To many, Guinness is one of the most important features of Ireland. Completed at the cost of EUR30 million, the Guinness Storehouse is a fine addition to Dublin's ever-growing list of purpose-built attractions. Set inside a converted 18th-century fermentation building, it consists of six floors linked by a giant atrium in the shape of a pint glass. Although the actual brewery is not open to the public, the storehouse's new exhibition space outlines the 200-year history of the company and reveals many brewing secrets. The models and displays of the exhibition are followed by a short film and a glass of the famous brew! The storehouse is also home to the stylish Gravity Bar.
Located at Stephen's Green, this little non-profit museum takes visitors through Dublin in the 20th Century. The limited scope means that visitors to the museum can relate directly to most of the exhibits. The little museum focuses among other things on the cultural transition that took place during the period. There's a surprising amount of things to discover here and it is a great way to acquaint yourself with how the great city has come to be in recent times.
More than 235 species of wild animals and birds inhabit Dublin Zoo, a vast expanse within Phoenix Park. Created in 1830 and recently restored and extended, this zoo is the third-oldest in the world, with London and Paris as "big siblings". The thirty acres (12.1 hectares) provide lots of treats for the family, including a pet's corner and new attractions such as City Farm, Monkey Island and Fringes of the Arctic. The train ride around the zoo is also fun and a welcome rest for weary legs! Refreshments are available in the restaurant and coffee shop, while a variety of cuddly toys can be found in the gift shop.
This building was previously owned by the Church of Ireland and was the Synod Hall right up until 1983. The Medieval Trust now supports the Dublinia exhibition, which aims to cover Dublin's early history, starting with the arrival of the Vikings in 1170 and ending with the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1539. Start the tour in the basement with an audio-tape, taking you through life-size reconstructions, depicting major events, including the Black Death, the rebellion of Silken Thomas, and the United Irishmen uprising. Upstairs features a huge model of Dublin in about 1500. Also of note, in the Great Hall, is a multi-screen presentation on medieval Dublin.
This beautifully restored 17th-century building is one of the oldest military barracks in Europe. As if that isn't enough, Collins Barracks also acts as the second site of the National Museum in Dublin, housing the institution's collections of decorative art. Of particular note are the collections of Irish silverware, Etruscan vases and furniture, while an exhibition entitled "The Way We Wore" provides a fascinating insight into fashion through the ages. Collins Barracks is also often home to interesting touring exhibitions and is only a short stroll from the newly revitalized Smithfield area.
This private house and one-time fortress is located on acres of lush parkland in Malahide. The interiors are done up beautifully with plush drawing rooms and portrait paintings of the Talbot family, while the facade is flanked by beguiling Gothic Revival turrets. Standing strong for about 800 years, this old home has seen it all; wars, good times and memories of the family it sheltered. One of the country's oldest castles, the magnificent Malahide Castle not only chronicles the legacy of the Talbots, but it has also been a catalyst in framing the course of Ireland's medieval history. Now a major attraction, the main hall plays host to private celebrations and banquets, while guided tours in French, Spanish and Dutch are available for tourists. The restaurant is quite popular with the locals, who drop in for a hot traditional breakfast of baked scones, with homemade jam and cream.
Located off the coast of Dublin, Ireland's Eye is a small island that is a popular tourist spot. Rock-climbing is one of the chief sports here. It can easily be reached by boat. The terrain is rocky and the Stack is one of the most important rocks of the island where many birds can be seen. Grey seals can also be spotted lazing in the sun.
The picturesque Lough Tay is found nestled between the tall Wicklow Mountains. Easily reached from the R759, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists who flock here for the fresh country air. Travel to this lake in order to enjoy the tranquility of Nature and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Situated in the leafy suburb of Rathfarnham, this building was formerly a school run by the leader of the 1916 Easter Rising, Padraig Pearse. Located in the beautiful grounds of St. Enda's Park, the museum now features a wide range of exhibits, a nature study room with Irish flora and fauna displays and an audio-visual presentation on the life of Pearse called This Man Kept a School. The fine park features riverside walks, a walled garden and a waterfall.
Located in the renowned CHQ building, the emigration museum EPIC traces footsteps of Irish emigration in great detail. Charting the origins of Irish emigration from 500 AD, the museum will take the visitors through several interactive exhibits that explain the evolution of the Irish exodus. The museum and its various sections and galleries display information on some of the greatest Irish emigrant personalities who defined the country's rich historical past. A family center with expert genealogists allows you to trace back your own familial origins and is one of the primary features of the museum. A must-visit for history enthusiasts, the EPIC museum is indisputably one of the finest museums of the country.