1. Guinness Storehouse
It’s little wonder that the ‘black stuff’ has been an important part of Dublin life since Arthur Guinness founded his brewery at St James’s Gate in 1759. You can celabrate 250 years of Guinness by visiting the Guinness Storehouse, discover how it’s made, learn about the history and how to pull the perfect pint, end even enjoy a pint while overlooking the City’s skyline in the unique Gravity Bar.
For more information visit www.guinness-storehouse.com
2. Enjoy Dublin Pubs
It’s with good reason that Irish pubs are popular the world over: their easygoing craic(good fun) and banter can’t be beatan, particularly in the truly authentic establishments of the capital – Keogh’s of South Annes Street or the Dawson Lounge, Ireland’s smallest pub. For an extra treat, steer towards pubs where traditional Irish music is played. Many pubs in Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter, offer a great Dublin pub experience, particularly the Foggy Dew and the Porterhouse.
3. National Gallery of Ireland
Situated off Merrion Square, the National Gallery of Ireland is a treasure trove of beatiful paintings by Irish and international artists. Works from Carravagio’s ‘The taking of Christ’ to modern masterpieces by Jack B. Yates, Paul Henry, and Louis le Brocquy are housed in exquisite surroundings, with free guided tours available. A packed calendar of fascinating exhibitions also ensures that every visit has something new.
For more information visit www.nationalgallery.ie
4. Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo
The largest enclosed urban park in Europe, Phoenix Park is a delightful spot to spend a relaxing day. Dtriking monuments from the Wellington Testimonial to the Papal Cross create a great backdrop for sports or a picnic, while the visitor cente at Ashtown Castle sheds life on the history and wildlife of the park. Phoenix Park is home to Dublin Zoo, which opened in 1830 and is the oldest Zoo in the world.
For more information visit www.phoenixpark.ie
5. Croke Park Tour
Sample some real Irish culture on your visit by attending a hurling, camogie, or gaelic football match at Croke Park., Ireland’s national stadium for Gaelic Games. The Gaelic Athletic Association(G.A.A.) Museum in Croke Park takes you oin a fasinating tour of the G.A.A. and its enormous contribution to Irish sporting, cultural and social life since its foundation in 1884.
For more information visit www.crokepark.ie
6. Aviva Stadium Tour
Follow in the footsteps of your heroes by taking a look behind the scenes at Aviva Stadium to experience the magic of a match and discover more about the iconic home fo Irish rugby and football. The stadium tour gives you the unique opportunity to get a sense of what the Irish rugby and football stars really feel like on a match day. This unmissable tour of Aviva Stadium will lead you into areas that are only accessible to the players and officials on match days. This privileged inside view of one of the world’s finest and most technologically advanced stadiums is an experience you will never forget.
For more information visit www.avivastadium.ie
7. St Patrick’s Festival
This celebration sparks a party among Irish communities around the world, and St. Patricks Day in Ireland doesn’t disappoint. Dublin hosts a fantastic five day St Patrick’s Festival from March 12th to 17th.
8. Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Founded by Quenn Elizabeth of England in 1592, Trinity College has a rich academic tradition, beautiful buildings and a fasinating history. You can take a guided tour of the college, including Trinity’s breathtaking Long Room – the main chamber of the old library, which houses around 200,000 of the college’s oldest books.’ The Book of Kells’ one of the most beautiful medieval Christain Manuscripts ever produced is on permanent exhibition in the college which also contains the ‘Book of Armagh’ and the ‘Book of Durrow’.
For more information visit www.tcd.ie
9. Walking Tours
From a trek around Dublin’s historical and cultural sites to an enjoyable literary pub crawl, a walking tour will highlight the citys best assets: the charm of Dubliners and the veritable goldmine of stories and revelations found on every street.
10. Kilmainham Gaol
Built in 1796, it is one of the largest unoccupies gaols in Europe and gives an amazing glimpse into Ireland’s political history. During your guided tour you will discover the story of tehe heroic and tragic events in Ireland’s emergence as a modern nation from the 1780’s to the 1920’s. There is a permanent exhibition in the gaol explaining the penal history and the prison’s restoration, and other exhibitions are run throughout the year.
For more information visit www.heritageireland.ie/en/dublin/kilmainhamgaol/
