Historic Sites in Maynooth

"Guinness Storehouse – It's more than just a brewery. The Guinness Storehouse experience is part brewery tour and part museum, ending with a pint at a rooftop bar overlooking Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse is said to be the top tourist attraction in all of Ireland, and it's fun and interesting whether or not you like Guinness (though, note that my beer-loving friends all say that the Guinness in Ireland tastes WAY better than the Guinness we get in the US!). Book your ticket here."

"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 most popular attraction in Dublin is this multimedia homage to Guinness. An old fermentation plant in the St James's Gate Brewery has been converted into a seven-storey museum devoted to the beer, the... Top ChoiceHistoric Building in Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green"

"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."

"Before it's closure in 1924, Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol housed some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history. The prison is considered a must-see in Dublin and offers a panoramic insight into some of the most profound, disturbing and inspirational themes of modern Irish history. Pre-booking online is essential."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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"

"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."

"While you’ll have to plan your tour around when the Dail and Seanad are not in session, it’s well worth taking a trip over to Leinster House, one of Dublin’s most historic buildings, before departing from Merrion Square. While it’s the current seat of the Oireachtas, the Irish national parliament, the building with its two facades was originally built as the Dublin city residence of the Duke of Leinster in 1745 and is reputed to be modelled on the White House in Washington, DC. Tours of Leinster House have to be pre-arranged in advance and usually at their busiest in the afternoon so try to book one in the morning for a chance at a smaller group if you would like more opportunities to ask your burning history questions."

"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."

"This is the perfect place to go to if you want to capture water and nature. Moreover, going to this beach is a very fun thing to do when you're in Dublin. So it's not only great for photography, but you'll also have an amazing day if you go here."

"On the Southside choose from Sandymount beach, Sandycove and Seapoint, popular with local sea swimmers. Seapoint is home to a Martello tower that's now the headquarters of the Genealogical Society of Ireland. On the Northside you have Dollymount beach, a 5-km long stretch set to the backdrop of Dublin's Poolbeg Chimneys and Howth Head, and is surrounded by the North Bull Island Nature Reserve."

"The Cake Lab Bakery is a family-owned business, spearheaded by mother-and-daughter team, Yasemin and Susan. Yasemin has a BSc in Baking and Pastry Arts Management, so she takes care of the flavour and concept of the cakes. Meanwhile, Susan is in charge of the structural aspect of their creations."

"Situated in the centre of the city close to Trinity College is Hansel and Gretel Bakery & Patisserie. The bakery can certainly claim to be one of the most picturesque in the city, with an elegant facade and a beautifully-appointed interior. Their artisan breads are baked fresh every day and the bakery has a range of fresh pastries and cakes available."

"Since cookie cravings don’t follow a calendar, The Dublin Cookie Company bakes and sells cookies seven days a week. And not just any cookies. In the shop’s open kitchen, bakers create cookie concoctions like familiar Chocolate Chip and fancier Sea Salted Caramel & Toasted Pecan using Irish butter and other local ingredients."

"This Bakery and Patisserie on Clare Street makes delicious baked treats as well as gourmet sandwiches for lunch. I've often called in for a grab-n-go sambo and they've always been delicious with really interesting flavours such as goats cheese, walnut and pear."

"Dinky and sweet, Dolce Sicily is a lovely café offering what appears at first sight to be standard fare – soup and panini – but the ingredients are first class and authentically Italian; try the mild and fragrant fennel salami. The main event, however, are the desserts and cakes: try the crisp cannoli filled with vanilla or chocolate cream, the strawberry cake, the pineapple upside-down cake or the moist and rich Nutella tart. Bear in mind, Dolce Sicily fills up fast at lunchtime."

"Price: €2.50Look: 2.5/5Texture: 3/5Taste: 3/5Value: 3/5Total: 11.5/20. Verdict: The Italian bakery offers, unsurprisingly, an Italian take on the pastry, glazed on the outside and therefore much sweeter than a traditional French croissant. The dough tastes like it’s been flavoured with what I suspect to be orange blossom flower water."

"You can also enjoy gorgeous breakfasts here, as well as brunches, lunches and dinners. But if you want some of the best tarts, sponge cakes, tiramisu, the best gelato and cannoli, then this should be your number one destination. Enjoy the decadence."

"Next on our list is Cloud Nine, in the Temple Bar neighbourhood of Dublin’s city centre. Conveniently located in the heart of Dublin, Cloud Nine is the perfect place to stop for a cool treat after a day of wandering the city streets. Cloud Nine also serve up a range of other tasty treats, including waffle cones and decadent donuts."

"Dublin's first liquid nitrogen ice cream shop has arrived on Drury Street. Three Twenty brings back traditional Ice Cream in a style not seen here before. Organic anglaise that's local and organic is the basis of their unique ice creams."

"Taking inspiration from the rolled ice cream vendors of Asia, Arctic Stone Ice Cream serve up Dublin’s finest rolled ice cream. From zesty berry and citrus flavours to indulgent chocolate, caramel and cookie delights, this shop has a freshly made ice cream roll to suit everyone’s tastes. Undoubtedly, part of the treat of visiting Arctic Stone Ice Cream is watching in amazement as the friendly and skilled staff whip up the rolls of tasty ice cream right in front of your eyes."