Historic Sites in Dublin

"Where the famous drink is made, the Guinness Storehouse is on most visitor’s Dublin wish-list and is somewhere I have never visited myself, in all the years I was living in Dublin. Learn how the famous drink is made and even sample it yourself in the panoramic Gravity Bar. This is one of the fun places to go in Dublin and, although we don’t drink alcohol ourselves, I’m still interested in bringing our son when he is a little older."

"Tel: +3531 408 4800 Email: www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/contact-us Web: www.guinness-storehouse.com/en. Immerse yourself in 7 floors of fun and excitement as you explore the story of Ireland’s most iconic beer. Enjoy the panoramic views from the famous Gravity Bar, dive into the history of Guinness in Dublin and experience the unique taste of Guinness."

"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."

"Dublin Castle is right in the heart of the city - and it’s a great location if you’re a Dublin Music Photographer too. It’s right opposite the Olympia, so any bands that might need a quick portrait for tomorrow’s papers with a scenic backdrop are in luck. Again, you probably shouldn’t be tearing around the place with all your gear if you don’t want to get thrown out, but this is another ideal spot for a prime lens and reflector set-up."

"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."

"One of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe Kilmainham Goal opened its door in 1796 and finally shut in 1924. It witnessed some of the most heroic an tragic events in Ireland’s emergence an independent nation. Now a major museum visitors get the opportunity to have a real insight into the lives of prisoners and what they had sacrifice for their country."

"The attraction which is furthest from the centre in our two day Dublin itinerary is Kilmainham Gaol. Don’t worry though, this 18th century gaol no longer operates as such, and is today run as a museum by Ireland’s Office of Public Works."

"Many Irish revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and executed in this prison by the British."

"With Christ Church being one of the most historical parts of Dublin, it's no surprise that the area has a market that is just filled with little gems to be discovered. If you visit the market, you're likely to pick up some delicious international street food as well as antiques and vintage bits. It takes place every Saturday from 11am to 5pm."

"The Christ Church Cathedral is a lovely sacred place that stands as a monument in itself. Not only the Christians are welcome here but also those who take interest in Irish culture. The Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest building in the city of Dublin."

"Another photogenic place in Dublin is the St Patrick's Cathedral. The cathedral is very old, as it's from 1191. Taking photos of the cathedral is definitely a great idea, as the building is very photogenic."

"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."

"Whether you want to take a picture of the cathedral’s exterior from the beautiful St. Patrick’s Park, or the stunning interior, you won’t be disappointed!"

"Located in the opulent surroundings of Dublin's Mansion House on Dawson Street, Fire has been built in what was originally the Lord Mayor's supper room and is now a magnificent space with stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. The food is all locally sourced and cooked to a high standard with a good mix of meat, vegetarian options and seafood - the jumbo prawn starter is the house speciality. There is also a special steak menu with a variety of cuts of ages, marinated beef that are sure to make a meat-lover's mouth water."

"Free tours of the official residence of the Irish president, Aras an Uachtaráin, a handsome Palladian mansion whose design inspired the architect of the White House in Washington, DC, depart from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre every Saturday and operate on a first-come-first-served basis. Occasionally, tours might not run due to state business, so always check the website beforehand. The Irish Museum of Modern Art houses a wide collection of contemporary Irish artists © Jonathan Smith / Lonely Planet"

"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."

"Wicklow's most visited attraction is this magnificent 64-sq-km estate, whose main entrance is 500m south of Enniskerry town. At the heart of it is an elegant Palladian mansion, but the real draw is the formal gardens and the stunning views that accompany them. Most of the house is not open to the public, but there's a fine cafe and several gift and homewares shops to be enjoyed, while the grounds are home to two golf courses and the best hotel in Wicklow."

"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."

"This building once served as the home of James Fitzgerald, the Duke of Leinster and Earl of Kildare. Today, it serves as the home of Ireland’s parliament. Public tours of the building are available when the Dáil and Seanad are not in session."

"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."

"Chef and patron of Brioche Gavin McDonagh trained at some of Dublin’s finest restaurants, working at the Michelin-starred L’Ecrivain and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud before setting up on his own. His comprehensive training shines through at Brioche, where his modern Irish cuisine consists of carefully selected ingredients prepared using classic French techniques. He travels the country sourcing the highest-quality ingredients, like Hereford beef, wild sea bass and seasonal Irish cheeses, for a delectable tasting menu that brings the diner on their own culinary tour of the four provinces."

"Can you believe that Bretzel Bakery has been established in Dublin since 1870?. Bretzel is a Jewish bakery on Lennox Street in Portobello which is open seven days week. They have a vast array of breads from white (bagels, buns, ciabatta…) to brown (soda, granary bread…) as well as sourdough breads."

"Their team of talented staff can make even the most complicated order. They are popular for theme cakes in particular, as they can create a variety of characters and styles."

"Old-fashioned, plush charm in this cosy, recently refurbished city-centre hotel – a steady Dublin fixture since Victorian times. Popular with older guests looking for a centrally located but tranquil home-from-home."

"A greasy spoon vibe, this equivalent of a diner is absolutely fantastic and has possibly the best Irish breakfasts in town!. If you’re going to stuff your face, …"

"Why: It’s a toss-up as to what’s more impressive about Manifesto - the beautifully presented Italian food, or the 54-page wine list!. Regardless, if you head to this upmarket spot in Dublin’s Rathmines, you can be sure that everything you try will be of the highest quality. Whether you go for an award-winning pizza or a secondi such as chargrilled venison fillet, make sure to leave space for one of Manifesto’s fantastic dolci as well.Where: 208 Rathmines Road Lower, Rathmines, D06 K466"

"Compared to the city centre restaurants, Manifesto in Rathmines might seem a bit out of the way at first glance – but it’s well worth taking the short trip. Owner and chef Lucio Paduano was born and bred in Southern Italy and has won several gold medals at the annual “Best Pizza in the World” awards. No wonder, his pizzas are legendary."

"Chef-Owner Lucio Paduano is originally from the south of Italy with his passion for creative and high quality food reflected in their menus and extensive wine lists. Manifesto make their own pasta, sauces, bread and desserts on a daily basis while their pizzas have won gold medals at the Pizza World Championships."