Located above the peacefully flowing River Liffey, the Ha'penny Bridge, also known as the Liffey Bridge, is an important landmark of the city. During the early 18th Century, ferries operated by a private owner called William Walsh plied across the river. But these ferries were in a deteriorating condition and that forced officials to demand the erection of a bridge or termination of ferries from Walsh. Walsh expressed his desire to build the bridge but he had inadequate funds. On his earnest request, commuters were charged Halfpenny or Ha'penny as a toll for the construction of the bridge. That's how the bridge came to be known as Ha'penny Bridge. Today, it beckons visitors and locals with its angelic white color and promises pristine views of the beautiful river.
In 1991, the restored site of the Royal Hospital was officially opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art. This splendid 17th-century building is now the venue for some superb exhibitions and conducts a number of educational and community-oriented projects. Free guided tours are available and these include visits to the chapel, banqueting hall, and the beautifully restored baroque garden. Admission is free.
The Dublin Castle symbolized English rule for 700 years, ever since the Anglo-Normans built their fortress on this site. Later, the castle was to serve as the headquarters of the English-appointed Viceroy of Ireland. It was not until 1922 that it was finally handed over to the Irish Free State. The castle's apartments shelter opulent, wonderfully-decorated rooms, while carpets of rolling, formal gardens lend it an alluring aura. Sheltered within the castle's fabric are insignia and collectibles of historical interest, like a stately throne donated by King William of Orange and a variety of banners of the now-disbanded Knights of St Patrick. The Castle is very much a working series of buildings; it is used for State functions and many government agencies are based here. It forges a synergy of history and art, hosting an array of exhibitions centered around the same. The castle grounds are also home to the magnificent Chapel Royal and the splendid Chester Beatty Library. A window into the country's monumental, medieval past, this mighty castle is indeed one of the most priceless possessions of Dublin.
Completed in 1779, the City Hall designed by Thomas Cooley housed the Royal Exchange. It is an elegant reminder of the wealth and opulence of Dublin in the city's 18th-century heyday. Today, City Hall is managed by the Dublin Corporation, which has restored the building beautifully. The great central atrium, complete with gold-leafed dome and mosaic floor, is one of the most impressive public spaces around. The history of Dublin is told in a vivid, computer-aided series of exhibitions.
Grafton Street and the surrounding area is the most upmarket shopping district in Dublin. Grafton Street itself is pedestrianized and runs from Trinity College up to St Stephen's Green. It is home to some of Dublin's signature businesses, including the city's most elegant department store Brown Thomas. Grafton Street is also home to many familiar high-street names, and the upper end of the street is anchored by the sunny, glass-roofed St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. In the surrounding area, Dawson Street features Waterstone's, the city's best book store. Wicklow Street boasts some funky shoe shops and Clarendon Street is home to the upmarket Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. In all, this district should supply most, if not all, of your shopping needs.
Nestled in one of Europe's most splendid parks, the rustic, yet well-preserved Ashtown Castle dates as far back as the 15th Century. This obscure citadel was unearthed inside the walls of a larger Georgian building and was later restored to its original glory. A striking, fortified tower residing in the sprawling Phoenix Park, this medieval, stone-built castle instantly stands out in contrast to its surrounding lawns and buildings. An escape into Ireland's military history, the Ashtown Castle is, indefinitely a stirring piece of historical Dublin that time forgot. Now ornamented with a courtyard, the grounds of the castle have been a favored venue for musical concerts.