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Dublin Attractions - The City's Most Popular Sights...

Note: Dublin is bisected by the River Liffey, with most of the city's attractions being located south of the river.

Custom House

Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, Tel: +353 (1) 888 2538, Website: www.environ.ie, Open: from Nov to mid-March, 10am to 12:30pm Wed-Friday, 2pm to 5pm Sunday, from mid-March to October 10am to 12.30pm Mon-Fri, 2pm to 5pm Sat/Sunday, Admission: Adult €1, Family €3
Widely regarded as the most magnificent building in the city, The Custom House is also hailed as a masterpiece of European neo-classicism. Planned in secret by the Chief Revenue Commissioner and local merchants (who were keen that trade ships continued to dock in the commercial heart of the city when the service outgrew its former home), it took 10 years and some £200,00 to complete.

Indeed, such was the initial opposition to the scheme that, as well as laying the foundation stone in secret, James Gandon - the architect brought over from England to carry out the work - received a number of threatening letters. Gandon was so concerned that he attended the building site carrying a sword for protection.

Initially used as the exclusive headquarters of the Commissioners of Custom and Excise, the dominant role of the property later turned to local government, with the building today being used by the Department of the Environment.

Although tragedy befell Customs House when it burnt to the ground in 1921 (during the Irish War of Independence) it was fully restored by 1928, while further work to beautify the building for its bi-centenary took place in 1991.

For those wanting to appreciate Gandon's masterpiece, a Visitor Centre - located on the building's ground and first floors - gives background on the architect's life and works in Ireland, the Custom House's reconstruction and the work of the many other public bodies which had offices here in the two centuries since its completion.

Four Courts Inns Quay

Four Courts, Inns Quay, Dublin 8, Telephone the Courts Service Information Office on +353 (1) 888 6457 to book a tour, Website: www.courts.ie
Playing host to the home of Irish judicial system since 1796, the term 'four courts' refers to the law courts of Chancery, King's Bench, Exchequer and Common Pleas. Following the decision in 1775 to house the country's legal system under one roof, Thomas Cooley - architect of the Royal Exchange - was commissioned to design a suitably fitting building. Initially, his brief had been to house only the Public Records Office and King's Inns, though following his untimely death in 1784, James Gandon was appointed to add courts to the plan, with two quadrangles also being given over to the record and legal offices.

For many visitors, the highlight of a trip here is the magnificent Round Hall, measuring sixty-four feet across and boasting a surround of Corinthian columns. At the time of its completion the Four Courts also boasted sculptures by Edward Smyth, with trophies of arms adorning triumphal arches in the arcades.

Unfortunately, however, the entire building suffered during the civil war, when it was almost completely demolished following the Anglo-Irish Treaty (when a two month siege eventually gave rise to Government forces opening fire with field guns, causing massive damage).

As well as laying waste to the nearby Public Records Office, many priceless documents were lost including wills, official deeds and historical records. And, although later restored and remodelled (to reflect the halls and dome as Gandon had originally envisaged) the scars of the encounter are still visible, while much of the building's interior decoration was replaced by less ornate furnishings following the civil war.

Members of the public are entitled to attend court sittings on any day, with some exceptions, while pre-arranged tours of the Four Courts are conducted every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during Law Terms at 10am and 1pm (commencing at the Information Desk in the Four Courts).

Trinity College and Dublin Experience

College Green, Dublin 2, Tel: +353 (1) 896 1000, Website: www.tcd.ie, Old Library and Book of Kells Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm, Open Sun (May-Sep), 9.30am-4.30pm and (Oct-Apr) midday-4.30pm. See also Bank Holiday and Christmas opening hours. Admission charged, children under 12 enter free
With most visitors to Dublin associating Trinity College with the Book of Kells, the college's Old Library is where you'll find the ornately illustrated manuscript of the Gospels (which dates from around 800 AD). In addition, the library - which was constructed between 1712 and 1732 - houses some three million books, while the university complex contains a campanile (a symbol portraying the building), chapel and other historic structures.

For first-time visitors to the city, the Dublin Experience (which is shown in the Davis Theatre of Trinity College, on Nassau Street) comprises of a 45-minute multimedia show tracing the history of Dublin from the earliest times to the present. An ideal way, in fact, to gauge the layout and most important sights in the city!

Note: as Trinity College is one of the most visited attractions south of the river, it's wise to plan you visit carefully and arrive early.

Bank of Ireland and House of Lords

2 College Green, Dublin 2, Tel: +353 (1) 661 5933 ext 2265, Open: 10am-4pm Mon-Wed and Fri, 10am-5pm Thu. Guided tours Free of Charge. Public Transport: DART to Tara St, or any city-centre bus to College Green
Originally established as the Irish Houses of Parliament, the Bank of Ireland building is notable not only for its architecture, but for also being the world's first purpose-built two chamber parliament.

It served as the seat of both chambers (Lords and Commons) for most of the eighteenth century until parliament was abolished by the Act of Union in 1800 (when the island became part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland).

Used after this date as both a military garrison and art gallery, the property was then purchased in 1803 by the fledgling Bank of Ireland, before Francis Johnston set about converting it for commercial use.

Inside, the fine wood paneling and vaulted ceiling add an air of grandeur to the House of Lords, while an intricate tapestry of William III's victory over James II/VII at The Battle of the Boyne adorns the chamber (with a second art work also depicting the "Glorious Defence of Londonderry").

Dublinia Christchurch

Living History, Dublinia, St. Michael's Hill, Christchuch, Dublin 8, Tel: +353 (1) 679 4611, Website: www.dublinia.ie, Open: Apr-Sep 10am-5pm daily, Oct-Mar 11am-4pm Mon-Fri and 10am-4.30pm Sun and Bank Holidays. Admission charged, Public Transport: Bus Number 50 from Eden Quay, Bus Number 78A from Aston Quay
Principally intended as an educational tool for school children, Dublinia has been developed by The Medieval Trust to provide insight into the city's formative 400 year period (which covers Dublin's growth from the arrival of the Anglo Normans in 1170 AD to the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1540).

Housed in what was previously the Synod Hall of the Church of Ireland from 1875 to 1983, a walkway links the building to Christ Church Cathedral, while life-like displays, artefacts and a scale model of the city, help recreate the environment of the Middle Ages.

And, once you've completed the tour, it's possible to climb the 17th century St Michael's Tower for a unique panoramic view of modern Dublin.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

21-50 Patrick's Close, Lower Dublin 8, Tel: +353 475 4817, Web Site: www.stpatrickscathedral.ie, Open: 9am-6pm Mon-Fri. Mar-Oct 9am-6pm and Nov-Feb 9am-5pm Sat. Mar-Oct 9am-11am, 12.45pm-3pm, 4.15pm-6pm Sun, Nov-Feb 10am-11am, 12.45pm-3pm Sun, Services 8:30am daily and 10:45am Sunday, Public Transport: Bus 65, 65B, 50, 50A, 54, 54A, 56A, or 77
The site of this elegant 13th century cathedral, which is the oldest Christian site in Dublin, is reputed to be the place where St. Patrick baptised converts from paganism to Christianity. Indeed, to commemorate his visit, a small wooden church was built here, being one of the four Celtic parish churches in Dublin.

Under John Comyn, the first Anglo-Norman archbishop of Dublin, the building was elevated to cathedral status, while Henry of London is credited for both enlarging and rebuilding the structure during much of the 13th century.

In the 16th Century, the tumultuous events of the Reformation sparked a decline in the cathedral's fortunes with revenues, estates and possessions being confiscated by Henry VIII and his commissioners. The decline culminated in the building suffering physical damage with the collapse of the roof of the nave in 1544.

With a gradual period of neglect not checked until the late 19th century, it was only with a full-scale restoration (based on the original design) funded by the influential Guinness family that the cathedral has been restored to its former glory. Also worth noting is that writer Jonathan Swift was dean here from 1713-1745, being laid to rest in a tomb in the church.

Dublin Castle

Dame Street, Dublin 2, Tel: +353 (1) 645 8813 (Tour Guide Services), Website: www.dublincastle.ie, E-mail: info@dublincastle.ie, Open: 10am-4.45pm Mon-Fri, 2pm-4.45pm Sat/Sun. Admission Charged. Public Transport: Bus 49, 50, 54A, 77, 77A
With a history dating back to the time of the Norman Invasion in 1169, the formal call for the establishment of a fort on the site was given by King John of England in the summer of 1204. Intended to defend the city, as well as providing the safe custody of treasure, Dublin Castle has been rebuilt, renovated and extended over the years into the palace type structure we find today.

As well as being the official residence of successive royal chief representatives (who helped maintain the English colonial administration), the Castle also served as a dungeon for state prisoners, a temporary seat of Parliament in the 17th Century and the Law Court and Court of Exchequer.

Of particular interest are the State Chambers, which contain a large collection of antiques, while the Chapel Royal is an elegantly proportioned, neo-gothic structure dating back to 1814. It contains some ninety carved heads of famous historical figures, while the interior boasts lavish plaster vaulting and carved oak galleries.

Temple Bar

Address details for the Temple Bar Cultural Trust Information Centre: 12 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, Website: www.temple-bar.ie, Tel: +353 1 677 2255
Heralded as 'Dublin's Cultural Quarter', Temple Bar is a maze of cobbled streets located on the south bank of the River Liffey. Renovated in recent years to provide a focal point for outdoor cultural activity, it also serves as home to more than 50 cultural institutions, staging everything from contemporary art exhibitions to avant-garde films and modern theatre.

In addition, Temple Bar has become a centre for nightlife in the city, with a wide-range of restaurants, pubs and agreeable haunts in which to wile away the hours. Rounding off things are a number of trendy shops, book stores, antique shops and boutiques.

National Museum of Ireland

Based at three locations: Kildare Street/Collins Barracks/Merrion Street, Tel: +353 (1) 677 7444, Website: www.museum.ie, Open: 10am-5pm Tue-Sat and 2pm-5pm Sun. Admission Free. Public Transport: Collins Barracks: 90 (Aston Quay), 25, 25A, 66, 67 (Wellington Quay), Kildare Street/Merrion Street: 7, 7A, 10,11,13 (O'Connell Street) or Museumlink (172) which has a drop off and pick up stop at the three Dublin sites
As one of the city's most popular attractions, the NMI is housed within three Dublin sites and comprises of Decorative Arts and History at the restored Collins Barracks, Archaeology and History at the 19th Century building on Kildare Street, plus Natural History on Merrion Street.

The Kildare Street site concentrates on archeological material and artifacts relating mostly to Ireland, with a world famous collection of gold ornaments from the Bronze Age, together with treasures such as the Ardagh Chalice and metalwork from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages. In addition, you'll find displays of artifacts from prehistoric and Viking Ireland and from ancient Egypt.

At Collins Barracks, well-conceived exhibitions on costume and clothing, coins and Irish Silver make up the bulk of the displays, while temporary exhibitions and outdoor summer events also feature.

At Merrion Street you'll find the oldest part of the museum, with a collection of skeletons (including those of two whales found stranded on the Irish coast), plus native fauna and rare collections of animals, birds and insects.

National Gallery of Ireland

Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Tel: +353-1-661 5133, Web: www.nationalgallery.ie, E-mail: info@ngi.ie, Open: 9.30am-5.30pm Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat, 9.30am-8.30pm Thu, 12pm-5.30pm Sun, Last entry to galleries is 15 minutes before closing time. Admission to permanent galleries free of charge, Public Transport: DART Pearse station/Bus 5, 6, 7, 7A
Housing the national collection of Irish art and European master paintings, Ireland's National Gallery features works from the likes of Jack B Yeats, Richard Doyle, Oliver Sheppard, Harry Clarke, Nathaniel Hone, Walter Osborne and Art O' Murnaghan, while Continental paintings from the 14th to the 20th centuries, including Caravaggio's "The Taking of Christ" (1602) are also on permanent display. Helpfully, you'll find a multimedia centre on site where the collection can be researched via computer.

Heraldic Museum

2-3 Kildare Street, Tel: +353 (1) 677 7444, Website: www.nli.ie, Open: 10am-8:30pm Mon-Wed, 10:30am-4:30pm Thu-Fri and 10:30am-12:30pm Sun, Admission Free, Public Transport: Bus 10,11,13
As an integral part of the National Library, the State Heraldic Museum is neatly located in a mid-nineteenth century building which formally served as the Kildare Street Club. Attached to the Office of Arms (now the Office of the Chief Herald) since 1909, exhibits explore the breath and development of Irish heraldry, while those wishing to trace their Irish ancestry can make an inquiry at the Consultancy Service of the National Library itself.

Dublin Civic Museum

58 South William Street Dublin 2, Tel: +353 (1) 679 4260, Open: 10am-6pm Tue-Sat, 11am-2pm Sun, Admission Free, Public Transport: Bus: 10, 11, or 13
Situated in the old City Assembly House, Dublin's Civic Museum showcases items relating to the history of the local area from medieval to modern times. As well old street signs, prints and newspapers, you'll find items relating to day-to-day life as well as early Viking artifacts. The building itself is certainly a fitting venue in which to stage the regular changing exhibition, thanks to its neat 18th-century Georgian detailing.

Dublin City Gallery - The Hugh Lane Gallery

Charlemont House, Parnell Square North, Dublin 1, Tel : + 353 (1) 222 5550, Website: www.hughlane.ie, E-mail: info.hughlane@dublincity.ie, Open: Tue-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri & Sat 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, Closed Monday, Admission to Permanent Collection Free of Charge. Public Transport: Bus 3, 10, 11, 13, 16, 19, 46A, 48A and Dart from walk from Connolly Station and Tara Street Station (10 minute's walk)
Housing a fascinating collection of modern and contemporary art, Sir Hugh Lane's valuable collection of Impressionist paintings has grown to include almost 2000 artworks, with prominent artists such as Monet, Renoir and Degas all featuring. Given to the Dublin Corporation on condition that they would be housed in a suitable building, the gallery also hosts dynamic temporary exhibitions, while historical and retrospective exhibitions of Irish art are also staged throughout the year.

The Dublin Writers Museum

18 Parnell Square Dublin 1, Tel: +353 1 872 2077, Website: www.writersmuseum.com, Open: 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm Sun and Public Holidays, Late opening June, July and August: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, Public Transport: Ten minutes walk from DART Connolly Station or Bus 10, 11, 11A, 11B, 13, 13A, 16, 16A, 19, 19A
With a famous local literary contingent that includes the likes of James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney, it's no surprise to find a Dublin museum which celebrates the lives and work of writers from the past three hundred years. Brought to life within a beautifully restored 18th-century Georgian mansion, the architectural craftsmanship shown here, including ornate plasterwork, an impressive central staircase and magnificent first-floor gallery, almost match the importance and beauty of the first-editions on display.

Guinness Storehouse

St James's Gate, Dublin 8, Tel: + 353 (1) 408 4800, Website: www.guinness-storehouse.com, E-mail: guinness-storehouse@guinness.com, Open daily: 9.30am-5pm (last admission at 5pm), late opening during July and August until 7pm (last admission is at 7pm), closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day) and Good Friday. Normal opening hours are in operation on Bank holidays. Admission Charged. Public Transport: Bus 51B, 78A from Aston Quay, Bus 123 from O'Connell Street, Bus 123 from Dame Street
World renowned for its consistency and taste, Guinness is a massively popular beverage both in its home market and overseas. Consequently, it's no surprise that the Storehouse is also the country's No. 1 visitor attraction.

Originally constructed in 1904 to house the Guinness fermentation process, the entire structure has now been remodelled to provide seven floors of exhibits, with a central core that resembles a giant pint glass stretching up from reception to The Gravity Bar.

As well as a retail store, the attraction introduces you to the drink's four ingredients, namely water, barley, hops and yeast. Together with a step by step guide through the brewing process, you'll also find sections devoted to Advertising/branded memorabilia, the Brewery Bar (in which you can dine on traditional style food) and the seventh floor Gravity Bar which serves up a complimentary pint of Guinness to each visitor, as well as providing uninterrupted panoramic views across Dublin City.

James Joyce Center

35 North Great Georges Street, Dublin 1, Tel: +353 1 878 8547, Website www.jamesjoyce.ie, E-mail: info@jamesjoyce.ie, Open: 10am-5pm Tue-Sat. Admission charged. Public Transport: DART Connolly Station, Bus 3, 10, 11, 113, 16, 19, 22
Housed within a late 18th-century red bricked Georgian mansion, the center first opened its doors back in 1996 and has since successfully promoted the life and works of James Joyce. Run by members of the Monaghan family, who are descendents of Joyce's sister May, the exhibition includes personal possessions, an Interactive computer installation (which allows visitors to explore the content of Ulysses episode by episode) and furniture from the apartment of Paul Léon, Joyce's friend and advisor. Accompanied by an extensive library, reading groups and special events, fans of the writer will not be disappointed by a visit here.

The Garden of Remembrance

Parnell Square East, Dublin 1, Tel: + 353 1 647 2498 (Head Office) or + 353 1 874 3074 (Garden). Located in the centre of Dublin (at the top of O'Connell Street), the garden was first opened in 1966 on the fiftieth anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916. Dedicated to those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom, it is intended as a place of quiet remembrance and reflection. At the end of the garden you'll find Oisín Kelly's impressive sculpture on the theme of the "Children of Lir" who, according to legend, were transformed into swans.

National Print Museum

Garrison Chapel, Beggars Bush, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, Website: www.iol.ie, Tel: +353 (1) 660-3770, Open all year round: 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 2pm-5pm Sat/Sun
Housed in a former barracks, the National Print Museum houses a unique collection of print related artifacts and machines from all sectors of the printing industry in Ireland.

Centre stage is taken by Johann Gutenberg, the 'father of printing' who was responsible for setting the first substantial book, the Gutenberg Bible in 1455. Pioneering Linotype and Monotype machines are examples of more modern printing methods (dating from the late 19th century), while the museum's Wharfedale press, known as the 'war-horse' of printing, dates from the time of the First World War.

Throughout, you'll find front pages from old broadsheet newspapers which commemorate important headline events in world history, while a fascinating audio-visual show gives the viewer a step by step guide to the printing process.

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