Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Dundrum

"There are few buildings that reflect the changing and often turbulent political history of Ireland better than Dublin Castle. A castle has stood here for nearly 900 years, with most of the current building dating from the 18th century, and until the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921, it was the seat of the English and British governments in Ireland (the building itself witnessed several major events in the struggle for independence). Since then, it has hosted the inaugurations of Irish presidents, and also welcomed thousands of visitors as one of Ireland’s best tourist attractions."

"Make your way back down Grafton Street to College Green, turn left and follow Dame Street to Dublin Castle. Again, the bus tour might have left you a bit underwhelmed here, so enter through the castle gates and be astonished. A walk around the area should take you half an hour, leaving you a bit of time to enjoy a coffee (both the café near the castle entrance and the Silk Road Café come recommended)."

"Dublin Castle was built for defence by Meiler Fitzhenry under orders from King John of England in 1204. The building is believed to have been finished around 1230, but there have been renovations ever since. The castle was the seat of the British government in Ireland until the formation of the Irish Free State in 1922."

"You can spend more time at the prior attractions or alternatively consider sitting down to relax for an afternoon tea or a coffee nearby, visiting Dublin Zoo (fee*) within Phoenix Park, visiting the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland (fee*), or exploring one of the city’s many free museums (see Day 2 list). Traditional Irish Night Out"

"Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed park in any capital city in Europe, at a gargantuan 707 hectacres. It’s been open to the public since 1747, after originally opening in the 1660s as royal hunting grounds. Now, visitors can marvel at the fallow deer that roam the park, while walking through the gorgeous swathes of greenery."

"The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre displays temporary exhibitions and is very family friendly. Beside the Visitor Centre is the fully restored Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house, and a maze which is perfect for the little ones to run around and explore."

"Trinity's greatest treasures are found within the Old Library, built by Thomas Burgh between 1712 and 1732. The star of the show is the Book of Kells, a breathtaking, illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament, created around AD 800 by monks on the Scottish island of Iona, but more stunning still is the 65m Long Room, the library's main chamber, which houses around 200,000 of the library's oldest volumes."

"Trinity College and the Book of Kells – Arguably one of the most famous landmarks and places to visit in Ireland. Trinity college is the most prestigious university in Ireland The Book of Kells is housed in the stunning old library of the college. The Book of Kells is thought to be over 1200 years old and is Ireland’s national treasure."

"As part of your visit, you will also have access to the Book of Kells – the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. This is a 9th century decorated copy of the four gospels, and is generally regarded as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure."

"Christ Church Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin. Step inside and you can enjoy the cathedral’s beautiful interior and fascinating medieval crypt."

"Its hilltop location and eye-catching flying buttresses make this the most photogenic of Dublin 's three cathedrals, as well as one of the capital's most recognisable symbols."

"A feature of the Dublin skyline for over 800 years, this Church of Ireland cathedral was – as the name suggests – built in honour of Ireland’s snake-chasing patron saint. The country’s largest cathedral is more than just a place for worship, though. There are fascinating graves (including that of Jonathan Swift, once dean of the cathedral), beautiful art and architecture, and guided tours throughout the day."

"St. Patrick’s Cathedral Founded in 1191, this massive church is Ireland’s tallest and largest. It was supposedly built on the site of a well used by Saint Patrick himself. The current building has been there since 1220, and many renovations have been done over the centuries."

"The stunning towers and the archway certainly make it a pretty sight to see. The entire church area is surrounded by a field and trees. People who come in the church can enjoy the sun sitting on the grass field outside."

"A short walk from St. Audoen’s Church is a much more modern construction dating back to 1874. John’s Lane Church was constructed on the site of a former hospital and today is famous for the towering spire and steeple that rises over 200 feet above the city. The tallest spire in the city of Dublin, this was originally constructed solely as a unique aspect of the church and not to hold bells which were later added."

"Located a short walk from the city centre, John’s Lane Church is nestled in the centre of a bustling high street. Built in 1874, John’s Lane Church is one of Dublin’s younger parishes but still has a rich history. The beautiful structure combines grey and red bricks with a green roof which makes it an ideal spot for Instagrammers."

"Bejeweled with stunning mosaics and stained glass, construction began in 1862 on this French Gothic inspired church. Located in Dublin’s historic neighborhood, The Liberties, you’ll have lots to see around this landmark."

"More than 51,000 spectators regularly pack themselves into the local Aviva Stadium in Dublin, whenever it’s time to watch a world-class recreation of athletics. Home to both the Irish rugby national team and the Republic of Ireland football team, Aviva Stadium is used on a frequent basis, depending on rotating athletic schedules and availability. By size, Aviva Stadium qualifies as the third-largest stadium in all of Ireland and was in 2011 the home for the Europa League Final."

"Home to Ireland’s rugby team, it’s a state-of -the art stadium that has hosted some of the most nail-biting matches in history. Get the kids involved on a behind-the-scenes guided tour and visit the team’s changing rooms; walk them down the players’ tunnel and show them the shiny trophies of victory."

"The almost organic form of the massive Aviva Stadium make it an attraction in its own way - though maybe only for sports fans and architects. You can glimpse the glass construction from the Liffey, the Grand Canal Docks, or close-up in Lansdowne Road. Continue to 7 of 15 below."

"Technically, it's little bit outside of Dublin's official boundaries, but close enough for a weekend visit, and super easy to access via the Dart. Loads of different sea life for children to see; including sea horses, black tip sharks and leopard sharks. For any kids tiring of the zoo, this will be really exciting for them as they can get involved with feeding times and engage with the interactive rock pool."

"With over 30 displays and 1000 creatures Sea Life is always popular with the kids and adults alike. The aquarium contains Ireland’s largest collection of sharks as well as other tropical fish, octopus and fish found in Ireland’s lakes, rivers and seas. Feedings and talks take place at Sea Life throughout the day."

"Sea Life in Bray is a really fun day out and definitely worth a visit. Get up close with over 1,000 amazing sea creatures and let your little ones discover something fascinating. Make the most of your visit by attending some of their talks and feeding demonstrations which are held throughout the day."

"Magnificent Castletown House simply has no peer. It is Ireland’s most imposing Georgian estate, and a testament to the vast wealth enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish gentry during the 18th century. Hour-long guided tours begin at noon and 3pm, offering an insight into how the 1% made out in the 18th century; otherwise you can wander at will. Don't miss a stroll down to the river for grand views back to the house. Castletown is signposted from junction 6 on the M4."

"Set within rugged woodland and untamed fields in a well-to-do part of south of Dublin, Killiney Hill Park is wilder than other parks in Dublin. For seasoned walkers, the incline provides a fine challenge. But if climbing to the top is easily accomplished, take in even better views of the Irish Sea, Dublin and Wicklow in the distance by scaling the stony steps of the Pyramid of Dublin."

"A little park with a wonderful view of Dalkey and Killiney villages. It’s a steep walk up the hill, but it’s well worth it. Once you’re up, it’s one of Dublin’s most tranquil spots to relax in."

"There are a number of great free museums in Dublin which include the National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Hall, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Also keep an eye out for discount cards, coupons, and special deals to save money on tickets, tours, and meals."

"Restored to its original splendor, Dublin City Hall is worth a visit to see its spectacular entrance hall and grand rotunda. The multimedia exhibits on the lower level remain a feast for people interested in the history of Dublin. Want more Dublin inspiration?"

"This beautiful Georgian structure was originally built by Thomas Cooley as the Royal Exchange between 1769 and 1779, and botched in the mid-19th century when it became the offices of the local government (hence..."

"Closing our list of the best museums in Dublin is the Zoological Museum. It is housed on the grounds of Trinity College and is home to over 25,000 specimens from around the globe."

"One of my all time favourite memories as a child was visiting the Gaiety Theatre with my grandmother. She use to take us once a year and I absolutely loved it. Things haven’t changed too much at The Gaiety but it remains a prominent influence on Irish arts and theatre."

"The last item on our list is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of modern architecture in the city. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind in 2010, and its contemporary, angular style ties in perfectly with its home in the ultra modern Grand Canal area. The design ties into its theatrical theme with a striking composition of a ‘red carpet’ with bright resin-glass paving extending from the theatre, covered with distinctive red glowing angled light sticks."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kanakari used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Bord Gais Energy Theatre is a performing arts venue located in the Docklands. It is the city’s biggest fixed-seat theater and was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind for the Dublin Docklands Development Authority."

"Designed by Studio Libeskind in 2010, the Grand Canal Square formed an important milestone for the redevelopment of the Dublin Docklands area. The 2000-seat theater is based on the concept of stages: the stage of the theater, the stage of the piazza, the stage of the multiple lever lobby above the piazza."

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."

"Known for their insane juices, Green Beards has become a popular spot for health foodies. They have delish salads that are well worth trying."