The National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland was established in the 1860s and has since amassed an impressive collection of art, both Irish and European. Before one even enters the building, it’s hard not to pause a moment to take in its external appearance. The gallery is a traditional, noble-looking stone building on the Merrion Square side, while its Millenium Wing, which one can enter from Clare Street, was built in the Brutalist style and presents an ultramodern appearance to passers-by on that side of the building. Some of the highlights from the collection include Caravaggio’s “The Taking of the Christ”, which was thought to be lost until the 1990s when it was found in a Jesuit building in Dublin, Irish painter William Leech’s “Convent Garden, Brittany c. 1912” and the beautiful, expressionist works of Jack B. Yeats, brother to the renowned poet William B. Yeats.

The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin by Kaihsu Tai

The Chester Beatty Library

This intimate museum is nestled between Dublin Castle and its Coach House. It was established in the year 2000, won “European Museum of the Year” in 2002 and has been described by The Lonely Planet guide as “not just the best museum in Ireland, but one of the best in Europe”. The museum hosts a small, but wonderfully curated collection of manuscripts, ancient texts, prints and drawings and its “Sacred Traditions” section gives a comprehensive and fascinating view of Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. One of the highlights of the collection is one of the first illustrated versions of “The Life of the Prophet”. As well as the permanent collections, the museum hosts interesting temporary exhibitions and has a wonderful little café where you can eat Middle Eastern food as you mull over what you have seen.

Chester Beatty Libary, Dublin, Ireland by Charles Curling

If you are planning on staying in Dublin, once you have organised your accommodation, you should read up on some of the other museums in the city as there really is something for everyone, so you won’t be disappointed during your stay in the capital of the Emerald Isle.

This article was written by travel agent Timothy Smith who organises short term lets Dublin for tourists.

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The Apple Market

Located right in the heart of the Covent Garden district – a district jam-packed with funky stores and constant entertainment – is the Apple market. Sometimes referred to as the Covent Garden market, it is an indoor swath of boutiques, specialty shops and jewelry stores, clothing stands, cafés, and bars. The market has a reputation for its authentic English feel and moderate prices. Every Monday, the market holds a Vintage day for those looking for unique items hard to come by anywhere else.

The interior of Convent Garden Market, London, UK by Diliff

Portobello Road

Every Saturday, the Portobello Road Market takes over the entirety of Portobello Road, stretching over ten football fields in length, so visitors should be prepared for a marathon of shopping. The market, located in Notting Hill and most famous for its portrayal in the eponymous film, is actually the largest antiques market in the world. The street invites all walks of life, catering to everyone from tourists and locals to the most hardcore artifact-seekers. Vintage stores and cafés dominate the bottom of the hill, but as one heads further up the road, a younger vibe prevails as the stands transition into fashionable flea markets. Needless to say, your feet will be hurting by the time you’re done.

Regent Street

In the Mayfair/Knightsbridge districts of London is the crown jewel of ritzy shopping: Regent Street. Posh locals and affluent travellers patrol along Regent Street, fashioning tailored suits and handbags worth more than an old Fiat. Here you can step into designer stores and luxury boutiques to survey the latest fashion trends, and are guaranteed to feel in vogue with Regent Street purchases in your collection.

Oxford Street

Those looking for the latest fashions at more affordable prices know that there is no better destination than Oxford Street. Intersecting with Regent Street at what is known as Oxford Circus, Oxford Street is the home to stores like H&M, Niketown, and Kate Moss’s ultra-trendy Topshop. Here you’ll find younger crowds and college kids along with your run-of-the-mill tourists looking for a stylish something without having to worry about the price tag.

Oxford Street, London, UK by Ysangkok

Camden Market

Many would argue that Camden Market is one of the best marketplaces in the world, and after one visit there you will be hard-pressed to disagree. Located in the über-hip Camden Town district, the local market certainly reflects its surroundings. It’s hard not to get lost within the sprawling clothing bazaars, handcrafted jewelry shops, independent market shoot-offs, bars, and restaurants, and if the shopping isn’t enough, tattoo parlors litter the walls along the buildings. For those looking for something a bit more vibrant, there is even an EDM (electronic dance music) store in the mix, full of neon clothes and glowing accessories, with its own bondage shop in the basement. The alternative clothing and overabundance of hipster attire for bargain prices should be enough incentive for any young traveller in the area to stop by. Needless to say, Camden Market attracts over a hundred thousand visitors every weekend during the summer.

Article has been written by Party Earth. Party Earth is an international media and entertainment company that features reviews, editorials, and listings of the best bars, clubs, festivals, concerts, events, and more in 19 cities around the world.

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