Best History Museum in Ashbourne

"You don’t have to go far to see a castle, as the Dublin Castle is in the heart of Dublin. It played a massive role in Ireland’s history, as it was the seat of England from 1204 until 1922. While no one lives there now, you can walk inside to see the how the staterooms used to be. There are over 11 acres to explore, including multiple museums and gardens."

"Dublin Castle can be read as a “living building” which has been adapting for over 1000 years. The center of state ceremony for hundreds of years, the building has hosted Ireland’s presidency of the European Commission, state visits, and the inauguration of Irish presidents."

"Hailed as “Dublin’s best museum experience” by the Irish Times, the Little Museum of Dublin is one of the most popular attractions in the Irish capital. Open 7 days a week, top class tour guides tell the story of Ireland, from independence right up to U2. Tour prices start from just €8 and you can find out what tours are happening on their website."

"This award-winning museum tells the story of Dublin over the last century via memorabilia, photographs and artefacts donated by the general public. The impressive collection, spread over the rooms of a handsome... Top ChoiceMuseum in North of the Liffey"

"The national museum features four total branches, three of which are located in Dublin. Archaeology, Decorative Arts and History, and the Natural History Museum buildings are within walking distance of other major Dublin attractions. The collections found here are entertaining, enlightening, and awe inspiring."

"National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2. Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland. National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2 Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland"

"With immersive and interactive exhibits, EPIC is a museum dedicated to learning about Irish expats and what it means to say, “I’m Irish”. Travel back through 1500 years and discover Irish influence in the world of art, literature, music, dance and design. Located in the Dublin Docklands, it is a modern museum that also tells the tale of the 10 million people who left Ireland and how they’ve influenced and shaped the world."

"EPIC the Irish emigration museum is located in the CHQ building just a short 5 minute walk across the river from the hotel. It is a state of the art interactive experience and tells the history of the Irish emigration. Over the centuries, some 10 million people have left the island of Ireland."

"Although this is a relatively new place, it has fast become a popular tourist attraction. Older children and teenagers love this high-tech interactive museum. Your kids will enjoy learn with the interactive structures."

"Dublinia combines modern and medieval Dublin for an educational step back into the city’s Viking era. The exhibits allow the visitor to interact with the exhibition and engage, learn and share, allowing you to witness the sights, sounds and smells of a busy medieval city. Visit our Tour Desk to book a tour or activity for your upcoming stay."

"Next door to Christ Church Cathedral is Dublinia (fee*), a fun family-friendly museum which tells the story of medieval and Viking Dublin. Along with the cathedral, this part of the city was at the center of medieval Dublin, although construction and city changes mean that not much else has survived from that time period."

"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"

"Another fine example of regional Dublin architecture, the city hall first began construction around 1769 and was completed some 10 years later. Interestingly enough, the city hall design was open to public opinion; of the 62 submissions received by the government, Thomas Cooley emerged as the winner, a London architect who beat out the design submission of James Gandon, the designer of The Custom House. Cooley was later called upon to design the Four Courts as well."

"City hall is one of the most imposing structures of Dublin that bespeaks of the city’s past ever since from Viking times till the present day. Built in Georgian style of architecture, this hall puts forward the history through an interesting exhibition that operates through multimedia displays. You can also view the city’s treasures here."

"Restored to its original splendor, Dublin City Hall is worth a visit to see its spectacular entrance hall and grand rotunda. The multimedia exhibits on the lower level remain a feast for people interested in the history of Dublin. Want more Dublin inspiration?"

"Located outside Dublin city in Dun Laoghaire, this museum aims to preserve and present the many aspects of marine life in Ireland."

"This museum brings before us the pain and suffering of the people in The Great Hunger. The seasonal museum is well worth a visit if you are planning a visit to Dublin. Address: 2nd Floor, Stephens Green Shopping Centre, Dublin, D02 VX38, Ireland"

"Climb aboard The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship and experience a remarkable voyage of despair, hope, endurance and triumph against all odds. You’ll hear the tales of Irish emigrants who embarked on the treacherous journey across the Atlantic in the hopes of starting a new life. During the Great Famine, roughly 1.5 million Irish people left for North America."

"Just across the road from the Irish Emigration Museum is the Jeanie Johnston tallship. This is an accurate replica of the original Jeanie Johnston – a three masted ship that was originally built to carry cargo between Ireland and North America."

"Again, you will have done your homework and booked something in advance, we hope (though there always is a chance to get late tickets even for the Abbey Theatre, with a bit of luck). If you are set on enjoying an Irish night out, a large number of pubs offer their services and many also provide entertainment (free or for a small fee in most cases). Just follow the crowds, which will, more than likely, bring you to the Temple Bar area."

"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."

"Designed by Studio Libeskind in 2010, the Grand Canal Square formed an important milestone for the redevelopment of the Dublin Docklands area. The 2000-seat theater is based on the concept of stages: the stage of the theater, the stage of the piazza, the stage of the multiple lever lobby above the piazza."

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."

"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."

"Grafton Street – The premier shopping street of Ireland, this is the ideal place to pick up a memento of your week in Ireland or a gift for family and friends at home. Located adjacent to St. Stephen’s Green."

"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."