Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Maynooth

"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."

"Measuring 709 glorious hectares, Phoenix Park is one of the world’s largest city parks; you’ll find MP3-rigged joggers, grannies pushing buggies, ladies walking poodles, gardens, lakes, a sporting oval, and 300 deer. There are also cricket and polo grounds, a motor-racing track and some fine 18th-century residences, including those of the Irish president and the US ambassador. "

"The first Dublin walk on the list is none other than the Phoenix Park. The Phoenix Park is the largest city park in Europe, stretching for 1,750 acres. If you’re visiting Dublin on a holiday or vacation, chances are you will end up in the Phoenix park at some stage."

"Stop Three: Trinity College, Long Room Library and The Book of Kells Of all the Dublin attractions, visiting Trinty College and The Book of Kells was tops on my wishlist!. There is an optional paid guided tour of Trinity College, which I decided to do. The college is very prestigious and it is difficult for aspiring students to attain acceptance."

"When you visit Trinity Library, you can also see a section of the Book of Kells. This 9th century decorated copy of the four gospels is the world’s most famous medieval manuscript and is regarded as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure."

"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."

"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."

"As the center of the city, this walled university, created by Queen Elizabeth I, covers 47 acres of prime real estate. And it’s free to enter. Stroll through the massive front gate and look up to see the door can open to allow a taxi through."

"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."

"Rathfarnham Castle dates back to the Elizabethan Era (1558 to 1603) and is the earliest fortified house in Ireland used as protection by the English from Irish clans. The Castle is open every day during the summer season and is open throughout the winter except for Mondays and Tuesdays."

"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."

"We’re coming to the end of our first day in Dublin, and what better way to finish off than by watching the sun set over the River Liffey, which runs right through the centre of the city. Of course, the sunset time will vary depending on the time of year you visit, and you have to be lucky with the weather, but sometimes the sky can put on a real show!"

"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."

"Get off the bus in O'Connell Street, walk straight south and cross the Liffey on O'Connell Bridge. Follow the main road and this brings you to College Green, where you will already have passed Trinity College on the bus and maybe wondered what all the fuss is about. On foot, you can now enter the actual college area and get a feeling for this venerable institution. Now you will also see the Campanile, one of Dublin's most photographed buildings."

"If you’re a veggie Dubliner, chances are you’ve at least heard of this spot. There’s multiple locations around the city and, boy, do they know how to make our mouths water. This is seriously delicious, authentic falafel, from Palestinian to Lebanese styles, as well as a mean halloumi wrap to boot."

"This vegetarian restaurant has some of the best falafel in the city. You can choose between a falafel sandwich or ditch the bread for a falafel salad and add any sides from the Middle Eastern-inspired menu. Umi Falafel is a casual restaurant and is located right in the Temple Bar area."

"Umi Falafel, is a Lebanese, Mediterranean and fast food based restaurant. Ideal for falafel fans The tastes are superb the flavours are something very different from other Dublin menus. The menu varies, there is a vast yet simple selection."

"Conveniently located a short distance from the capital city in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, Stillorgan Village offers everything one could desire in a shopping experience, from department stores and boutiques to food stores."

"Located on Dublin’s South Great George’s Street, the George’s Street Arcade originally opened as South City Markets in 1881, making it the oldest shopping centre in Ireland. Today, the Victorian redbrick building houses an indoor market of around fifty tenants, with a combination of stalls and stores selling vintage clothes, accessories, books and collectibles, and more. Shopping here is a distinctively Dublin experience, and you’re sure to find a souvenir you won’t get anywhere else."

"George’s Street Arcade has been in operation since the late 1800s|© Kevin George / Alamy Stock Photo. Serving Dublin since 1881, this enclosed Victorian market has a charming red-bricked interior housing over 50 stalls. Ranging in size and scale, the vendors here sell everything from authentic falafel to art, memorabilia and coin collections."

"Dublin’s first purpose-built Victorian Shopping Centre dates back to 1881. Following a devastating city fire in1892 which destroyed most of the building, the …"

"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."

"The Hugh Lane Gallery is the first known public gallery of modern art in the world. Founded in 1908 by Sir Hugh Lane, an Irish art dealer, collector and gallery director, it includes a permanent exhibition and other revolving exhibitions, mostly by contemporary Irish artists. Be sure to visit the stained-glass room, which contains a popular piece called “The Eve of St. Agnes,” as well as other stained-glass work from 20th-century glass artists."

"Hugh Lane Art Gallery – A contemporary and modern art museum housed in a 18th century former home that includes the Francis Bacon studio. Founded in 1908, it is believed to be the first public gallery of modern art in the world."