Uncovering the secrets of Dublin - a small capital with layers of history.
Just a 10-minute walk away, Christ Church has attracted pilgrims for almost 1,000 years, and today one of its biggest attractions is its medieval crypt. There are plenty of other reasons to visit, but some may be fascinated by the Chapel of St Laurence O’Toole… a heart-shaped shrine contains the saint’s embalmed heart.
The Book of Kells and Trinity College: With a backstory that includes monks, Vikings and remote Scottish islands, the Book of Kells will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. This glorious Early Christian illuminated manuscript is quite simply a masterpiece. Located within Trinity College’s Treasury, the tour here includes a visit to the Long Room library, one of Europe’s most magnificent libraries housing over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books.
Afterwards, wander around the charming campus of Trinity, which dates back to 1592 and boasts an impressive list of alumni including Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift. The Front Square and Campanile are a delight, while the college also houses the modern Science Gallery, and the Douglas Hyde Gallery, with changing contemporary art exhibitions.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Located in the historic vaults of the CHQ Building at Custom House Quay, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum delves into the past of Ireland's diaspora in brilliant interactive detail. The state-of-the-art visitor experience explores the inspiring journeys of over 10 million people who left Ireland's shores throughout history. Fancy learning more about your Irish ancestry? The Irish Family History Centre is also located here, where you can access valuable records, speak with a genealogy expert and join the online community of people on a quest to learn about their Irish roots.
If you're looking for another location laden in lineage, Glasnevin Cemetery is a treasure trove of records accounting for 1.5million burials – in fact, you could say a visit here will give you an intriguing look into the birth of the nation.
Dublin Castle: Perched on the site of a Danish Viking fortress from 930AD, and with its first stone cast by King John of England in 1230, Dublin Castle’s historical significance did not stop there. Under British rule from that point until 1921 (it was a key target during the 1916 Easter Rising), it has been a court, a fortress, even a site of execution in its time, and its architecture has evolved and grown with each metamorphasis. In truth, it feels more like a rambling campus than an actual castle - not many turrets in sight - but it’s the setting for every big state event, including presidential inaugurations. Wander the grounds, orate a guided tour to the state apartments, medieval undercroft and the Chapel Royal.
Kilmainham Gaol: There’s a real “wow” moment that comes with walking into the East Wing of Kilmainham Gaol. Eerie, vast and deserted, the gaol is the largest unoccupied prison in Europe and holds countless tales within its thick, cold walls. By the time it had closed in 1924, many of Ireland’s foremost political figures had passed through its cells, including Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, President Eamon de Valera, and the leaders of the 1916 Rising (14 of whom were executed in the stonecutter’s yard). The tour here gives a dramatic insight into history of this forbidding prison, with its overcrowding, hardship and brutal conditions. A definite don’t miss.
Dublin’s Free Museums: Gaze at one of the largest and most spellbinding gold collections in Europe; come “face to face” with the incredible preserved bodies of Iron Age people; and look in wonder at a 4,500-year-old log boat from County Galway. The National Museum Dublin is just one of the city’s must-visit museums, housed within a lovely Palladian building from 1890. And it doesn’t stop there. The National Gallery of Ireland includes wonderful European and Irish fine art, with an acclaimed collection of works by Irish painter Jack B Yeats. Soak up the past and see Irish design through the ages at the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks, and head to the Hugh Lane Gallery to see the world-renowned Francis Bacon Studio. And the really good news? Admission is free!
City Parks: Whether you want to spend the evening watching a retro film in a leafy Georgian square or potter around a lunchtime farmers’ market, Dublin’s parks will fit the bill. Cherished and adored, the city’s green spaces include the hidden oasis of Iveagh Gardens (perfect for afternoon picnics) and the city centre gem of St Stephen’s Green, which was used for public executions until the 1770’s. Make like a local by spending an afternoon cycling through the Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks - with a large herd of fallow deer for company; sell out the statue of Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square; or take time out at Dublin Gardens, tucked just behind Dublin Castle. Urban bliss.
Little Museum of Dublin: Tucked away on St Stephen’s Green is the Little Museum of Dublin, an eccentric collection of fascinating items donated by Dubliners themselves. Intricately curated and thoughtfully displayed, the museum is a delightful place to spend an unhurried afternoon, uncovering a more intimate history of Dublin in the 20th century through photography, letters, advertising and art. Music fans will particularly enjoy the second-floor exhibition – U2 Made in Dublin, which starts the story of the city’s most famous rock band from 1976 to the present day. Afterwards, head downstairs to the basement kitchen of Hatch & Sons for a hearty lunch of traditional Irish smoked fish.
A concierge’s guide to Dublin:
1. What local restaurant would you suggest to get a really good introduction to Irish food? The Pig’s Ear on Nassau Street offers wonderful traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist. The Cellar Bar in The Merrion is also a great spot for some Irish cuisine.
2. Is there any etiquette around dining, tipping, and service that I should definitely know before eating out in Dublin? Restaurants in Dublin are thriving with great new bars and restaurants opening all the time. I would always recommend making a reservation early to avoid disappointment. People ask about tipping in restaurants and I always say there are no hard and fast rules about tipping in restaurants in Ireland. Generally speaking, if you were very happy with your experience 10-15% is considered to be an international guideline.
3. I only have 24 hours in the city, what three things are must-sees? There are countless things to see and do for people - the ones I recommend as must-sees are The Book of Kells in Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol and the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street - here you’ll find fascinating archaeology displayed over seven galleries.
4. Which are the city’s nicest and most tranquil green spaces? St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square are both beautiful green spots in Dublin. The Helen Dillon Garden [in Ranelagh] is also a peaceful haven away from the commotion of the city.
5. Is there a walking or cycling tour that you’d recommend? Dublin City Bike Tours offers private tours of Dublin by bicycle - you can even take a picnic to enjoy during the day. If a walking tour is your preference, Georgian walking tours are a favourite of our guests.
6. What is Dublin’s hidden treasures, places the tourists don’t normally see? The Glasnevin Cemetery is a real hidden gem and well worth visiting. Equally, the Skyline Tour of Croke Park is breathtaking.
7. What about authentic Irish crafts and design, where should I shop? You’ll find everything you need in the Kilkenny Shop and Avoca, both in the centre of Dublin.
8.Which old traditional pubs will give me a real sense of Dublin pub life? There is a “Golden Mile” of bars and restaurants on Baggot Street and Merrion Row. Try O’Donoghue’s and Doheny & Nesbitt for a traditional experience.
9. If you had to recommend the best day trip out of the city, what would it be? Day trips to County Wicklow - The Garden of Ireland - are very popular. It’s close to Dublin but you really get a sense of Ireland’s beautiful countryside.
10. What is your own very favourite thing about Dublin. It would have to be the people - Dubliners are so warm and friendly with a great “gift of gab” - they make visitors to the city feel like they are in a home away from home.