Things to do in Dublin

On Dublin’s Southside explore the range of historic monuments, including the arresting Trinity College and its Old Library, which proudly holds the ninth-century illustrated Book of Kells – containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. A former symbol of Britain’s power over Ireland is the sturdy Dublin Castle, just behind City Hall. Then hit the Irish Museum of Modern Art for a taste of contemporary Ireland, through artists such as Damien Hirst and Sean Scully.
 

Grafton Street is Dublin’s famed shopping strip, dotted with a mix of boutiques, second-hand stores, designer outlets and alternative shops – the weak-willed should avoid this area! When you’re ready for some time out of Dublin’s busy centre go to Phoenix Park and take a leisurely stroll around of one of the world’s largest urban parks. Also within the park is one of Ireland’s top attractions: Dublin Zoo. Dublin has plenty to do but most memorable is the time spent with Irish who are a friendly bunch.

Dublin is one of a number of European cities with a number of great attractions on offer that are absolutely free. The National Gallery is home to the national collection of European and Irish fine art with more than 2,000 works of art on display. Another excellent freebie is the Natural History Museum. The exhibits include stuffed animals from around the world as well as from Irish wildlife. The building itself – dating back to the Victorian period – is part of the draw of the visit.