Book of Kells – situated in Trinity College, this
is an 8th century manuscript containing the four Gospels written
in Latin and decorated with many colourful and intricate designs.
The Book of Kells is just one of the interesting artifacts on
display in Trinity. Others include the Book of Durrow, Book of
Armagh and a mediaeval harp.
Christ Church Cathedral – has always been an ecclesiastical
site and the first church (a small wooden structure) was built
here in 1038. Strongbow later developed the church into a stone
structure, while a memorial to Strongbow can be seen in the cathedral’s
nave. The cathedral’s crypt is the oldest intact building
in Dublin, dating back to the original construction in 1172.
Dublin Castle – built between 1204 and 1224, there
are few buildings in Dublin to rival Dublin Castle for longevity.
It represented the seat of English power in Ireland until 1922,
when the Irish Free State was established. The hading over of
the castle was a tense historical moment and Michael Collins led
the Irish army in taking over from the British garrison. When
the commanding officer told Collins that he was 7 minutes late,
Collins replied: "We’ve been waiting over 700 years,
you can have the extra 7 minutes".
Dublin's Four Courts
Four Courts – home to Ireland’s highest courts
of law, this impressive structure was completed in 1802. The Irish
Civil War began here following the signing of the Anglo-Irish
treaty in 1921, after which the building was occupied by those
opposed to the treaty. Action was taken by the newly formed Irish
government to remove them and the building was shelled and badly
damaged by equipment lent to them by the British government.
General Post Office (GPO) – built between 1814 and
1818, it was enlarged over a 12-year period beginning in 1904.
Reopened in March 1916, the building was quickly catapulted into
the annals of Irish history. At Easter in 1916, it was seized
by Irish revolutionaries who made it their headquarters for a
violent attempt to establish independence from Britain. The rebellion
was quickly put down; the leaders shot and the building itself
badly damaged but the GPO will forever remain part of Irish history.
Grafton Street – this pedestrianised, cobbled thoroughfare
has all the atmosphere of exclusive stores and the allure of talented
street musicians, while a bronze statue of Molly Malone, heroine
of the famous 19th century ballad, invites you to buy some cockles
and mussels from her cart.
Guinness Hop Store – situated on Crane Street in
a converted 19th century warehouse, the Hop Store offers a fantastic
insight into the brewery’s operations and history. An audiovisual
presentation on the history of Guinness is followed by a visit
to the bar, where you will certainly sample one of the finest
pints of stout you have ever tasted.
Kilmainham Gaol – decommissioned as a prison in
1924, it is still possible to experience some small sense of desperation
that once dominated it. Throughout the course of history, many
of Ireland’s political and military leaders have been incarcerated
here, while 14 of the leaders of the 1916 rising were executed
in the prison yard. Now a museum, there is a guided tour, an audiovisual
presentation and an exhibition of archive material from the jail.
National Gallery of Ireland – situated on Merrion
Square in the heart of Dublin City and open to the public since
1864, the gallery boasts an impressive collection of paintings
from all the major European schools as well as a strong Irish
collection.
National Museum – established in 1877, the museum
houses many breathtaking exhibits, including a fine display of
prehistoric gold artifacts and some remarkable works of early
Christian art, such as the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch.
Exhibits from the Viking age are also on view.
Old Jameson Distillery – Jameson Irish whiskey has
been distilled here since 1780 and the visitor centre shows a
detailed reconstruction of a working distillery. The guided tour,
which is well worth taking, begins with an audiovisual presentation
and finishes in the Jameson Bar with a complimentary glass of
Ireland’s finest whiskey.
St. Stephens Green
St. Stephen’s Green – originally an enclosed
park when the west side of Dublin City was used for hangings,
this city centre park became popular with the aristocracy in the
second half of the 18th century. The green offers a relaxing,
pleasant open space in the heart of a busy, vibrant city centre.
Trinity College – founded by Queen Elizabeth in
1592, this is Ireland’s oldest university. Situated in the
heart of Dublin, the college grounds were at the time of building,
located just outside the original walled city, on a site that
used to suffer from flooding when the River Liffey was at high
tide.
