6 days in Dublin
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kehaleIn need of a little time away we came across a great deal online to visit Dublin for 5 days and 5 nights - air, hotel and breakfast included! Looking forward to getting away and seeing Ireland!
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Temple Bar is often used to symbolize the extraordinary changes which Dublin has undergone in recent years. In the 1980s, this district of the city was earmarked as the site for a vast bus station. Galleries and small shops colonized the cheap properties, however, the bus-depot plans were abandoned, and the area now boasts of a warren of bustling shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Some of the country's best cultural institutions have found a home in Temple Bar, including the Irish Film Centre and the Gallery of Photography. Two new civic spaces, Temple Bar Square and the striking Meeting House Square have been created and utilized by artist and traders. In short, this district is one of the city's most colorful and vibrant; make a point of seeing it for yourself.
The building was designed by Thomas Cooley and, when it was completed in 1779, originally housed the Royal Exchange. It is an elegant reminder of the wealth and opulence of Dublin in the city's 18th-century heyday. Today, City Hall is in the ownership of Dublin Corporation, which has restored the building beautifully. The great central atrium, complete with gold-leafed dome and mosaic floor, is one of the most impressive public spaces around. The history of Dublin is told in a vivid, computer-aided series of exhibitions.
This non profit venue is the only gallery in Ireland devoted exclusively to photography. It holds around ten exhibitions a year and hosts work by both Irish and international photographers. The building's glass façade is one of the finest examples of contemporary architecture in the city. It also offers a variety of seminars and workshops. Spread over four floors, the gallery is also an excellent source of photographic gifts, books and cards. The shop has an excellent selection of original prints from Irish and international photographers and the stock changes regularly.
Contact Information: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, 2 Dublin, Ireland +353 1 671 4654/+353 1 677 9057
This Georgian building is a historically rich part of Dublin's urban landscape. Designed by James Gandon and finished in 1791, it fulfilled its designated purpose for only nine years: the 1800 Act of Union gave London control over Ireland's custom and excise, leaving the Custom House a mere symbol of former power. Election victory in 1921 for Sinn Fein saw the burning of the building, which militants considered a sign of British rule. Restoration work was finally finished as late as 1991. Pavilions, arcades and columns make up the façade, which is crowned by a vast copper dome and statue personifying Commerce. The visitor centre outlines the fascinating history of the building.
This beautiful church is one Dublin's two Anglican cathedrals and has stood on this site since AD 600. The present building was founded in 1172 by Strongbow, the Anglo-Norman conqueror of Dublin. In the hundreds of years since, the building has weathered many changes of design and periods of steady deterioration. Since 1870 however, the Cathedral has been gradually and sensitively restored. The cathedral houses some of the remains of Strongbow, a casket containing the heart of St Laurence (the patron saint of Dublin) and a tabernacle and candlesticks used by James II in 1689 when the Latin Mass was briefly celebrated. The cathedral choir is one of the finest in Ireland.
The Millennium Bridge is one of the finest additions to the city landscape in recent times and is certain to become as loved as the neighbouring Ha'penny Bridge. The winner of a design competition with 153 entries, its designers describe the parabolic arch as "simple, lightweight, transparent and structurally daring". The pedestrian bridge is wheelchair accessible and should be crossed at night so that the subtle and beautiful lighting can be appreciated. The span was actually constructed fifty miles from Dublin - in Carlow - and was the single largest object to have ever been transported over land in Ireland. It only took 25 minutes to lift the structure into place - a fitting millennial tribute to twentieth-century design and technology.
These law courts are a mere stroll over Richmond bridge from the Temple Bar area of the city. A huge copper-covered dome, 64 feet in diameter, towers into the sky above a beautiful Corinthian portico, while inside, the King's Bench, Exchequer, Chancery and Common Pleas can all be viewed. The structure that stands today has a history that is far from trouble-free. Designed by James Gandon, Four Courts remained intact for 120 years after its completion in 1802. The Irish Civil War saw its bombardment and the destruction of the Public Records Office. Unfortunately, the latter contained records dating from the 12th century, all of which are now lost forever. Luckily for us however, the law courts themselves have been restored to their former glory. Admission is free but only possible when court is in session, so it's a good idea to phone in advance.
Grafton Street and the surrounding area is the most upmarket shopping district in Dublin. Grafton Street itself is pedestrianized and runs from Trinity College up to St Stephen's Green. It is home to some of Dublin's signature businesses, including the city's most elegant department store Brown Thomas. Grafton Street is also home to many familiar high-street names, and the upper end of the street is anchored by the sunny, glass-roofed St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. In the surrounding area, Dawson Street features Waterstone's, the city's best book store. Wicklow Street boasts some funky shoe shops and Clarendon Street is home to the upmarket Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. In all, this district should supply most, if not all, of your shopping needs.
This building was previously owned by the Church of Ireland and was the Synod Hall right up until 1983. The Medieval Trust now supports the Dublinia exhibition, which aims to cover Dublin's early history, starting with the arrival of the Vikings in 1170 and ending with the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1539. Start the tour in the basement with an audio-tape, taking you through life-size reconstructions, depicting major events, including the Black Death, the rebellion of Silken Thomas, and the United Irishmen uprising. Upstairs features a huge model of Dublin in about 1500. Also of note, in the Great Hall, is a multi-screen presentation on medieval Dublin. Hours of operation vary seasonally, check the website for details.
Dublin's most famous park is steeped in history. It started life as common ground, not far from a lepers' hospital, and was eventually enclosed in 1664. The site of public hangings throughout the 18th century, it was not until Lord Ardilaun's patronage in 1880 that the park took on the landscaped form that we see now. Memorials are dotted around the flower beds, trees and willow-fringed duck pond. James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats are just some of the famous names commemorated, while the Three Fates smugly measure the thread of humanity's destiny from their fountain at Leeson Street Gate. Free concerts are held on summer days in the bandstand. Check the website fo the timings.
St Patrick's is one of two Anglican cathedrals in Dublin. It is built on the site where St Patrick is said to have baptized converts to Christianity. St Patrick's Cathedral, in its present state, was constructed in 1192, replacing an original wooden chapel. The main attractions in St Patrick's are the tombs of Jonathan Swift and his lover in the nave. The cathedral also contains the longest medieval nave in Ireland, and a stone slab, engraved with a Celtic cross, that covers the well from which St Patrick baptized the converts. The adjoining garden is a welcome oasis in this densely built-up district of the city. Open hours vary seasonally, check the website for details.
Contact Information: Saint Patrick's Close, Off Clanbrassil Street, Dublin, Ireland +353 1 453 9472
Dublin Castle symbolized English rule for 700 years, ever since the Anglo-Normans built their fortress on this site. Later, the castle was to serve as the headquarters of the English-appointed Viceroy of Ireland. It was not until 1922 that it was finally handed over to the Irish Free State. Guided tours include the palatial State Apartments of the castle. Historical items of interest include a throne donated by King William of Orange and a variety of banners of the now-disbanded Knights of St Patrick. The Castle is very much a working series of buildings: it is used for State functions, and many government agencies are based here. This is an essential place to check out and there is a great deal for the visitor to see, including the Chapel Royal, the formal gardens, the Crypt Theatre and the splendid Chester Beatty Museum.
Located in the Trinity College Library, the Book of Kells is one of Dublin's most popular and significant visitor attractions. Dating back to around 800 AD, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious manuscripts in the world. Written on vellum, it contains a Latin text of the four gospels in script accompanied by whole pages of detailed illustration. The book has been on display since the 19th century and has the dubious honor of having been defaced by Queen Victoria. A decorated page and a page of script can normally be seen on a visit.
Contact Information: College Street, Trinity College Library, Old Library Building, 2 Dublin, Ireland +353 1 896 1661
Founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I, Trinity is Ireland's most prestigious university, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The college consists of a series of fine open squares and College Park. The major attraction at Trinity is the exquisitely decorated illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, which dates from 800 A.D. and contains 340 folios which illustrate the four New Testament gospels. The Old Library is also a worth a visit for its antiquarian books. The College Chapel and Berkeley Library should not be missed.
If whiskey is your poison, get ready to indulge to your heart's content. After the educational tour of the distillery, and your careful attention to the historical overview, retire to the in-house pub and make a little whiskey history of your own. There's also a restaurant with fixed price menus for lunch and dinner.
To many, Guinness is one of the most important features of Ireland. Completed at the cost of IR£30 million, the Guinness Storehouse is a fine addition to Dublin's ever-growing list of purpose-built attractions. Set inside a converted 18th century fermentation building, it comprises of six floors linked by a giant atrium in the shape of a pint glass. Although the actual brewery is not open to the public, the storehouse's new exhibition space outlines the 200-year history of the company and reveals many brewing secrets. The models and displays of the exhibition are followed by a short film and a glass of the famous brew! The storehouse is also home to the stylish Gravity Bar. Hours of operations vary seasonally.
Kilmainham Gaol is one of Ireland's most important buildings. It was designed in an attempt to improve the quality of the penal system, and in the belief that prisons should be hygienic and well-ventilated. It is also, however, a 'panopticon', emphasizing the importance of surveillance at all times, and as a result the Gaol earned itself a notorious reputation. Inmates included rebels from the Easter Rising in 1916; most notably Eamon de Valera, the last prisoner to be freed under the Free State, who went on to become President of Ireland. Now the place has been converted into a museum. Guided tours provide the only access to the prison. An exhibition in the main hall and a video also outline the history of this controversial building.
The Market Bar takes pride in being the oldest gastro bar in Dublin. The beautiful front facade of the building is instantly arresting. Steeped in history, the building boasts old architectural details which make it an even more alluring sight. A beautiful courtyard greets you at the entrance, as you make your way into the luxurious bar and a pub. Owing to its intimate, cozy seating arrangement, a lot of city locals love coming here and indulging in light conversations over a couple of drinks. The plush and verdant surroundings of the bar contribute a lot towards its quaint and calm atmosphere. What's more, on the restaurant's menu, you will find a variety of tapas and authentic Mediterranean food which will keep you craving for more. Please refer the website for restaurant timings.
Known for short as "GBH", this traditional restaurant is located in the heart of Temple Bar. Visitors come here to enjoy local traditional cuisine - the favorite being the cheap, yet filling boxty: the best potato pancakes money can buy. While this may only be tentatively called "local cuisine" (many Dubliners would be hard pressed to tell you what boxty is) or the last time they had it, it's still a popular restaurant and comes recommended. Other traditional dishes on offer include Irish stew and bacon and cabbage.
Sinners is one of those unassumingly good restaurants that's a joy to find. The décor can only be described as tacky, but the selection of food on offer makes up for any aesthetic offence that may be caused. A huge range of starters will whet the appetite, the hummus and vegetarian dishes being especially good. On certain nights a belly dancer entertains the diners - but don't try this after a hearty meal! The restaurant also has the accolade of Best Ethnic Restaurant in Temple Bar.
The Mermaid is an excellent little restaurant located on Dame Street, which is just far enough off the Temple Bar strip that Dubliners might actually go to it. It has won the prestigious "Best Restaurant in Temple Bar" award, which is no mean feat given the number of good eateries in the area. The food is outstanding with, not surprisingly, a fish bias. If you take the freshest and best ingredients and don't mess around with them too much, then you have Mermaid's menu- simple, elegant and impeccable.
Known for its fish and chips world over, Leo Budocks is one place not to be missed. Located in Dublin, it is a take away counter serving the best Irish cuisine. Even if it has no seating, Leo Burdock is a hot famous with both the locals as well as the tourists. In fact a grab after a long wait in the queue, becomes more enchanting with a stroll in the scenic locales. Though a list of Hollywood celebrities and famous personalities are frequent visitors at Burdocks, credit cards are not accepted here. And you don't need them either because Leos has everything at simply affordable prices. So a landmark in itself, you cant skip Burdocks if you happen to be in Dublin.
Wagamama serves noodles and rice in a pale-wood, minimal setting. This Dublin branch of the popular London chain has long tables with benches which provide opportunities to get a look at what your neighbours are eating. The food is hot and quick with a wide variety of choices such as chilli chicken ramen or satays. The service itself is worth the trip: the staff are casually-dressed, but very cool, and enter your order into a sophisticated hand-held console. There is no such thing as a starter or main course here; your food will arrive when it is ready, so be prepared to share.
Contact Information: South King Street, 2 Dublin, Ireland +353 1 478 2152
