Top Sights in Ireland

Green hills and shamrocks, good luck or leprechauns, what comes to your mind when you picture the Emerald Isle? Most visitors to Ireland will arrive via the Dublin airport. Subsequently, most people will include some or all of the following sights on their “must see” list. The River Liffey runs through Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. The weather can be sunny, rainy, breezy or all of the above, maybe even simultaneously. The beauty of the land and the history of the buildings are still eclipsed by the friendly nature of the Irish people.

Dublin Castle- The Vikings had selected the original site for this structure whilst “visiting” in the 13th Century. Throughout the years it has functioned in roles as varied as a military fortress and a court of law, a prison and a treasury. Currently, its capacity has been for state receptions and Presidential inaugurations.

Kilmainham Gaol- Guided tours are given through this large unoccupied jail. Its long history (1795 –1924) has seen the leaders of several of Ireland’s rebellions imprisoned here. Fourteen members of the Easter Rising of 1916 were executed here. A detailed audio-visual presentation provides insight into one of the darker facets of Irish history.

National Museum at Kildare Street- Originally opened in 1890, the collections contained within these walls include examples of Celtic and Medieval artifacts such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Other displays showcase prehistoric Ireland, the Invasions of the Vikings, and the Road to Independence, among others.

Guinness Storehouse- In 1759 Arthur Guinness opened a brewery on a street known as St. James’ Gate, just a few minutes from Dublin’s City Centre. Today, the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland encourages visitors to explore a process of brewing and marketing one of the most recognizable symbols and exports of the Emerald Isle. Small bubbles slowly sinking into a pint of black stout is the reward that awaits all those who choose to partake at the end of the tour.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral- A wooden church was first built on this site in the fifth century. The cathedral was built in 1213 and is named after the patron saint of Ireland. A well on the grounds is reported to be where he baptized his first converts to Christianity. The Choir School was founded in 1432 and students sing accompaniment for most daily services. Of a curious note, a door is displayed with a large, jagged hole hacked into it. It was through this hole that two Norman Earls shook hands to settle a quarrel, thus inspiring the saying, “…to chance your arm…”

Christchurch Cathedral- The principal cathedral for the Protestant faith in Ireland is located just a few hundred yards from St. Patrick’s. Founded in 1038, and renovated several times since, some of the walls date back to the 12th Century. Just beside the Cathedral is the multimedia presentation celebrating Dublin’s medieval heritage: Dublinia. Complete with a reconstructed archaeological dig and interactive displays, this provides visitors with some of the challenges facing the inhabitants of Dublin from that era.

Trinity College- The oldest university in Ireland, has been educating students and enthralling visitors since 1592. One of the biggest draws, for the tourists, is the Book of Kells. This manuscript contains a Latin text of the four gospels and was beautifully decorated by Irish monks in the year 800 A.D.

Leinster House- The seat of the Irish government – the Dail Eireann (House of Representatives) and the Seanad Eireann (the Senate) both meet here. Free admission for all visitors is available through the entrance on Kildare Street. If either house is in session, a member from that house must arrange for visitor passes.

General Post Office- Built in 1815 this stalwart building was the site of much bloodshed in the 1916 Easter Rising. Bullet marks can still be seen in the front pillars. Several of the leaders of that revolt were executed in Kilmainham Gaol. Reopened in 1929, the General Post Office once again offers a wide range of services, bullets not typically amongst them.

O’Connell Street / Phoenix Park- These pedestrian-friendly expanses, allow for numerous opportunities to observe the wildlife. As the widest street on the island, pedestrians and shoppers alike will wander the center median of O’Connell Street. The 17th Century Ashton Castle is the visitor center for Phoenix Park. This three-mile length of forested hills and outdoor space has been the location of the Dublin Zoo since 1830. With numerous monuments and memorials, bikers and picnickers might also spot one of the members of the herd of deer, which also inhabit this park.

The above information was written for Travels with Friends by independent travel writer, Matt Parris. Edited by Travels with Friends.

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Top sights in Dublin, Ireland