General Post Office
For Irish history fans, this is a very important landmark in Dublin. The elegant Georgian building that now represents the GPO was once the scene of great turmoil as the leaders of the Easter Rising of 1916 took up headquarters in this building and riots erupted across Dublin against British rule. The building was restored after extensive damage and today is a symbol of Irish nationalism. Bullets holes can still be observed in the columns. There is also a plaque in the GPO in Irish and Gaelic script.
www.anpost.ie
Lower O'Connell Street
Great Dublin Theatre
OK it is not broadway but why not experience some of the great plays of Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Yeats or Shaw at one of Dublin’s theatre houses. Start with a pint or cherry at a nearby pub then join the locals for a little bit of culture. Most tickets range from 15-35 euros. The Abbey is a popular venue (Lower Abbey Street) or the Gate (Cavendish Row, Parnell Square, www.gate-theatre.ie). Take a peak what might be showing when you are in town follow the link below
www.abbeytheatre.ie
Slow Walk Dublin - South Wall
This tip is from 'Slow Dublin' writer Anto Howard. A great 3 mile walk (4.8 kilometres) around one of the world oldest sea walls. At the extremity is an old Lighthouse, Poolbeg. It has become a popular spot among locals for an evening walk and gentle sea breeze. It also has a great history.
Location: Bus 1 goes to Poolbeg power station.
Dublin Port
Dublin Writer's Museum-James Joyce Centre
If you are in Dublin to experience its literary celebrities perhaps combine this visit with the James Joyce Museum and the Shaw Birthplace. Housed in this Georgian building are some interesting exhibitions and facts about Ireland's famous seven writers. Opening Times:
January to December: Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday and Public Holidays: 11.00am - 5.00pm.
Late opening June, July and August: Monday - Friday 10.00am - 6.00pm.
Ticket Prices: Adults: €7.25 (Group rates €6.25)
Concessions: €6.10 (Group rates €5.10)
Child: €4.55 (Group rates €3.55)
Family: €21.00
www.writersmuseum.com
No.35 North Great George St Dublin 1
Smithfield Village
This is where you can go and just enjoy Dublin without spending a penny. There's a great view from Jameson Chimney Viewing, the tower is open daily from 10am till 5.30pm. Smithfield was once a market for cattle and horse trading in the 1660s and then a market in 1913. Yearly, as with tradition, the Horse Fair is held, but this is under threat from modern day pollution and chaos of holding a horse fair in the middle of a major city. Still this is a historic part of Dublin and always a cafe or shop to entice you to visit.
Smithfield Village, Dublin 7
Malahide Castle
This wonderful castle and parkland has over 230 acres of grounds to explore. It has been a fortress and home for over 800 years and now visitors can view the period furnishings and art, Irish of course and learn about the Talbot family who reigned here for many years. There's a restaurant and cafe plus tours.
Buses (No.42) from Dublin city are available all year, around 8 miles.
www.malahidecastle.com
G. B Shaw Museum
Visit the birthplace of the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. It's a simple two-storey Georgian house and has been restored to reflect the charm and appearance of the Victorian era. You can view the kitchen, bedroom and nursery. The salon is where Mrs Shaw held many a musical evenings close by to the children's bedroom. Combine this visit with the Dublin Writers Museum for better ticket value.
Open: May-Octotober: Mon-Tues and Thurs-Fri 10am-1pm and 2-5pm; Sat-Sun 2-5pm. Closed November - April.
Admission €7 adults, €6 seniors and students, €4.40 children, €29 for families.
33 Synge Street, Dublin
National Gallery of Ireland
This wide-ranging and well-displayed collection of European art from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century includes works by the likes of Caravaggio and Picasso. But the big draw is, naturally, the Irish art: Don't miss the room of Irish scenes by Jack Butler Yeats. With the recently opened Millennium Wing greatly expanding the gallery, you need a couple of hours to do the collection justice.
www.nationalgallery.ie
Merrion Square West and Clare Street, 00353 1 661 5133