Dublin Tourist-Attractions

Dublin Tourist-Attractions information

Christ Church Cathedral

This splendid cathedral is the main place of worship for the Protestant Church of Ireland, although visitors from all denominations will be attracted to Christ Church by its other claim to fame as the oldest building in Ireland. The structure was originally built in 1038, although the present church dates back "only" as far as 1240. Christchurch Place, Dublin 8. Open: daily 09h45-17h00 (Sep-May); 09h00-18h00 (Jun-Aug). Admission: EUR5, adults; free for children. Tel: +353 (0)1-677-8099.

Trinity College

In the Long Room of the library at Trinity College Dublin is kept the world's most beautiful illuminated manuscript surviving from the Dark Ages. The Book of Kells, written on vellum in about 800AD, contains the four gospels, commentary and images from the New Testament. If you visit during the college term it's easy to get a student to give you a guided tour of the college and library. During summer months the college also hosts the Dublin Experience, a multimedia exhibit aimed at tourists. College St, Dublin 2. Open: Mon-Sat 09h30-17h00; Sun 09h30-16h30 (12h00-16h30 Oct-May). Admission to the Old Library and Book of Kells: EUR8, adults; children under 12yrs go free. Dublin Experience: EUR5, adults; EUR4.20, children. Tel: +353 (0)1-608-2320.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Located within an impressive 17th-century building surrounded by expansive grounds, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is one of Ireland's foremost institutions of modern and contemporary works. The museum's permanent collection hosts installations, sculpture, photography and paintings by some of Ireland's leading artists, as well as presenting a wide range of works by big international names such as Gilbert and George, Anish Kapoor and Damien Hirst. Regularly changing temporary exhibitions bring new and lesser-known artists to the collection. Royal Hospital, Militart Rd, Kilmainham. Open: Tue-Sat 10h00-17h30; Sun 12h00-17h30. Guided Tours of the exhibitions are available every Wed/Fri/Sun at 14h30. Admission: free. Tel: +353 (0)1-612-9900.

The Writers Museum and Dublin's Literary Heritage

In its impressive 18th-century surroundings at the end of O'Connell Street, the Dublin Writers Museum traces the history of Dublin's literary heritage over the last 300 years. The exhibition includes collections of books, letters and personal effects relating to such eminent figures as Swift, Yeats, Wilde and, of course, James Joyce, who, for many is the embodiment of Dublin's literary wealth. A commentary via headsets as you're wandering around the museum provides an interesting and informative background to the articles on display. 18 Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Open: Mon-Sat 10h00-17h00; Sun 11h00-17h00 (Mon-Fri until 18h00 Jun-Aug). Admission: EUR6.70, adults; EUR4.20, children. Tel: +353 (0)1-872-2077. Joyce fans will almost certainly also find it worthwhile to make the short excursion out to the James Joyce Museum. Located 12km south of Dublin along the coastal road stands the James Joyce Tower, which now houses the museum dedicated to his life's work, and was the setting for the first chapter of his most famous work Ulysses. Open: Mon-Sat 10h00-13h00 & 14h00-17h00; Sun 14h00-18h00. (Mar-Oct).All other times of the year by appointment only. Admission: EUR6.70, adults; EUR4.20, children. Tel: +353 (0)1-280-9265.

Dublin Castle

Right in the middle of the city, south of the Liffey, stands the 12th-century castle that has defined and defended the city of Dublin throughout its history. Only one tower remains from the original construction but within the castle complex you can see later buildings including the Royal Chapel, restored in 1989, the Portrait Gallery and the State Apartments. Note that the Castle is not just a tourist attraction; some parts are still used for State functions and may close to visitors occasionally. Dame St, Dublin 2. Open: Mon-Fri 10h00-16h45, Sat-Sun 14h00-17h00. Admission: EUR4.50, adults; EUR2, children. Tel: +353 (0)1-677-7129.

Guinness Storehouse

Next door to the famous Guinness brewery at St James's Gate, the Storehouse is the official tourist attraction and chief pilgrimage site for lovers of the world's favourite Irish stout. The Visitor Experience reveals the many processes and ingredients that go into creating the perfect pint. The tour includes the "Arthur Guinness Story" exhibition and the cooperage museum, and even leaves time to sample the "official" best pint of Guinness (complimentary) on the planet in the Gravity Bar afterwards while taking in magnificent views of the city. True fans of the brew will be sorely tested by the alluring array of merchandise in the shop afterwards. St James's Gate, Dublin 8. Open: daily 09h30-17h00 (until 21h00 Jul-Aug). Admission: EUR14, adults; EUR5, children; EUR30 family ticket (includes 2 adults & 2 children). Tel: +353 (0)1-408-4800.

The National Museum

The National Museum houses several collections of pieces relevant to Irish history, including some of the country's most valued artefacts, including the Ardagh Chalice and the gorgeous and intricate Tara Brooch. The museum also houses items from around the world, including a very respectable Ancient Egyptian collection. The museum occupies three locations through the city including Kildare Street, Merrion Street and Collins Barracks. The buildings are as interesting as the collections, distinctive Dublin architecture modernised and innovatively lit to show the exhibits off to best effect. Open: Tue-Sat 10h00-17h00; Sun 14h00-17h00. Admission: free. Tel: +353 (0)1-677-7444.

The Kilmainham Gaol

The Kilmainham Gaol was opened in 1796, shortly after Ireland became a part of the United Kingdom, and closed in 1924, shortly before it once again became independent. The gaol played a central role in much of Ireland's modern history, and was the scene of the incarceration - and execution - of many of the leaders of the 1916 uprising. It remains a powerful symbol of Ireland's struggle to win freedom from the British. Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. Open: Mon-Sat 09h30-16h00, Sun 10h00-17h00. Admission: EUR5.30, adults; EUR2.10, children. Tel: +353 (0)1-453-5984.

The Phoenix Park

Lying just outside Dublin city centre is the verdant expanse of Phoenix Park. At over 1,700 acres it is the largest enclosed urban park in Europe. The park grounds include sports pitches, a zoo, formal gardens, the President's official residence and acres of wide open space. It also has an important role as a bird sanctuary and reserve for native flora. Reached via the number 10 bus from O'Connell St. Open: The Phoenix Park visitors centre is open daily 10h00-17h30 (Apr-Oct); Wed-Sun 10h00-17h00 (Nov-Mar). Admission: EUR2.75, adults; EUR1.25, children. Tel: +353 (0)1-677-0095.

The Powerscourt Estate

Just outside Dublin, near Enniskerry Village, is situated one of the most beautiful mansions and estates in Ireland, Powerscourt. It has been wonderfully kept for the last 300 years or so, and the grounds are magnificent. Attractions on offer include a massive 45 acres of formal gardens, a 400-foot waterfall and exhibitions in the mansion itself. Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Open: daily 09h30-17h30. (The waterfall is open 09h30-19h00) Admission to gardens: EUR9, adults; EUR3.50, children. Exhibition: adults EUR2.50; children EUR1.60. Waterfall: adults, EUR4; children, EUR3. Tel: +353 (0)1-204-6000.

Glenmacnass Waterfall

A few miles up from Laragh is the Glenmacnass Waterfall. It's not as visually dramatic as Powerscourt but you're far more likely to be on your own here and left in peace to appreciate the simple beauty of the falls. Picnic at the head of the waterfall, with a superb view of the valley stretching away into Ireland's continual green, or make your way carefully down to the foot of the falls where you can appreciate the natural splendour in solitude.