Cultural Center in Maynooth

"Ireland’s Natural History Museum is affectionately nicknamed the Dead Zoo thanks to its extensive exhibits of taxidermy animals. Housed on Merrion Square, the National History Museum is one of the most impressive branches of the National Museum of Ireland. The collections span from geology to zoology, with an emphasis on the natural wonders found on the Emerald Isle, as well as an exhibit on “Mammals of the World.” In addition to showcasing historical flora and fauna, the exhibits aim to educate visitors about modern-day threats to Irish wildlife."

"The National Museum of Natural History is also known as the ‘dead zoo’ because of its large collection of animal skeletons and taxidermy. The 10,000 exhibits include native Irish animals and also mammals from around the world. The most impressive skeleton for me is that of the Giant Irish Deer which stood up to two metres high, with antlers as wide as four metres!"

"Yes, Natural History Museums are common places in every European capital. Dublin has one of the most impressive zoological exhibits. It’s in the same complex as the National Museum of Ireland, it has been in operation since 1856 and is still a big hit with visitors."

"The National Museum of Ireland provides a variety of kids-friendly entertainment, from enchanting exhibitions, through educational events and workshops, to online tours. The Natural History Museum, Archaeology Museum and Decorative Arts & History Museum are all located in Dublin!. The Museums provide a vast array of exhibitions to suit different interests and age groups."

"Located in Trinity College Dublin, the Science Gallery describes itself as the place where science and art collide in a series of interactive themes and exhibitions. The Science Gallery doesn't have a set collection - the themes change every few months, meaning they're sometimes closed to the public while preparing the next exhibition. But it's definitely well worth checking their site to see what they're running during your city cycle."

"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"

"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."

"The National Museum of Decorative Arts and History is located in a very large and impressive old army barracks in the Dublin city suburb of Smithfield. It has a Luas stop (the Dublin city tram) conveniently located at the entrance. This museum is packed full of interesting exhibits including Irish silver, military history from 1550 to modern day, and a chance to look at the clothing and jewellery worn in Ireland from the 1760’s to the 1960’s."

"Collins Barracks have a collection encompassing millennials of mesmerising objects, from jewellery and coins, through clothing and furniture, to weapons and vessels. Given that there are four floors of artifacts to see and depending on your child’s age, you may like to reference the guidebooks or floor plans. This will help you to manage the tour and potentially make it more focused on specific items for younger children."

"National Museum of Decorative Arts & History – A museum that will appeal to both art and history lovers. It is filled with decorative arts, jewelry, furniture, costumes, weapons, Asian art, & history exhibits."

"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."

"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 living area of the James Joyce Tower and Museum, which features in Joyce’s novel, Ulysses."

"James Joyce is brought to virtual life in this beautifully restored Georgian house. As well as some wonderful interactive details, the exhibits include some of the furniture from Joyce’s Paris apartment; a..."

"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 …"

"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."

"When a pub has been serving beer since 1766 you can have faith that they know what they’re doing. This visually stunning and historically important pub – one of Dublin’s best and most famous for pouring an excellent pint of Guinness – is like a working museum exhibit. The interior dates back to 1881 and it’s barely changed since then, with ornate handcrafted wood carvings, stained glass and dashes of gold leaf."

"This lavishly mirrored pub sees more locals and fewer tourists passing through. It's set in a fine Victorian building with red-and-white-striped awnings, and the period theme continues inside, with a ceiling of oak, splendid cornicing, globe lamps and deep red walls. The Long Hall is perfect for a quiet afternoon pint of Guinness."

"The Long Hall is one of the oldest and most favourite pubs in Dublin, Ireland. Licensed in 1766, it is basically an antiquated drinking shrine. When you enter inside the pub, it will take you to 19th Century Dublin nightlife."

"Mulligans has firmly established itself as one of Dublin’s eminent sporting pubs with all the top football, rugby and hurling matches showing on the screens. Not just a jubilant hotspot on match days, those with more traditional tendencies can also enjoy our famous food surrounded by the old Irish...See more"

"Now you will also see the Campanile, one of Dublin's most photographed buildings. Resist the temptation (should you feel it) to queue for a look at the Book of Kells. Even on good days you will lose time, see only a small portion and may come away slightly disappointed. The Old Library and the Book of Kells are for those visitors with more time, seriously."

"The countless sculptures and statues dotted around the cobbled streets of Dublin make for the perfect embellishments – we especially love the Famine Memorial sculpture in the Dublin city docklands and the statue of Countess Markievicz (the first woman elected to the British House of Commons) on Tara Street. But our ultimate pick has to be the bronze statue of the eponymous, mysterious heroine of “Molly Malone”, a traditional Irish ballad of uncertain origins and Dublin city’s unofficial anthem. Molly, who “wheels her wheelbarrow” in the centre of Dublin’s Georgian Quarter, draws hordes of tourists with a love for Irish folklore her way on the daily."

"Stop Five: Molly Malone Statue and O’Neill’s Pub Back inside the walls of Dublin, are two landmarks worth visiting during your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. The first is the statue of the mysterious but very popular Irish personality, Molly Malone, located on Grafton Street. Molly’s background is obscure at best."

"In terms of sheer extravagance, Scrumdiddly’s ice cream parlour in Dun Laoghaire is head and shoulders above the rest in Dublin. Serving up a huge range of ice cream and toppings, as well as crepes, no sweet tooth will be left unsatisfied. The often lengthy queues outside the shop on summer days speak to the popularity of Scrumdiddly’s, however we’re sure you’ll find it’s worth the wait."

"Scrumdiddly’s in Donabate and Dun Laoghaire are officially opened for click and collect. Just visit their website, choose your own flavours and delicious toppings and check out. Try not to get too overwhelmed though; there are over 2,400 combinations to choose from."

"Scrumdiddly is an Irish favourite, and people are even talking about it as the best ice cream parlour in the country. The ice cream parlour is the home of the Scrummy Tub. You can fill it, top it, stick it and drip it."

"Next on our list is Cloud Nine, in the Temple Bar neighbourhood of Dublin’s city centre. Conveniently located in the heart of Dublin, Cloud Nine is the perfect place to stop for a cool treat after a day of wandering the city streets. Cloud Nine also serve up a range of other tasty treats, including waffle cones and decadent donuts."

"It's impossible to visit Dublin and not investigate the new incarnation of Bewley’s, reopened after years of restoration. This fine old coffee house was a firm favourite for close on a century, and its recent reappearance is a cheering sight. Come here for coffee, savouries, sweet treats (including the signature Bewley’s cherry buns, and ‘Mary cake’, a rich confection of apricot and chocolate) – and to admire the glorious Harry Clarke stained-glass windows which illuminate the café."

"Bewley’s Café on busy Grafton Street is more of a Dublin institution than a simple restaurant. You will probably smell the freshly baked bread and hot-out-of-over muffins before you step through the door into the landmark café. The recently restored Bewley’s even offers tours of the interior."

"The granddaddy of the capital's cafés, and an essential part of the character of Grafton Street, Bewley's Oriental Café has served coffee and...Read More"