ARAS AN UACHTARAIN
Residence of the President of Ireland.
Guided tours Sat only. Summer 10.15am-4.00pm; Winter 10.15am-3.30pm. Closed: 24-27 Dec. Admission tickets issued at Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on Sat on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance bookings not permitted.
http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/ArasanUachtarain/ Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-6770095. Admission free.
ARBOUR HILL
Military cemetery.
Last resting place of 14 of the executed leaders of 1916 insurrection. Open all year Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; Sat 11am-4pm; Sun 9.30am-4pm. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/ArbourHillCemetery/ Rear of National Museum, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7.
Tel: 01-821 3021. Admission free.
AVIVA STADIUM
Home of Irish Rugby.
Stadium tour. Open 7 days Feb-Oct 10am – 4pm; Nov-Jan 10am - 3pm. Tours on the hour every hour. Closed match days and 24-26 Dec. www.avivastadium.ie/tours Landsdowne Road, Dublin 4.
Tel: 01-238 2300. Adults €10; Concessions.
BANK OF IRELAND (HOUSE OF LORDS)
Formerly the Irish Houses of Parliament.
The world's first purpose-built two-chamber parliament house. Built 1729. Purchased in 1803 by Bank of Ireland when Irish Parliament was abolished in 1801. Access allowed to House of Lords Chamber. Tours Mon-Fri 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.45pm. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Houses_of_Parliament College Green, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-6711488.
Admission free.
CASINO MARINO
One of the finest 18th century neo-classical buildings in Europe. Contains 16 finely decorated rooms. Guided tours only. Open 14 March-31 October: 10am - 5pm. www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/CasinoMarino Cherrymount Crescent, Malahide Road, Marino, Dublin 3.
Tel: 01-833 1618. Adults €3; concessions.
CASTLETOWN HOUSE
The largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland.
Open 16th Mar - 31st Oct 2012 : Tues-Sun & Bank Holidays 10am – 6pm. Closed Mondays. Tours at 10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 1.45, 2.45, 3.45, 4.45pm. www.castletown.ie Celbridge, Co. Kildare.
Tel: 01-6288252. Adults € 4.50; concessions.
CHESTER BEATTY LIBRARY
One of the best museums in Europe (Lonely Planet). Art museum and library housing a collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, and rare books from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. From 1 Jan – 30 Jun 2013, access to the Library will be via the Ship St Gate of Dublin Castle. Open Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm (May-Sept); Tues-Fri: 10am-5pm (Oct-April); Saturdays: 11am-5pm (all year). Sundays: 1pm-5pm (all year). Closed Bank Holiday Mondays, Good Friday, December 24-26, Jan 1. Open St. Patrick's Day: 1pm-5pm. Free public tours on Wednesdays at 1pm and on Sundays at 3pm and 4pm. www.cbl.ie Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-4070750. Admission free.
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
Founded in 1030. Features one of largest medieval crypts in Europe and an exhibition of treasures and manuscripts. Pre-booked guided tours available (incl the belfry) for additional fee. Open Mon-Sat: March-May 9am - 6pm. June-Sept 9am – 7pm; Oct-Apr 9am-5pm. Open Sundays Mar-Oct 12.30pm - 2.30pm, 4.30pm-6pm. Nov-Feb 12.30pm-2.30pm. Closed 26 Dec. www.christchurch dublin.ie Christchurch Place, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-677 8099. Adults €6; concessions.
CROKE PARK STADIUM TOUR AND GAA MUSEUM
Ireland's largest and most iconic sporting arena.
Showcases Ireland's national games of hurling and Gaelic football. Stadium tour; refurbished GAA Museum. Open Jan-May and Sept-Dec .. Mon-Fri: 11am, 1pm and 3pm; Sat: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm; Sunday & Bank Holiday: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Some additional tours June-Aug. Check website for match day information (when restrictions apply). www.crokepark.ie/gaa-museum/visit/stadium-tours Croke Park, St Joseph's Avenue (off Clonliffe Road), Dublin 3.
Tel: 01-819 2323. Adults €12; concessions.
CUSTOM HOUSE
A masterpiece of European neo-classicism by James Gandon (1791).
Not open for visitors. www.environ.ie/en/AboutUs/HistoryofDepartment/TheCustomHouse Custom Quay, Dublin 1.
Tel: 01-888 2000.
DALKEY CASTLE AND HERITAGE CENTRE
Guided tours with history brought to life by actors. 'Meet The Tudors' daily from May– Oct. 'The Medieval Experience' from Jan-Apr. Guided pre-booked historical walks on Wed & Frid from 1st June to 31st Aug at 11 am. Guided Literary Walks also available. Castle open Feb 18- March 31 and Oct 1 – Dec 23: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm. Weekends & Bank Holidays: 11am-5pm. April, May, Sept: Mon-Fri: 10am-5.30pm. Weekends & Bank Holidays: 11am-5.30pm. June, July, August: Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm. Weekends & Bank Holidays: 11am-6pm. Closed every Tuesday. www.dalkeycastle.com
Tel: 01-285 8366. Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin. Adults €7.95; concessions.
DRIMNAGH CASTLE
Feudal stronghold. Only remaining castle in Ireland surrounded by a flooded moat. Restored great hall, battlement tower, stable, coach house, formal 17th-century gardens. Open Apr-Sept Wed 12pm-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. Oct-March: Wed 12pm-5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm. www.discoverireland.com/us/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/listings/product/?fid=FI_30318 Long Mile Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12.
Tel: 01-450 2530. Adults €4; concessions.
DUBLIN CASTLE
Operated as a military fortress, a prison, treasury, courts of law and the seat of English administration in Ireland for 700 years. Now used for important State receptions. Guided tour of State Apartments and medieval undercroft. Open Mon - Sat: 10am-4.45pm; Sun and Bank Holidays: 12pm-4.45pm. Closed 24-28 December, 1 January and Good Friday. Closed 1 January - 30 June 2013 for duration of EU Presidency. www.dublincastle.ie/VisitorFacilities Dame Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-645 8813 . Adults €4.50; concessions.
DUBLIN CITY HALL
Georgian building housing a multi-media exhibition on the city's history.
Normally a self-conducted tour. Tours for groups by prior arrangement. Open Mon–Sat: 10am - 5.15pm. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays, St Patrick's Day, Good Friday, 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. www.dublincity.ie/dublincityhall Dame Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-222 2204. Adults €4; concessions.
DUBLIN WRITERS MUSEUM
18th century mansion celebrating lives and works of Dublin's literary celebrities.
Open Mon-Sat 10am – 5pm; Sun/Bank Holidays 11am – 5pm. www.writersmuseum.com 18 Parnell Square North, Dublin 1.
Tel: 01-872 2077. Adults €7.50; concessions.
DUBLIN ZOO
Ireland's most popular family attraction (over one million visitors a year).
70-acre park. Home to some 600 animals. Open Mon – Sun. Jan: 9.30am – 4.30pm; Feb: 9.30am – 5pm; Mar – Sept: 9.30am – 6pm; Oct: 9.30pm – 5.30pm; Nov & Dec: 9.30am–4pm. Closed Christmas Day, St Stephen's Day. www.dublinzoo.ie Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-474 8900. Adult €16; concessions.
DUBLINIA
Viking and Medieval Dublin re-created through life-size reconstructions. Open Mar-Sept 10am to 5pm; Oct-Feb 10.00 to 4.30pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. www.dublinia.ie/ St. Michael's Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-679 4611. Adults €7.50; concessions.
FARMLEIGH HOUSE
Estate of 78 acres near Phoenix Park.
Edwardian mansion used by guests of the nation and for high level Government meetings. Extensive grounds. House Tours Jan-Dec: Wed - Sun and Bank Holidays 10am-5pm ( with tours running at 11am, 1pm and 3pm from Jan-Mar 17). Estate open all year round 10am-6pm. Closed 1 January - 30 June 2013 for duration of EU Presidency. www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/FarmleighHouseandEstate Phoenix Park, Dublin 15.
Tel: 01-815 5900. Free admission.
FOUR COURTS
Iconic site where the country's legal system was originally housed under one roof (late 18th century).
Almost completely demolished during Irish civil war (1922). Noted for Round Hall and Dome. Location of Supreme Court, High Court, District Court, Law Library. No heritage tours available but visitors can wander around (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm); open to second/third level colleges for criminal justice system education briefings. www.courts.ie/courts.ie/library3.nsf/pagecurrent/C405A2905C 07523880256DA900495EE2?opendocument&l=en Inn's Quay, Dublin 7. Re colleges programme Tel:01-888 6459 .
FREEMASONS' HALL
Home of the Grand Lodge of Ireland since 1866.
Houses many meeting rooms in different architectural styles, including an Egyptian room and a mock Gothic Room. Exhibition on Freemasonry in Ireland from the early 18th Century. Open June, July, August for conducted tour at 2.30pm (Mon-Fri). www.discoverire land.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/freemasons-hall/48878 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 676 1337. Admission free.
GLASNEVIN MUSEUM AND CEMETERY
Visit graves of famous people and hear about Irish history on a guided tour. Over 1.5 million people buried here. Trace your roots in Genealogy Area (all records online at www.glasnevintrust.ie/genealogy). Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat, Sun, Bank Holidays 11am-5pm. Tours daily 11.30am, 2.30pm (extra summer tour 1pm). www.glasnevinmuseum.ie Finglas Road, Dublin 11.
Tel: 01-882 6550. Combined Museum & Tour Ticket – €12 for adults; concessions.
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Imposing complex built by former British administration in Ireland. Now accommodates Dept of the Taoiseach, Dept of Finance and Office of Attorney General. Tours take place every Sat at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30 and 13.30. Tickets can be collected on the day from National Gallery, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, from 10.00 am. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/Government Buildings/ Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-645 8813. Admission free.
GUINNESS STOREHOUSE
The story of Guinness; spectacular views of Dublin. Learn to pour the perfect pint, etc. Open 7 days: 9.30am-5pm; July/Aug 9.30am-7pm. Closed Dec 24-26 & Good Friday. www.guinness-storehouse .com St. James's Gate, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-408 4800. Adults €14.85 (online price); concessions.
HOWTH CASTLE
Private residence of the Gainsford-St Lawrence family with origins in medieval times. Only open to public on charity open days, as notified on website. Groups may book guided tours (by email only). www.howthcastle.ie
HUGH LANE GALLERY
Oldest gallery of modern and contemporary Art in Ireland. 2,000 artworks, incl. Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas, and the Francis Bacon studio. Regular concerts, lectures, etc. Open Tues-Thurs: 10am-6pm; Fri & Sat: 10am-5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm. Closed Mondays. www.hughlane.ie Charlemont House, Parnell Square North, Dublin 1.
Tel: 01-222 5550. Admission free.
IRISH MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
Ireland's leading institution for modern art. Based in two separate locations – Royal Hospital in Kilmainham and National Concert Hall (NCH), Earlsfort Terrace. Open Kilmainham: Tues-Sat 10am-5.30pm, except Wed 10.30am-5.30pm; Sun & Bank Holidays 12pm-5.30pm. Closed Mon, Good Friday, 24-26 Dec. Same opening hours for NCH except Thur 10am to 7pm. www.imma.ie Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-612 9900. Admission free.
IVEAGH GARDENS
One of the finest and least known of Dublin's parks and gardens. Access from Hatch Street. Open Mon-Sat: 8am, Sunday and Bank Holidays: 10am. Gardens close December - January: 3.30pm; February and November: 4pm; March - October: 6pm. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/ TheIveaghGardens/ Clonmel Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01- 475 7816. Free admission.
JAMES JOYCE CENTRE
Beautifully restored Georgian town house. Exhibition of items relating to life and work of James Joyce. Open Oct-Mar [Tues - Sat 10am – 5pm; Sundays 12pm – 5pm]. Open Apr-Sept [Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12-5pm]. Open bank holidays. Closed St Patrick's Day, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday. www.jamesjoyce.ie, 35 North Great George's Street, Dublin 1.
Tel: 01-878 8547. Adults €5; concessions.
JEANIE JOHNSTON FAMINE SHIP MUSEUM
On board a wooden tall ship which sailed between Tralee and North America between 1847 and 1855. Guided tours only. Jan & Feb: (Thurs- Mon only. Closed on Tues and Wed): 12pm, 1pm, 2pm. March: 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm. Apr-Oct: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Oct-Nov: 11am,12pm, 2pm, 3pm. www.jeaniejohnston.ie Custom House Quay, Docklands, Dublin 1.
Tel: 01-473 0111. Adults €8.50; concessions.
KING'S INNS
Oldest institution of professional legal education in Ireland (1541).
Guided tours can be arranged (01-874 4840). Costs €100 for each group of 30 or less. Tour lasts an hour, visiting Darley's neo-classical library building and Gandon's last public building in Dublin. http://www.kingsinns.ie/website/ heritage/heritage.htm Constitution Hill, Dublin 7.
KILMAINHAM GAOL
One of largest unoccupied gaols in Europe.
Major exhibition detailing political and penal history of the prison. Guided Tour Only. Open Apr-Sept: Daily 9:30am-6pm. Oct - Mar: Mon -Sat 9:30am-5.30pm. Sunday: 10am-6pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/KilmainhamGaol/ Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-453 5984. Adults €6; concessions.
LEINSTER HOUSE
The seat of the two Houses of the Oireachtas (National Parliament): Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives) and Seanad Éireann (Senate). Built 1747. When the House is in session, "walk up" or drop in tours take place on Mon and Fri at 10.30am and 2.30pm. When the House is in recess, drop in tours take place Mon-Fri at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Enter by Kildare St gate. Bring ID with you.
http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/visitsevents/visitleinsterhouse/ Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-618 3781. Admission free.
LITTLE MUSEUM OF DUBLIN
Full of items donated by ordinary Dubliners. Charts cultural and social history of Dublin in 20th Century. Open Mon – Sun & Bank Holidays 9.30am – 5pm. Thur 9.30am – 8pm. Closed Dec 23rd – Jan 13th. www.littlemuseum.ie 15 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-661 1000. Adults €6; concessions. Free admission every Wed from 12pm-5pm (sponsored by Johnston Mooney & O'Brien) and every Thurs from 3pm-8pm (sponsored by Guinness).
MALAHIDE CASTLE
12th Century Castle. Period furniture; extensive collection of Irish portrait paintings; 4 acre walled gardens. Open Mon-Sun 9.30am–4.30pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie Malahide, Co. Dublin.
Tel: 01-8169538. Adults €12; concessions.
MARSH'S LIBRARY
Oldest public library in Ireland (1701) containing some 25,000 printed books relating to 16th-18th centuries. Fine example of a 17th century scholar's library. Open every day except Tues and Sun. Weekdays 9:30am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm. Sat 10am to 1pm. Closed Tues, Sun, bank holidays. Closed Christmas Eve to New Year's Day (inclusive). www.marshlibrary.ie/home St. Patrick's Close, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-4543511. Adults €2.50; concessions.
NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Fine plant collections holding over 15,000 species and cultivars from all around the world. Famous for award-winning restored glasshouses. Guided tours on Sundays at 12 p.m. & 2.30 p.m.; also Mon-Sat at 3 p.m. Tours €2. Open every day except Christmas Day. Mar-Oct: Mon - Fri 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-6pm. Nov-Feb: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat & Sun, 10am – 4.30pm. http://www.heritage ireland.ie/en/Dublin/NationalBotanicGardens/ Botanic Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
Tel: 01-8040300. Free admission. Car parking charge €2.
NATIONAL GALLERY
Collection of over 2,500 paintings. Every major European School of painting represented. Free public tours. Open Mon - Sat 9:30am – 5.30pm; Thurs 9:30am – 8.30pm; Sun 12pm – 5.30pm; Bank Holidays: 10am – 5.30pm. Closed Good Friday and 24-26 Dec. www.nationalgallery.ie Merrion Square West & Clare Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-661 5133. Admission to permanent collection is free.
NATIONAL LIBRARY
Houses books, prints, manuscripts, newspapers, music, ephemera and genealogical material. Best collection of Irish documentary heritage in the world. Houses "Life and Works of William Butler Yeats Exhibition". Exhibition areas open Mon-Wed 9.30am-7.45pm; Thurs & Fri 9.30am-4.45pm; Sat 9.30am-4.30pm; Sun 1pm-5pm. Guided tour of Yeats exhibition: Wed at 1pm, Sat at 3pm. Guided tour of National Library: Sat at 2.30pm. www.nli.ie Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-603 0200. Admission free.
NATIONAL MUSEUM (ARCHAEOLOGY)
Stroll back in time to see outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art, such as Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch and Derrynaflan Hoard. Admire finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe. Open Tues - Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: 2pm – 5pm. Closed Mon (including Bank Holidays). Closed Good Friday and 25 Dec. www.museum.ie Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-677 7444. Admission free.
NATIONAL MUSEUM (COLLINS BARRACKS)
Decorative Arts & History Museum charting Ireland's economic, social, political and military progress through the ages. Artefacts on display range from silver, Asian Art, ceramic and glassware pieces to weaponry, furniture, examples of folklife and costume. New Military History exhibition 'Soldiers and Chiefs: The Irish at War at Home and Abroad, 1550-2001. Open Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm; Sunday: 2pm-5pm; closed Mon (incl Bank Holidays); Closed Good Friday and 25 Dec. www.museum.ie Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7.
Tel: 01-677 7444. Free admission.
NATIONAL MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY)
A 'cabinet-style' museum showcasing a comprehensive zoological collection. 10,000 exhibits. Open Tues – Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2pm – 5pm. Closed Mondays, Bank Holidays, Good Friday, Christmas Day. www.museum.ie Merrion Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-677 7444. Admission free.
NATIONAL WAX MUSEUM
A journey through Irish cultural heritage including children's zone, recording studio and numerous life-like wax characters.
Open Mon – Sun 10am-7pm. Closed 24-26 December. www.waxmuseumplus.ie Foster Place, College Green, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-671 8373. Adults €12; concessions.
NEWBRIDGE HOUSE AND FARM
Fine unchanged Georgian house (1752) set in a 360 acre demesne. Contains most of its original furniture. Fine Red Drawing Room, Museum of Curiosities, ornate plasterwork. Open Apr-Sept 7 days, 10am-5pm. Oct-Mar Tues-Sun & bank holidays 11am-4pm. Tours of house by appointment (weekdays) during winter months. Also 18th Century working farm with courtyard, extensive buildings, pastures. www.newbridgehouseandfarm.com/joomla/ Newbridge House & Farm, Hearse Road, Donabate, Co. Dublin.
Tel. (01) 843 6534. Farm and House Adults €10; concessions. (Farm only Adults €5; House only Adults €7).
NEWMAN HOUSE
Original home of University College Dublin. Two Georgian town houses (1738, 1765) and a Victorian hall; fine interiors and splendid plasterwork. Associated with John Henry Newman, Gerald Manley Hopkins and James Joyce. Open June, July, August Tues-Fri only. Tours at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Other times by appointment only. www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/newman-house/30802 85-86 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.
Tel:01-477 9810. Adults €5.
NUMBER TWENTY NINE
Georgian House Museum. Self-guided tour from basement to attic; rooms furnished with original artefacts from 1790 to 1820, illustrating how life was lived in the late Georgian era by middle-class Dublin families. Sponsored by ESB in partnership with National Museum. Closed 5 April to 20 June 2013. Open Apr-Oct Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays. http://www.esb.ie/main /about-esb/numbertwentynine/about_us/default.htm Fitzwilliam Street Lower, Dublin 2.
Tel:01-7026165. Adults €6; concessions.
OLD JAMESON DISTILLERY
A tour through a re-created distillery. Visited by over 350,000 people a year. Open 7 days a week. Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-6pm. Open bank holidays. Closed Good Friday, 24-26 Dec. www.tours.jamesonwhiskey.com Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7.
Tel:01-807 2348. Adults €12.60 (online price); concessions.
PEARSE MUSEUM
Once a school run by Patrick Pearse (of 1916 fame), now a museum in attractive grounds. Exhibition; audio-visual show titled "This Man Kept a School". Open Nov-Jan Mon & Wed-Sat 9.30am-4pm. Feb Mon & Wed-Sat 9.30am-5pm. Mar-Oct: Mon & Wed-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm. Closed Tuesdays. Closed over Christmas period. www.heritageireland .ie/en/Dublin/PearseMuseum-StEndasPark/ St. Enda's Park, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin.
Tel: 01-493 4208. Admission free.
PHOENIX PARK
Over 700 hectares (1752 acres) in area; largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe. Open to the public since 1747. Home to a large herd of fallow deer, a Visitor's Centre, a Victorian kitchen walled garden (2.5 acres) , the Zoological Gardens and Aras an Uachtarain. Many walks and cycle routes. Park open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walled gardens open 10.00am-4.30pm all year round. On second Sat of every month, meet Park Gardeners between 10.30am and 12.30 pm in Kitchen Garden. Visitors' Centre - Exhibition on history/wildlife of Park. Nearby is fully restored Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house. Tel: 01-6770095. Open Apr-Dec 7 days a week 10am-6pm. Jan-Mar closed on Mon & Tues, open Wed-Sun 9.30 am-5.30 pm. www.phoenixpark.ie Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-8213021. Admission free.
RATHFARNHAM CASTLE
Castle dating back to the Elizabethan period. Fine example of fortified house in Ireland. Houses the Berkeley Costume and Toy Collection of 18th and 19th century toys, dolls and costumes. Open Winter/Spring Wed-Sun and Bank Holidays 10.30am-5pm. Open Summer Tues-Sun and Bank Holidays 10am – 5.15pm. Closed 24-27 Dec. Open 28-30 Dec. Closed 31 Dec and New Year's Day. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/RathfarnhamCastle/ Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.
Tel: 01-493 9462. Free admission.
ROYAL HOSPITAL KILMAINHAM
17th-century building modelled on Les Invalides in Paris as a home for old, sick and disabled soldiers. Contains Master's Quarters, Great Hall, Chapel and Vaulted Cellar. Notable formal gardens. Now home to Irish Museum of Modern Art. Heritage tours from 4 July – 2 Sept: Wed-Sat: 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm; Sun: 2pm and 4pm. www.imma.ie/en/subnav_44.htm Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. Tel: 01-612 9960. Free admission.
SHAW BIRTHPLACE
Birthplace of playwright George Bernard Shaw, now a restored Victorian home giving an insight into domestic life of 19th century middle classes. Centre run by volunteers; difficult to confirm opening hours. Appears to be open 10am-1pm & 2-5pm Mon-Sat all year round; also May-Sept on Sundays 11am-1pm & 2-5pm www.visitdublin.com/Asset/see_and_do/historic_sites/ The_George_Bernard_Shaw_Birthplace 33 Synge Street, Dublin 8. Adults €6; concessions.
ST AUDEON´S CHURCH
Only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin.
Open 25 Apr-23 Oct: 9.30am–5.30pm. Guided Tours. www.heritageireland.ie/en/ Dublin/StAudoensChurch Corn market (near High St.), Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-677 0088. Free admission.
ST MARY´S ABBEY
Once the wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. Only two rooms remain. Open 4 June-26 Sept, on Tues/Wed /Thur, 10am-5pm. Tours can be booked through Casino Marino from 14 Mar-31Oct. www.heritageireland.ie/en/ Dublin/StMarysAbbeyDublin Meetinghouse Lane, Off Capel Street, Dublin 1.
Tel: 01- 8331618. Admission free.
ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL
Founded in 1991, Jonathan Swift was Dean here (1713–1745). Handel's Messiah received first performance here (1742). Two sung services every day. Permanent exhibition ("Living Stones"). Open Mar-Oct: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 9am-10.30am, 12.30pm-2.30pm, 4.30pm-6pm. Nov-Feb: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-10.30am, 12.30pm-2.30pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. www.stpatrickscathedral.ie Saint Patrick's Close, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01-453 9472. Adults €5.50; concessions.
ST STEPHEN'S GREEN
Ireland's best known Victorian public park. 9 hectares (22 acres) maintained in original Victorian layout. Lunchtime concerts during summer months. Open: Mon-Sat 7.30am, Sun and Bank Holidays 9.30am. Gardens close according to daylight hours. www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/StStephensGreen/ St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01- 475 7816. Admission free.
TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Atmospheric 40-acre site in heart of Dublin. College's treasures include Book of Kells (9th Century); Books of Durrow & Armagh; early Irish harp. All displayed in Treasury and Long Room (houses 200,000 rare books). Book of Kells "Turning Darkness into Light" exhibition. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun (May-Sept) 9.30am-4.30pm. Sun (Oct-Apr) 12pm-4.30pm. Closed over Christmas period; limited opening hours on bank holidays (check website for full details). www.tcd.ie/Library/bookofkells Trinity Library, College Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-896 2320. Adults €9.
All information abstracted from official websites.
Listing details compiled by Seán Silke (seanperusilke@hotmail.com)
