Like most we are only Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t embrace the Irish culture during a recent stay in Dublin. A beautiful city that is easy to navigate and in a day or two you can see many of its historic, cultural and artistic sites. Having said that don’t miss out on time in a pub; listen to traditional Irish music and try the local brew or whiskey. There are numerous options for either evening musical or literary pub tours that are worth looking in to.
So, for your consideration, here are our top 5 sites in Dublin.
- Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and the Long Library
Even if you are not a bibliophile like I am this is a fascinating piece of history worth a visit. You can tour the college with a student first or just head to the exhibit. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript dating back to the Dark Ages recovered from the Isle of Iona. The exhibit helps to put its significance into perspective. Then head upstairs to the Long Library for a display of over 200,000 books, and a 15th century Irish harp, the oldest surviving.
- Patrick’s Cathedral
Built in the 13th century this church is open the public for free will donations. Jonathon Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, was dean here for 32 years and there is a nice display in his honour.
- National Museum of Archeology and History
This museum contains displays from the Stone Age on including Vikings and Medieval Ireland, and a beautiful display of Irish Gold. One of the prize pieces is the Tara Brooch, eighth century art worn by the Celts.
- National Art Gallery
Although not as large or impressive as the galleries in Scotland and England this national gallery has excellent works by Caravaggio, Rubens, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Monet as well as a number of works by Irish artists. As much as we enjoy discovering a painting by one of our favourites, it is also good to explore and better understand local art and artists as they best represent the struggles and triumphs of that country’s people.
- A tour of the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson’s Whiskey
Whether or not you have a taste for Irish drink it is worth the time to tour either or both of these iconic factories. Take the tour, enjoy a tasting, and find out how these businesses helped to build the city of Dublin. Also of interest is to discover why we have the Guinness Book of World Records (and yes it is the same Guinness).