Address: 87 Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 661-5133 Admission: Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9:15am-5:30pm; Thur 9:15am–8:30pm; Sun 11am–5:30pm Web: http://www.nationalgallery.ie Transportation: DART: Pearse. Luas: St. Stephen's Green, Grafton St. Bus: 4, 5, 7, 7A, 8, 13, 13A, 39, 39A, 44, 45, 46A, 48A

The Natural History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is housed within a building designed by Frederick Claredon in 1856 as an extension to Leinster House. It originally housed the Royal Dublin Society. The cabinet-style museum has not changed much since then. It holds animal specimens (taxidermies, fossilized or skeletons) of animals from Ireland and other countries as well as a geological exhibition. In all there are about 2 million scientific specimens in the collection of while about 10,000 are on display.

The museum exhibition sections include Irish Wildlife, Invertebrates,

Invertebrates – Blaschka Glass Models (detailed glass figures made by Image By: Bjorn Christian Torissen Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka), Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Image Source: Mammals, Irish Insects and the huge Insect Collections. Visitors can see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_History_Museum_(Ireland)#mediaviewer/File:Dublin-National-History-Museum-2012.JPG some large species like whales and elephants. Most of the specimens are kept in wood-framed glass cases. In the Irish Wildlife section there are mounted skeletons of the Great Irish Deer, the skeleton of a Basking Shark, sculls, indigenous birds, fish and insects. Some of the specimens are over 100 years old. Among the taxidermy on display are extinct and endangered animals. There is even a composite Dodo skeleton.

In the Discovery Zone visitors can handle taxidermy and bones or open draws to see what treasures lie inside. There is a Reading Area on the 1 st floor. The museum hosts regular tours, seminars and talks.

Address: Merrion St. Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 677-7444 Admission: Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 2pm-5pm Web: http://www.museum.ie Transportation: Bus: 4, 5, 7A, 8, 15X, 44, 44B, 44C, 48A, 49X, 50X, 51X, 63, 65X, 77X, 84

If you want to see what a traditional Georgian house looked like in Dublin visit 29 Fitzwilliam Street and this perfectly restored and preserved slice of middle-class Georgian Era life. The museum showcases the typical Dublin home with furniture and artifacts from the 1790s to 1820s. You can take a 2 hour guided tour or a self-guided tour of the house. The house first became a home in 1794 and was occupied by the widow Olivia Beatty and her seven children until 1806. Following the Beattys came Mr. Ponsonby Shaw, great-uncle of George Bernard Shaw. Storyboards throughout the house illustrate the pastimes and way of life of the occupants and their staff. On a visit to the house you can see the attic, three upper floors, the ground floor and the basement. Image By: Joseph Mischyshyn Image Source: The house's neo-classical interior decoration was popular in the Georgian http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dublin_-_Merrion_Square_-_Georgian_Terraced_Houses_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1616463.jpg Era. Irish furniture, ceramics, paintings and glassware are on display. There are beautiful handcrafted cabinets, an elegant long case clock and an Irish Chippendale drawing room chair. On the walls are paintings by Martin Archer, Nathaniel Hone, Thomas Roberts and Gilbert Stuart among others. Also on display is Thomas Snagg's 1809 painting Portobello and James Petrie's portrait of Robert Emmet. The most fascinating aspect of the museum is the personal artifacts and everyday objects from the Georgian Era. There are two early 19 th century dolls houses in the children's nursery and other items like silver spectacles and a porcelain inkwell.

Address: 29 Lower Fitzwilliam St., Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 702 6165 Admission: €6 Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm Web: http://www.esb.ie/no29 Other: Last admission 30 min. before closing.

Leinster House was completed in 1747 and designed by Richard Gassels; it was originally called The Kildare House. Today the building houses the Irish Parliament. The original owner was James Fitzgerald, the Earl of Kildare. The Earl wanted an opulent mansion to reflect his social standing. When Fitzgerald became the Duke of Leinster (1776) he renamed the house. It is thought that the architrecture of the house may have influenced James Hoban, the architect of the White House. The house is architecturally similar to the US presidential home. The design was also the inspiration for the Northern Ireland parliament building in Belfast. There is poetic justice in the fact that Fitzgerald was one of the great advocators for separation from England, and today his home houses the government Image By: AnCatDubh which fulfils his vision for free Ireland. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leinster_House#mediaviewer/File:D%C3%A1il_Chamber.jpg The two houses of the National Parliament (Oireachtas) meet here; the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann) and the Senate (Seanad Eireann). It is possible to take a 30 minute guide tour of the interior but you need to make enquiries through the Oireachtas website.

Address: 6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 618-3271 or 3781 Admission: Opening Hours: Tours Mon/Fri Web: http://www.oireachtas.ie Transportation: Bus: 4, 5, 7A, 8, 7B, 7D, 10, 10A, 11, 11A, 11B, 14, 14A, 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15X, 20B, 25X, 32X, 44, 44B, 44C, 48A, 49X, 50X, 51X, 63, 65X, 77X, 84

Four Courts is the main court house in Dublin, it is where the Supreme Court, High Court and Dublin Circuit Court convene. The building originally held four courts hence the name. Work on the building began in 1776 under architect Thomas Cooley but after his death work continued with James Gandon at the helm. The building was completed in 1796 with further finishing touches added up until 1802. During the Easter Rising of 1916 the fighting took place adjacent to the court house and following the Rising the building became the headquarters of the 1 st Battalion. During the Civil War of 1922 the building was occupied by the Republicans under Rory O'Connor. In the course of the ensuing fighting the building was destroyed this included the loss of valuable public records stored in the Image By: Jtdirl building. The Four Courts was rebuilt and opened in 1932 having lost much Image Source: of its former beautiful décor. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Courts#mediaviewer/File:Fourcourtsquays.JPG

The Round Hall forms a central feature of the building. It has a diameter of 19.5 meters and inner and outer domes surround by columns supporting the dome. The dome was rebuilt together with the work done on the building in 1932. It is an impressive structure and an important part of the Dublin skyline. Other interesting rooms in the building include the Central Office of the High Court and the Law Library.

Address: Inns Quay, Dublin 7, Ireland Phone Number: +353 1 888-6000 Admission: Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Web: http://www.courts.ie Transportation: Luas: Four Courts. Bus: 25, 25A, 51D, 51X, 68, 69, 78, 79, 79A, 83, 151, 172

Dublin's Phoenix Park covers 1,750 acres and is enclosed by a 11km long wall; it is one of Europe's largest enclosed parks. The vast green lung of Dublin holds many different areas and attractions. The land began as a royal hunting park in 1662 which required an enclosing wall. It became a public park in 1745.

In the Phoenix Park Visitor Center you can see a self-guided exhibition on the history and wildlife of the park as well as an audio-visual presentation. In the grounds of the Center is a Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden. West of the Kitchen Garden is a universal access playground. Next door to the

Visitor Center is Ashtown Castle, a restored medieval tower castle from the Image By: Damien Slattery th 17 century. The official residence of the President of Ireland (Aras an Image Source: Uachtarain) is located in the park and there are free tours on Saturdays. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Park#mediaviewer/File:Phoenix_Park_summer.jpg Tickets can be obtained from the Visitor Center. A colorful tourist mini-train takes visitors around the park stopping at the various points of interest.

The People's Gardens is a Victorian flower garden covering 22 acres. The garden was laid out and enclosed in 1864. Here there is a lake, playgrounds, beautiful flower beds and picnic areas. The Dublin Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the park. It is one of the oldest zoos in the world and has been maintained and renewed recreating the animal's natural habitats and providing exciting ways of encountering the animals. The zoo is home to about 650 animals including many rare and endangered species.

Among the many points of interest spread over the park are the Papal Cross; the Wellington Monument which is Europe's tallest obelisk; the Phoenix Column; the Deerfield Residence and Magazine Fort. There are lush lawns, pastures, parklands, wildlife and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the greenery.

Address: Main Gates on Parkgate St. and Castleknock Gate. Phone Number: 01 677-0095 Admission: Opening Hours: Web: http://www.phoenixpark.ie. Transportation: Bus: Castleknock Road entrance: 37. Navan Road entrance: 37, 38, 39, 70. North Circular Road entrance: 46A

This picturesque castle looks like something out of a fairytale. The castle estate covers 1.1km² and is located just 14km from Dublin. The castle and gardens have been home to the Talbot family for more than 800 years (1185-1975); it is one of the oldest castles in the country. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 12 th century but changes were made over the years and the towers were added in 1765. Richard Talbot traveled to Ireland in 1174 and was gifted the land and harbor of Malahide by the king for his military service. Over the course of the following 800 years thirty different Talbots lived here and many played a role in historical events. In 1975 when the castle was sold to the Irish State much of the furniture that had been sold was regained. Thus visitors can enjoy seeing many of the Image By: William Murphy original furnishings. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malahide_Castle#mediaviewer/File:Malahide_Castle,_March_2011_(2).jpg There is an interactive exhibition on the ground floor of the castle which covers the history of the Talbot family including the Talbot ghosts that haunt the castle! After taking a look at the exhibition visitors are given a guided tour of the castle's reception rooms. On the tour you can see the Oak Room with its wood paneling and large wooden roof beams; the Small and Great Drawing Rooms with beautiful rococo and neoclassical decoration and the Great Hall which retains its architectural features from renovations in 1825.

In the gardens you can explore an interactive exhibition using touchscreens. The exhibition will educate you about the various plants, edible plants, designer landscaped gardens, the various plant scents and much more. In the former courtyard there is a Visitor Center and a food hall as well as a store, café and more exhibitions. While in the area visit the picturesque seaside village of Malahide.

Address: Malahide Castle & Gardens, Malahide Co. Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 8169538 Admission: Adult €12.50, Child €6.50 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm Web: http://www.malahidecastle.com Note: Online booking does not accept American Express, tickets can be booked online or at the Visitor Centre for a specific time and date Transportation: DART: Malahide. Bus: 42

Dublin's zoo in Phoenix Park was established in 1831, it is one of the oldest zoos in the world. The zoo is constantly being upgraded and adapted to accommodate the animals in the best possible way. Recently the 28 hectare zoo has been turned into wonderful gardens with lakes and areas which recreate the animals' natural habitats. The zoo is home to over 400 animals many of which are rare or endangered. The zoo is involved in conservations; education and breeding programs to insure that the creatures are around for many generations to come.

The animals are housed in indoor and outdoor areas. The habitats include the African Savanna; Family Farm; Kaziranga Forest Trail where you can Image By: S.Taheri walk through a recreated Asian rainforest; Penguin Habitat; Gorilla Image Source: Rainforest; Roberts House; Reptile House; South American House and the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Siberischer_tiger_de_edit02.jpg Asian Forest Habitat. The Roberts House was built in 1898 and is one of the zoo's historic buildings. The house has been turned into a partly free-flying aviary and is home to bats and rare birds. The zoo holds special events, animal talks and has regular feeding times.

Address: Phoenix Park, North Road, Cabra - Glasnevin, Dublin 8, Ireland Phone Number: 01 474-8900 Admission: Adult €17.5, Child €13 Opening Hours: Mar–Sep Mon-Sun 9:30am-6pm / Oct 9:30am-5:30pm / Nov-Dec 9:30am-4pm / Jan 9:30am-4:30pm / Feb 9:30am-5pm Web: http://www.dublinzoo.ie Other: Last admission to zoo 1 hr. before closing; last admission to African Plains 30 min. before closing. Transportation: Luas: Heuston (15-min. walk) Bus: 25, 26, 46A, 66, 66A, 66B, 67, 69

Dublinia is a heritage centre where you can learn about Viking Dublin and Medieval Dublin as well as having the History Hunters Experience. The exhibits transport you back to these historic periods so that you can learn about the city and its past. The attraction is located at the point in the city where modern Dublin and the old city meet.

In the Viking Dublin section you can walk down a Viking street, experience being on a Viking warship and enter a Viking home. You will find out about the long Viking voyages and how they fought. Visitors can try on Viking clothing and experience being chained up like a Viking slave. There are interactive exhibits about the Viking alphabet and points where you can Image By: J.-H. JanBen hear Viking myths and legends as well as Viking poetry and sagas. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dublin_Synod_Hall_Dublinia.JPG In the medieval Dublin exhibition you will be transported back in time to follow in the footsteps of Strongbow and experience the Reformation. The senses are teased with the sights, sounds and smells of Medieval Dublin. You can find out about warfare during that period and how they dealt with death, disease, crime and punishment. Kids will love learning Medieval games and attending the fair. Visitors can enter a rich family's kitchen and walk along a Dublin street from the Middle Ages. There is a scale model of how Dublin would have looked all those years ago.

In the History Hunters' Experience exhibition visitors become archaeologists and can see what it is like on an excavation site and in a laboratory where artifacts are examined. The distant past of Dublin is revealed through piecing together the artifacts found from Viking-era Dublin and Medieval Dublin. Visitors can take a look at the city's oldest maps and hear the ancient languages of the city being spoken. The final station in the exhibition is Time Detectives where you can test your knowledge about Dublin. Weather permitting visitors can climb the 96 steps of St. Michael's Tower for panoramic views of the city. The 17 th century tower came from the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.

Address: St Michaels Hill, adjacent to Christ Church, Dublin 8, Ireland Phone Number: 01 679-4611 Admission: Adult €9.50, Child €6 Opening Hours: Mar-Sept Mon-Sun 10am-6:30pm; Oct-Feb 10am-5:30pm Web: http://www.dublinia.ie/

The main branch of the National Library is located on Kildare Street while the National Photographic Archive is kept in the meeting House Square, Temple Bar. The library was established in 1877 by the Dublin Science and Art Museum Act. The library building was the work of Thomas Newenham Deane in a classical style and the library has been housed here since 1890. The craftsmanship of the architecture and decoration is of the highest quality. There is fine masonry, marble work and features using hardwoods and glass. The front hall has an exquisite floor mosaic and stained glass windows depicting famous literary and philosophical figures. As you move towards the Reading Room there are carved wood panels and figures representing the continents. Up a curved stone Image By: YvonneM staircase is the horseshoe-shaped Reading Room with a magnificent dome Image Source: ceiling. A plaster frieze of cherubs by Harrison of Dublin surrounds the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Library_of_Ireland#mediaviewer/File:National_Library_of_Ireland_2011.JPG lower wall. The library has a new exhibition area and café.

Among the valuable collections are the notebooks and personal written materials of Seamus Heaney, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats and many more esteemed Irish writers and poets. The library holds a comprehensive collection of documentary material relating to Ireland. The works are divided into four categories: Printed (books, newspapers, maps, music etc); Manuscripts including 1 million items spanning almost 1,000 years; Visual (photographs, prints, drawings and ephemera) and Digital. As a reference library the material cannot be taken out of the building and the library does not lend books to the public. The library hosts regular exhibitions and the staff is on hand to help people researching their genealogy. It is possible to arrange a tour of the library through their website.

Address: 2/3 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 603 0213 Admission: Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 9:30am-7:45pm, Thurs-Fri 9:30am-4:45pm, Sat 9:30am-12:45pm Web: http://www.nli.ie Transportation: DART: Pearse. Bus: 7B, 7D, 10, 10A, 11, 11A, 11B, 14, 14A, 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 20B, 25X, 32X

The present day official residence of the President of Ireland covers 1,752 acres in the Phoenix Park near Dublin. It was constructed in 1751 as a home for the Park Ranger Nathaniel Clements who also designed the original structure. In 1782 the ruling British purchased the house from Clements for £25,000 and it became the official British Viceroys residence until 1922. During that period it was called the Viceregal Lodge. During the Home Rule Era (Irish Free State) the house was used by the Governors General who represented the British under the new dispensation. In 1938 the beautiful building took on its present role as the official residence of the President of independent Ireland. The first President to reside here was Dr. Douglas Hyde. Image By: William Murphy Image Source: What began as a modest brick structure evolved over the years into a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81ras_an_Uachtar%C3%A1in#mediaviewer/File:%C3%81ras_an_Uachtar%C3%A1in_2010.jpg grand mansion. The property has undergone several structural changes over the years including the establishment of formal gardens in the 1840s; the addition of the East Wing in 1849; the instillation of gas in 1852 and electricity in 1908 and the extension of the West Wing in anticipation of a visit from British King George V in 1911. The house has 92 rooms which are used for official business and has on occasion hosted special international guests including Elizabeth II in 2011, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, Obama and even Queen Victoria.

Uachtarain can be visited by the general public on Saturdays when they can explore the gardens and see the formal state rooms. Guided tours last half an hour and leave from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre 10:15-16:30 in summer and 10:15 to 15:30 in winter. The tours are free.

Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland Phone Number: 01 677-0095 Admission: Opening Hours: 9:30am-5pm Web: http://www.president.ie Transportation: Bus: 37, 38, 39 or 70 Other Info: Same-day tickets issued at Phoenix Park Visitors Centre

Howth Castle has been the family home of the Gaisford-St. Lawrences' for over 800 years. The castle is still used as a family home but is open to the public on certain days. In 1777 Almeric arrived in the country with John de Courcy. He won a battle on the feast day of St. Lawrence and obtained the Howth peninsula. He added the name of the saint to his name in gratitude of the victory. The castle was originally built of wood over the harbor but in 1235 was relocated to its present location and rebuilt. Parts of the castle's 15 th century structure still remain. Each generation made changes to the building, extending and renovating. The house we see today is the result of changes that were made in 1738 and in 1911. Image By: JP Within the house there are furnishings that have been accumulated over Image Source: th the years. One of the highlights is the 15 century Great Sword of Howth . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howth_Castle#mediaviewer/File:Howth_Castle.jpg Many of the works of art and portraits on the walls were painted by famous artists like Ferneley, Watts and Hudson. There is a rare portrait of Jonathan Swift by Francis Bindon. There is a cookery school in the castle's kitchen; the school gives demonstrations and lessons. Access to the home is on their Charity Open Days in the summer; the dates are posted on the Howth Castle website. It is possible to arrange a private guided tour.

The castle used to have a landscaped 17 th century garden which has been turned into a golf course. However there is a well known wild rhododendron garden on the remaining grounds which are open to the public on the castle open days. Some of the beech hedges have been here since the 1700s. Also on the grounds are the National Transport Museum of Ireland and the Deer Park Hotel and golf course.

Address: Howth Castle, Howth Co. Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 832-2624 Opening Hours: 8am-7pm Admission: Museum €3 Web: http://www.howthcastle.ie/

Newman House was the original home of the Catholic University of Ireland which became the University College of Dublin. It consisted of three buildings – two townhouses at 85 and 86 Stephan's Green and a Victorian hall. The buildings were constructed in the 1700s but the university opened in 1854. The house was named after Dr. John Henry Newman, a prominent Victorian theologist and scholar who founded the Catholic University of Ireland. Famous former students of the CUI include James Joyce and Padraig Pearse.

Number 85 was constructed in 1738 and served as the private residence of

Hugh Montgomery. It was designed by Richard Castle in the Palladian Image By: Michael Foley style. The exterior has stone facing while the interior has outstanding Image Source: stuccowork created by the Lafranchini brothers. The Apollo Room is https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelfoleyphotography/8673516232/in/photostream/ particularly beautiful with plasterwork scenes depicting muses of the arts. The ceiling of the Saloon bears scenes of good government and a prudent economy. The building has been extensively restored retaining the historic features.

Number 86 was designed by Richard Chapel Whaley and constructed in 1765. The four story building has fine examples of Dublin stuccowork particularly on the staircase where the plasterwork is attributed to Robert West. In the Bishop's Room you can see a long wooden antique dining table. Aula Maxima is the name of the Victorian hall which functioned as the university's assembly hall.

Today Newman House is used as an event's venue and it is possible to take guided tours.

Address: 85-86 Saint Stephen's Green South, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 716-7422 Admission: €5 Opening Hours: June-Aug Tue-Fri 2pm-4p / Sep-May by appointment only Web: http://www.ucd.ie/ Transportation: Bus: 10, 11, 13, 14, 14A, 15A, or 15B

This is the largest, non-denominational cemetery in the country and covers 124 acres. Approximately 1.5 million people have been buried here since it was first established in 1832. It was the first cemetery where Irish Catholics could bury their loved ones. Prior to 1832 Penal Laws prohibited the performance of Catholic ceremonies. The Irish political leader and champion for Catholic rights, Daniel O'Connell, "The Emancipator" campaigned for the establishment of a non-denominational graveyard.

The graveyard has high walls and watch towers which were constructed to guard against body snatches. Notable gravestones include those of Daniel

O'Connell, Michael Cusack, Arthur Griffith, Maude Gonne, Sean MacBride, Image By: William Murphy Frank Duff and Luke Kelly. A wide range of types of gravestones can be Image Source: seen as they changed over the course of the cemetery's 200 years. The http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Glasnevin_Cemetery_is_the_final_resting_place_for_over_1.1_million_people_(7051937683).jpg oldest grave in the cemetery belongs to Michael Carey who was the first person to be buried here in 1832. There are many interesting stories associated with the graves. Like the Angels Plot where still born babies are buried.

To really understand the site you should take the daily public tour of the cemetery and the adjacent museum. The museum is divided into three areas: City of the Dead; Prospect Gallery and Milestone Gallery. The displays are interactive. There is a genealogy section where you can look through the records of the cemetery to find famous people or even ancestors.

Phone Number: 01 882-6550 Address: Finglas Rd, Dublin 11 Admission: €4.50-€13 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm Web: http://www.glasnevintrust.ie Transportation: Bus: 4, 9, 83, 140, 58X, 66X, 67X, 70X, 84X, 92

The building was constructed in 1814 and is the headquarters of the Irish Postal Service – An Post. The classical building is on Dublin's O'Connell Street and is an architectural attraction as well as a symbol of the failed 1916 Easter Rising. The British ruled Ireland in 1916 when several revolutionaries wrote their own Proclamation of Independence and chose strategic city buildings to stage an uprising. The post office was the head quarters of the Rising and here Patrick Pearse proclaimed the short-lived Irish Republic. During the Easter Rising the building was severely damaged by heavy British artillery and fire. The uprising lasted 6 days but the unorganized attempt failed. The instigators were secretly tried and executed. They became martyrs and are honored today by several Image By: Kaihsu Tai memorials. Their Proclamation is read every Easter by the Irish Defense Image Source: Forces at the Dublin Post Office. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_Rising#mediaviewer/File:General_Post_Office_Dublin_20060803.jpg

The building was renovated after the fire restoring it to its former glory and the interiors retain their beautiful original décor. You can still see the bullet holes from the Easter Rising in the Georgian façade.

The An Post Museum is within the post office building. It covers the history of the post office and its role in Irish culture and society. Here you can see an exhibition of letters, stamps and photos and documents related to the lives of the people in the postal service and the role it played in the history of the country. One of the highlights is a copy of the 1916 Proclamation.

Address: O'Connell Street Lower, Dublin 1, Ireland Phone Number: 01 705-8833 (for tours 01 7057420) Admission: Museum €2 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm Web: http://www.anpost.ie Other: Closed public holidays. Transportation: Luas: Abbey St. Bus: 10, 10A, 32X, 33X, 39X, 40A, 40C, 41X, 46A, 46B, 46C, 46D, 46E, 116, 123, 145, 747

Dublin's Custom House is located on the north bank of the River Liffey. It was completed in 1791 and was built opposite the Dublin Corporation City Merchants & Brewers building. The Irish Parliament approved the construction although it was a controversial choice. The project was the brainchild of John Beresford who would later become Ireland's first Commissioner of Revenue. At the time the city government (Dublin Corporation or The Corps) and many Dublin merchants felt that the site was too far from the city center. The new Custom House replaced an older Custom House further up river.

In 1921 the Dublin Brigade of the IRA seized the Custom House and set Image By: Elemaki fire to the building as they saw it as a symbol of British power in Ireland. Image Source: Most of the interiors and many valuable historic papers were destroyed. In http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Custom_House#mediaviewer/File:CustomHouseDublin.JPG 1926 a decision was made to reconstruct the building as faithfully as possible to resemble the original. The exterior remained intact while new stone work was used to repair fire damage. The dome which had been lost in the fire was recreated exactly to the original specifications but using a different type of stone.

Today the Custom House is home to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The house was originally intended for use as a custom collection building. As the sea trade moved further down river the Custom House became redundant and was used as a base for local government.

The building is neo-classical and the exterior is adorned with coats-of-arms and sculptures by Edward Smyth. Henry Banks also contributed to the building's statues.

From the Custom House Visitor Centre you can take a tour of some of the interior areas including the octagonal area where there are brilliant views of the river. The centre also offers audio-visual tours that include the Gandon Museum. The centre is closed on Saturdays.

Address: 1 Custom House Quay, Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 888-2000 Admission: Opening Hours: Thu-Fri 2pm-4pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am-4:30pm Transportation: Luas: Busáras. Bus: 27C, 41X, 90, 92, 151, 747, 748

3km from the center of Dublin is this delightful oasis of greenery and color. The gardens are part of a scientific institute and the site of the National Herbarium and historic wrought iron glasshouses. The gardens were first opened to the public in 1800. The gardens aim to offer education, recreation and leisure.

There are 300 endangered species including 6 species already extinct in the wild. The garden's audio tours allow visitors to take self guided tours of the garden using their own devices. The staff is on hand to point out interesting plants and discuss new species and Irish flora. In the herbarium there is almost three quarter of a million dried plant specimens. The Image By: Public Domain specimens in the garden come from a wide range of terrains and climates Image Source: around the world. The garden areas include the Rose Garden; Succulent http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Botanic_Gardens_(Ireland)#mediaviewer/File:Palm_House_Dublin.jpg House; Water lily House; Palm House; Orchid House; Curvilinear Range; Fern House and Alpine Yard. The garden is free but it is primarily a scientific collection and so balls, fishing, picnicking, jogging or pets are not allowed.

In the Visitors Center there is a lecture Hall, restaurant and display area. The exhibitions relate to the garden's history and the purpose of the garden. There are 12 portraits by Anna O'Leary of outstanding scientists and innovators in the field of Botany.

Address: 176 Botanic Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland Phone Number: 01 804-0300; Visitor Centre 01 857 0909 Admission: Free admission. Prebooked guided tour (groups only) €2 Opening Hours: Oct 27th-Feb Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm, Sat, Sun, Public Holidays 10am-4:30pm. March-Oct MOn-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat, Sun, Public Holidays 10am-6pm. Glasshouses close 4:15pm Oct-Feb Web: http://www.botanicgardens.ie Note: free guided tours Sun 12am and 2:30pm Transportation: Bus: 13, 19, or 134

Pro-Cathedral means acting Cathedral and this is Dublin's unofficial Catholic Cathedral where as the other two cathedrals in Dublin (Christ Church and St. Patrick's) are Protestant. When Christ Church Cathedral was originally built the Pope consecrated it as a Catholic cathedral. Even though St.Patrick's has functioned as a Protestant church for hundreds of years the Catholic designation has never been removed. Cities are only allowed one Catholic cathedral so until St. Patrick's original designation is removed St. Mary's will remain an acting Cathedral or Pro-Cathedral.

The church was completed in 1825 and stands on the former site of the 12 th century Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary. The cathedral has a neo-classical Image By: Andreas F. Borchert design with an exterior portico lined with Doric columns. The interior was Image Source: modeled on the Renaissance Church of St. Philip de Reule in Paris but http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dublin_St._Mary's_Pro-Cathedral_Dome_as_seen_from_the_Ambulatory_2012_09_28.jpg bears many neo-classical elements. The interior has a wide central nave with a high ceiling supported by rows of columns. Behind the main altar is an impressive stained glass window. The cathedral organ façade dates back to 1900 and the organ is played in many of the liturgical musical performances.

The well known Palestrina Choir sings Latin Mass in the cathedral every Sunday at 11am. There are other musical and choral performances throughout the day on Sundays from 6am to 6pm.

Address: Marlborough St., Dublin 1, Ireland Phone Number: 01 874-5441 Admission: Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6:45pm, Sat 7:30am-7:15pm, Sun 9am–1:45pm, 5:30–7:45pm Web: http://www.procathedral.ie Transportation: DART: Connolly, Tara St. Luas: Abbey St. Bus: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7A, 7B, 7D, 8, 10, 10A, 11, 11A, 11B, 13, 20B, 27, 32X, 33X, 39X, 40A, 40C, 41, 41A, 41B, 41C, 41X, 42, 42A, 42B, 43, 51A, 116, 123, 130, 142, 747

This cultural center was specifically built with children in mind. It is located in the Temple Bar area of Dublin and focuses on all the visual and performing arts for kids aged 2 to 12. The areas covered include theatre, literature, film, dance, music and more. The center presents exhibitions, performances by professionals and holds workshops. The activities and exhibitions are on a rotation basis so that you can come back again and again for a new experience.

The 1,500m building was one of the projects initiated to revitalize Temple Bar as a Cultural Quarter. The center opened its doors in 1994 and was named The Ark as the name was familiar and memorable to kids and also Image By: Weinstock on Pixabay encapsulates the idea of adventurous voyaging. The center aims to Image Source: engage children as spectators and as artistic creators. The award winning http://pixabay.com/en/hand-child-paint-play-colorful-93168/ contemporary building design has been incorporated into the original structure which was an 18 th century Presbyterian Meeting House. The original façade has survived and inside the modern changes include a theatre, gallery and workshop space.

Address: 11a Eustace St., Temple Bat, Dublin 2 Phone Number: +353 1 670-7788 Opening Hours: Booking Office: Tue-Fri 10am-4pm Admission: Web: http://www.ark.ie Transportation: DART: Tara St. Luas: Jervis. Bus: 27, 40, 49, 54A, 56A, 65, 65B, 68, 68A, 69, 69X, 77A, 77X, 79, 79A

This is Ireland's National cultural institute for film, it was established in 1945 and it supplies the people of Ireland access to the best Irish and international films. The institute works to preserve the Irish film heritage through their archives and educate people about the art of film in general. The institute engages in three main activities preservation (in their archives); education (through special programs and courses) and exhibition.

The institution screens international and Irish films specifically new releases, foreign language films, independent films, retrospectives, curator collections and classics. They host film festivals and special events. Many Image By: DubhEire of the films are not released in regular Irish cinemas but can be seen here. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Film_Institute#mediaviewer/File:Irish_Film_Institute,_Dublin.JPG On site is a café bar, restaurant, 2 cinemas, a film shop and exhibition spaces. Visitors can consult the Irish Film Institute website to find out which films and special programs are on offer. Once a year the institute opens its doors to the public and offers free screenings for the day. It is also the venue for film award ceremonies.

Address: 6 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 679 5744 bookings 01 679 3477 Admission: €8-€9.50 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12:30pm-10pm Web: http://www.ifi.ie/ Transportation: Bus: 27, 40, 49, 54A, 56A, 65, 65B, 68, 68A, 69, 69X, 77A, 77X, 79, 79A

Ireland and Dublin in particular is famed for its talented writers. Throughout history they have produced some of the most brilliant literary work in the world. Irish writers have won the Nobel Prize four times. This museum celebrates the Irish writing tradition and the stellar contributions by Dublin writers particularly.

Dublin writers from the last 300 years are highlighted with a focus on both their lives and their works. Among the illustrious names are Swift, Shaw, Yeats, Pearse, Beckett, Joyce, Sheridan and Wilde. Artifacts, texts, letters, portraits, books and personal items are used to bring the writers to life. The history of Dublin literature is covered with special emphasis on literary Image By: Pi3.124 phases, notable groups and personalities. Living writers (famous of not) Image Source: th are not featured in the museum although the 20 century is covered. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin_Writers_Museum#mediaviewer/File:Dublin_Writer%27s_Museum_First_Floor.jpg There is a section devoted to children's literature.

Also in the building is the Gorham Library where you can see a beautiful Stapleton ceiling. The Writers' Gallery is elaborately decorated and has busts of various Irish writers. It is used for special events. The museum is housed in a beautiful restored 18 th century Georgian house. There is wonderful plaster work, stained glass windows and decorative architectural features. There are regular readings, exhibitions, theatrical presentations and special children's activities at the museum.

Address: 18 Parnell Square North, Dublin 1, Ireland Phone Number: 01 872-2077 Admission: Adult €7.50, Child €4.7 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am–5pm Web: http://www.writersmuseum.com Other: Last admission 45 min. before closing Transportation: Bus: 1, 2, 8, 14, 14A, 16, 16A, 19, 19A, 33X, 39X, 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 41X, 48A, 58X, 70B, 70X, 116, 120, 123, 145

This Dublin Protestant church is dedicated to St. Audoen, a 7 th century Bishop of Rouen and the patron saint of Normandy. It is a medieval parish church and the only one in the city which retains some of its original features and is still in use. The church was built over an earlier place of worship. In the church porch there is a 12th century stone called the Lucky Stone which is said grant good luck to those who rub it.

The church was constructed between 1181 and 1212 under the first Norman Archbishop of Dublin, John Comyn. At the time the church would have been located in the medieval city center. In the 15 th century the structure underwent renovations and was extended. In 1773 part of the Image By: Hohenloh roof was removed in order to make the church smaller as the congregation Image Source: had diminished. Later the church was made even smaller by other http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Staudoenschurch.jpg alterations. The roof has since been restored.

In 1430 St. Anne's Guild was established in the church and a chantry (chapel) was built dedicated to St. Anne. The chapel held six altars which were funded by wealthy patrons. Another chapel was built next to the nave in 1485 by Sir Roland Fitz-Eustace in gratitude for his survival of a shipwreck. In the church you can see a number of monuments and tombs including the 15 th century tomb of Baron and Baroness Portlester and the 15 th century Duff and Sparke family tombs. The beautiful tower dates back to the 17 th century and houses three of the oldest bells in Ireland.

Address: Corn Market (near High St., Dublin 8, Ireland Phone Number: 01 677-0088 Admission: Opening Hours: May-Oct Daily 9:30am–5:30pm Web: http://www.heritageireland.ie Transportation: Bus: 49X, 50X, 51B, 51C, 51N, 54A, 78A, 206

Dún Laoghaire is a small coastal community about 11km south of Dublin. The town is centered on the harbor and has become an entertainment and recreational area and has been dubbed "Dublin Bay's Cultural and Leisure Waterfront Experience." The harbor has long been an entrance point to Ireland; it is named after the 5th century Fort (Dún) of King Laoghaire which pre-dated the Vikings. The town was later named Dunleary by the British in the 11th century and Kingstown in 1821 when King George IV of England visited. In 1921 the town reverted to its original name when Ireland became independent. Today the harbor is one of the largest in Ireland and is the departure point for car ferries to Britain. Image By: Sabrina Manfield Dún Laoghaire is famous for its granite piers; on the East Pier is a Image Source: picturesque historic bandstand. An obelisk by the harbor commemorates http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%BAn_Laoghaire#mediaviewer/File:View_of_Dun_Laoghaire_from_Ferris_Wheel.JPG its completion in 1859. There is a quaint lighthouse on the East Pier which is a popular place for walking. If you want to step back in time visit the Victorian-style People's Park on George's Street where traditional tea rooms still welcome guests. George's Street is a pedestrian-only shopping street with several points of interest and historic buildings. For indoor attractions there is the Maritime Museum, Joyce Tower and nearby Dalkey Castle.

Dún Laoghaire is a popular destination for boating, wind surfing, rowing, scuba diving, fishing and sailing. Golf and rock climbing are also popular in the area. You can take an excursion with Dublin Bay Cruises out to Howth. The trip across the bay lasts for 75 minutes and leaves twice a day. Dún Laoghaire is best known for its scenic waterfront walks and views of Dalkey Island and Killiney Bay.

Address: 12km south of Dublin Web: http://www.dun-laoghaire.com/ Transportation: Rail: Dún Laoghaire. DART: Sandycove and Glasthule. Bus: 7, 7N, 46A, 46N, 59, 63, 75, 111

The National Library of Ireland (NLI) offers free Genealogy Advisory Services to those seeking information about their ancestors and heritage. If you are visiting Ireland on a mission to find your roots or if you are just a tourist interested in your genealogy then this is a great place to visit. You can drop in without an appointment on week days from 9:30 to 16:45. The Genealogy Advisory Service is located in the National Library on Kildare Street in Dublin's city center and the service is free.

Before you come to the library do some homework into your family history. Bring with you names, dates and also the religious denomination of your ancestors as this will help determine which records need to be accessed. Image By: YvonneM Using the Genealogy Advisory Services you will be able to trace your Image Source: ancestors through documents kept by different establishments according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Library_of_Ireland#mediaviewer/File:National_Library_of_Ireland_2011.JPG your ancestor's religion.

Research at the library usually begins with looking at the census records and civil records. The Irish census was taken every 10 years from 1821 to 1911 but the earliest records to survive are from 1901. Since 1845 all non-Catholic marriages have been registered with the State and in 1864 all births, marriages and deaths were recorded. Many documents from the Public Record Office were destroyed in a fire in 1922. The NLI have micro-film, newspapers, books, records, photos, manuscripts and documents which will help you get started with researching your genealogy. From June to September the library has a permanent panel of genealogy experts on hand to help you. The rest of the year the library staff does the job.

Address: 2/3 Kildare Street, Dublin, Ireland Opening Hours: Thu-Fri 9:30am-4:45pm, Mon-Wed 9:30am-5pm Web: http://www.nli.ie Transportation: DART: Pearse. Bus: 5, 7A, 8, 9, 10, 14, or 15

This center dedicated to the life and work of James Joyce is housed within a Georgian townhouse constructed in 1784. The house has magnificent plasterwork by Michael Stapleton. Joyce never lived in this house but was familiar with it through his friend Professor Denis J. Maginni who ran a dance academy in the house. Maginni also appears in Joyce's Ulysses in the Wandering Rocks' episode. The building was destined for demolition along with several other houses in the area which had fallen into disrepair but thanks to Senator David Norris, a Joyce scholar it was saved. Following the opening of the center in 1996 it was run by descendants of Joyce's own family until recently. Image By: Pointillist James Joyce (1882-1941) is one of Ireland's most celebrated writers. He is Image Source: best known for his book Ulysses which is famously based on Homer's The http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Joyce_Centre#mediaviewer/File:Entrance_to_7_Eccles_Street_at_the_James_Joyce_Centre_Dublin.jpg Odyssey . Joyce also wrote the short story collection Dubliners and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man . Joyce was born and educated in Dublin, after graduating he moved to Paris but soon returned in 1903 due to the illness and later death of his mother. In 1904 he met his future wife Nora Barnacle and they later left Ireland only to return on four occasions. He lived out his life in Europe and died in Zurich.

At the centre you can see several portraits of Joyce and in the courtyard there is a modern mural based on Joyce's work and the original door from #7 Eccles Street. This was Leopold Bloom's address in Ulysses . The house holds furniture from Paul Leon's Paris apartment where Joyce wrote Finnegans Bloom . The center hosts regular events and exhibitions. The center arranges walking tours through the streets of Dublin highlighting the places known to Joyce and places featured in his books.

Address: 35 North Great George's Street, Dublin 1, Ireland Phone Number: 01 878-8547 Admission: €5 Open Hours: Oct-Mar Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm / Apr-Sept Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm Web: http://jamesjoyce.ie/

Croke Park has been at the heart of Gaelic games for more than 100 years. The games are a unique part of the culture and Irish heritage. The unique Irish game of hurling and Gaelic football is the fastest field game in the world!! The stadium is named after Archbishop Thomas Croke. The stadium is used for the all-Ireland hurling and football finals as well as important ceremonies and music concerts. The park can seat 82,300 spectators and is the 3 rd largest stadium in Europe. It is possible to take a tour of the Croke Park Stadium into all the areas of the stadium.

Underneath the Cusack Stand of the GAA headquarters in Croke Park

Stadium is the GAA Museum. The GAA Museum holds the nation's Image By: Public Domain archives and artifacts from the Gaelic Athletic Association. Gaelic games Image Source: include the sports of hurling and football. The museum promotes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croke_Park#mediaviewer/File:Croke_park_hogan_stand.jpg appreciation for the Gaelic games through preserving and researching the history, exhibiting heritage items and honoring those who have made major contributions to the national games. The museum offers a multi-media experience illustrating the history and development of the Gaelic Games. The museum's collection includes film footage, historic photographs, hurleys, team uniforms, medals, posters and banners. There is an interactive area where visitors can try out their skills at hurling and Gaelic football.

Address: St. Josephs Ave, Croke Park, Dublin 3, Ireland Phone Number: 01 819-2300 Admission: Adult €7, Child €5 Opening Hours: Jan-May Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 10:30am-5pm / Jun-Aug Mon-Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 10:30am-5pm Web: http://www.crokepark.ie Transportation: Bus: 1, 11, 13, 16, 33, 41, 41B, 41C, 44

This historic theatre has been entertaining audiences for the last 142 years. The theatre is nicknamed "The Grand Old Lady of South King Street." All of Ireland's best known stars of theatre, music, dance and opera have performed on this stage. The most famous stars have been immortalized by bronze handprints in the sidewalk in front of the theatre. You can also see Luciano Pavarotti and Brian Friel's handprints here.

The theatre curtain first rose in 1871; it was designed by C.J. Phipps and took only 7 months to construct. It underwent expansion in 1883 although retained its Victorian features. More recently in 2003 and 2007 major renovations and modernization was done while retaining the historic Image By: DubhEire architectural and artistic features of the loved theatre. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaiety_Theatre,_Dublin#mediaviewer/File:Gaiety_Theatre,_Dublin.JPG On Friday and Saturday nights the Gaiety becomes a nightclub with live bands performing in several areas. The theatre is famous for its annual Christmas pantomime and has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest.

Address: South King Street South, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 677-1717 Admission: Tickets €10-€65 Opening Hours: Box Office Mon-Sat 10am-7m Web: http://www.gaietytheatre.com Transportation: LUAS: St. Stephen's Green

A little south of Dublin is this castle-like townhouse, early Christian Church and graveyard as well as a Heritage Centre and Writers' Gallery. The castle is one of 7 built in the area between 1300 and 1500 but it is the only one to survive. They were constructed to hold goods during the Middle Ages when Dalkey functioned as the Dublin port. The typical castle features like battlements and arrow-loop windows were designed to protect the goods from plunderers. Later in the 1800s the castle became a meeting place for the Dalkey Town Commissioners and continued to be used as a municipal building until 1998.

Costumed guides take visitors around the site. Along the way you can see Image By: N9LXI archer's using their longbows, cooks preparing Tudor dishes and see the Image Source: Barber Surgeon at work with his primitive instruments. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalkey#mediaviewer/File:Dalkey_Castle.jpg

In stark contrast to the historic castle is the state-of-the-art Heritage Centre where you can see an interactive timeline tracing the history of Dalkey from early Christians to present day. The interactive activities in the center are available in 12 languages. You can also see scale models and learn how coins were struck or how barrel-vaulted ceilings were constructed. The Heritage Centre leads on to the Writers' Gallery.

In the Writers' Gallery there are interactive screens which feature 40 great talents like Bono, Beckett and James Joyce, each of whom have some connection with Ireland.

Just outside of the Heritage Centre is St. Begnet's Church and graveyard. See the Weeping Wall of St. Begnet's in the graveyard. The graveyard appears to have been used as a burial site as early as the 13 th century while the oldest part of the church dates back to the 10 th century.

On Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 from June 1 st to August 1 st there are costumed guided tours. It is also possible to arrange a guided Literary Walk or a Historical Walk on request. The site is closed on Tuesdays.

Address: 2 Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 285-8366 Admission: €7-€25 Opening Hours: Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm, Mon 10am-5pm Web: http://www.dalkeycastle.com/

The Dublin City Gallery also known as the Hugh Lane was formerly the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art. It is named after Hugh Lane, an avid art collector who established the museum and made a major contribution to the cultural life of Ireland. The gallery collection consists of modern and contemporary art. The core of the collection came from Hugh Lane's private collection in 1908.

The collection is made up of Irish and international works. The esteemed artists in the collection include Rodin, Walter Osborne, Mary Swanzy, Patrick Scott, Ellsworth and many more. One of the highlights is The Eve of St. Agnes by famed Irish stained glass artist Harry Clarke. Other Image By: psberartist excellent works of art in the museum are by Manet, Edgar Degas, Claude Image Source: Monet and Edouard Vuillard. Among the museum's holdings are the http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hugh_lane_Municiple_Gallery4_(8198403818).jpg Francis Bacon Books. More than 570 books were discovered in Francis Bacon's studio and bequeathed to the museum. The museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions of superb quality.

From September to June there is a "Sunday at Noon Concert Series" in the Sculpture Gallery. This city funded art gallery is within Charlemont House, the original town house of James Caulfeild. The building was designed by William Chambers.

Address: 19 Parnell Square North, Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 222-5550 Admission: Opening Hours: Tue-Thur 10am-6pm, Fr-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm Web: http://www.hughlane.ie Transportation: Bus: 1, 2, 8, 10A, 14, 14A, 16, 16A, 19, 19A, 33X, 39X, 40, 41X, 46A, 46B, 46X, 48A, 58C, 58X, 70B, 70X, 116, 145

The Grand Canal Theatre (which was renamed Bord Gais Energy Theatre in 2012) was designed by Daniel Libeskind and named after the surrounding Grand Canal dock area. The theatre was deemed necessary to stage large productions which had only one other possible venue at the 3Arena across the river. Performance dates were not always available at the 3Arena. The theatre was designed as home to a touring ballet, opera and music companies. The state-of-the-art theatre is the largest in the country with a capacity of 2,111 spectators. This is the place to see large productions and international touring companies.

The architect's concept was to create a building which would assert a Image By: kanakari - selbst powerful cultural presence and through the transparency and fluidity of the Image Source: structure represent a flow between the public and the cultural, commercial http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bord_G%C3%A1is_Energy_Theatre#mediaviewer/File:Grand_Canal_Theatre_in_Dublin.JPG and residential surroundings. He sought to create a dynamic meeting place and an iconic structure which reflected the joy and drama which is emblematic of Dublin.

Address: Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone Number: 01 677-7999 Box Office 01 677 7770 Admission: Tickets €15-€45 Opening Hours: Box Office Mon-Fri 11am-6pm Web: http://www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/ Note: New name of theatre: Bord Gais Energy Theatre

The Peacock Theatre is located under the foyer of the Abbey Theatre on the ground floor. It is affiliated with the Abbey Theatre which is also called the National Theatre of Ireland. The curtain first went up in the Abbey Theatre in 1904 and it has remained a breeding ground for up-and-coming Irish talent as well as the venue for showcasing the very best of Irish drama. The Peacock Theatre was established when the Abbey Theatre acquired additional space. The small experimental theatre was used by The Gate Theatre Company when it was first established in 1928. The intimate venue is used for experimental performances and Irish works. In 1951 a fire destroyed the Abbey Theatre but the Peacock survived. The Abbey was rebuilt and completed in 1966. When visiting the Peacock Image By: bjaglin Theatre you will inevitably visit the Abbey. Here you will find backstage Image Source: tours, workshops, talks and performances. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_Theatre#mediaviewer/File:Abbey_Theatre_exterior.jpg

Address: 26 Abbey Street Lower, Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 878-7222 Admission: Tickets €15-€30 Opening Hours: Box Office Mon-Sat 10:30am-7pm Web: http://www.abbeytheatre.ie

This contemporary art gallery and artists' studio complex is located in the Temple Bar Cultural Quarter. The gallery and studios were the first artist-led project of its kind. It was founded by Jenny Haughton in a renovated former shirt factory. The character of the early 20 th century industrial building contributed to the form that the space took. It was also one of the first cultural projects intended to revitalize the Cultural Quarter. The building was redesigned and refurbished with studio space taking up four floors with the gallery on the ground floor. The studios have ceiling to floor windows to provide the artists with natural light.

The gallery's artists' community was established in 1983 and is home to 30 Image By: Smirkybec artists' studios. Here professional visual artists work and display their Image Source: creations. The artists represent a variety of styles and work in a number of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Bar_Gallery_and_Studios#mediaviewer/File:Temple_Bar_Gallery_and_Studios.JPG medium including painting, photography and sculpture. The gallery displays the art in rotation and also presents temporary exhibitions. The gallery shows a good cross-section of contemporary Irish and international visual arts.

The gallery has regular talks and special events including tours of the gallery, lectures, musical events, workshops, screenings and readings. Over the course of a year about 40 artists get to use the subsidized studios.

Address: 5-9 Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: +353 1 671-0073 Admission: Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-6pm Web: http://www.templebargallery.com Transportation: Bus: 26, 37, 39, 39A, 39B, 39C, 49X, 50X, 65X, 66, 66A, 66B, 66D, 67, 67A, 69X, 70, 70A, 77X

Skerries Mills is a restored complex of 12 th century flour mills. The complex includes a five sail windmill, a four sail windmill, a water mill and a bakery dating back to the 1840. The site also includes a mill pond, wet lands and mill races. Stone-ground milling in Skerries dates back to the 16 th century Priory of Holmpatrick, an Augustinian monastery.

The site can be seen on a guided tour which begins by visiting the four storey watermill building. The watermill is the site of the Watermill Café, exhibition space and a craft store. Visitors can try their hand at flour grinding and see the watermill at work. Across a corn field the tour continues to the other windmills. Image By: Jmccrohan Image Source: th The early 19 century tower mills have five sails and stand 15 meters high http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skerries,_Dublin#mediaviewer/File:Skerries_Windmill_16feb08.jpg with a sail diameter of 20 meters. Within the five sail mill you can see two grinding stones, sieves, blowers, shakers and a sack-hoist. The Small Windmill is a windmill design which first appeared in Europe at the end of the 12 th century. The Small Windmill has a cylindrical base and canvas sails with a thatched wooden cap resting on hardwood bearings. The sails are turned from within the mill by a hand-winch. The Small Windmill is 12.2 meters high with a sail diameter of 16 meters.

There are daily 50 minute guided tours. On the tour you will hear about the history of the mills, see the water wheel in actions, try grinding flour and go up inside the four and five sail windmills.

Address: 42 Millhill Park, Skerries, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 849-5208 Admission: Adult €8, Child €4 Opening Hours: Apr-Sep Mon-Sun 10am-5:30pm / Oct- Mar Mon-Sun 10am-4:30pm Web: http://www.skerriesmills.org Transportation: Suburban rail to Skerries. Bus: 33. Skerries town and the Mills signposted north of Dublin off the N1

The Gate theatre company was established in 1928 by Hilton Edwards and Micheal MacLiammoir. The theatre building is a magnificent 18 th century structure as well as a new wing which is home to the Gate Lab which is used for research and workshops. The original building was constructed as an annex to the Rotunda Maternity Hospital which was designed by Richard Cassels who also designed Leinster House, Powerscourts House and Russborough House. The part of the building which went on to become the Gate Theatre was the Rotunda Assembly Rooms used for the hospital's public functions. It was turned into a theatre with 500 seats in 1928. Image By: Sir James Famous actors who walked the stage here include Orson Wells, Michael Image Source: Gambon and James Mason. The Gate has presented an acclaimed full http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gate_Theatre#mediaviewer/File:Dublin_Ireland_Gate_Theater_2009-09-27.JPG retrospective of Samuel Beckett's 9 plays. The theatre was closely associated with Harold Pinter and has presented four festivals of his plays, two of which involved Pinter himself. Brian Friel also has a close link to the theatre and has used The Gate for many of his premiers.

Address: 1 Cavendish Row, Pamell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland Phone Number: 01 874-4045 Admission: Tickets €15-€50 Opening Hours: Box Office Mon-Sat 10am-7pm Web: http://www.gate-theatre.ie

Casino in Italian means " small house " or summer home and this mansion was designed by Sir William Chambers as a "small" pleasure house for James Caulfield, the first Earl of Charlemont. Caulfield spent many years in Italy and when he returned to Ireland he aspired to all things Italian. He named his estate after an Italian town and had the Casino built to emulate Italian pleasure houses. The Casino is located on the grounds of Marino House which is no longer standing.

Construction took 25 years and was completed in 1775. The 18 th century neo-classical building is one of the finest in Europe. The building's exterior is relatively simple and resembles a small one story Greek temple with 12 Image By: anon Tuscan columns. The building is built on a Greek cross plan and is Image Source: deceptively large inside. It has 16 ornately decorated rooms including an http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casino_at_Marino#mediaviewer/File:Casino_marino.JPG entrance hall, library, boudoir, saloon, state room and kitchen. There are three floors on which the designer used several architectural tricks to enhance the appearance. For example the house appears to have huge paneled entrance doors but only two of the panels open; the window panes are slightly curved so they can open on to more than one room and the Roman funeral urns (designed by James Gandon) on the roof are actually chimneys. The rooms feature fine plasterwork ceilings, fireplaces, a large wine cellar and marquetry floors.

Visitors can only enter the Casino with a 45 minute guided tour and need to take their shoes off and don disposable slippers to protect the beautiful inlaid floors.

Address: 94 Casino Park, Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 833-1618 Admission: Tour €3 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun Mar-May/Oct 10am-5pm, Jun-Sept 10am-6pm, Oct-Mar7am-7pm Web: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/casinomarino/

There is a lot to see and do at Ardgillan Demesne, a 0.81km² estate and the site of Ardgillan Castle located in Balbriggan, County overlooking Barnageera Beach. The name Ardgillan comes from the Irish words for High Wood. The "castle" is a country manor which was given castellated embellishments. It was constructed in 1738 by Rev. Robert Taylor, grandson of Thomas Taylor who assisted with the 17 th century Down Survey of Ireland. The property remained in the Taylor family until 1962. It is a two story building with a basement which reaches beyond the foundations of the building under the south lawns. The ground floor and basement kitchens are open to the public and up stairs is a permanent exhibition of the Down Survey maps and the Hutton Coachbuilders Image By: Karora drawings. The ground floor is furnished in Georgian and Victorian style and Image Source: you can take a guided tour of the castle (at a fee). http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ardgillan_Castle_-_north.jpg

The parklands of the castle consist of pastures, woodlands and landscaped gardens. There are three planted gardens on the property: the Rose Garden; the Walled Garden and the Potentilla Garden. In the Rose Garden there is a Victorian glass house with a beautiful dome, here you can see ornamental plants, citrus fruits and vegetables. The Rose Garden also has a pergola with climbing rose plants growing over it and a picturesque lily pond. In the Walled Garden there are themed areas including the herb garden with a central lavender bed; Irish plants garden; ornamental plants and the fruit and vegetable potager garden with unusual vegetables. The Potentilla (cinquefoils) Garden is a formal landscaped garden with over 300 varieties of potentilla plants. There is also an orchard of peach trees and the Yew Avenue dating back to the 19 th century. In the garden's former potting shed there is now a gardening museum displaying historic horticultural technology. The gardens are free but you could also take a guided tour of the grounds for £5 on Thursdays at 15:00 during June, July and August.

On the grounds there is a large playground called FUNTASTIC which is open from February to October. Almost a kilometer of footpaths and cycle paths criss-cross the park area which has open lawns, woodlands, wild flower meadows and parklands. There are vantage points throughout the park offering views of the surrounding countryside and the sea. The Lady's Stairs takes you across a footbridge on the north-eastern boundary to Barnageera Beach. It is named after the ghost of a lady seen walking the area!

Address: Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 849-2212 Admission: €6.50 Opening Hours: Nov-Jan 9am-5pm, Feb-Mar 9am-6pm, April 9am-7pm, May 9am-8pm, June-Aug 10am-9pm, Sept 10am-8pm, Oct 10am-7pm. Web: http://www.ardgillancastle.ie/ Transportation: Bus: 33 from Eden Quay

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day.

Over the centuries, some 10 million people have left the island of Ireland. At EPIC you can step through 20 themed galleries to find out why people left, see how they influenced the world they found, and experience the connection between their descendants and Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the world has ever known. EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique and spectacular way.

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm Address: The chq Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1. Phone Number: 01 906 0861 Email: [email protected] Admission: Adult (16-64) €14, Child (6-15) €7, Infants (<5) Free, Seniors (65+) and students €12

Newbridge House is a Georgian Mansion with expansive surrounding grounds. On the grounds are several areas including wild flower meadows, a state-of-the-art Adventure Playground, a Courtyard Tearoom and a working 18 th century farm. The Demesne (land attached to a mansion) is now a beautiful park of 370 acres. It has pastures, woodlands, a deer park, lime kiln, the ruins of Lanistown Castle, water courses and the farm.

From 1 st October to 31 st March access to the mansion is from Tuesday to Friday at 12:00, 14:00 and 15:00. April to September the Mansion is open throughout the week. From December 24 th to January 3 rd the mansion is completely closed. The hours and open days should be checked online Image By: Adc88 and tours booked in advance. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:794749-Newbridge_House-Dublin.jpg?uselang=he The mansion is decorated and furnished in period style with much of the original furniture and wall art still on site. The house was constructed by Archbishop Cobbe and completed in 1752. It was designed by James Gibbs. Some of the highlights include the Red Drawing Room, the Museum of Curiosities and the magnificent plaster work.

In the farmyard you can meet the animals including Shetland and Connemara ponies, piglets, goats and chicks. Made by Mary operates the Peacock Tearoom in the 18 th century cobbled courtyard. In the adjacent Coach House you can see the beautiful Lord Chancellor's Carriage. You can also visit the Blacksmiths Forge, Horse Stables, Joinery Shop, Hay Barn and Vinery.

The Nightmarish Booo-Bridge House and Frightmare Farm is a scary tour of the mansion at night. The special Halloween tour (only offered in the week of Halloween) is suitable for all ages and takes you into several of the mansion rooms and into the servants' quarters.

Address: Newbridge House & Farm, Hearse Rd., Donabate, Dublin, Ireland Phone Number: 01 843-6534 Admission: Adult €7, Child €4 Opening Hours: Oct-Mar Tue-Sun 11am-3pm / Apr-Sept Mon-Sun 10am-4pm Web: http://www.newbridgehouseandfarm.com Transportation: Suburban rail to Donabate. Bus: 33B

The Helix is located on the Dublin University campus; it was designed by Andrzei Wejchert and was completed in 2002. The building is constructed of granite and glass with an open space where natural light enters through the roof. The building covers 12,000m² and has a helix-shaped stairway, café, amenities and sweet shop. The venue is used for a wide range of performances, ceremonies and art shows.

There are three performance venues at the Helix which can be rearranged to accommodate many types of performances. The Mahony concert hall is the largest of the venues with 1260 seats spread over two levels. It is named after Dr. Mahony a patriot of the arts in Ireland. The Theatre can Image By: Beta accommodate 450 in the audience and has a proscenium arch stage. It Image Source: has the classic theatre design with raked stalls, an orchestra pit, balcony http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_helix2.JPG and fly tower. The Space is a studio "black box" theatre which seats 150 and has flexible seating so that it is ideal for experiments, contemporary and intimate theatre performances. On the top floor of the building is The Gallery , an exhibition space. The theatre has three large foyer areas and meeting rooms. The Helix is also home to the National Chamber Choir of Ireland.

Address: Dublin City University, Collins Ave, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland Phone Number: 01 700-7000 Admission: Tickets €17-€80 Opening Hours: Box Office 9am-6pm Web: http://www.helix.ie Transportation: Bus: 11, 11A, 11B, 13, 13A, or 19A