This page is divided between places that you can visit in the city of Dublin and places that are within easy reach of suburban public transport
But first here are a few places very...
CLOSE TO THE CONGRESS VENUE
Croke Park (€14.50) -15 min walk from venue
The home of Gaelic Games and the third biggest stadium in Europe.
Botanic Gardens (free) -15 min walk from venue
Beautiful gardens some magnificent greenhouses.
Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum (cemetery is free, see website for museum prices) - 27 min walk from venue
The burial places of some of the most important figures in Irish history
The Casino (€7) - 38 min walk from venue
A very unusual architectural gem.
WITHIN DUBLIN CITY
Firstly I propose two walks which will take you around most of the most important places you should see in Dublin. You can do one or both and depending how quickly you walk or how many diversions you make the walks can take from two hours to all day.
WALKS
Walk 1 - GEORGIAN-BRITISH DUBLIN: O’Connell Street-Westmoreland-Grafton-Stephen’s
Green-Merrion Square-Westland Row-Silicon Docks-EPIC/CHQ - Famine Memorial - Customs House-O’Connell Street
Walk 2 - VIKING AND OLD DUBLIN: O’Connell Street-Henry Street-Halfpenny
Bridge-Temple Bar-City Hall-Dublin Castle-Chester Beatty Library-Christchurch
Cathedral-St Michan’s Church
Places I really think are worth visiting.
The list is based on the principle that you can't see everything and if I had to chose a short-list this is it. After each item is listed the walk on which you will encounter the place and roughly how much time I think it will take.
Free
Chester Beatty Library (Walk
no.2 : 1 to 2hrs)
This library is a unique collection of ancient manuscripts from all the great world religions. It is a personal favourite of mine with its beautiful presentation and the sense of history of man's relationship with the divine. A must for interculturalists.
This library is a unique collection of ancient manuscripts from all the great world religions. It is a personal favourite of mine with its beautiful presentation and the sense of history of man's relationship with the divine. A must for interculturalists.
NaturalHistory Museum (Walk no.1. Visit takes 1 to 2hrs)
The natural history museum of Ireland is one of the best preserved Victorian museums. It contains a fascinating collection of animals and insects from around the world, most collected in the 19th Century
The natural history museum of Ireland is one of the best preserved Victorian museums. It contains a fascinating collection of animals and insects from around the world, most collected in the 19th Century
National Museum
(Walk no.1 Visit takes 2hrs+)
The main museum of Ireland that covers Irish history from the start
The main museum of Ireland that covers Irish history from the start
National ArtGallery (Walk no.1 Visit takes 2hrs+)
A realtively small art museum, compared to some, but containing some of the world's great paintings.
A realtively small art museum, compared to some, but containing some of the world's great paintings.
Dublin Castle (Walk
no.2 Visit takes 2hrs+)
Originally built by the Normans in the 10th C this became the seat of British power in Ireland. It is free to walk around the grounds but you can also pay for a very interesting tour - including a view of part of the old city walls.
Originally built by the Normans in the 10th C this became the seat of British power in Ireland. It is free to walk around the grounds but you can also pay for a very interesting tour - including a view of part of the old city walls.
1916Exhibition (Walk no.2 Visit takes 1-2hrs)
A comprehensive exhibition about the Easter Rising of 1916 which, while a failure in itself, lead eventually to Irish freedom from Britain.
A comprehensive exhibition about the Easter Rising of 1916 which, while a failure in itself, lead eventually to Irish freedom from Britain.
Not Free
Dublinia (and
Christchurch Cathedral) €9.50 (Walk no.2 Visit takes 1 to 2 hrs)
An exhibition of Viking and medieval Ireland. An excellent view of that period
An exhibition of Viking and medieval Ireland. An excellent view of that period
Kilmainham Jail
(€8 adult) (Near Walk no.2 Visit takes 2hrs+)
This jail featured in many of the most important parts of Irish history including the Great Famine, the Easter Rising, the War of Independance and the Civil War. Very much worth a visit - book ahead.
Croke Park €14.50 (Not on the walk but near the Congress Visit takes 1 to 2hrs)
The home of Gaelic Games and the third biggest stadium in Europe.
EPIC –The Irish Migration Museum €14 (Walk no.1 Visit takes 2hrs+)
A unique exhibition about the Irish migration accros the world. There are over 70 million people of Irish descent around the world today and this very modern museum covers the story. An excellent exhibition. Look out for news here of a discount for Congress Delegates
A unique exhibition about the Irish migration accros the world. There are over 70 million people of Irish descent around the world today and this very modern museum covers the story. An excellent exhibition. Look out for news here of a discount for Congress Delegates
Dublin Castle
(Guided €10, Self €7) (Walk no.2 Visit takes 2hrs+)
(See above)
(See above)
Trips near Dublin
DART Trips
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is the suburban rail system which runs along the coast - see map here. It provides easy access to some very pretty locations and very pleasant scenic trips - particularly to the south of the city centre
Take the line north to.....
- Howth is a pretty fishing village to the north of the city. It has many nice restaurants and pubs and there are nice walks either on the piers or locally. If you are feeling energetic you can walk to the Summit.
Take the line south to:
Seapoint, Dun Laoghaire, Sandycove and Dalkey.
- Seapoint is a popular swimming spot including a Martello Tower - this is NOT the Joyce Tower which is further south at Sandycove
- Dun Laoghaire is an attractive seaside fishing town which could be a full day trip. It has excellent shopping and eating venues.
- Sandycove is a pretty beach with some fine houses. It is also the site of the Joyce Tower and Museum - James Joyce that is.
- Dalkey is a really pretty town well worth the trip from Dublin. Many fine dining places and the harbour is very attractive with views of Dalkey Island
Other Trips - by bus