Dublin is the capital city of Ireland filled with glorious buildings and natural sceneries all around. Tourists should plan to stay at least for a week to enjoy the city, since there are many top sights to see in Dublin. From medieval cathedrals to Georgian squares, from Viking fortresses to lively pub districts, the city offers a rich tapestry of history and culture packed into a compact, walkable centre. The River Liffey splits the city into north and south, each side offering its own distinct character and attractions.
Trinity College is one of the most important buildings of Dublin, which was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. St Patrick’s Cathedral is another pleasing sight for the visitors. It is considered the largest church not only in the city of Dublin but throughout entire Ireland. It was founded in 1191. O’Connell street is very impressive for the tourists and the general post office is situated in this street. The building has a majestic look and it is a wonderful sight to see. The street is completely covered with statues and monuments.
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Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, is Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university, and its historic campus is a major attraction in its own right. The cobblestone quadrangle, Parliament Square, is surrounded by elegant 18th-century buildings including the Chapel and the Examination Hall. The highlight of any visit is the Old Library, a breathtaking long room lined with 200,000 of the library’s oldest books on two levels of dark oak bookcases. The library houses the Book of Kells, a stunningly illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels created around 800 AD by Celtic monks. This masterpiece of medieval art features intricate decorative pages and vivid illustrations that have survived more than 1,200 years. The book is displayed in a darkened gallery that preserves the delicate pigments. The library also holds the Brian Boru harp, the oldest surviving Celtic harp in Ireland and the model for the emblem on Irish coins. The campus itself is a peaceful oasis of green lawns in the middle of the bustling city, and guided tours led by students provide fascinating insights into college life and Irish history.
St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral
St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191, is the largest church in Ireland, standing on the site where St Patrick himself is said to have baptised converts in the 5th century. The current building dates mainly from the 13th century, with extensive 19th-century restoration work funded by Sir Benjamin Guinness of the brewing family. The cathedral’s interior features soaring Gothic arches, intricate stone vaulting, and magnificent stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of St Patrick. The choir stalls include carved misericords from the 15th century, each with unique designs of mythical creatures and human figures. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, served as Dean of St Patrick’s from 1713 to 1745, and his pulpit, death mask, and tomb are all on display within the cathedral. Just a 10-minute walk away, Christ Church Cathedral, founded in 1030, is the older of Dublin’s two medieval cathedrals and features a 12th-century crypt that is the largest in Ireland, housing a fascinating exhibition on medieval Dublin life.
Dublin Castle, Museums, and Phoenix Park
There are three National Museums of Ireland in Dublin that tourists should never miss. The Archaeology Museum on Kildare Street, the Decorative Arts and History Museum on Benburb Street, and the Natural History Museum on Merrion Street each offer unique collections. Temple Bar is full of entertainment, art, and culinary attractions, home to many cultural institutions and the best of Dublin’s nightlife. Merrion Square is popular for the National Gallery which has more than five hundred artworks from great artists such as Monet, El Greco, Hogarth, and Poussin. Dublin Castle is originally a Viking fortress with a massive tower and the Royal Chapel built in medieval style while administrative buildings are more modern. Phoenix Park, situated 3 km northwest of the city center, covers 712 hectares and is one of the largest walled parks in Europe. It houses the official residence of the President of Ireland, Dublin Zoo, and a herd of wild fallow deer that have roamed the park since the 17th century. Apart from these, there are many more sights and attractions to see in Dublin, including numerous parks, gardens, and coastal beaches.
Which Dublin landmark would you visit first, the Book of Kells or St Patrick’s Cathedral? 🍀
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