Religious and scholastic resources
Dublin, Leinster
+353 1 676 1264
Review © 2007, Wcities
Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
Religious and scholastic resources |
74 Merrion Square Dublin, Leinster +353 1 676 1264 |
Established in 1922, this community-run and hauntingly atmospheric library boasts a fine collection of 900,000 books and 400 periodicals, covering not only religion, but also biography, history, politics, mysticism, mythology, Irish history and culture, art and architecture. Research and reference resources are provided free, although a small annual subscription is charged to those who wish to borrow books. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Leonardo  |
Islamic and Asian art |
Dublin Castle Dublin, Co. Dublin +353 1 407 0750 http://www.cbl.ie info@cbl.ie |
Situated in the heart of the city centre, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). His collection is now housed in Dublin Castle in a restored 18th century building with a modern purpose-built block attached. The Library was named Irish Museum of the Year and was recently awarded the title European Museum of the Year, a coveted international accolade in the museum world. The Library's exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. The rich collection from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe offers visitors a visual feast. Egyptian papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur'an, the Bible, European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights of the collection. Turkish and Persian miniatures and striking Buddhist paintings are also on display, as are Chinese dragon robes and Japanese woodblock prints. In its diversity, the collection captures much of the richness of human creative expression from about 2700 BC to the present day. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: A*S*U*K*A |
 Photo: Magda |
 Photo: Hanna Torp |
 Photo: Alan E Villani |
 Photo: Helen Dixon |
 Photo: jimcavanagh |
 Photo: Nancy Bender |
 Photo: marshmallowkellycat |
 Photo: meghamama |
 Photo: E. K. Gold |
 Photo: apatenola |
 Photo: Kate McGaw |
 Photo: caseymcg |
 Photo: Jessie Nova Lloyd |
 Photo: joni low |
 Photo: Ian Glendinning |
 Photo: SA Anders |
 Photo: jeff |
 Photo: Eric Nieudan |
Dedicated to the patron saint of travellers |
Market Street Galway +353 91 56 3081 |
This church was built and dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of the traveller, in 1320. Following a successful petition to Pope Innocent VIII in 1484, the church was rendered collegiate and was controlled by a warden and eight vicars. The structure itself has been repeatedly rebuilt and renovated, and the tower wasn't built until the early 1500s. These changes were partly because this church changed hands many times between the Catholic and the Anglican communions.St. Nicholas' Church contains fine examples of Galway's medieval stone carvings, many of which are carved on the ornate tombs. This church is also renowned as the place where Christopher Columbus offered his last prayers before his epic journey to the New World. Services still take place here each Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Heather Hull |
 Photo: Natalia Mariani |
 Photo: J. Adam Tuttle |
 Photo: Betsy Warr |
 Photo: Stephen Hebert |
 Photo: Tandi Ross |
 Photo: John Rodzvilla |
 Photo: rainforest |
Reminder of Dublin's golden age |
Dame Street Dublin, Leinster +353 1 222 2204 |
The building was designed by Thomas Cooley and, when it was completed in 1779, originally housed the Royal Exchange. It is an elegant reminder of the wealth and opulence of Dublin in the city's 18th-century heyday. Today, City Hall is in the ownership of Dublin Corporation, which has restored the building beautifully. The great central atrium, complete with gold-leafed dome and mosaic floor, is one of the most impressive public spaces around. The history of Dublin is told in a vivid, computer-aided series of exhibitions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dion DeVries |
 Photo: Jónatas Ferreira |
 Photo: Matthew Weir |
 Photo: Amy Katz Leaman |
 Photo: Anna Sorf |
 Photo: fazzolo |
 Photo: Eanna Black |
 Photo: Biguana |
 Photo: Brian Cano |
 Photo: Tina Meller |
Three floors of history |
Glandmore Road Rosscarbery, Co. Cork +353 28 7 1766 |
Dramatically rising from plains criss crossed by a spider's web of black stone walls, the remains of Coppinger's Court command attention. It was constructed in 1618 and burnt in 1641. Sir Walter Coppinger had left his home for a crucial meeting and had instructed his servants to destroy the house should he not return by a given hour. By an unfortunate mistake, Sir Coppinger was delayed in returning home and his unknowing servants burnt down Coppinger's Court. According to legend, its golden gates were thrown into nearby Lake Vickreen. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Patricia Larkin |
Restored jail complete with furnished cells |
Convent Avenue Sunday's Well Cork City, Co.Cork +353 21 430 5022 http://www.corkcitygaol.com/ corkgaol@indigo.ie |
A twenty-minute walk west of the city centre will take you up to the restored and atmospheric City Gaol, complete with furnished cells. Both the exhibition and multimedia display trace the lives of individual inmates imprisoned here during the 19th and 20th centuries. Conditions were miserable: as one punishment, for example, prisoners were made to run on a human treadmill that was used to grind grain. There is also a cafe in the Gaol which employs a somewhat amusing gimmick: visitors are "free" to choose between sampling a Victorian prisoner's fare or the prison governor's menu. Which one would you choose? Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Beth Moon |
 Photo: Amit Lieberman |
 Photo: G.Imoen |
 Photo: Vika X |
 Photo: Serena Cappellini |
 Photo: Megan Anderson |
 Photo: Jonathan Wasserstein |
Comprehensive history of the city |
City Hall Dame Street Dublin, Leinster +353 1 222 2204 http://www.dublincity.ie/your_... cityhall@dublincity.ie |
City Hall was first built as the Royal Exchange and was completed in 1779. It was taken over by Dublin Corporation in 1852 and now houses the Dublin City Archives. This collection records the activities of the municipal government of Dublin from the 12th century to the present. It contains a significant number of medieval documents such as the White Book and the Chain Book of Dublin. The Archive also includes a series of Assembly Rolls from 1447 to 1741, inscribed on parchment. Those wishing to conduct research should make an appointment with the head archivist. Admission: Adults: EUR4, Children/Seniors/Students: EUR2. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: William Sacchi |
 Photo: Trisha Cartwright |
 Photo: Victoria Procunier |
 Photo: Angel Johnson |
 Photo: Jerome Birot |
 Photo: Angelo |
 Photo: Ian Medernach |
 Photo: allusivewings2000 |
 Photo: Justine Donato |
 Photo: Kyle |
 Photo: darrengreene.com |
Bookmark or bookworm? |
138-144 Pearse Street Dublin +353 1674 4800 dublinpubliclibraries@dublincity.ie |
What do you need to know about the past, future or present? From information on Dublin history to learning a foreign language, or embracing multi cultural services, this library offers much more than just books. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: William Males |
To be or not to be... |
18 Great Denmark Street Dublin, Leinster +353 1 872 2077 http://www.writersmuseum.com/ |
Those curious about Dublin's literary art will do well to spend some quality time among man's best friends – books! The writer's museum, housed in a Georgian mansion, is a treasure-hold of collections dating as far back as three hundred years. It's not just the works you will browse through, but books, letters, portraits and personal items of some very famous writers, like Oscar Wilde. A visit to the Gallery of Writers is a must; the portraits and busts enhance this space, which is used for receptions and exhibitions. The experience is enhanced by temporary exhibitions and a lunchtime theatre. Top it off with a visit to the in-house bookshop and café. Admission charges are EUR6.50 for adults, EUR4 for children and EUR 18 for a family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Sardella |
 Photo: James Oleson |
 Photo: Esti Brennan |
 Photo: Louise Van Laere |
 Photo: Paul Morrissey |
 Photo: Jenn Ferdinandsen |
 Photo: Linford A |
 Photo: Danny Nelson |
 Photo: Bethany Lankin |
 Photo: Eli McBett |
Bird's eye view of the city |
Borris Court Dublin +353 1 679 4611 http://www.dublinia.ie curator@dublinia.ie |
This building was previously owned by the Church of Ireland and was the Synod Hall right up until 1983. The Medieval Trust now supports the Dublinia exhibition, which aims to cover Dublin's early history, starting with the arrival of the Vikings in 1170 and ending with the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1539. Start the tour in the basement with an audio-tape, taking you through life-size reconstructions, depicting major events, including the Black Death, the rebellion of Silken Thomas, and the United Irishmen uprising. Upstairs features a huge model of Dublin in about 1500. Also of note, in the Great Hall, is a multi-screen presentation on medieval Dublin. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian and Lynn Cusack |
 Photo: Jelena Loncarevic |
 Photo: james pazhavila |
 Photo: Laura Campbell |
 Photo: Katherine Sturm |
 Photo: Rafael Cid |
 Photo: Ann McCarthy |
 Photo: Nigra/Rubra |
 Photo: Alexandru Stanoi |
 Photo: Beth Todd-Chattin |
250-year-old traditional Irish cottage |
Rathdangan road Knockanarrigan Wicklow, Leinster +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 |
 Photo: T & N McAllister |
 Photo: SarihKrass |
A history of Irish sport |
St. Joseph's Avenue St. Joseph's Avenue Dublin +353 1 819 2323 http://museum.gaa.ie/ gaamuseum@crokepark.ie |
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded in 1884 and continues to be Ireland's largest sporting and cultural organisation. Located in Croke Park, the GAA Museum offers an interactive guide to the origins, development and expansion of the unique Irish games of Gaelic football, hurling, handball and camogie. A touchscreen archive also offers audio-visual presentations of memorable games, sporting heroes and even includes a number of quizzes to help test your knowledge of the sport. Admission: EUR5 for adults; EUR3.50 for students; EUR3 for children, EUR13 for family pass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Diana Sauerwein |
 Photo: Diana Sauerwein |
Range of exhibits illustrating Galway's past |
Spanish Arch Galway +353 91 56 7641 http://www.galwaycity.ie/conte... |
Antiquated arches and other buildings in this riverside area were acquired by Galway Corporation, the central administrative body for the region, and renovated to form the City Museum. Enter the museum through the Ardfry portals and you'll find Clare Sheridan's studio, housing a variety of striking pieces. The exhibits on display are currently somewhat overcrowded. However, Galway Corporation has plans to extend the museum into the adjacent buildings. The visitor can ascend the winding, cast-iron staircase to the exhibition gallery and catch sweeping views of Wolfe Tone Bridge, the Clare hills and the Corrib estuary with its magnificent white swans. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Katrin Urschel |
 Photo: Alejandro Noguera |
 Photo: Jordan Hawes |
A history of the black stuff |
St James's Gate Dublin +353 1 408 4800 http://www.guinnessstorehouse.... guinness-storehouse@guinness.com |
To many, Guinness is one of the most important features of Ireland. Completed at the cost of IR£30 million, the Guinness Storehouse is a fine addition to Dublin's ever-growing list of purpose-built attractions. Set inside a converted 18th century fermentation building, it comprises of six floors linked by a giant atrium in the shape of a pint glass. Although the actual brewery is not open to the public, the storehouse's new exhibition space outlines the 200-year history of the company and reveals many brewing secrets. The models and displays of the exhibition are followed by a short film and a glass of the famous brew! The storehouse is also home to the stylish Gravity Bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Boyofmetal |
 Photo: Anne Gillies |
 Photo: Sue Yates |
 Photo: PInky and the Brain |
 Photo: Jennifer Titus |
 Photo: Taryn Hodison |
 Photo: Victor Cerutti |
 Photo: Clifford Tucker |
 Photo: LouiseStrange&Murdo |
 Photo: Annika Vauth |
 Photo: Giovanni Ciampaglia |
 Photo: morny82 |
 Photo: Kristina Babbitt |
 Photo: eisenzahn |
 Photo: Davide Baú |
 Photo: Matteo Ferrari |
 Photo: Jenn May |
 Photo: Howard Lake |
 Photo: Sarah Smith |
 Photo: Naxalite |
A chronicle of Irish Judaism |
3 Walforth Road South Circular Road Dublin, Leinster +353 1 453 1797 / +353 1 490 1857 |
The first Jews to settle in Ireland came from Portugal and Spain, fleeing from the Inquisition. Their exodus has not been forgotten, and this museum chronicles the history of the Jewish community in this country. Many fascinating Judaic pieces are on display, including photographic records of the history of the community. Upstairs, a synagogue has been carefully reconstructed. The museum also details the story of the pogroms against Irish Jews in the 20th century (often conveniently forgotten) and is, in many ways, a poignant record of a community now in decline in Ireland. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: rwinard |
Superb gallery in historic setting |
Royal Hospital Military Rd, Kilmainham Dublin +353 1 612 9900 http://www.modernart.ie info@imma.ie |
In 1991, the restored site of the Royal Hospital was officially opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art. This splendid 17th century building is now the venue for some superb exhibitions, and conducts a number of educational and community-oriented projects. Free guided tours are available and these include visits to the chapel, banqueting hall and the beautifully restored baroque garden. Current exhibitions include work by Colin Middleton and Denis Oppenheim. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Max Brighel |
 Photo: Alison! |
 Photo: Anton Sovetov |
 Photo: Mariangela Sapere |
 Photo: John Clarke |
 Photo: Alan Warburton |
 Photo: pforbesmcd |
 Photo: Dubi Kaufmann |
 Photo: Leonardo Oliveira |
 Photo: Luis de Bethencourt |
 Photo: Deana Rae Setzke |
 Photo: Karol |
 Photo: Bruno Galera |
 Photo: Bridgit E. Burns |
 Photo: Richard Jacobs |
A fitting tribute |
35 North Great Georges Street Dublin +353 1 878 8547 http://www.jamesjoyce.ie/home/ |
This Georgian townhouse is beautifully restored thanks to the efforts of David Norris, a Joycean enthusiast, Irish Senator and human rights activist who saved the house from demolition. Once the home of Dennis Maginni and his dance school, the James Joyce Centre hosts an extensive program of events, including films, lectures and walking tours of Joycean Dublin haunts. The centre also organizes Bloomsday, an annual celebration of Joyce's "Ulysses," which takes place on June 16th. Admission is EUR4.5 for adults, EUR3.5 for students and seniors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: yankeefanlel |
Key building in Ireland's history |
Inchicore Road Kilmainham Dublin, Leinster +353 1 453 5984 http://www.heritageireland.ie/... kilmainhamgaol@opw.ie |
Kilmainham Gaol is one of Ireland's most important buildings. It was designed in an attempt to improve the quality of the penal system, and in the belief that prisons should be hygienic and well-ventilated. It is also, however, a 'panopticon', emphasizing the importance of surveillance at all times, and as a result the Gaol earned itself a notorious reputation. Inmates included rebels from the Easter Rising in 1916; most notably Eamon de Valera, the last prisoner to be freed under the Free State, who went on to become President of Ireland. Guided tours provide the only access to the prison. An exhibition in the main hall and a video also outline the history of this controversial building. Admission is EUR5 for adults and EUR3 for children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eric Conrad |
 Photo: George Ledger |
 Photo: Chris Noone |
 Photo: Manon |
 Photo: Andrew Rhodes |
 Photo: Nic Oram |
 Photo: Marc Lutzner |
 Photo: Neil Ralph |
 Photo: Michelle Lewis |
 Photo: anothergene |
 Photo: Jos Kampes |
 Photo: parocom |
 Photo: Christian Cabrera |
 Photo: Greg Laster |
 Photo: Laura °__° |
 Photo: R. Carrara |
 Photo: John D'Arcy |
 Photo: dke668 |
 Photo: Amanda Rogers |
Magnificent Victorian mansion in panoramic grounds |
Muckross House Kenmare Rd Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 1440 http://www.muckross-house.ie/ |
Designed by Scottish architect William Burns for Henry Arthur Herbert and completed in 1843, Muckross House is a Victorian splendour. The house changed hands several times before its final owner, Senator Arthur Rose Vincent, generously gave the estate to Ireland in his wife's memory. Few buildings are as perfectly situated. The view from every window is breathtaking and it is easy to become dazed before finishing the tour. The rooms are furnished with period furniture - many unique to the house. The basement gives a view of servant life including the enormous kitchen and impressive wine cellar. In other basement rooms, there are weaving and pottery demonstrations. You can tour the house on your own with a comprehensive guidebook or wait until sufficient numbers make up a guided tour. Check website for further info including admission prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brad Patterson |
 Photo: Molly Foresman |
 Photo: Kim Briggs |
 Photo: Kevin McGrath Sr. |
 Photo: Duloup |
 Photo: nee_Morpheus |
 Photo: Mary Stricker |
 Photo: Katja_M |
 Photo: Evelina Saduikyte |
 Photo: Jeffrey Huang |
 Photo: Rosie Andre |
 Photo: Steffen Röcker |
 Photo: wackerdattacker |
 Photo: Ramón L. García |
 Photo: Teresa Murphy |
 Photo: rudsbp1 |
 Photo: Forrest Rhoads |
 Photo: Arnty M |
 Photo: Filippo Zaraga |
 Photo: Caitlin Zewe |
Splendid addition to the National Museum |
Benburb Street Dublin +353 1 677 7444 http://www.museum.ie/decorativ... marketing@museum.ie |
This beautifully restored 17th century building is the oldest military barracks in Europe. As if that isn't enough, Collins Barracks also acts as the second site of the National Museum in Dublin, housing the institution's collections of decorative art. Of particular note are the collections of Irish silverware and furniture, while an exhibition entitled "The Way we Wore" provides a fascinating insight into fashion through the ages. Collins Barracks is also often home to interesting touring exhibitions, and is only a short stroll from the newly revitalized Smithfield area. Entry is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: VINCENT HEFFERNAN |
 Photo: Scott Atherton |
 Photo: Emma Fry |
 Photo: Emma Fry |
Ireland's national treasure trove |
Kildare St Dublin +353 1 677 7444 http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/ |
The National Museum houses artifacts which date from 7,000 B.C. to the 20th century. The Kildare Street site is home to pieces from Viking times, alongside Celtic masterpieces and one of the largest collections of Bronze Age gold in the world. The centerpiece of the collection is the Ardagh Chalice, which dates back to 800 A.D. The museum also includes an exhibition dealing with Ireland's struggle for independence from 1916-1922. There's a pleasant café and bookstore on-site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: After Simplicius |
Ireland in pictures |
Meeting House Square Temple Bar Dublin, Leinster +353 1 603 0200 photoarchive@nli.ie |
Formerly located in the National Library's Kildare Street premises, the National Photographic Archive is now housed in an excellent purpose-built space in Temple Bar. The archive is dedicated solely to the preservation and care of the library's photographic collections, and facilities include a reading room, a darkroom and a small retail area. Currently, the Archive features an exhibition of photographs taken from the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Therese Kirkesaether |
Victorian mausoleum with stuffed animals! |
Merrion St Dublin +353 1 677 7444 http://www.museum.ie/ marketing@museum.ie |
This creepy and fascinating museum remains almost untouched since it was opened in 1857. Upon entering, one is met with three skeletons of the extinct Irish elk that lived 10,000 years ago. A variety of creatures are displayed in pickling jars, including an octopus, leeches and worms. Check out the world collection upstairs which features stuffed rhinos, pandas and two whales. Also worth seeing is the Blaschka collection of marine plants. In all, this museum provides a marvellous insight into the world of the Victorian museum-as-mausoleum. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fergus Leen |
 Photo: Krzysztof Kulczyk |
 Photo: Katie B. |
 Photo: Henry Todd |
 Photo: Courtney Cerruti |
 Photo: colinpwll |
 Photo: Angela Williams Duea |
One of Ireland's best-preserved ancient buildings |
Headford Co. Galway |
On the westerly side of Headford town lies the ecclesiastical ruins of Ross Abbey. This friary was founded in 1357 and is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Ireland, most of the original structure is still intact. The cloister and refectory kitchen are still in excellent condition, and the kitchen features a fish tank and bakery. Climb the Church tower to view the breathtaking landscape, shaped by the Corrib River. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Duffy |
A shot of culture |
12 East Essex Street Temple Bar Information Centre Dublin, Leinster +353 1 677 2397 (TASCQ) http://www.visit-templebar.com/ info@tascq.ie |
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: Mark Weills |
 Photo: Padraic Funge |
Living history Irish farm set in the 1930s |
Muckross Traditional Farms The National Park Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 1440 http://www.muckross-house.ie |
Set on several acres in the hills overlooking Muckross House is a model working farm recreating Irish life in the 1930s and 40s. Actors are busy about their chores and you may find yourself enlisted to knead bread or milk a cow. Traditional farming methods are employed throughout the complex. Depending on the time of year, you can witness traditional thrashing, ploughing, or making hay. All of the usual farm animals can be found, seemingly oblivious to the visitors. Children are often invited to offer the livestock tidbits and join in farming activities. Admission adults EUR5.75; children EUR2.35. Separate admission for Muckross House; joint tickets are available for EUR8.65 for adults, 3.90 for children (prices are subject to change, check their website for updated information). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: The Ginger Bread Man |
guide schmapplets for other cities:Canada
Ireland
Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.