Dublin Attractions
Dublin Castle is doubtlessly the most important historical building in the city. . .after all, it’s after this castle that the city is named! For centuries, this castle housed the English viceroys and rulers who governed over Ireland. In 1922, it finally became ‘Irish’ when it was handed over to the Irish Free State. Today, the building is used for a variety of government functions, and houses many governmental bureaus and agencies. Dublin Castle is located in the heart of the city, and as such, parking is recommended in one of the car parks that serve the area. The nearest is Jury’s Inn on Werberg Street.
Christchurch Cathedral is another of Dublin’s most beloved and beautiful monuments. The first cathedral to stand on this location was built in 600 AD, and its present incarnation was founded roughly 500 years later. The church’s choir is one of, if not the, best in the country, and there is a nightly performance. Parking spaces are limited to secured metered spaces which cost a few Euros per hour.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is another of Dublin’s most important historical sites, and it is here that St. Patrick baptized his converts. The cathedral was founded in 1192 AD, and features the tomb of Jonathan Swift, beautiful gardens, and many examples of medieval art and architecture. It was here that Handel’s Messiah was first performed in 1742. The cathedral does not offer parking of any kind, but there are car parks nearby, and also street parking available.
Few countries can boast as many important writers as Ireland, so any trip should include a visit to the Dublin Writers Museum. Located in a mansion once belonging to the Jameson family (of whiskey fame), the museum features an array of first editions, manuscripts, photos, and memorabilia from such literary heroes as Joyce, Beckett, Swift, Synge, Shaw, and many others. A must-see for anyone with an interest in literature. The museum features on-site parking at its restaurant, Chapter One, and there is street parking available.
Of course, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a trip to the Guinness Brewery and Storehouse. Home to Ireland’s (and much of the rest of the world’s) favorite beer, the 60-acre facility is the most famous tourist destination in the city, and a good one at that. Offering a detailed history of the brew, and the Gravity Bar, an all-glass pub overlooking the whole of the city, this stop is the place to hoist a pint of the ‘dark stuff’. The Brewery offers free and guarded parking, but please don’t drive if you’ve had too much to drink!