Christ Church Cathedral
Founded in 1038, the city’s oldest church was constructed by Viking settlers under the direction of their Danish ruler, King Sitric. It was later reconstructed in stone by the Norman knight, Richard de Clare, more popularly known as Strongbow. The building itself has some beautiful stonework features and its large medieval crypt extends under the full length of the cathedral. Located in the city centre close to Dublin Castle, Christ Church is a popular tourist attraction and is open daily.

Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle has played a pivotal role in Irish history and government for over a millennium. In the 9th century the Vikings established a hill fort on the site. It was replaced with a Norman castle in 1204. All that now remains of the 13th century castle is the Record Tower. The State Apartments originally built for the English Lord Lieutenant are now used for important state functions and receptions. These apartments are open to visitors with daily guided tours of the building. READ MORE

Temple Bar
Full of charm, character and excitement, Temple Bar is Dublin’s dynamic and vibrant cultural quarter. It is wonderfully atmospheric with narrow cobbled streets that are full of restaurants, cafés, pubs, nightclubs, galleries and interesting speciality shops. The area is fully pedestrianised, and it is very popular with visitors and the many people who just come to look and enjoy a casual stroll. At night, a party atmosphere descends on the area due to the crowds that pour into Temple Bar to savour the drink, food or night-life in the many clubs and bars. READ MORE

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Ireland’s largest cathedral was founded in 1192 and stands what is thought to be the oldest Christian site in the country. A wooden church had previously existed here where St. Patrick had baptised converts at the nearby well. Built in gothic style, it has associations with many important individuals, most notably Dean Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels.

National Museum – Archaeology and History, Kildare Street.
The NATIONAL Museum is home to an impressive collection of ancient Irish antiquities including striking examples of Celtic and Medieval art and the most exquisite collection of prehistoric gold artifacts in Europe. The museum also has absorbing exhibits dealing with Ireland during the Viking era and the Irish struggle for independence. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free.

National Museum – Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks
This museum has a wonderful atmosphere. The building which dates from the 17th century is Europe’s oldest military barracks. You can almost hear the echoes of raucous sergeant majors square-bashing the ghosts of the past on its ancient cobble-stones. Aside from ghosts, it now houses extensive exhibits from the decorative arts, especially glass, silver and furniture. One interesting exhibition focuses on fashion and its changes through the ages. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is free.

Trinity College
Ireland’s renowned institution of scholarship and learning, Trinity College, is a virtual island of academia situated in the very heart of Dublin City. The Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s greatest treasures is on view in Colonnades Gallery. The book dates from the 8th century and is one of the oldest documents to have survived from the period. Because of its unique artistry, it is priceless. READ MORE

Guinness Hop Store
The Guinness Hop Store Museum is a delightful insight and instructive exploration of the renowned brew. The journey through the museum is a fascinating education into the history, production and the people associated with the drink, all of which is wonderfully complemented by a well-crafted audiovisual presentation. The hop store itself is located next to the old brewery in a stone-cut 19th Century building, and the entire setting has a wonderful atmosphere reminiscent of industrial life from a past age. READ MORE

National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery has a wonderful collection of European masterpieces including famous works by Dutch, French, and Italian artists amongst others. This collection comprises over 3,000 items and spans from the 14th to the 20th centuries. The attractive sculpture collection is mainly from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Admission is free and the gallery is open daily. Public tours take place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane
Comprising almost 2000 exhibits this premier collection of modern and contemporary art includes fascinating Impressionist masterpieces by Renoir, Manet, Monet and Degas. A feature exhibition is that of Francis Bacon’s entire Mews studio with its entire contents …. .. drawings, correspondence, discarded and unfinished paintings. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free to the main collection.

Phoenix Park
Just a little over 3 km from the rush and bustle of Dublin city centre is the Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. Just less than 1800 acres in size, its vast spaces give you the impression that you have momentarily stepped out of the city and suddenly found yourself in the countryside. The park was originally an enclosed deer estate, and a large variety of animal and plant life are to be found here. You can still see the herds of fallow deer freely roaming through the grasslands, and you can usually get close enough to get some wonderful photos. READ MORE

Kilmainham Jail
Your chance to spend some time in prison. This brief stretch in Kilmainham Jail should prove more interesting, informative and pleasant for you than that experienced by former prisoners of this grim establishment. Now a museum, it is intimately linked with the various rebellions and uprisings in the long struggle for Irish Independence. A memory to take away is the oppressive atmosphere of confinement that is still palpable within the walls of the jail even to present day visitors. READ MORE