Ireland Dublin

A long weekend travel to Dublin in February, and things to do in Dublin in 3 days.

Dublin is known both for lively atmosphere and historical scene. The city offers a lot to see, still it is remarkably small and intimate. A self guided walking tour does not need a lot of preparation and this is the best way to discover Dublin. The best sights are situated in a comparatively small area. O’Connell Bridge and Ha`penny Bridge are located in the central of Dublin. 

HA’PENNY BRIDGE AND RIVER LIFFEY

The white cast-iron pedestrian bridge was first built in May 1816 – over 200 years ago! 

Dublin’s most photographed river crossing was originally financed by a toll of one Halfpenny, hence the name. Today crossing is free.

DUBLIN CASTLE

Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin. In fact the city gets its name from the Black Pool – ‘Dubh Linn’ which was on the site of the present Castle garden.

Dating back to the 13th Century, the castle was built on a site that was previously settled by the Vikings. Since then it served as a prison, a fortress, courts of law and the seat of the English administrations in Ireland for 700 years. From 1204 to 1922, Dublin castle was the centre of British rule in Ireland.  After British rule came to an end, the control of the Castle was handed over to General Michael Collins. Michael Collins  was an Irish revolutionary, soldier, and politician who was a leading figure in the early-20th-century Irish struggle for independence. He was Chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State from January 1922 until his assassination in August 1922.

Today, after undergoing some extensive rebuilding and restoration, the castle is open to the public and the occasional state reception. While many people just walk past and take a few shots in the courtyard, we highly recommend doing a guided tour of the inside of the castle – there are some truly stunning halls and rooms to photograph inside, the state apartments.

Entrance 8 Euro, self Guided. If you prefer, guided check the times and costs.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL AND UNDERGROUND TREASURY

Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest building in continuous use in Dublin. The story of the cathedral begins almost 1000 years ago, when the Hiberno-Norse King built the cathedral in about 1030.

The Hiberno-Norse, are also known as the or better Norse-Gael. These terms generally refer to descendants of mixed Scandinavian and Irish ancestry.

Entrance : 8 Euro

He was leader of Anglo-Normans who captured Dublin in 1170. The original tomb was destroyed in 1562 when the cathedral collapsed. It was found and replaced afterwards.

TRINITY COLLEGE CAMPUS

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s oldest high-level educational institution, and is best in terms of rankings. It was founded in 1592, it has produced some of Ireland’s best-known literary personalities – like Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett – as well as political figures such as Theobald Wolfe Tone, Henry Grattan and President Mary Robinson.

The best place to stand to take in views of this famous university is in Parliament Square. 

The iconic granite campanile – or bell tower – in Trinity College’s front square was added in 1853, standing over 100 feet tall. Tourists flock to this picturesque monument facing the college’s front gate, but students are somewhat more cautious, due to a superstition that states that any student who is unfortunate enough to pass underneath it while the bell is tolling will fail their college exams. On graduation day, a celebratory walk under the campanile is a rite of passage.

Don’t miss the Old Library which is home to the legendary Book of Kells. The library opens at 09:30. Entrance:12 Euro

The Long Room is approximately 65 meter in length, it is filled over 200 000 of oldest books. There are marble busts of famous philosophers and writers.

The Book of Kells, one of the great treasures of medieval Europe, an illuminated manuscript written in Latin. It was created by Early Christian monks around 800 AD.

The Book of Kells Exhibition is a must-see on the itinerary of all visitors to Dublin. Located in the heart of the city centre in Trinity College Dublin, the Exhibition displays the Book of Kells, a 9th century manuscript that documents the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. The Book of Kells is Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the world’s most famous medieval manuscript.

CUSTOM HOUSE

You will have a splendid view of the faithfully restored Custom House on the north bank of the Riffley River. It is a neoclassical 18th century building in Dublin, Ireland which houses the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

During the Irish War of Independence in 1921, the Irish Republican Army burnt down the Custom House, in an attempt to disrupt British rule in Ireland. Gandon’s original interior was completely destroyed in the fire and the central dome collapsed, later it was restored.

SAMUEL BECKETT BRIDGE

Standing as one of the newer architectural additions to Dublin’s cityscape, the Samuel Beckett Bridge is a delight if you can catch it in action. The cable-stayed bridge connects Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to Guild Street and North Wall Quay in the Docklands area. The shape of the bridge — which has on an over-reaching arch with 31 cables connected from it, is said to reflect the national symbol of Ireland, the harp. If you can cross the bridge at sunrise, you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic view of the river and both sides of the Liffey.

GRAFTON STREET, main shopping street.

POST OFFICE AND GPO MUSEUM

In 1916, the General Post office was at the centre of Easter Rising. At the time Ireland was under British rule, a group wanted to bring the change and independency.

GPO museum tells the History about Irish independence, entrance 15 Euro

TEMPLE BAR

On the south bank, there is “bohemian” Temple Bar area, the hub of Dublin’s trendy nightlife.  Over the years, Temple Bar has been an abandoned area. Today,  this district is known for its lively bar scene. 

Irish Rock museum in the temple bar area-

The Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience tells the story of the Irish music scene with a tour of a working music venue & recording facilities in Temple Bar.

Visit the Guinness Storehouse for a Pint From the Source

Guinness goes with Dublin like milk and cookies. The famous Irish beer was born in the city and nowhere is the stout more the center of attention than at the Guinness Storehouse. Based at historic St James’s Gate, the now touristy (but fun) Guinness factory is housed in part of the original brewery. A tour of the old storehouse will lead you through the history of the drink, how the beer is brewed and even teach you how to pour the perfect pint. However, the real highlight of the tour is the free pint in the stunning Gravity Bar, which offers some of the best views of the city.

Dublin is so enjoyable city, plan your trip to Dublin as soon as possible….