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 Fine Palladian mansion |
Main Street Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 628 8252 http://62.73.177.39/en/Histori... |
Built in 1722, Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian-style country house in Ireland. Some twenty kilometres from Dublin, the mansion sits in grounds designed according to the 18th-century English style, with follies dotted over the landscape and great sweeping vistas across the parkland. The process of restoration is ongoing, so it is advisable to ring in advance to confirm that tours are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kbyrne01 |
 Photo: thecolourblue  |
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Key to the past! |
Castle Street Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, Dalkey Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 285 8366 http://www.dalkeycastle.com/to... |
Dalkey has been a source of inspiration to many writers over the centuries, the most well-known of which include James Joyce, Shaw, Leonard and Flann O'Brien. Tours of this historic town, which abounds in natural beauty, include treading along the island with the six thousand year old legends and folklore reverberating in the salty breeze. The castles and ancient structures take you back in time to the historic era, when life at Dalkey was just coming into being. So go ahead and rediscover Irish culture and traditions! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: runners |
 Photo: Richard Anderson |
 Historical day trip |
59 O'Connell Street Upper Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 873 4222 http://www.dublinbus.ie/ |
A perfect way to pack in all of Dublin's historical and cultural attractions, Dublin Bus Tours offers a comprehensive guided tour of the city, and day trips that take you farther afield. The guided tour of the city centre takes in Trinity College, the National Gallery, St Stephen's Green, Dublin Castle, and much more. The complete tour lasts 75 minutes but an All Day Ticket allows you to hop on and off the bus as you wish, at any of the stops on the route. Live commentary is provided for the entirety of the journey. Other tours like North Coast and Castle tour and South Coast tour are also available . Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Megan Galloway |
 Photo: Meridith L. Canning |
 Photo: Katie Conway |
 Photo: Christopher M. Walsh |
 250-year-old traditional Irish cottage |
Rathdangan road Knockanarrigan Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 404 4 5325 / +353 404 4 5352 http://www.heritageireland.ie/... |
If you take a day-trip to Glendalough, it is worth taking in this fine example of a traditional thatched cottage. Built with local stone and whitewashed inside and out, this is the image of Ireland most popular with postcard photographers. It was from this cottage in 1799 that the famed rebel Michael Dwyer fought the encircling British troops, finally making his escape over the snow-covered mountains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Day trips along the east coast |
Main Street Sandy Road Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland +353 1 843 0340 |
Based in the suburban seaside wonder of Rush Co. Dublin, this company offer supervised sailing excursions around both Lambay Island and the nearby island of Ireland's Eye. Overnight and weekend trips along the coast can also be arranged. Prices vary depending on the number of persons traveling. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Spectacular monastic settlement |
Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland +353 404 45325 |
Glendalough monastery (situated about thirty kilometers from Dublin) was founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. It is difficult not to be profoundly affected by the dramatic beauty of the saint's chosen retreat. The monastic remains - including a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses - sit in a glaciated valley with two lakes. A modern visitors' center has an interesting exhibition and an audio-visual show. French, German, Spanish and Swedish guided tours are available all year through advance booking. Walkers can choose from a selection of trails through the nearby woods. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gray Line Tours |
Suffolk Street Desk 1, Tourism Centre Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7705 http://www.irishcitytours.com/... |
If you're considering taking a day-trip out of Dublin, Gray Line Tours is certainly worth considering. Gray Line is the only privately-owned sightseeing company offering scheduled daily departures from Dublin. Popular tours include trips to Newgrange Glendalough and Malahide Castle. The company also run hop-on/hop-off guided tours of Dublin City which operate every ten to fifteen minutes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Centre of Celtic Ireland |
20 miles from Dublin Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
The Hill of Tara is a site of great mythical importance and is said to have been the spiritual and political centre of Celtic Ireland until the 11th century. The spread of Christianity diminished the importance of Tara as a religious centre, although Daniel O'Connell (the "Liberator") chose this location as the site for a famous political rally in 1843 which was attended by over a million people! There is not much to look at today, but the grassy slopes leave you to imagine what it used to be. Tara is located north-west of Dublin, about 15-20 miles from the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Danny Nicholson |
 Photo: Max |
 Photo: Matteo Rocchi |
 Photo: lvlysenbei |
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Stunning views of the bay |
Howth Head Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
Take the DART to Howth and head east for about ten minutes and you will find yourself at the top of dramatic cliffs rarely found so close to a capital city. The cliff walk takes you right around Howth Head and your effort will be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views over Dublin Bay. Following the path will eventually take you to Sutton Station where there are regular trains back to the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Antonino Radici |
 Photo: Antonino Radici |
 Photo: thecolourblue |
 Photo: Leonie |
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Mind your language |
Keatings Park (The Dualway Group) Rathcoole Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7705 / +353 1 872 9010 / +353 1 458 0054 http://www.irishcitytours.com/... |
Some innovative Irish folk have realized that not everyone is fluent with the Irish accent, so Irish city tours have introduced the Dublin Language Tours. This sensitive step enables visitors to sit back and enjoy the ride. The tour offers 7 languages, some of which are Japanese, German, French and Spanish. You can also use your language tour ticket on the Dublin sightseeing tour, which enables you to have unlimited rides on the Hop-on Hop-off tour. The multi-lingual tours depart every 30 minutes in summer. The tickets can be interchanged with the English Commentary Dublin City Tour, which departs every 6 to 8 minutes in summer. All day and half-day long tours are also operated, departing from Dublin city. These go up to to Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough in Wicklow County, Malahide Castle and the tomb at Newgrange. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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An alternative way to see Ireland |
Belfield - UCD University College Dublin Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 260 0749 http://www.cyclingsafaris.com/ |
If you're considering spending a few days outside of the capital, why not check out Irish Cycling Safaris? This company specialises in customised Irish cycling holidays, covering the length and breadth of Ireland. Irish Cycling Safaris can arrange hotel or guesthouse accommodation and the planned routes take in historical sites, wildlife and other attractions. A luggage van also apparently keeps up with the intrepid cyclists, in case you get tired! Visit the company's website for details of itineraries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Splendid formal gardens |
45 km south of Dublin Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 45 52 1617 http://www.irish-national-stud... |
The brilliantly-designed Japanese Gardens lie close to the Irish National Stud in the countryside west of the city. Located in Kildare Town and only twenty miles from Dublin, they are certainly worth the detour or a stop on your way to destinations further afield. The gardens were created in 1906-10 by a Japanese landscape gardener. The path through them is arranged thematically and leads one on a symbolic journey from birth' to death. Features include a Zen rock garden and a variety of exotic plants, trees and sacred bamboos. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kasia and Mike |
 Photo: Kasia and Mike |
 Photo: Cris Rodriguez |
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A walk out! |
Riverside Road (Between Ha'penny Bridge and O'Connell Bridge) Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 222 2222 (Dublin City Council) |
The Vikings are believed to have sailed on the river Liffey, situated on Ireland's East Coast. The panoramic view of the area enhances the river's importance as it makes for a perfect destination to stroll or take an evening walk. So get those shoes out and scout the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Heron |
 Photo: leapleg |
 Photo: Darragh Bracken |
 Photo: Michael Debets |
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Drive through the mountains |
Enniskerry Dublin Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
If you feel brave enough to hire a car and want a real taste of the Irish countryside without venturing too far from Dublin, then head south to the Wicklow mountains. The Military Road is a good circular route to take, stopping along the way for whatever takes your fancy. The road was built by the British in 1800 to flush out Irish rebels after an uprising in 1798. Not much travelled, it gets you out close to nature, without getting too lost. The full length is 96 km (60miles). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian Murphy |
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Important prehistoric site |
Boyne Valley Dublin Ireland |
Newgrange is a passage tomb in the Boyne valley, 20 miles north-west of Dublin. It was constructed 5000 years ago and pre-dates both the Pyramids and Stonehenge. For centuries, Newgrange was the heart of an advanced Bronze Age civilization inhabiting the valley of the Boyne. The tomb was constructed in alignment with the night sky and the heavens: on the morning of the winter solstice, the first rays of the sun flood the inner chamber of the tomb for several minutes. Because of the site's enormous importance, access is limited. Demand for places on the tour is high, so plan your visit in advance. The nearby interpretative centre, however, is a perfectly adequate substitute for a visit to Newgrange itself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frank Koehntopp |
 Photo: Frank Koehntopp |
 Photo: Emiliano B. |
 Photo: Danny Nicholson |
 Photo: Cati V. |
 Photo: Megan E. Foldenauer |
 Photo: Alan Jones |
 Photo: Tiffani A. |
 Photo: loy310 |
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Perfect way to see Ireland |
33 Kinahan Street, Infirmary Road Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 838 6128 http://www.overthetoptours.com |
This bus company offers many different guided bus tours in Ireland. With a maximum of only 14 passengers, you can see the historical and cultural sights of Ireland in a special way. Take the 1 day tour to Wicklow and Glendalough to see the incredible waterfalls, or take a longer 5 day trip to Southern Ireland, which includes Cork, Kerry, Dingle and Kinsale. An additional new tour is a surprise Mystery Tour in which customers will not know the destination. The place will be revealed during the journey. Check the website for more details. Advance booking is required. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tours on wheels |
16 Amiens Street Railtours House Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 856 0045 http://www.railtoursireland.com |
Hop on board this tour train and see parts of Ireland which you would have never been able to, in a couple of days. This service is a must for travelers, as you can choose the route you want and head off into the proverbial sunset! Ireland has phenomenal natural beauty from the coastline of Galway Bay to Waterford and Titanic's last port of call at Cobh. Another highlight of the train tours is the mystery ride, where your day is in the hands of your guide. So your destination will be a surprise and you may even have to jump into a different mode of transport, to be taken off the beaten track. Enjoy the ride. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Value for money |
Suffolk Street Saint Andrews Church Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7702 |
If Dublin is your destination for a holiday, then plan it the best way possible. To help you, there is the TFM Backpacker Travel and Accommodation, an initiative started to help tourists and visitors scout the city. Through this service, you can plan tours, trips and accommodation in Dublin. If you're tight on budget, this service will enable you to get value for your money. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bustling and vibrant |
12 East Essex Street Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 677 2255 http://www.temple-bar.ie/ |
Temple Bar is often used to symbolize the extraordinary changes which Dublin has undergone in recent years. In the 1980s, this district of the city was earmarked as the site for a vast bus station. Galleries and small shops colonized the cheap properties, however, the bus-depot plans were abandoned, and the area now boasts a warren of bustling shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Some of the country's best cultural institutions have found a home in Temple Bar, including the Irish Film Centre and the Gallery of Photography. Two new civic spaces - Temple Bar Square and the striking Meeting House Square - have been created and utilized by artist and traders. In short, this district is one of the city's most colourful and vibrant; make a point of seeing it for yourself. Temple Bar boasts a warren of bustling shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Some of the country's best cultural institutions have found a home in Temple Bar, including the Irish Film Centre and the Gallery of Photography. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A shot of culture |
12 East Essex Street Temple Bar Information Centre Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 677 2397 (TASCQ) http://www.visit-templebar.com/ |
Dubbed as Dublin's cultural quarter, Temple Bar should be experienced on foot. This tour takes you through this interesting part of Dublin in just an hour. Here, you will find plays, art, a film centre, and many little restaurants that add flavor to this place. There are over a dozen theatre and cultural places, from photography to a music centre, where the national archive is. The contemporary music centre also promotes up and coming and as established artists. When the sun sets make your way over to any number of old pubs that line the street of Temple Bar, there's always time for a drink and a chat! The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes; groups can avail of special rates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lucas Berrini |
 Photo: christophe bernard |