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.
This small Dublin church has a colorful reputation that it may or may not actually deserve. Built by Fr. John Spratt in 1825, Whitefriar's was designed by Sir George Papworth, who was also responsible for building the St Mary's Pro-Cathedral the previous year. Although the claim has recently been questioned, Whitefriar's claims to possess the remains of St. Valentine. According to the story, Spratt visited Rome in 1835, met Pope Gregory XVI and was given the remains as a gift. The church now boasts a specially designed altar and shrine as well as a statue designed by Irene Broe depicting Saint Valentine holding a crocus plant - the symbol of spring.
Opened in 1890, the National Library was built for the Royal Dublin Society, which was formed in order to promote the arts and sciences in Dublin and to improve conditions for the poor. The library is now Ireland's bibliographical centre and incorporates both the Heraldic Museum and Genealogical Office. Tickets are generally issued to individuals whom the library consider to have "genuine research needs": applications can be made in person and a decision will be reached immediately. The library also regularly holds exhibitions and the Genealogical Office caters for individuals who wish to carry out family research but are unfamiliar with the library's extensive collection.
This former prison is one of Dublin's most historic buildings. Dating back to 1796, the Kilmainham Gaol is a massive building that housed men, women and even children prisoners. Most notably, the Gaol is known for incarcerating famous rebels and prisoners of war. Today the building serves as a museum with exhibits, artifacts and docent-led tours.
Originally part of Trinity College, the Dunsink Observatory houses the astronomical section of the School of Cosmic Physics, which is now a part of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. The observatory regularly hosts public stargazing nights where admission is free, although tickets are required. Open nights are held on the first and third Wednesday nights of the dark winter months. Prospective visitors must write for tickets enclosing a stamped self addressed envelope.
Joyce's association with Dublin is crucial. Finding its mention in his literary works, Dublin city has gained historical importance, more so with the James Joyce Museum that served as the opening for Joyce's literary masterpiece, “Ulysses”. To view the life of this writer as a young man, this museum exhibits letters, photographs, rare editions and personal possessions of Joyce. Get a feeling of 20th-century life and literature in this museum as you get carried away into the world that was in Joyce's lifetime.