Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Enniskerry

"Dating back to the early 13th century, when Vikings established their headquarters here, this medieval structure stands as a relic of British rule over Ireland. Today the well-preserved estate offers a glimpse into the way previous generations lived and hosts exhibits on art, fashion, and other Irish history artifacts. Tickets for guided tours are recommended, especially if you're eager to see the interior apartments and historic quarters."

"It would be almost blasphemous for me to make a “Best Castles in Dublin” list without including Dublin Castle. Right in the heart of the city, the castle was originally built in 1204 as a residence for the British monarch’s Irish representative. From then on until 1922, Dublin Castle has served as the seat of British rule in Ireland."

"If your kids love Harry Potter, they will find the Dublin castle almost similar to Hogwarts. This towering castle is magical. It was erected early in the thirteenth century."

"The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre – located within the sprawling grasslands of one of Europe’s biggest walled city parks – offers an enjoyable exhibition on the history of the surrounding park and an introduction to the many types of wildlife that call this area home. The visitor centre adjoins the park’s walled gardens and has a universal-access playground and café. Dublin Zoo, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is also situated within Phoenix Park."

"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."

"As Europe’s largest enclosed city park, it’s hard to define what a walk of the Phoenix Park should entail. One that encompasses all the major sights would be great but we are talking about walks here, not a road trip. So we will propose a 7 km looped walk, one that begins with a Luas ride on the red line to Heuston Station and a walk up Parkgate Street to the entrance."

"One of the most famous places to visit at Trinity College is the Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. The writing was complete in 800 AD, and it’s supposedly the oldest and most famous book in the world. The book has the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which people come from all over the world to see."

"Founded in 1028, Christ Church Cathedral is Dublin’s oldest medieval cathedral. It’s a spectacular Gothic / Romanesque construction, and serves as the seat of both the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic church in Dublin. It will be recognisable to fans of TV show The Tudors, as many scenes from the show were filmed on site."

"Christ Church Cathedral is one of the best photo spots in Dublin. One of the reasons why it's amazing to capture is that it's a medieval cathedral!. Also, the architecture of the cathedral is amazing."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Along the southern part of the Dart trainline, Blackrock Park is a small but perfectly formed park boasting striking views of the Irish Sea. The star of the show is the pond with its Peace Fountain, created to mark the International Year of Peace in 1986. You may well spot swans and ducks in the area, too."

"Originally designed by Richard Castle, and built in 1745, Leinster House has been the seat of the Irish Parliament since 1922. Built in a Georgian style, the building has undergone regular renovations since Victorian times, with a notable extension built in the 1960s to house parliamentarian offices. The design, following the plan of a Palladian country house with a double height hall and picture gallery, influenced the White House in Washington DC, in particular with a projecting bow on the north side."

"Leinster House once served as the home of James Fitzgerald, the Duke of Leinster and Earl of Kildare. Leinster House in Dublin. Photo: Duby Tal for Tourism Ireland."

"Drimnagh Castle is the only moated castle in Ireland and boasts over 700 years of history. It fell into disuse and disrepair in the 1960s only to be rediscovered thirty years later, and from then on the restoration of this hidden gem began. The castle has been open to the public since 1996 and has been offering guided tours since."

"Just 10 km outside the city center, Drimnagh Castle is unique because it’s the last castle in Dublin that is surrounded by a flooded moat. Tours are available for a small fee. Courses on the craft of dry-stone walling (stone walls without mortar) are also taught here."

"Did you know that Drimnagh Castle is the only castle in Ireland that still has a floating moat around it. It has been used as a Christian Brother's School and a GAA club and there's no prizes for guessing why it's a popular spot for weddings and other events."

"The Temple Bar area isn’t exactly known for its first-rate dining options, but there are a few winners in among the tourist-trap bars. Banyi is one of the city’s best sushi spots – it’s unpretentious, casual and reasonably priced. The tempura prawn and avocado roll is a winner, and their sashimi is quiveringly fresh."

"This compact restaurant in the heart of Temple Bar has arguably the best Japanese cuisine in Dublin. The rolls are divine, and the sushi as good as any you'll eat at twice the price. If you don't fancy raw fish,..."

"If there's one restaurant we could eat at every single day of our lives, it's Banyi. The food is incredible and the staff is really lovely. It is hands down one of our favourite Japanese restaurants in Dublin."

"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."

"If the hustle and bustle of Dublin's city centre is getting to you and you would prefer to take your Guinness with a scenic panorama then head up to Ireland's 'highest' pub, Johnny Fox's in the Dublin mountains. The drive is about half an hour but you can take the Express Bus from several central locations to arrive in time for service and leaving after last orders. The pub features live traditional music every evening and its famous 'Hooley Night' features a top dance act; a welcome alternative to the city's busy pubs."

"Established in 1798, Johnnie Fox's is one of the oldest pubs in Ireland. Renowned for being the highest pub in the country, nestled in the peaceful township of Glencullen and surrounded by the beautiful serenity of the Dublin Mountains."

"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."

"A stunning mansion in the Elizabethan Revival style, Killruddery has been home to the Brabazon family (earls of Meath) since 1618 and has one of the oldest gardens in Ireland. The house is impressive, but the prizewinner here is the magnificent orangery, built in 1852 and chock-full of statuary and plant life. If you like fancy glasshouses, this is the one for you. It's 6km north of Greystones just off the R761 coast road."

"Nestled away behind Dublin Castle and secluded amongst the city buildings lay these magnificently designed gardens. They are designed with Celtic Symbolism having snake paving work slitter around the circular gardens. In Viking and medieval times this area was under water and called Dubh Linn (Black Pool) because it was where the river Liffey and Poddle met, the Poddle now runs underground and the Liffey banks were receded to where it is presently."

"Located behind the famous Dublin Castle is the sprawling and serene view of the Dubh Linn Gardens. You can take a short stroll, chill, lay down on the grass, and enjoy the tranquility that this park offers. Or maybe, if it piques your interest, you can admire the mega-sized Celtic knot pattern found within the park, or ask what it means to the locals enjoying their stay in Dublin."

"experience, incorporating a visitor centre, interactive exhibition areas and walled botanical garden. The Avoca Cafe is super kid friendly with lots of space, great food and high chairs. The outdoor terrace is a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the gardens…just watch out for the Peacocks which like to show off to our visitors from time to time!"