A Quick Guide to Dublin

Dublin was founded by the Vikings who came around 840AD and settled at this strategic location on River Liffey as it flows into the sea, although there was probably smaller settlements there well before that. It has been the capital of Ireland more or less continuously since.

Much of the fabric of the modern day city centre dates back to the 17th century when large parts of the city were rebuilt in formal Georgian style. However while the centre is still relatively compact, and easy for visitors to walk around, massive growth has seen the city spread out into neighbouring counties, with satellite and commuter towns growing fast and leading to a degree of urban sprawl that means that almost half of the population of Ireland now essentially live in Dublin. It can get very crowded with both people and traffic.

Dublin is visited by a very large proportion of tourists and that too can lead to quite crowded attractions during the high season. However the city has all that a good capital should offer - lots of entertainment, good places to eat and drink, great shopping and of course history and culture at every turn.

Things to do and see

A selection of places and activities that are in Dublin or that can be visited while using Dublin as a base. For more activities that may be in reach see our Area Guides.

National Print Museum
National Print Museum in Dublin tells the story of book and newspaper printing in Ireland with a collection of printing presses, woodblocks and old printed items.

National Aquatic Centre
The National Aquatic Centre in Dublin is Ireland's largest indoor water activity and swimming pool facility, and one of the largest in Europe.

Museum of the Decorative Arts
A collection of the best in decorative arts, furniture, clothing, jewellry, silver and gold of historic importance in Ireland.

The Hugh Lane Gallery
The Hugh Lane Gallery houses one of the most important contemporary art collections in Ireland in an interesting Georgian building formerly known as Charlemont House.

Trinity College & The Book of Kells
One of the world oldest universities, Trinity College in Dublin is home to the Book of Kells.

Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle was the centre of British rule in Ireland for centuries and scene of many contentious events over the years.

Phoenix Park
This vast enclosed park in Dublin houses a Zoo, residences for the president of Ireland and the US ambassador as well as a herd of wild deer.

National Gallery of Ireland
The Irish National art collection, with work by Irish and European artists is housed in the historic National Gallery building in central Dublin.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
Ireland's premier contemporary art collection includes work by many of the world top artists and is housed in the restored Royal Hosptial in Kilmainham.

The Dillon Garden
Surprisingly located in suburban Dublin the Dillon garden is packed with unusual plants beautifully planted.

National Museum of Ireland (Archeology & History)
Ireland's most important collection of historic items, including many stone age and early christian items, gold and silver treasures and viking remains.

Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol (or Kilmainham Jail) has a central role in Irish political and social history and was the place of execution of leaders of many Irish rebellions.

Festival and Events

BT Young Scientist Exhibition Exhibitions | Date: Jan 6th - 10th

Pantomime: Jack & the Beanstalk Theatre | Date: Dec 22nd-Jan 6th

New Year: Christ Church Bells Miscellaneous | Date: Dec 31st-Jan 1st

Turner Watercolour Exhibition Visual Arts | Date: January 1st - 31st

St Patrick's Festival 2009 Festival | Date: March 12th - 17th

Hard Rain Exhibition Visual Arts | Date: May 1st - Aug 31st

Darklight Festival Film | Date: June 20th - 29th

Pipeworks Festival Music: Classical | Date: June 20th - 29th

Dublin James Joyce Summer School Summer School | Date: July 6th-12th

Dublin Circus Week Festival | Date: July 13th-20th

Movies on the Square Film | Date: July 5th - August 30th

Festival of World Cultures Festival | Date: 22nd - 24th August

Dublin Horse Show Shows & Fairs | Date: August 6th -10th

Gaze: the Dublin Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Film | Date: July 31st - Aug 4th

Dublin Culture Night 2008 Miscellaneous | Date: September 14th

Dublin Theatre Festival Theatre | Date: Sept 25th - Oct 12th

Dublin Fringe Festival Theatre | Date: 6th - 21st September

Rude Health Exhibitions | Date: 6th & 7th Sept

Sculpture in Context 2008 Visual Arts | Date: Sept 4th - Oct 17th

Ideal Homes Exhibition Exhibitions | Date: 23rd - 27th October

Toys for Big Boys Exhibitions | Date: Nov 6th - 9th

Art Ireland Visual Arts | Date: Nov 14th - 16th

Leopardstown Christmas Racing Festival Sport | Date: Dec 26th - 29th

Tour Itineraries

Some tour itineraries which explore in or include Co Dublin:

Walking Tour: James Joyce's Dublin
An easy and interesting walk through Dublin, following in the footsteps of James Joyce and of the characters from his writing

Three Days Around Dublin
A short trip based in Dublin, seeing a little of the countryside as well as the capital.