One of only two Anglican cathedrals in Dublin, this venerated church stands alongside the serene meadows of the symbolic Saint Patrick's Park. Constructed in the year 1192, the cardinal cathedral of Glendalough is an architectural masterpiece whose multiple spires soar over the urban landscapes of the Coombe, Warrenmount, and Portobello. The main attractions within St Patrick's are the tombs of Jonathan Swift and his companion, which are located in the nave. The cathedral also contains the longest medieval nave in Ireland and a stone slab engraved with a Celtic cross that covers the well from which St Patrick blessed his subjects. The adjoining garden is a welcome oasis in this densely built-up district of the city.
Merrion square is a great place to enjoy a lazy afternoon on the grass. This city park features lush lawns and a variety of statues, including a monument to Oscar Wilde (who once lived at 1, Merrion Square) and a public art piece by Irish American sculptor Jerome Connor. Come on Sundays to see local artists display their works on the park railings. It is also a great place to spend quality time with your family. Nothing short of an urban oasis, head to Merrion Square to escape the stresses of city life.
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.
Located in one of Dublin's most exclusive seaside towns, this charming heritage center gives a flavor of how Dublin developed from the Middle Ages, through the Victorian era, to the present day. The center includes models and audio-visual presentations, and an exhibition script specially written by the Irish author and playwright Hugh Leonard. St. Begnet's, an interesting 8th-century church, is just next door.
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.
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.
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.
A trip through St Michan's Church and Crypts will leave surely leave a spooky impression on you. These underground vaults in Dublin aren't for the faint of heart, from crusaders bodies, the famed Sheares brothers and other remains can be seen. Found within the church, a beautiful organ once played by Handel is the piece de resistance.
Awash in splendid Georgian architecture, the courtly Leinster House is well known as the seat of the Oireachtas. An erstwhile aristocratic palace of the Duke of Leinster, this magnificent house now forms the ground for some of the country's significant political and legislative decisions. The house was originally built between 1745 to 1748, and is marvelously fronted by statues, manicured lawns and a soaring cenotaph which dedicates itself to lives lost in the fight for Irish Independence. Over the years, the house has received significant renovations, including the Victorian Dáil Chamber, and opulent meeting rooms. A site boasting immense glory and stature, this sprawling, grey house resembles a photograph of a pastoral manor drawn straight out of the Irish countryside.
Housing more than 6,000,000 volumes, the Trinity College Library is one of the largest libraries in Ireland. Although occupying several buildings, four of the main ones are located in the Trinity College Campus itself. From the four, the main drawcard is the Old Library that not only houses the 65-meter-long (213 feet) Long Room, but also houses the Book of Kells that contains the four Gospels of the New Testament. Other items in the library that are equally fascinating include the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, the Book of Durrow and the Book of Howth. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself mesmerized by the beauty and ancient charm of the magnificent library as well as the amazing collection of ancient texts. After you have toured the library, head to the Trinity College Library Shop and buy some souvenirs for friends and family.
Situated in the heart of the city center, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). His collection is now housed in Dublin Castle in a restored 18th century building with a modern purpose-built block attached. The Library was named Irish Museum of the Year and was recently awarded the title European Museum of the Year, a coveted international accolade in the museum world. The Library's exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. The rich collection from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe offers visitors a visual feast. Egyptian papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur'an, the Bible, European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights of the collection. Turkish and Persian miniatures and striking Buddhist paintings are also on display, as are Chinese dragon robes and Japanese woodblock prints. In its diversity, the collection captures much of the richness of human creative expression from about 2700 BC to the present day. Admission is free.
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.