Situated, next to Dublin Bay crescent-shaped, and split by the River Liffey, Dublin, Ireland is a city easily explored on foot. Moving on from this fact, many tourist attractions in Dublin you can find with just a short stroll around the town center and these of them:
1. College Green, Trinity College
At the northern end of Grafton Street, you will find the College Green, a main square with three sides. There is Bank of Ireland, the building formerly home to the Irish parliament in the late 18th century. Well, on the other side, you will find the main attraction of the square, the Trinity College. Trinity College is the oldest University in Ireland, founded in 1592. The Old Library was built between 1712 and 1732 and houses the Book of Kells, a 9th Century manuscript of the gospels. Founded by Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity College had some famous students, including the author of Swift, Wilde and Beckett. Within these colleges there are also the old library which exhibits one of Ireland’s national treasures, the Book of Kells from 800 AD.
2. Dame Street
Dame Street to the north, the west of College Green, you will find the Temple Bar which is a medieval area with narrow cobbled streets. Temple Bar Dublin promoted as a cultural crossroad with the bright evening entertainment.
Further to the west stands Dublin Castle. Tucked behind the castle is the Chester Beatty Library which is free to visit. Inside you will find a wide collection of manuscripts and art objects from around the world. Continue to the west and southwest of Dublin Castle, there are two Protestant cathedrals, the Church of Christ and the church of St. Patrick.
3. Christ Church Cathedral
The Christ Church Cathedral is Dublin’s oldest building and was founded by the Norse King Sitric around 1030. The city’s history is obviously linked with Christ Church as the medieval Irish Parliament met within the church and it is also the place where King Edward VI of England was crowned.
4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral was built in 1192 by John Comyn, the first Anglo-Norman Bishop of Dublin. The present building was constructed between 1200 and 1270. Gradually the cathedral fell into disrepair, but was eventually restored between 1860 and 1900. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is not only a museum, but also a church with services held every day of the year.
5. Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is a major tourist attraction. Based in Dublin city centre right between of the River Liffey and its tributary the Poddle. All historic buildings have been restored and may be visited – from the Medieval Tower to the Chester Beatty Library. The castles State Apartments today host Heads of State, Presidents and leaders of business, industry and government.
6. Kildare street
A short stroll through Nassau Street from Trinity College, you will arrive at Kildare Street. There you can find the National Museum, free of admission. Inside there is a collection of prehistoric gold and Viking artifacts. After visiting this museum you can go to the National Library which is also free admission to see the exhibition literature.
7. Merrion square
In the northwest corner of Merrion Square, you will find the National Gallery of Ireland which is free to enter. Inside there is a collection of European art and collection of Ireland. The park square can be perfect picnic spot.
8. St Stephen’s Green
Kildare road leading south to the St Stephen’s Green. The focus is a city park with a display of flowers and statues to commemorate Ireland’s past. On the eastern side of the park, you will see Green Newman House which is featuring original interior.
9. O’Connell Street
At the center of Dublin, O’Connell Bridge stood across the River Liffey. The bridge will take you to O’Connell Street which is decorated with statues of political leaders such as Daniel O’Connell and Charles Parnell, as well as stainless steel needle as high as 400 feet, known as “The Spike.”
10. Parnell square
Further north, Parnell Square is a version of Georgia but has one feature that is Ireland’s historic theater, The Gate. You will also find Dublin City Gallery known as the Hugh Lane. Inside there is collection of Impressionist and Italian art.
11. Smithfield
The roads and tramway takes you from O’Connell Street west toward Smithfield area in which is located the Old Jameson Distillery, where you can learn about the whiskey and try some samples. A little farther to the west, you will find Collins Barracks.
12. Phoenix Park
Of Collins Barracks, half a mile to the west, stands the entrance to Phoenix Park which is the largest urban walled park in Europe. Inside the park, you can find a home garden, deer, and the Dublin zoo.
13. Kilmainham
Located opposite of the Phoenix Park, you’ll find the outskirts of Kilmainham in which is located the Irish Museum of Modern Art, that is renowned for its imaginative and experimental exhibition.
14. Guinness Brewery
Back to the center, James Street is dominated by a large Guinness Brewery. It’s not open to the public, but you can explore the manufacturing process and its history in the Guinness Storehouse. When you are there, you should visit the Gravity Bar at the top of the tower, where you can enjoy a free beer while watching a beautiful panoramic view of Dublin.
15. Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse gives you the opportunity to discover the story behind the famous Irish beer. A must see place for any visit to the capital. 250 years of brewing history – from Arthur Guinness and the first shipment of his beer in 1769 to the modern brewing methods. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to taste a complimentary pint in the Gravity Bar and enjoy a 360-degree view of Dublin.
