Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Maynooth

"Dublin Castle is a fine choice and way to begin the first day of your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. Dublin Castle is steeped in history and you will definitely want to take their guided tour, admission fee required. You can opt out and tour the grounds by yourself, but you will not have access to the staterooms on the second floor. I took the tour and found it fascinating."

"Built in 1204, Dublin Castle was the seat of power for British rule for over 700 years. In April 1684, a fire ripped through the castle, destroying much of the structure. A stunning Georgian palace was built in its place."

"As the stronghold of British power in Ireland for more than 700 years, Dublin Castle has played a central - and often adversarial - role in the history of the nation. A mix of buildings from..."

"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."

"Measuring 709 glorious hectares, Phoenix Park is one of the world’s largest city parks; you’ll find MP3-rigged joggers, grannies pushing buggies, ladies walking poodles, gardens, lakes, a sporting oval, and 300 deer. There are also cricket and polo grounds, a motor-racing track and some fine 18th-century residences, including those of the Irish president and the US ambassador. "

"The first Dublin walk on the list is none other than the Phoenix Park. The Phoenix Park is the largest city park in Europe, stretching for 1,750 acres. If you’re visiting Dublin on a holiday or vacation, chances are you will end up in the Phoenix park at some stage."

"Stop Three: Trinity College, Long Room Library and The Book of Kells Of all the Dublin attractions, visiting Trinty College and The Book of Kells was tops on my wishlist!. There is an optional paid guided tour of Trinity College, which I decided to do. The college is very prestigious and it is difficult for aspiring students to attain acceptance."

"When you visit Trinity Library, you can also see a section of the Book of Kells. This 9th century decorated copy of the four gospels is the world’s most famous medieval manuscript and is regarded as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure."

"Originally founded in 1028, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity contains one of the oldest structures in all of Great Britain. Commonly known as the Christ Church Cathedral, the property houses the famous underground crypts which have been an important pilgrimage site since medieval times. The mysterious monuments and resting places far below the surface of the foundation are still one of the most popular tourist attractions for people who love the historical, religious, and cultural aspects of Ireland."

"Centrally located and attached by bridge to Christ Church Cathedral, this is a perfect place to introduce the kids to Dublin history. There are four different areas in this interactive museum: a Viking area, a Medieval Dublin area, an archaeological area, and a medieval tower offering a medieval view of a modern city. Kids will enjoy trying on Viking clothes, examining weaponry, and exploring different artifacts."

"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."

"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."

"With one of the most iconic designs in Dublin, St Patrick’s Cathedral is a hotspot for Christians and architecture enthusiasts. The beautiful spire stretches into the blue sky above Dublin as a beacon for travellers and tourists. The peaceful grounds offer a perfect setting for an afternoon stroll."

"Named for the patron saint of Ireland, construction started on the county’s largest Cathedral in 1220. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels was once dean and is buried there."

"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."

"With fun sculptures, fairy houses and lots of hidden secrets along the way, the Fairy Trail at Malahide Gardens is perfect outdoor fun for little visitors. Immerse yourself in a world of magic, fairies, butterflies and natural beauty in one of Dublin's favourite family attractions. Visit the butterfly house, fairy trail and walled garden with the kids for a super day out."

"Not only do they have a seriously cool playground complete with zipline and diggers, but there's also tonnes of space for the kids to run around. You can pay in to visit the castle or just go exploring around the grounds. The added bonus here is that there's an Avoca Café serving up coffee and treats for any weary parents in need of a caffeine or sugar fix."

"Malahide Castle is over 800-years-old and is home to brilliant grounds for families to explore together. From the butterfly glasshouse to the fairy trail in the woods, the playground and, of course, the castle itself, there is no shortage of things for kids to do at Malahide Castle. Address: Malahide, Co."

"This is an award-winning museum and should be in your top things to do in Dublin with kids list. Like the EPIC museum, this is also an interactive, immersive, and engaging museum that tells about the Irish history in detail. Kids will love to experience this museum where they can learn about the history of the city through an interactive session."

"On O’Connell Street, you’ll see the General Post Office which is one of the grandest Georgian buildings in Dublin. Back in 1916, it was also a revolutionary stronghold during Ireland’s most famous rebellion against British rule – the Easter Rising. Today, the building is home to a museum which remembers the events that took place here."

"I did it a couple of years back and I’ve been recommending it to people since. When you walk into the GPO 1916 tour, you nearly feel like you’ve stepped out onto a battlefield. From the minute the tour begins, you feel completely immersed in the action."

"Just on the other side of the Liffey from Phoenix Park, in Kilmainham, the Irish War Memorial Gardens are a beautiful quiet spot for a first look or your wedding portraits. Just like with St Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens, you’ll need to get permission from the OPW. In return you’ll get one of the most beautiful backdrop of wisteria, roses or ivy – depending on what season you find yourself there!"

"Located in Islandbridge, Dublin, the National War Memorial Gardens is a beautiful but somber memorial. The property is dedicated to the nearly 50,000 Irish soldiers who sacrificed their lives during The Great War from 1914-1918. The First World War had such an earth shattering impact throughout Europe that various countries sought a suitable way to pay homage to those who lost their lives."

"A walk around Dublin War Memorial Gardens is a must for anyone planning to visit the Phoenix Park. The gardens are dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who lost their lives during the first world war.The gardens are home to ‘rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree-planting’ and are a great place to go for a stroll, relax and reflect."

"Bringing you fresh Italian cuisine within a relaxed and romantic setting, this city centre restaurant is a top spot for a date night dinner or weekend lunch. Boasting an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas, fine wines and refreshing aperitifs Pacino's will keep you sticking around 'til closing time."

"This romantic city centre restaurant is the perfect place for an Italian-style date night. The simple menu is jam-packed with delicious pasta and pizza dishes made from local ingredients, freshly cooked to order. Pacino's also offers an affordable early bird menu, perfect for a pre-show dinner."

"Find a restaurant or pub in Grafton St / South William St Area, Dublin City, Co. Dublin by browsing the listings below, or search for a restaurant or pub using this form:"

"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."

"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."

"Measuring 709 glorious hectares, Phoenix Park is one of the world’s largest city parks; you’ll find MP3-rigged joggers, grannies pushing buggies, ladies walking poodles, gardens, lakes, a sporting oval, and 300 deer. There are also cricket and polo grounds, a motor-racing track and some fine 18th-century residences, including those of the Irish president and the US ambassador. "

"The first Dublin walk on the list is none other than the Phoenix Park. The Phoenix Park is the largest city park in Europe, stretching for 1,750 acres. If you’re visiting Dublin on a holiday or vacation, chances are you will end up in the Phoenix park at some stage."

"At the northern end of Parnell Square is a small, peaceful park, dedicated to the men and women who have died in pursuit of Irish freedom. The Garden of Remembrance marks the spot where several leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held overnight before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol, and was also where the Irish Volunteers movement was formed in 1913. The central water feature is in the form off a sunken crucifix with the mighty Children of Lir statue at one end."