Dublin Attractions

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Trinity College, Dublin

Trinity College

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and counts Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, along with many other great thinkers and writers, amongst it past-students. This 16th century complex is home to many glorious buildings, beautifully manicured lawns, cobbled squares and the campus of the University of Ireland. The celebrated Book of Kells, which dates from the 8th century and is considered to be one of the oldest books in the world, is housed in the College's Collonades Gallery. Other illuminated manuscripts taken from ancient monasteries are also on display.

Telephone: (0)1 896 1000; Website: www.tcd.ie

Barrels of Guinness in Temple Bar © Paul Micallef

Temple Bar district

The hub of Dublin's nightlife is to be found in this quaint, cobbled district, which is full of shops, traditional pubs, theatres, cinemas and trendy clubs laid out on pedestrianised streets. Busking fiddlers, an overwhelming choice of restaurants and beautifully restored buildings add to the feel of the place and make it worth a visit. The area is bordered by the Liffey on one side and Dame Street on the other. The main street running through the area also is called Temple Bar.

E-mail: info@templebar.ie; Website: www.templebar.ie

Wellington Monument, Phoenix Park © Colin Gregory Palmer

Phoenix Park

Just two miles (3km) west of the city centre, Phoenix Park offers peace and quiet from the buzz of the city. It is considered the largest urban park in Europe boasting splendid landscaped gardens, ornamental lakes and large grasslands. It is the perfect environment for runners, walkers and sports enthusiasts who flock here to enjoy the park's facilities. Fallow deer can be seen browsing in the leafy woodland and it's a great place for watching the world go by. Within the park is the residence of the president of Ireland, Aras an Uachtarain, and Dublin Zoo.

Address: Parkgate Street; Telephone: (0)1 677 0095 (Visitor Centre); E-mail: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie; Opening time: Main gate is open 24 hours; Admission: Free

Dublin Castle © Paul Micallef

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle was founded in 1204 by order of King John, who wanted a fortress constructed for the administration of the city. It has been added to and rebuilt many times so that all that remains of the original structure is the Norman Tower. By the early 17th century the castle was fully developed with Law Courts, meetings of Parliament, the residence of the viceroy and a council chamber. The magnificent, gilded State Apartments were added in the 18th century and are still used for state occasions today.

Address: Dame Street; Telephone: (0)1 645 8813 (tour services); E-mail: info@dublincastle.ie; Website: www.dublincastle.ie; Opening time: Tours: Monday to Friday 10am to 4.45pm, Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 4.45pm; Admission: Entry by guided tour only, Every 20 minutes. €4.50 (adults), concessions available

National Museum of Ireland © Paul Micallef

National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum is the place to see the treasures of ancient Ireland - it is a policy to gather all important artefacts in this one museum. Included in this selection is jewellery dating back to the 8th century BC and medieval antiquities such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Also housed here is the 12th-century Cross of Cong, an ornate reliquary of wood, bronze and silver, said to contain a fragment of the True Cross. The museum showcases important exhibitions on Irish history including Prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland and The Road to Independence (1900-1921).

Address: Kildare Street; Telephone: (0)1 677 7444; Website: www.museum.ie; Transport: Bus 7, 7A, 10, 11 or 13; Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 2pm to 5pm; Admission: Free

Guinness © Guinness

Guinness Storehouse

Guinness is now brewed all over the world but St James's Gate, in the heart of Dublin, was where Arthur Guinness set up the business in 1759. The Guinness Storehouse celebrates Ireland's favourite brew by taking visitors on a journey, floor by floor, through the past, present and future of the world-famous beer. The glass atrium is shaped like a pint glass and each floor explores a different aspect of 'everything anyone ever wanted to know about Guinness', from the brewing process to who drank the first pint. The tour finishes with a complementary pint of the famous stout in the top floor Gravity Bar, which is also the ideal place to watch the sunset over Dublin and admire the 360° views. During the July and August summer program there are also tasting sessions available, exhibitions and delicious Irish meals from a table d'hôte menu in the Brewery Bar or Source Bar.

Address: St James’s Gate; Telephone: (0)1 408 4800; E-mail: guinness-storehouse@guinness.com; Website: www.guinness-storehouse.com; Transport: Bus 51B and 78A from Aston Quay, bus 123 from O’Connell Street or Dame Street; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (until 8pm in July and August); Admission: €14 (adults); concessions available

National Library

The highlight of this historic library is the great domed reading room, which has been home to many Irish students, including James Joyce. The library also contains a heraldic museum, which exhibits coats of arms and banners, but of most interest to tourists may be the genealogical office, where staff can help trace any Irish roots. Its consultation service on ancestry is available Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30 pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.

Address: 2 Kildare Street; Telephone: (0)1 603 0200; E-mail: info@nli.ie; Website: www.nli.ie; Opening time: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 9pm, Thursday and Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm; Admission: Free

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Ireland's largest church, St Patrick's Cathedral is erected on the site where St. Patrick is believed to have baptized his converts to the Christian faith. The current building dates back to the 12th century, although it's been restored and altered over the years. Jonathan Swift was dean of St. Patrick's from 1713-1745, during which time he penned Gulliver's Travels. Visitors can still see his tomb and pulpit.

Address: St Patrick's Close; Telephone: (0)1 475 4817; E-mail: admin@stpatrickscathedral.ie; Website: www.stpatrickscathedral.ie; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm (until 5pm on Saturdays from November to February); Sunday 9am to 11am, 12.45pm to 3pm, 4.15pm to 6pm (March to October), 10am to 11am and 12.45pm to 3pm (November to February). Services take place on Sunday at 8.30am, 11.15am and 3.15pm; Admission: €5 (adults), concessions available

Dublin Zoo

One of Ireland's most popular attractions, the Dublin Zoo takes visitors on a voyage of discovery from the Arctic to the Plains of Africa via Indian Rainforest. See lions and tigers, Asian elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees and orang-utans, rare monkeys, rhinos, hippos, giraffes and many more exotic and endangered species. There is also a pet's corner for the children, a city farm and a safari train ride around the African Plains. The zoo is recognised as one of the most modern in Europe, placing emphasis on learning about wildlife and conservation along with enjoyment.

Address: Phoenix Park; Telephone: (0)1 474 8900; Website: www.dublinzoo.ie; Opening time: Opening times vary throughout the year, but are generally from 9.30am Monday to Saturday and 10.30am on Sundays. Closing times vary from 4pm to 6pm; Admission: €14.50 (adults), €10 (children 3-15); other concessions available