Top Rated Attractions in Dublin

See a piece of literary history at Sweny's Pharmacy. This is the pharmacy described by James Joyce in Ulysses. It has been preserved to keep the appearance of what Joyce described in his writing. Although it is no longer a pharmacy, you can stop in and browse a selection of used books and even pick up a bar of the famous lemon soap from Joyce's description. Regular readings of Joyce's writing are held here as well.

Placed within Phoenix Park, the Wellington Monument stands tall at a height of 62 metres (203 feet) in honor of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington and his victories. The construction of this monument began in 1817, however due to shortage of funds the monument was only completed in 1861 and remains the tallest obelisk in Europe. The monument was designed by Sir Robert Smirke and features four bronze plaques, three of which depict his career while the fourth bears an inscription. The bronze for these plaques was procured from cannons captured at Waterloo and three of the plaques have been sculpted by artists John Hogan, Thomas Farrell and Joseph Robinson Kirk.

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Samuel Beckett Bridge which is 123 meters ( 403.54 feet ) long and 48 meters (157.48 feet ) above water level is unlike any other bridge that you would see in Dublin, Ireland. Inspired by a harp on the back of an Irish coin, this magnificently designed asymmetrical bridge's pylon arches northwards and is supported by 25 cables which together resemble the musical instrument turned on its side. However, the beauty of this splendid structure is undoubtedly the most apparent when it opens and closes at night for occasional maritime traffic on the river Liffey. This stunning architectural feat reflects not only the national emblem but also signifies Ireland's preparedness to adapt to the future.

The Anna Livia is a bronze sculpture that used to grace the O'Connell Street. Created by Éamonn O'Doherty, it is an embodiment of the River Liffey. It denotes a young woman sitting as water flows beside her. It was removed from the O'Connell Street to make way for the Dublin's Spire. Today, it has been reinstalled in the Croppies Memorial Park.

Once upon a time in ancient Dublin, a great stone wall surrounded the city. The wall was huge and formidable and entry into the city was granted through the handful of arched gates. This wall and gates were built by the Norman settlers in the 13th century to defend the city from invading clans and foreign people. The gateways also served as tollbooths. As centuries passed the wall around the historic city began to crumble and was lost with time. Only one of the city’s historic gates exists to this day that is located behind a side of a church and is called the Saint Audoen’s Gate or Arch that leads to a narrow alleyway. The gateway was restored in 1976 and is still used by the locals to reach the High Street and Cornmarket.

Located along Dawson Street, the Mansion House or the Teach an Ard-Mhéara is an important landmark of the city. Dating back to 1715, this house continues to serve as the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin. It was in this 18th – century house where the Irish Declaration of Independence was proclaimed. Notable visitors to this house include Pope John Paul II and Queen Victoria. At present, the Mansion House features two classy venues, namely Round Room and Fire Restaurant; each of these plays host to weddings, fund-raising events, charity balls, and similar functions.