Must See Sights and Landmarks in Dublin Area

"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!"

"The compact area of Grafton Street, Temple Bar and Trinity College is where to stay in Dublin for 18th-century architecture, culture and glossy shopping in one place. The quadrangles of Trinity College are surrounded by Ireland’s finest neo-classical buildings; and the Old Library houses the famous Book of Kells. On nearby Grafton Street, you can hop from department store to funky café, and admire some excellent Irish craftwork."

"One of my favourite locations for wedding photos in Dublin, Trinity College is only accessible for those who can call it alma mater. But if you or your partner went to Trinity, the opportunities are endless. From the iconic and unique Trinity College Library to the Museum Building, from the quiet Rose Garden to the classical columns."

"One of the most famous places to visit at Trinity College is the Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. The writing was complete in 800 AD, and it’s supposedly the oldest and most famous book in the world. The book has the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which people come from all over the world to see."

"Chances are, most of the pictures you’ve seen of the River Liffey were taken from the Ha’penny Bridge, an elliptical arch bridge that stretches almost 150 feet across and one of the most photographed bridges in the city. Connecting the northside and the southside of Dublin city, the first ever pedestrian bridge in Dublin has been in operation since 1816. For the first hundred years of its life, foot passengers were required to pay a toll of half a penny to cross – hence its nickname which endures to this very day."

"The Ha'penny Bridge is one of the best Instagram spots in Dublin. It is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the River Liffey. The bridge is more than 200 years old and the history of the bridge is quite interesting."

"On a good night, you’ll get the perfect reflection of the Ha’penny Bridge on the River Liffey. Or even better, take a snap as you come along the quays on the hop on hop off tour!"

"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."

"If you're looking for fresh, locally sourced produce, then look no further than Malahide Farmer's Market. With over 20 stalls, visitors will find freshly baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and other produce from local farmers. It's open from 1.30pm until 6pm every Saturday, and during summer, it also opens on the first Sunday of every month."

"Malahide Castle, set on 250 acres of park land in the pretty seaside town of Malahide. Malahide Castle is one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland. From 1185 until 1975, it was the home of the Talbot family."

"Rathfarnham Castle is the earliest known example of a fortified house in Ireland. Originally built around 1583, the castle has been owned largely by the Loftus family, and now serves as the Office of Public Works. Guided tours of the castle are still available, and afterwards, you can relax at the Stuart and Chambers tearooms or check out an exhibition, which is currently Tread Softly, a work of celebrated Irish artist Michelle Rogers."

"Many of the best castles near Dublin have a stony gray appearance because they date back to medieval times. Grand Rathfarnham Castle is different because it dates back to Elizabethan times. The building is the earliest example of a fortified house in Ireland and was constructed around the time of the Norman invasion."

"It was built for Archbishop Adam Loftus, a Yorkshire man who came to Ireland as Lord Deputy. He would eventually become Lord Chancellor of Ireland and was heavily- involved in the opening of Trinity College. The castle is now open as The Office of Public Works."

"If you are looking for the main Roman Catholic church in Dublin, you might want to visit St. Mary’s Church which is the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin. Also if you enjoy church crypts, you might to visit St. Michan’s parish church, an Anglican church with an interesting crypt that is open on most days for public tours."

"St. Mary’s serves as the pro-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. It is built between 1815 and 1825 on the site of a 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary. The cathedral has a close association with significant moments in the political and religious history of Ireland."

"Affectionately nicknamed ‘Pro’, St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral was established between 1815 and 1825 on the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary."

"More than 51,000 spectators regularly pack themselves into the local Aviva Stadium in Dublin, whenever it’s time to watch a world-class recreation of athletics. Home to both the Irish rugby national team and the Republic of Ireland football team, Aviva Stadium is used on a frequent basis, depending on rotating athletic schedules and availability. By size, Aviva Stadium qualifies as the third-largest stadium in all of Ireland and was in 2011 the home for the Europa League Final."

"Home to Ireland’s rugby team, it’s a state-of -the art stadium that has hosted some of the most nail-biting matches in history. Get the kids involved on a behind-the-scenes guided tour and visit the team’s changing rooms; walk them down the players’ tunnel and show them the shiny trophies of victory."

"The almost organic form of the massive Aviva Stadium make it an attraction in its own way - though maybe only for sports fans and architects. You can glimpse the glass construction from the Liffey, the Grand Canal Docks, or close-up in Lansdowne Road. Continue to 7 of 15 below."

"The General Post Office located in the center of O’Connell St., Dublin’s main street, is one of Ireland’s most famous of buildings. It currently is a working post office but is more recognized as the main stronghold of the rebels of the 1916 Irish “Rising,” on the country’s quest for independence, and also for its beautiful architecture. There is also an option of a paid admission attraction highlighting and explaining in great detail the 1916 Rising. I was unable to see this exhibition about the uprising, but I will make it a point to check it out the next time I’m in Dublin."

"The General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street is among the most fascinating and evocative of Dublin’s historic sites. Designed in the Greek Revival style and still a working post office to this very day, the GPO is not just an architectural goldmine. As the main stronghold of the Irish volunteers in the Easter Rising of 1916, it’s also closely tied to Ireland’s struggle for independence in the earlier part of the 20th century."

"Highlights on and around O'Connell Street include: The historic General Post Office where the 1916 rebellion started, the Hugh Lane Art Gallery, the popular shopping area Henry street and the vibrant market stretch Moore Street, with colourful street traders and ethnic shops. The main drag is very busy, but the best parts are on the side streets surrounding it!"

"The Oriel Gallery on Clare Street in Dublin City is the oldest independent gallery in Ireland. It specialises in 18th to 21st century paintings, drawings and watercolours."

"Established in 1992 by fashion designer Ib Jorgensen, this is a great little Dublin treasure specialising in Irish, English and European art. Even if you can’t afford anything, there are some beautiful pieces here you’ll find worth investigating; the Jorgensen Gallery represents quite a wide variety of artists, paintings and antiques and therefore has a broad appeal. 35 Molesworth Street"

"One of Ireland’s leading art galleries, the Jorgensen Gallery, located in central Dublin, shows a broad range of contemporary art, with paintings and bronze sculpture from Irish and international artists."

"Less than 5-minutes’ walk from our serviced apartments in Dublin lies The Girl and The Goose, a French-inspired restaurant specialising in brunch. They have won awards from top food critics in the country and Trip Advisor excellence, unsurprisingly as the chef has years of experience in top restaurants in Dublin like Chapter One. It’s the perfect place to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner but they do an especially good brunch."

"Set in the beautiful St Anne's Park in Clontarf, the Red Stables Food Market is ideal for a romantic stroll, a day out with the family, or just a browse with your mates. It runs every Saturday from 10am to 5pm (10am to 4 pm in winter) and is set against a Victorian two-storey building which features design studios, artist workspaces, a commercial gallery, café and courtyard area where the market takes place."

"The Olivier Cornet Gallery on Denmark Street represents some incredible contemporary Irish and international artists, who's works include painting, sculpture, ceramics, fine art prints, photography and installations. They're always running incredible exhibitions too, so have a look at their site to see which artists they're showcasing at the moment."

"Closing our list of the best museums in Dublin is the Zoological Museum. It is housed on the grounds of Trinity College and is home to over 25,000 specimens from around the globe."