Must See Sights and Landmarks in Dundrum Area

"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."

"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."

"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."

"St. Patrick’s Cathedral Founded in 1191, this massive church is Ireland’s tallest and largest. It was supposedly built on the site of a well used by Saint Patrick himself. The current building has been there since 1220, and many renovations have been done over the centuries."

"The stunning towers and the archway certainly make it a pretty sight to see. The entire church area is surrounded by a field and trees. People who come in the church can enjoy the sun sitting on the grass field outside."

"Trinity College / The Book of Kells – My favorite place to visit in Dublin is probably the Old Library at Trinity College, where you can find the famous Book of Kells, as well as the Long Room, which is basically any book lovers' dream library. The Book of Kells exhibit is really interesting, and it's also fun to get a glimpse into Trinity College, which is the oldest university in Ireland."

"It costs nothing to amble around the cobbled grounds of Trinity College, Ireland’s foremost university, following in the footsteps of famous alumni such as Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift. You can admire the elegant courtyards and neoclassical architecture and, weather-permitting, stretch out on the cricket grounds outside the Pavilion Bar for nothing."

"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."

"When William Walsh’s passenger ferries began to deteriorate, he saw the opportunity to commission Dublin’s first-ever pedestrian bridge. The Wellington Bridge opened in 1816, with officials extracting a half-penny toll from anyone wishing to cross. This toll was dropped in 1919, but the “ha’penny” moniker stuck."

"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!"

"Recently renovated, the playground at Malahide Castle and Gardens consists of swings, slides, climbing frames and other items of interest to suit kids of all ages. It is split into two sections with an area suited to toddlers and another more suited to older children. There are picnic benches for parents to relax at while keeping an eye on their children - perfect for when the kids get hungry after all that playing!"

"Malahide Castle dates back to the 12th century when a knight called Richard Talbot was granted “the lands and harbour of Malahide.” Since then, it has seen quite a bloody history over the years. The most notable was during the Battle of the Boyne, when 14 members of the family were killed, having just eaten breakfast together. For these reasons, it’s known as one of the most haunted places in Ireland."

"Malahide Castle is over 800-years-old and is home to brilliant grounds for families to explore together. From the butterfly glasshouse to the fairy trail in the woods, the playground and, of course, the castle itself, there is no shortage of things for kids to do at Malahide Castle. Address: Malahide, Co."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Il Corvo is another heavy-hitter in the Italian food scene in Dublin. You will find them in the Dublin suburb of Drumcondra where they’ve been creating tasty dishes since 1992. This Italian pizzeria and restaurant sources high-quality ingredients from local suppliers, which means that everything you order here is fresh and made to order."

"Toscana in Dun Laoghaire, and boasts a great view overlooking the pier, so you can hypnotise the kids with the ships as you dine. It's an Italian restaurant and has a classy feel so you probably want them on decent behaviour. They do have a lovely kids' menu though – there are plenty of good playgrounds to explore in Dun Laoghaire afterwards, and if they're good (or if the weather is good) you can treat them to a Teddy's Ice Cream."

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."

"This comedy club is something every local and tourist must try when in Dublin. With its late-night showcase (which is bound to have your belly-aching with laughter), this night makes for a great alternative to your standard night out on the razz or in the pub. With all-seated performances, guests can book tickets online and ensure utmost comfort with a stage-viewing pew to enjoy the show from."

"The entire upstairs floor of Chaplin’s Bar on Hawkins Street in Dublin’s city centre is given over to comedy every Friday and Saturday night. Find out more about current and upcoming acts on the official club website or Facebook page. The club’s great location also means it’s within easy rich of most accommodation in Dublin City, including The Davenport Hotel."

"As the city’s self-described ‘Comedy Powerhouse’, the club hosts a series of charity fundraisers every Thursday and group nights for those celebrating birthdays and special occasions – in addition to attracting some top comedy talent to its stage. Previous comedians to give The Laughter Lounge crowd a giggle include Dara O’Brian, Jimmy Carr and Michael MacIntyre. The club also offers gift vouchers for comedy fans eager to share the gift of laughter with loved ones."

"Laughter Lounge has got to be Dublin’s finest comedy establishment. It provides endless line-ups of comedy, and if you’re looking for a “break the ice” first date spot, a “not-boring” work night out venue, or if you’re just in the need of a good giggle, this is the place for you. The accredited venue has welcomed some of Ireland’s top names to the stage, as well as international comedians and those fresh on the scene, too."

"This other much loved local chain sells some of the most decadent donuts you'll find. From Nutella ring donuts to peanut buttercup flavour, their moreish fillings and toppings will satisfy even the sweetest tooth. They've even recently started selling UNICORN donuts which pretty much makes them legends in our eyes."

"We ate this unicorn donut at Offbeat Donut Company in the land of leprechauns. The irony is palpable. It was a dark day when we realized that our favorite Dublin donut shop had closed."

"Combining handmade donuts with ridiculously inventive flavours (a 99, anyone?) They’re sold in a couple of locations in Dublin – like the 147 Café on Parnell Street, Vice Coffee, and the Dublin Barista Company as well as directly from the source."

"Located in Pearse DART station, these donuts are full, flavoursome and delicious. Featuring oozing cream-filled centres and quirky seasonal themes – they're sure not to disappoint."