Cultural Center in Dublin

"Natural History Museums are commonplace in every European capital and there's a good reason why. Both adults and children alike love to marvel at the animals and creatures of yesteryear and Dublin has one of the most impressive zoological exhibits. Located within the same complex as the National Museum of Ireland, the natural history building has been operating since 1856 and was restored in 2010 to allow visitors to get more up close and personal with the collection."

"Known as ‘the Dead Zoo’ by Dubliners, the Museum of Natural History hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1857. A big part of its appeal is as a “museum of a museum”; the dark wood, polished brass and glass cabinets are reminders of a bygone era when the Victorian obsession with exotic animals was at its peak. With a collection including specimens gathered by Charles Darwin, the taxidermy and skeletons on display makes for intriguing but sometimes macabre viewing."

"The Natural History Museum of Dublin is known by the locals as the ‘dead Zoo’, a spooky name that describes it perfectly!. Located in the city centre, this is a museum with skeletons and stuffed specimens of many species of animals, most of them preserved in the museum since the last century. I brought my kids there when they were tiny and the reaction was mixed: fascination and a bit of fear – some of the animals are immense!"

"The National Museum of Archaeology houses a wonderful collection from Prehistoric, Viking and Medieval Ireland. It is also home to one of the largest and most important gold collections in Europe and many other interesting permanent collections and exhibitions. My personal favourite is the Iron Age bog bodies, which I found fascinating (and a tad unsettling)."

"There are three Dublin outposts of the National Museum – Archaeology on Kildare Street, Natural History on Merrion Street, and Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks. All are free to visit, and have their own unique charms. The Natural History museum (also known as the Dead Zoo) is a must-see for kids, with stuffed animals from all around the world."

"Hands-on, interactive and compellingly relevant, the Science Gallery is devoted to explaining the intricacies of science and how it applies to everyday life. Exhibitions explore big ideas, so bring your curiosity with you. The striking Poolberg Lighthouse is the perfect conclusion to a stroll along the Great South Wall © Cezzar 1981 / Getty Images"

"The Science Gallery is fast becoming one of the top ten free cultural attractions in Ireland. Unlike most galleries, they don't have a permanent collection. This means that there is always something new to see, but it also means that between exhibitions (which can be a gap of up to three weeks), only the shop and café remain open."

"They host a variety of very interesting and fun exhibitions, suitable for both adults and children to enjoy. They also have a small gift shop with novel items you’ll find difficult to resist. It’s worth stopping for refreshments at their café as the food is scrumptious."

"This museum is one that should be on everyone’ s bucket list and better yet it is only footsteps away from us. Ideal for those history heads amongst your family or friend group, the museum delves into Ireland’s social, military, political and economic progress throughout the years. The museum is also free of charge as you get to witness and explore artefacts and exhibitions on display are examples of furniture, weaponry, folklore costumes that have been used over the years in Ireland."

"Once the military home of British colonial rule in Ireland, Collins Barracks has been renovated and reimagined to become the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History. The narrative of Ireland's economic, social, political and military progress is told through an extensive range of artefacts. From silver, ceramic and glassware to weaponry, furniture and costume, the Museum is packed full of treasures, each with its own unique story."

"The Jame Joyce Centre is located on North Great George's Street in the North Georgian Quarter and was built in the late 18th century. While Joyce himself never lived in this establishment he was connected to it through the Dance School that was run by Prof. Dennis Maginni, a character who appeared several times in Joyce's novel Ulysses. Joyce's family lived in a house not dissimilar to this Georgian building and it contains all of Joyce's addresses, an interactive tour of Joyce's Ulysses, Joyce's death mask and a range of documentaries and artefacts from Ulysses that will satisfy any diehard fans needs."

"One of the most famous Dublin born writers is James Joyce who wrote the 20th century classic Ulysses (free on Kindle), and the James Joyce Centre (fee*) is dedicated to the author and his writings. Here you can learn all about both the life of James Joyce, as well as his famous novel, told via film and exhibits. The museum also has the front door from No. 7 Eccles Street on display, which readers of Ulysses will know as being the home of protagonist Leopold Bloom."

"The Martello tower in the seaside village of Sandycove, about 7 miles from Dublin’s City center, is where Irish writer James Joyce spent six nights in 1904. Known as the James Joyce Tower and Museum, it left such an impression on Joyce that inspiration for the opening scenes of his novel, “Ulysses,” came from there. The bedroom in the James Joyce Museum."

"This restored soldiers barracks is today a state-of-the-art exhibition space and venue that pays tribute to its colourful history and Ireland’s heritage."

"Temple Bar Gallery and Studios was first founded in 1983 as one of the country’s first artist-led arts organisations. A non-profit funded by the Irish Arts Council, today it consists of a contemporaryexhibition space and 30 visual artists’ studios, located at the epicentre of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter. As well as exhibitions, they run regular talks, masterclasses and events for aspiring artists."

"Featuring installations and performance art as well as sculpture and video, the Temple Bar Gallery works hand in hand with Artists Studios. It’s a really interesting and engaging concept and it puts you right into the heart of the artist’s community here in Dublin. Past exhibitions included Declan Clarke, Amie Siegel and Barbara Knezevic."

"At the beginning in 1983 the Temple Bar Gallery + Studios was the first DIY artist-centred initiative in Ireland, they started in a shirt factory and this is now a big gallery. Thanks to the fame of Temple Bar the gallery became notorious but it still supports upcoming artists."

"Originally built as a tobacco store with vaults beneath to store wine, the Chq Building is steeped in local history and, traditionally, locals knew it as the …"

"Flip, a vegan and vegetarian burger bar from the owners of Blazing Salads, is one of Dublin’s vegan hot spots. Their burgers, which include black bean and quinoa, millet and sweet potato, and a sweetcorn and feta fritter, are handmade using organic grains, pulses, vegetables and seeds. Don’t mind if we do!"

"Like all our galleries in Dublin, IMMA is a fantastic place to explore for kids of all ages, to fuel and inspire little imaginations though their interactive exhibitions. The grounds of the gallery alone are beautiful and perfect for a good run around with the little ones. All of their exhibitions are always free for under 18s and the size and scope of the IMMA campus makes it a great destination for children."

"Based in a renovated 17th century hospital, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) hosts different exhibitions from Irish designers such as Elieen Gray to international artists like Philippe Parreno. The IMMA is a mix between old and new culture which makes it unique. It’s a really original gallery we recommend you to visit it."

"You’ll find the Irish Museum of Modern Art (AKA IMMA) nestled in 48 acres of land in the heart of Dublin 8. Tours are free and are delivered by experienced guides 6 days a week. Join one of the museums guided tours and get to known IMMA and the exhibitions in more detail."

"Ranging over four floors on the western edge of Temple Bar, this pub began flying the microbrewery flag over 10 years ago, and today it's still going strong. Come here for a range of excellent in-house Irish brews: from dark, velvety porters (try the Oyster Stout made, yes, with fresh oysters) to red ales (try the fruity Porterhouse Red). This place can be touristy and very packed: but still, well worth a visit."

"Rascals in Inchicore, Dublin 8 have an expansive outdoor drinks and dining area to the front of the brewery where they brew their famous IPA beer. They’ve always had an indoor space to dine with literally some of the best looking pizzas in town, and now with the upgraded outdoor seating (and covered) it is surely going to be one of the most popular & fun spots to be this summer. Pizzas start from a very wallet friendly €12 with gluten-free, veggie, vegan & kids pizza options all possible."

"Rascals have a pretty healthy-sized outdoor area, but part of it is covered over with massive covers and canopies. Stillgarden Distillery situated beside Rascals also have a big marquee set up for those looking for cocktails. You can find Rascals in Inchicore off the Tyrconnell Road, visit their website for booking information."

"Location was key to Devlin and her husband when founding Rascals. “We always dreamed of having a city-accessible brewery that people could visit, and where we could offers tours. We have renovated the building, totally transforming it so it’s suitable for a brewery and restaurant,” Devlin says."