Dublin
Dublin is a very green city with more parks and green spaces per square kilometer than any other European city. You will find pleasant spots for a rest or a picnic.
St Stephen’s Green:
Located near Grafton Street, the 20-acre park provides a peaceful break from Dublin’s main shopping area. Beautifully landscaped with a lake and fountains, it also includes a bandstand where you can attend free concerts in summertime.
Look out for the memorials to eminent Dubliners dotted around the park.
Phoenix Park and Dublin zoo:
Located north of the river, the park is one of the largest recreational parks in Europe with over 1500 acres. First established in 1662 as a Royal deer park by the viceroy James Butler, it still hosts a herd of fallow deer. The residence of the President of Ireland, which dates back from 1750, is located within the park, along with other historic buildings and the residence of the US Ambassador. The extensive parkland is home to a fine collection of trees - beech, ash, sycamore, oak etc - as well as a number of attractions: children’s playground, lakes, a visitor centre and the Victorian People’s Flower Gardens amongst others. Picnic areas are available, or you can buy lunches and drinks at the Victorian Tea Kiosk.
Dublin zoo: the zoo is located within the park. It was first established in 1850 and remains to this day one of Dublin’s top attractions, with many exotic and endangered species. There is a fun pets’ corner for the children.
A fun day out for all the family. The ticket gives you free admission to the zoo for one year.
Opening times: 9.30am till 6pm, daily
The Iveagh Gardens
Address: Clonmel Street, Dublin 2
Tel: +353 1475 7816
Located south of St. Stephens Green, the Iveagh Gardens are among the finest and least known of Dublin's parks and provide a quiet retreat, away from the city noise and bustle. They were designed by Ninian Niven in 1863 and include fountains, a maze, rose garden, wilderness and woodlands.
Opening Times: March - October: until 6.00pm
Around Dublin
James Joyce Museum
Address: James Joyce Tower, Sandycove, County Dublin
Tel: +353 `1280 9265
Opening Times: April to August, Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm (Closed 1 pm – 2 pm); Sunday: 2 pm -6 pm. Closed on Mondays
Admission prices: adults: €6; children under 12: €4
Located eight miles south of Dublin, the tower was one of a series of Martello towers built to withstand an invasion by Napoleon. It also provides the setting for the first chapter of Joyce’s Ulysses, thus making it the ideal place for a museum devoted to Dublin’s most famous writer.
The museum features the life and work of the writer and includes a fine collection of letters, photos and personal possessions of Joyce.
Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre
Address: Castle Street, Dalkey, County Dublin
Tel: +353 1285 8366
Website: www.dalkeycastle.com
Step back in time at Dalkey Castle: the Heritage centre recreates the daily life of the Tudors and includes such highlights as the gruesome Barber surgeon, the Archer with his longbow and the culinary delights of a Tudor meal.
Living History Live Performances take place every half hour, every day.
You can also book guided Historical Walks during the summer months on Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 11.00 am. Advance booking is necessary.
It is worth allowing a bit of time to walk around the village which has pleasant cafes, restaurants and Art galleries.
Opening Times:
May 1st - August 31st: 10 am – 6 pm, daily; Closed Tuesdays.
September 1st - April 30th: Weekdays 9.30 am – 5 pm; Weekends/Public Holidays 11 am – 5 pm; closed Tuesdays.
Tickets: adults €6; children €4. The Living History performance is included in the price.
South of the city, county Wicklow has some of the wildest and most spectacular mountain scenery and one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland.
Glendalough:
Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm, daily.
Free admission
Founded by St Kevin in the 6th century, Glendalough is located in a beautiful valley and is one of the most important early Christian settlements in Ireland. The saint’s burial spot is marked by a granite cross in the Cathedral, which dates from the 9th century. A visitors centre features excellent exhibitions and videos.
Glendalough is accessible by public transport: the St Kevin bus service leaves St Stephen’s Green at 11.30am daily and returns late afternoon.
Russborough House
Opening hours: April to October, 10 am to 5 pm, daily.
Entrance fees: adults €11; children under 12 €5.
The classic Palladian building is located about 40 minutes south of the city and is often referred to as the most beautiful house in Ireland. It was originally built for Joseph Leeson, MP for Rathcormack in the 18th century, and boasts fine stucco ceilings, as well as a fine mahogany staircase. It also includes an impressive art collection with works by Goya, Velasquez, Gainsborough and Rubens.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
Address: Donore, Co. Meath
North of the city, in the Boyne Valley, lies the Bru na Boinne complex of Neolithic tombs, the most spectacular of which is Newgrange. All visits start from the Visitor centre which includes a full scale replica of the Newgrange chamber and smaller models. From there you can visit Newgrange and Knowth. Allow about 3 hours if you want to visit both sites.
Knowth is only open from Easter until the end of October.
For opening times and prices, contact: +353 41 988 0300
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