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 The lady in white |
Ballbriggan Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 849 2212 http://www.gardensireland.com/... |
This 18th-century castle and garden was built by the Dean of Clonfert in 1738 and boasts superb views of the Dublin coastline and countryside. Now furnished and restored in Victorian style, Ardgillan houses a permanent exhibition of 17th-century Down Survey maps of Ireland. The garden features a conservatory and rose garden, including sections for herbs, vegetables and Irish plants. Rumours abound that there's also a ghost on the premises! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gilbo's Pics |
 Photo: monkeyonagazebo |
 Photo: monkeyonagazebo |
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Bargains galore |
19a Main Street Blackrock Dublin Ireland +353 1 2833 522 http://www.blackrockmarket.com |
This popular south Dublin market is located in a Georgian house with all its features virtually intact. Over 50 stalls are collected here, selling jewellery, pine furniture, antiques, bric-a-brac, shoes, clothing, books, music and much more. With its restaurant and cafe, the Blackrock Market makes for a very pleasant Sunday afternoon excursion. The market has a great reputation amongst Dublin's bargain hunters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: thebaz_dublin |
 Count Dracula is back!! |
Clontarf Road West Wood Club Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1853 0353 |
Count Dracula is back to doing what he does best - haunt. This Museum gives a whole new meaning to reality book reading. There are two parts to this place, one is the popular culture side, which merges fantasy with fiction. The other is the literary side, which focuses on the writer's life, times and theatre affiliations. Take a tour of this museum and learn for yourself the reason why this book is considered a pioneer in the Horror genre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dramatic coastal walk |
Bray Head, 20 kilometers south of Dublin Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
The seaside resort of Bray is at the end of the southern reach of the DART line, marking the end of Dublin's city limits. The city can't expand any more this way in any case, as Bray Head juts out like a dam against the urban spread. A cliff path runs along the coast to the pretty port of Greystones and is a favorite walk for fit Dubliners. There are some stunning views of the Irish Sea from the cliffs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Juhani Myllynen |
 Photo: Rebecca White  |
 Photo: Dancing Genie |
 Photo: Rosta Farzan |
 Photo: Kashif Dastgir |
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A natural habitat |
Causeway Road Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
No bulls here, but there's plenty of birds and unusual flora to discover if you want to get away from the city streets for a while. Bull Island is the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a capital city and is home to foxes, shrews, badgers and rabbits, as well as being an important over-wintering ground for wildfowl. Arctic migrating birds are the main tourists visiting the island, but it's well worth seeing this important and little visited treasure in the heart of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: MacGBeginss |
 Photo: Dee |
 Photo: johnpruddy |
 Photo: AgentVic |
 Photo: reinoud.vaandrager |
 Photo: John Grossier |
 Photo: amfreid |
 Photo: Paul VAN BEVEREN |
 Photo: Julien |
 Photo: abbeyred |
 Photo: Matt Mueller |
 Photo: Fanny Meyer |
 Photo: patflan |
 Photo: Eamon McNulty |
 Photo: Claude Lacey |
 Photo: John Flanagan |
 Photo: asia_zdrojewska |
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Flora and fauna |
Causeway Road Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 672 3392 http://www.dublincorp.ie/ |
Bull Island was formed from the sandbank which accumulated behind the North Bull Wall and nowadays is a designated bird sanctuary. Almost 5km in length, Bull Island contains a large variety of plants and animals and is the feeding ground for up to 40,000 birds which migrate from the Arctic each year. The island's Interpretative Centre features exhibits, videos, slides and an interactive CD-ROM presentation, all of which demonstrate the ecological diversity and importance of the area. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: daniel vinklar |
 Photo: Dermod Moore |
 Photo: Jacopo |
 Photo: aidan casey |
 Photo: Niall Griffin |
 Photo: Treasa Lynch |
 Natural urban wildlife |
Rathfarnham park Dublin Ireland +353 1 668 434 / +353 1490 0320 |
Bushy Park (in the suburb of Rathfarnham) is a natural oasis worth visiting if you want to escape the city streets for a while. The river Dodder skirts the park and a delightful duck pond has been made with the diverted flow. The naturalised planting area attracts squirrels, foxes and birds. It's a good spot to kick a football around in and the large children's playground should keep all the family occupied for an afternoon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Heron |
 Photo: Stephen Heron |
 Photo: Robert Mourik |
 Photo: Peter Brown |
 Photo: Darragh Bracken |
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Not a gambling den! |
Malahide Road Marino Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 833 1618 http://www.heritageireland.ie/... |
This unusual building is located at Marino, about three miles north of the city centre. Designed by Sir William Chambers, it is considered one of the finest 18th-century neo-classical buildings in Europe. Its history doesn't concern gambling, however: casino means a "small house". This building looks small from the outside but is in fact a work of spatial ingenuity: sixteen finely decorated rooms elegantly open out of each other and every inch of the interior is utilized. The Casino has been sensitively maintained (although some unsympathetic Victorian additions compromise the serenity of the whole) and while it is a little off the beaten track, it is well worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caroline van Oosten |
 Photo: Louise Barnewall |
 Photo: Susan Knight |
 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 |
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Get away from it all |
Dalkey Island, 10 miles south of Dublin Dublin, Dublin Ireland +353 1 605 7700 (Dublin Tourist Information) http://www.megalithomania.com/... |
Dalkey is one of the more charming (and wealthy) parts of Dublin. In the summer, you can hire a boat to Dalkey Island where you'll find a bird sanctuary, a Martello tower and the ruins of the early Irish St. Begnet's Church. Dublin is curious in that it can provide these wildernesses so close to the city. You're unlikely to be trampled by hordes of tourists on this little-visited island. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Damian Whelan |
 Photo: Hauke Steinberg |
 Photo: Chris and Jolene Maguire |
 Photo: Marcus Böckmann |
 Photo: geriatric.biker |
 Photo: Pamela Norris |
 Photo: Roy Burns |
 Photo: norwengela |
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A Northside retreat |
Bull Island Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
Held in fond esteem by real Dubliners, Dollymount Strand was the setting for thousands of days by the sea before the dawning of cheap international sun holidays. The area is now the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a capital city. The strand is part of Bull Island (which was formed when harbour improvements caused a sand spit to evolve) and it is a classic example of sand marsh ecology. If you're feeling energetic, this is a great place to fly kites, and it's worth visiting if only to see the somewhat kitsch Virgin Mary at the end of the promenade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Donnelly |
 Photo: Conor O'Gorman |
 Photo: Taz Nelson |
 Photo: Terri O'Sullivan |
 Photo: David Maury |
 Photo: MacGBeginss |
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Classic feudal stronghold |
Long Mile Road Drimnagh Dublin Ireland +353 1 450 2530 http://www.iol.ie/~drimnagh/ |
This spectacular feudal stronghold is the only remaining castle in Ireland to be surrounded by a flooded moat, which is now teeming with fish. The castle consists of a restored Great Hall, a battlement tower commanding impressive views of the area, look-out posts, a stable, a coach house and folly tower. Visitors may also find the castle's 17th-century formal gardens of interest: they feature mop-head laurels, box hedges and yew trees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: rockface |
 Photo: Gerard Dockery |
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Dublin Garden Group |
Talblick Lehaunstown Dublin 18, Leinster Ireland +353 1 236 9796 http://www.dublingardens.com |
The Dublin Garden Group lets you get a glimpse of the incredible private gardens in Dublin. On this excursion you will see the amazing Irish gardens that are not open to the public. You can almost imagine yourself in Eden, amidst luscious fruits, trees and flowers. So, tour the Dillon Garden, Mouth Usher Gardens and many more to get a feeling of paradise. Visit the website for timings and schedules. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Climb every mountain |
Southern Cross Route Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 (Dublin Tourism Centre) |
Dubliners like to think they own the whole country and the mountains south of the city are no exception - although strictly called the Wicklow Mountains, the city has claimed them as its own. Despite their relatively modest height, these mountains are wild and generally uninhabited, providing hundreds of square miles of open country, and only an hour from the city centre. In the past, the area was the perfect hideout for all manner of bandits, rebels and murderers. In the 19th century, the British built the Military Road to tame these undesirables and you can take it to this day - from Rathfarnham in the southern suburbs to Aghavannagh high up in the mountains...if you dare! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Grainne O'Brien |
 Photo: PAT QUILL |
 Photo: Conán Corless |
 Photo: Eoin O Connor |
 Photo: Nolene Dowdall |
 Photo: Rogier Meijer |
 Photo: Luke W. Cleary |
 Photo: Mark Kelly |
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Stargazing by night |
Dunsink Lane Castleknock Dublin Ireland +353 1 838 7959 http://www.dunsink.dias.ie/ |
Originally part of Trinity College, the Dunsink Observatory houses the astronomical section of the School of Cosmic Physics, which is now a part of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. The observatory regularly hosts public stargazing nights where admission is free, although tickets are required. Open nights are held on the first and third Wednesday nights of the dark winter months. Prospective visitors must write for tickets enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A garden for all seasons |
Enniskerry Road Dublin Ireland +353 1 295 6000 |
This secluded garden is the perfect place for a picnic if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden features a cathedral-like aisle of giant Wellington trees and a large collection of shrubs, roses and herbaceous plants: all in a tranquil woodland setting. Many of the trees on the estate date back 200 years and the work of William Darley (who collected plants from all over the world) has been continued by the garden's present owners, the Walker family. A modest admission fee is charged to help with the garden's upkeep. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ronán |
 Photo: Ronán |
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Skinny-dipping in the city |
Sandycove Beside the Tower Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
Named not for its size but because the 40th Regiment of Foot used to be stationed in a battery above it, the Forty Foot was a men-only swimming hole for years, where nude bathing was the rule. Times being what they are, women and families are now allowed and the bathing place has now assumed a new atmosphere - and a new modesty ensues! A nearby sign reads: "togs required by order"! If you still want to bathe au naturel, note that a small section is reserved for nude swimming. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: thecolourblue |
 Photo: Andy Gilham |
 Photo: spud murphy |
 Photo: Soloman Lam |
 Photo: Andrew O'Reilly |
 Photo: Mark Granier |
 Photo: Jane Flanagan |
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Dublin in miniature |
Malahide Road Roundabout Malahide, County Dublin Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 846 3779 |
This fascinating exhibition will certainly appeal to railway enthusiasts, children or the young at heart. The Fry Model Railway houses a unique collection of handmade Irish trains, dating from the beginning of rail travel to modern times. Located in the demesne of the surrounding Malahide Castle, the museum's features exhibit documents the earliest rail developments in Ireland and includes miniature models of Heuston Station, O'Connell Bridge and several other Dublin landmarks. Admission: EUR6.50 for adults, EUR4 for children and EUR18 for a family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dublin's finest necropolis |
Finglas Road Dublin Ireland +353 1 830 1133 http://www.glasnevin-cemetery.ie/ |
A visit to a graveyard may not be your idea of a jolly day out, but Glasnevin Cemetery is one of the most fascinating places in Dublin. It is the final resting place of some of the most famous figures in Irish history, including former Irish presidents Eamon de Valera and Sean T. O'Reilly. Other political heroes buried in its atmospheric grounds include Michael Collins, Daniel O'Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell and Roger Casement. The graves of literary figures such as Gerard Manley Hopkins and Brendan Behan can also be found. Buy a heritage map to find the key graves or turn up on Wednesday or Friday at 2.30pm for a free guided tour which lasts two hours - meet at the O'Connell Round Tower. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kidney_bongos |
 Photo: Andrew Shedden |
 Photo: mjaros30 |
 Photo: Tony Brady |
 Photo: Lee Furlong |
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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 |
 Photo: Jaq Delaney |
 Photo: Rebecca |
 Photo: Travis Crawford |
 Photo: Travis Crawford |
 Photo: Miguel Moreno |
 Photo: Erin G. Berg |
 Photo: RAMON RAMON |
 Photo: Nicolas Curri |
 Photo: Henry Scott |
 Photo: Kevin Knodl |
 Photo: MatthiasG |
 Photo: Rebecca |
 Photo: jpzip with Nokia N95 |
 Photo: Sylvia Gutiérrez Sán |
 Photo: Liam Casey |
 Photo: Steve Ashton |
 Photo: Tatiana23 |
 Photo: Robbin Merritt |
 Photo: Anne Poulsen |
 Photo: Wei Yei Chow |
 Photo: Alaniss |
 Photo: Cristina |
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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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Views, cliffs and legends |
Howth Village Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
Howth is a popular day trip destination for Dubliners, and has the bracing air of a seaside resort, even off-season. The harbour is charming but it's well worth taking the short walk to the Head for the panoramic views across Dublin Bay to the Wicklow Mountains. Howth Head has been a strategic military lookout for millennia and crops up in Irish legends involving the ancient people-the Parthalons and Fir Bolg. If your legs are sturdy enough to take you to the top, look out for a burial cairn where Croimhthain, an ancient Gaelic chief, is reputedly buried. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sheridan |
 Photo: Brian O Dowd |
 Photo: Peter Misik the Hungarian |
 Photo: Alissa Wilkinson |
 Photo: paumurp |
 Photo: David McGovern |
 Photo: Peter Robinson |
 Photo: Stephen Cranfield |
 Photo: Gerard Lovett |
 Photo: Eoin McNamee |
 Photo: Siobhan Byrne |
 Photo: Jim O'Neill |
 Photo: Fiona |
 Photo: Aidan Allen |
 Photo: Donal Tobin |
 Photo: Dimitri Perrin |
 Photo: Caitriona O'Kelly |
 Photo: John Brady |
 Photo: Nigel Allinson |
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Literar(ll)y calling |
Coast Road, Sandycove Harbour Sandycove Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 280 9265 |
Joyce's association with Dublin is crucial. Finding its mention in his literary works, Dublin city has gained historical importance, more so with the James Joyce Museum that served as the opening for Joyce's literary masterpiece, "Ulysses". To view the life of this writer as a young man, this museum exhibits letters, photographs, rare editions and personal possessions of Joyce. Get a feeling of 20th century life and literature in this museum as you get carried away into the world that was in Joyce's lifetime. Admission is EUR6.50 for adults, EUR4 for children and EUR18 for family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Helmut Spudich |
 Photo: Helmut Spudich |
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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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Follow Daniel Day-Lewis |
Killiney Hill Road Dublin, Dublin Ireland |
Take the DART (Dublin's mini-metro) to Killiney and relive a little bit of film history. Killiney Hill, with its stunning panoramic views over the city, stole the final scenes of the Oscar- winning 'My Left Foot' starring Daniel Day-Lewis. The hill is a public park in one of Dublin's more exclusive areas (Bono from U2 lives here) and a stroll up to the summit is one of Dublin's more romantic diversions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: spud murphy |
 Photo: Max |
 Photo: catz |
 Photo: Robert Kelly |
 Photo: Tom Delsaer |
 Photo: Matthew Hutchinson |
 Photo: Sabina Mac Mahon |
 Photo: Kathy |
 Photo: tk_flickr |
 Photo: Stephen Boyle |
 Photo: James Lawrence |
 Photo: Carolina Ödman |
 Photo: Meg Thomas |
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Early Christrian island |
Lambay Island Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 (Dublin Tourism) |
Located some 16km off the Dublin coast, Lambay Island was originally one of Ireland's early Christian monasteries, looted by Viking raiders in 795AD. Now privately owned, Lambay is home to a medieval castle, a bird sanctuary and a herd of about 200 deer. Due to its deep surrounding waters, the island is a particularly popular location for scuba-divers. The island is accessible only by prior permission from Rogerstown Harbour, 27km north of Dublin in Rush. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dermot Williams |
 Photo: Kirstie Fuller |
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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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Walking through history |
Malahide Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 846 2184 / +353 1 846 3027 (Restaurant) http://www.malahidecastle.com/... |
This private house and one-time fortress is located on 250 acres of lush park area, in the town by the sea. The interiors are done up beautifully, with portrait paintings of the Talbot family generations. Standing strong for about 800 years and almost oozing history, this old home has seen it all – wars, good times, and memories of the family it sheltered. Now, a major attraction, the main hall plays host to private celebrations and banquets, while guided tours in French, Spanish, Dutch, et al escort sight-seers around its premises. The admission is EUR6.50 for adults, EUR4 for children and EUR18 for a family. The restaurant is quite popular with the locals, who drop in for a hot breakfast of Baked Scones, with Homemade Jam and Cream. Tea rooms offer you self-service, while the five resident ghosts prowl around, looking to scare a vulnerable soul! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mahouu |
 Photo: Sophia Huda |
 Photo: Rachael Smith |
 Photo: Paula Downes |
 Photo: David Reinhardt |
 Photo: Dean Ayres |
 Photo: Maxine Chan |
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 Photo: Sean De La Torre |
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 Photo: Ruth González |
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Suburban Park |
Rathfarnham Dublin Ireland |
The Marlay park is equipped with a gold course, fourteen football areas and intertwining walkways, passing by lazy waterfalls and plant life local to the area. A perfect place for kids, friends, picnics, or all of the above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Buck Mulligan's house |
Sandycove Dublin Ireland +353 1 280 9265 |
The Martello Tower is one of 15 defense towers originally built to protect the Irish coastline from invasion by Napoleon. The tower now holds a museum devoted to the life and work of James Joyce, who made it the setting for the first chapter of his sprawling epic novel Ulysses. Joyce himself briefly stayed at the tower in the early 1900s as a guest of Oliver St. John Gogarty, who became a model for Buck Mulligan, the first character to make an appearance in the novel. The museum contains some of Joyce's personal correspondence, photographs and a very special edition of Ulysses illustrated by Matisse. The annual Bloomsday Joycean pilgrimage on June 16th also starts from here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: landhere |
 Photo: h. wren |
 Photo: Mark Duncan |
 Photo: Ryan Whalley |
 Photo: Philip Milne |
 Photo: vaturiano |
 Photo: DW from the Peg |
 Photo: John Archambault |
 Photo: An Gobán Saor |
 Photo: Jiri M. Polacek |
 Photo: Clare Marrero |
 Suburban aquarium |
Strand Road Bray Seafront Dublin, Co. Wicklow Ireland +353 1 286 6939 http://www.sealifeeurope.com/i... |
The National Sea Life Centre lies in the seaside town of Bray, a 15 minute DART ride south of the city. It is a well-designed and slick operation, with the emphasis very much on the commercial. Despite this, however, the centre certainly has a hand in the conservation of the marine life to be found off Ireland's shores. This is an excellent outing for children, combining educational interactive displays and fun in a pleasant seaside setting. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christi Cerdà |
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A history of bus and rail |
Howth Demesne Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 832 0427 / +353 1 847 5623 http://www.nationaltransportmu... |
Located in the annexe of Howth Castle, this voluntarily-run museum is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Ireland's transport heritage. Exhibits include photographs and memorabilia, bus and tram commercials and military and fire appliances. If Ireland's transport system over the last century is anything to judge by, expect it to open slightly later than advertised! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine manor house |
Newbridge Demesne Dublin Ireland +353 1 843 6534 |
This 18th-century manor house was built in 1736 for Archbishop Charles Cobbe and boasts an elegant Georgian interior with its own antique and original furniture. The house's unique museum of curiosities dating back to 1790 is full of weird and wonderful objects brought back by the widely-travelled Cobbe family. The grounds also contain a 29-acre farm, a walled apple orchard, a craft shop and a children's playground and picnic area. Admission: EUR4; children EUR2. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: josephmdillon1968 |
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Walk with a fine coastal view |
Portmarnock Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
The village of Portmarnock is on the DART line from the city centre, just north of Howth. The strand affords views of Howth Head and the little offshore island called Ireland's Eye. Summer will find Portmarnock beach packed with locals pretending they are in a much warmer climate and even swimming in what has to be consistently cold water. This is a great place for a good outdoor session, so take a frisbee or football with you. On breezy days, Portmarnock is a fine spot for a long bracing walk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Audrey |
 Photo: Catherine MacBride |
 Photo: TonyS07 |
 Photo: tynka |
 Photo: Siobhán Pepper |
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Fine 18th-century residence |
Rathfarnham Road Dublin Ireland +353 1 493 9462 http://www.heritageireland.ie/... |
The exact date of the foundation of Rathfarnham Castle is still something of a mystery, although experts put it at about 1583. Built by the Yorkshire man Adam Loftus, the castle has a colorful and interesting history and was declared a national monument in the mid-1980s. The castle contains some of the finest 18th-century interiors to be seen in any property in Ireland. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A lesser-known river |
Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 (Dublin Tourism Centre) |
While arguably still in the shadow of the famous Liffey, the Dodder happens to be the largest of Dublin's hidden rivers. The Dodder snakes through the southern part of the city, opening up at Dodder Valley Park and reaching the sea at Merrion Strand. There are pleasant walks along the river in Milltown and you can appreciate a waterfall from the comfort of the Dropping Well pub on Milltown Road. For those interested in fishing, the best spots can be found between Firhouse and Ballsbridge; access to the river is best from public parks. Sea trout and brown trout are plentiful here and membership cards can be obtained from most fishing tackle shops in the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Beast in the Rain |
 Photo: Darren Kelly |
 Photo: Maurice Frazer |
 Photo: Philip O'Toole |
 Photo: Lesley Trenier |
 Photo: fintysworld.com |
 Photo: C Ní Dheaghaidh |
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Rose Gardens and More |
41 All Saints Road Dublin, Leinster Ireland http://www.stannespark.org/ |
Not far from the city centre, St Anne's Park has many attractions. Originally part of a large estate, the big house itself was burned down, leaving the surrounding grounds to exist in their own right. The park is famous for its rose garden - a rose festival is held here in the summer. Well worth seeing is the mile-long avenue of huge stately oaks which formerly led up to the grand house and which now terminates, quite poignantly, at an empty space. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John |
 Photo: Gerry O'Beirne |
 Photo: Niall Griffin |
 Photo: Brian H Fitzsimons |
 Photo: Alex Nesbitt |
 Photo: Mark Stanley |
 Photo: Mark Taylor |
 Photo: michealflanagan |
 Photo: theapothecaryguy |
 Photo: boorje |
 Photo: Pat Moroney |
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A shot of culture |
12 East Essex Street Temple Bar Dublin, Co. of Dublin Ireland +353 1 677 2397 |
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 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 wee chat! Most tours will begin from 11a,1:30p and 4p from Monday to Thursday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Developing suburban park |
Walkinstown Dublin Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
At the edge of the city in Tallaght, Tymon Park is a public open space in progress. Not long ago this area was agricultural and some of the original field hedgerows remain. Under pressure from the rapidly growing residential development all around, the authorities are trying to keep this space undeveloped and there is certainly a touch of the prairie about it. Interesting water features, streams and lakes can all be seen. It's a good place for blowing the cobwebs away with a long windswept walk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: slua |
 Photo: sebastian szarkowicz |
 Photo: Laurent Adgie |
 Photo: John Healy |