Explore the Castles, Museums & Landmarks of Dublin
Cool breezes, hearty meals, seaside beaches - not to mention the lure of a nearby mountain range... a trip to Dublin is always fun.
Established in 841 AD as a fortress by Norse Vikings, the Irish capital is layered with centuries of history, art and culture. Here is a quick guide to its landmarks, art, grand estates and natural wonders.
DUBLIN'S PARKS & GREEN SPACES
On the west side of Dublin is the largest enclosed urban park in Europe, Phoenix Park. Known for its old growth "veteran" trees and a resident herd of deer, Phoenix Park is also home to the Dublin Zoo, the residences of the President of Ireland and the US Ambassador. It is also where, in 1979, Pope John Paul II said Mass for 1.25 million people, on a spot now marked by the towering "Papal Cross."
In the center of Dublin is elegant Merrion Square that is surrounded by townhouses in the classic Georgian style. Nearby is St. Stephen's Green with its wandering paths and water elements; and close to the National Concert Hall are the lovely Iveagh Gardens.
MUSEUMS
Dublin has no shortage of cultural institutions. You can trace the city's beginnings through exhibits at popular The Dublinia, and greater Ireland's history at the venerable Museum of Natural History. Explore the story of Irish emigration at the EPIC, and admire the fine art at the National Gallery whose collection includes works by Vermeer, Caravaggio, and Irish masters Roderic O'Conor and Paul Henry among others.
Stretch your legs with a walk through the 400+ year old campus of Trinity College. Its library's most famous possession is the 9th century "Book of Kells," but the gorgeous interior spaces of Trinity's library alone are worth the visit.
In the mood for something newer? On the west side of town is the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Housed in a former hospital, the IMMA's collection boasts over 3,500 works by Irish and international artists.
After all that culture you've earned a tour and a pint, so head over to historic Guinness Brewery and the Old Jameson Distillery.
MANOR HOUSES & NATIONAL PARKS NEAR DUBLIN
NORMAN CASTLES TO THE NORTH
Close to Dublin are a number of castles and country estates. Of note is the 12th century Trim Castle, which is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland - and where the movie Braveheart was filmed. Closer to the city is the 12th c. Malahide Castle with the Talbot Botanic Gardens.
COUNTRY HOUSES & ESTATES TO THE SOUTH
Located to the south of Dublin are the manor houses of Powerscourt Estate, Killruddy Estate and Russborough House. Each offers you the opportunity to stroll their gardens, tour the house, and enjoy an afternoon outdoors. Powerscourt is home to the tallest waterfall in Ireland. Killruddery House is a working farm and estate, and Russborough House has a beautiful collection of decorative and fine art.
WICKLOW MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
There are organized tours of this gorgeous mountain range - home to some of the highest peaks in Ireland with lovely deep gorges and valleys. Nearby or within Wicklow Mountains Park are Powerscourt Waterfall and Golden Falls. There is also the Valley of Glendalough with a namesake monastery founded by St. Kevin and where the story of the early Church of Ireland begins!
