Cultural Center in Skerries

"Also known as the Dead Zoo, the Natural History museum has a firm place in the hearts of Dubliners. The building itself is a beautiful structure that dates back to 1856 and is filled with displays of skeletons and taxidermied animals. Little has changed in the years since it opened, which is why it’s often described as a "museum of a museum." Exhibitions are spread over four floors, although only the first two are currently open to the public due to a lack of emergency exits on the balcony levels."

"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!"

"Pop into the Natural History Museum to see the incredible collections of stuffed long-toothed animals from around the world. At Sweny's, you can buy your loved ones a gift of lemon soap as mentioned in Ulysses or enjoy readings from James Joyce’s books, held at lunchtime each day."

"If you want to experience one of the best historical things to do in Dublin, then why not spend a whole day exploring the incredible National Museum of Ireland?. Here you will learn about national and international archaeology, Irish history, Irish art, culture, and natural history. No matter your age, you are sure to take something away from the incredible exhibitions on offer at one of the best museums in Ireland."

"The national museum features four total branches, three of which are located in Dublin. Archaeology, Decorative Arts and History, and the Natural History Museum buildings are within walking distance of other major Dublin attractions. The collections found here are entertaining, enlightening, and awe inspiring."

"The Science Gallery—where “science and art collide”—is a dynamic, ever-changing space that's continually devising interesting themes and installations. There’s no such thing as a permanent collection here; rather, the gallery gets an overhaul every few months. As for the exhibitions themselves: They've ranged from "FAKE" (exploring falsities, from biomimicry to forged documents) to "In Case of Emergency" (a look at how the world might end—and why humankind loves to think about it)."

"Photo courtesy of the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin. Scientific debates usually take place between the pages of academic journals, but the Science Gallery at Trinity College helps bring the issues to life for visitors of all ages. The cutting-edge exhibits touch on human perception, biomimicry, and the future of technology in the workplace."

"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"

"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 world’s largest military barracks, this splendid early neoclassical grey-stone building on the Liffey’s northern banks was completed in 1704 according to the design of Thomas Burgh (he of Trinity College's Old Library). It is now home to the Decorative Arts & History collection of the National Museum of Ireland, with a range of superb permanent exhibits ranging from a history of the Easter Rising to the work of iconic Irish designer Eileen Gray (1878–1976)."

"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."

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

"This museum is located on North Great George’s street in Dublin city and offers insight into the life and work of the great Irish writer, James Joyce."

"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."

"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."

"This brewing gem opened the doors of its first branch in 1989 and hasn't looked back since. Sourcing some of the best beers from the continent as well as brewing their own, The Porterhouse now boasts five premises in Dublin, London and New York and their Plain Porter won the gold medal at the world brewing industry's most prestigious award last year. They brew an excellent stout in house, but offer a wide range of ales, lagers and seasonal beers to whet your appetite as well."

"Porterhouse opened as a brew pub in 1996 and was the first craft beer pub in Dublin by many years. They used to brew their beer on site, and parts of the brewing equipment can still be seen in the pub today. Porterhouse is the best craft beer pub to bring visitors to."

"There are a couple of Porterhouse brewpubs in the Dublin city centre. Their original Temple Bar location has been in operation since 1996. As is the case with most Temple Bar pubs, the’ve got live music every night of the week."

"The buses will take you past the major sights and, depending on which tour you choose (grab some leaflets the evening before or do some research on the internet), even far-flung attractions like the Guinness Brewery, Kilmainham Gaol, and Phoenix Park will be seen. The main thing to remember here: get a good seat on top, enjoy the view, listen to the commentary, and snap away... but do not get off the bus. This is your city tour."

"This other much loved local chain sells some of the most decadent donuts you'll find. From Nutella ring donuts to peanut buttercup flavour, their moreish fillings and toppings will satisfy even the sweetest tooth. They've even recently started selling UNICORN donuts which pretty much makes them legends in our eyes."

"We ate this unicorn donut at Offbeat Donut Company in the land of leprechauns. The irony is palpable. It was a dark day when we realized that our favorite Dublin donut shop had closed."

"The iconic O’Connell Street location has been a favourite of passersby for years on end. The distinctive donut-y smell just can’t be beat, even when you’re not stopping in for one. They’re old school donuts as well – giving them a kick of nostalgia to add to the deliciousness."

"Making Magic Everyday is their restaurant’s motto, and they surely sprinkle some of that magic in their most affordable, handmade and Instagram-worthy donuts, served in Westland Row, Dublin. Their artistic showmanship has been praised by a myriad of food critics—some reviews mention that they serve the best donuts in the world!. With a price range of €6.00 for a box of 3 creamy, Premium, vegan-friendly donuts, Offbeat Donut Co. offers the finest and the most affordable."

"Combining handmade donuts with ridiculously inventive flavours (a 99, anyone?) They’re sold in a couple of locations in Dublin – like the 147 Café on Parnell Street, Vice Coffee, and the Dublin Barista Company as well as directly from the source."

"They don't have their own home yet, but instead supply some of the best cafés in town. Absolutely incredible. READ NEXT: A New Creme Egg Café Will Open For 7 Weeks Only"

"Metro Hotel Dublin Airport offers all the convenience of an airport hotel and easy access to all Dublin city centre attractions, Croke Park and Aviva Stadium. Our stunning landmark building provides secure underground parking and is located just off the M50 and minutes from Dublin Airport via our airport shuttle service.Enjoy a stay in one of our newly refurbished contemporary rooms or spacious suites with amenities including free high speed WiFi and flat screen TV with 50+ channels. Bar & restaurant Bistro 9 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving tasty traditional favourites in a relaxing friendly atmosphere."

"The Newtown Little boozer has three outdoor areas for guests to enjoy, amounting to a capacity of 250 people. They have two non-smoking, heated beer gardens and an open top area for sunny days."