Historic Sites in Dún Laoghaire

"Our last stop, and the perfect way to end your two days in Dublin is Dublin’s most popular visitor attraction – the Guinness Storehouse. This is on the site of St James’s Gate Brewery, where Ireland’s legendary drink has been brewed since 1759. Today, over 50 million barrels of Guinness are produced annually on this location."

"On calm days you may smell the Guinness brewery before you actually see it - and depending on you the thick yeasty smell might make you sick or smile. The classic view for most visitors is the entrance area to the Guinness Storehouse. If you want a better view, try the front lawn of the National Museum in Collins Barracks."

"The number 1 visitor attraction in Dublin, over seven floors this tour brings to life the rich heritage of Guinness and tells the story of its origins at St. James’s Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand. You’ll also get a free pint at the top where you get spectacular views over the city."

"Stroll the campus greens and pretend to be a student at one of Europe’s most prestigious universities, Trinity College. Many top thinkers and creators can call this university their alma mater (ahem, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett . . .). If you’re in the relative college age range and look comfortable enough, other tourists are bound to ask you for directions – now’s the time to practice that Irish accent!"

"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)."

"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..."

"Kilmainham Gaol (jail) opened in 1796 and was operational until 1924, and those years saw major rebellions in Ireland. Many of the leaders were detained and executed in the gaol, but many ordinary citizens, including children, were incarcerated as well. There’s a haunting amount of history within these stone walls, so a tour of Kilmainham Gaol is a poignant and evocative experience that offers fascinating, albeit harrowing, insight into prison life."

"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."

"When you are in Dublin and want to take photos, you should definitely go to Kilmainham Gaol. This is a former prison that is now a museum. The prison played a role in the history of the country, especially at the beginning of the 20th century."

"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."

"If you’re on the search for churches in Dublin, you won’t want to miss out on a trip to the city’s most famous cathedral. Located at the top of a hill that looks out over the beautiful sights of Dublin, the Christ Church Cathedral is very popular amongst tourists and culture seekers. The structure dates back to the 11th century when it was built as a place of worship for Christians from all over the world."

"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."

"Ireland's largest church, St Patrick's Cathedral was built between 1191 and 1270 on the site of an earlier church that had stood since the 5th century. It was here that St Patrick himself reputedly baptised the local Celtic chieftains, making this bit of ground some fairly sacred turf: the well in question is in the adjacent St Patrick's Park, which was once a slum but is now a lovely spot to sit and take a load off."

"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."

"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."

"Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre is situated in the 14th Century Castle/Town House just less than 5 minutes from train (DART) and bus stations. All year actors from Deilg Inis Living History Theatre Company are on site to enlighten, entertain and engage you in a Live Performance every half hour in ‘The Tudors are Back...’.Depending on the season you can encounter the Ghost, The Merchant and Rupert the Archer."

"When it comes to visitor engagement, none of the other castles on this list can top Dalkey Castle. They take their guided tours to the next level with costumed actors who pretend to be archers, cooks, and coin minters. There is even a barber/ surgeon!"

"Dalkey Castle, dating from 1390, is located in South County Dublin in the lovely heritage town of Dalkey. The Castle has living history actors ready to welcome visitors and bring history to life. All tours must be booked online."

"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."

"Chapel Royale, the castle’s chapel, was beautiful and full of tales of its own. If you find yourself hungry or thirsty, there is a lovely eatery at the back of the castle with outdoor seating. The tour lasts one hour."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"If you or your family are planning on a cycling and orienteering trip, look no further, because the green places of Corkagh Park will suit your need. Children will surely enjoy the Pet Farm—with animals ranging from eagles, parakeets, pygmy goats, geese, sheep, zebra finches, and horses can be found. Or, enjoy the magical fairy wood attraction!"

"Corkagh park sits in south Dublin, with the River Camac, and features Ireland’s only purpose built cycle track. Elsewhere, the park has lakes perfect for fishing, flowerbeds to wonder among, and is overflowing with places to sit to enjoy a great book. What more could you ask for?"

"The Hugh Lane Gallery is one of Dublin's other great, free attractions that features the collectors collection which he bequeathed to the State along with over 2000 works of contemporary and modern art. The main attraction is the painter Francis Bacon's studio which was relocated in its entirety from London and gives an incredible insight into the cluttered, haphazard nature of the artist's method. The building itself, located on North Parnell Square is beautiful and airy - the perfect place to peruse slowly."

"For a taste of Irish history with your artwork, cycle down to Parnell Square and pay a visit to the Hugh Lane Gallery. The Lane Legacy collection, named after the gallery's founder, explores a time of huge culture in Ireland, showcasing works from a selection of Irish artists. Be sure to pay a visit to the Stained Glass Room, just beside the reception, when you visit too - it's not to be missed!"

"The Hugh Lane Gallery has an excellent collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as short-term exhibitions. But one thing really draws people to this gallery: the Francis Bacon Studio. When the artist died in London, his entire studio was transported back to his hometown of Dublin."

"This purpose-built children’s theatre and exhibition space in the cultural quarter of Temple Bar hosts performances of music, theatre and dance, as well as workshops and exhibitions for kids. Opening its doors in September 1995, The Ark was named to communicate the mission of the project: a place for “safe, adventurous voyaging”. Accommodating little ones from aged two to 12, it saw over 200,000 children come through its doors in its first 10 years of operation, producing programmes in partnership with Dublin-based festivals such as Dublin Theatre Festival, Dublin Dance Festival and Temple Bar Tradfest."

"A creative space and cultural centre for children, the Ark has a calendar full of events, workshops and more for kids, year-round. With its own child-friendly theatre and award-winning facilities, the Ark has been nurturing creative minds since the mid-1990s. They frequently collaborate with regular Dublin arts festivals (based around the likes of literature, theatre and dance), so it’s worth checking their site in advance of a visit in case there’s something coming up that your family would be especially interested in."

"In the cultural centre of Dublin’s Temple Bar area, The Ark provides a space for children aged 2-12 to explore theatre, music, literature, art, film, and more. Running several events and workshops throughout the year, The Ark is the perfect place to spark or nurture a love of the arts. Address: 11A Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 A590, Ireland"

"This museum is located in St. Enda’s Park in Dublin and offers insight into the home of the Irish patriot, Patrick Pearse."