Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ashbourne

"You don’t have to go far to see a castle, as the Dublin Castle is in the heart of Dublin. It played a massive role in Ireland’s history, as it was the seat of England from 1204 until 1922. While no one lives there now, you can walk inside to see the how the staterooms used to be. There are over 11 acres to explore, including multiple museums and gardens."

"Dublin Castle can be read as a “living building” which has been adapting for over 1000 years. The center of state ceremony for hundreds of years, the building has hosted Ireland’s presidency of the European Commission, state visits, and the inauguration of Irish presidents."

"The Phoenix Park is not only the home to our President, zoo, Victorian flower gardens, Papal cross and a herd of wild deer it is also one of Europe's largest urban parks and has acres of beautiful parkland and leafy trails to enjoy a long, meandering walk. Phoenix Park also doubles as a venue and space for many different events such as organized family picnics, motor and cross-country races. While there are plenty of great paid activities nearby such as Dublin Zoo and Farmleigh House, there are acres of space to roam around in and discover beautiful woodland and curious deer."

"As the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe, Phoenix Park is a great place to explore and spend the afternoon with family. With plenty of monuments, walled gardens, and wildlife, there is something for everyone at Phoenix Park. Address: Dublin 8, Ireland"

"You could easily spend an entire day exploring Europe’s largest inner-city park. You don’t need to pay for Dublin Zoo to see animals either – Phoenix Park is home to an enormous collection of deer, just wander off into the woodlands to find them."

"Trinity College and the Book of Kells – Arguably one of the most famous landmarks and places to visit in Ireland. Trinity college is the most prestigious university in Ireland The Book of Kells is housed in the stunning old library of the college. The Book of Kells is thought to be over 1200 years old and is Ireland’s national treasure."

"As part of your visit, you will also have access to the Book of Kells – the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. This is a 9th century decorated copy of the four gospels, and is generally regarded as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure."

"A visit to the Book of Kells at the Old Library, in Trinity College Dublin, is a journey through some of Ireland’s most iconic cultural heritage."

"Christ Church Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin. Step inside and you can enjoy the cathedral’s beautiful interior and fascinating medieval crypt."

"With one of the most iconic designs in Dublin, St Patrick’s Cathedral is a hotspot for Christians and architecture enthusiasts. The beautiful spire stretches into the blue sky above Dublin as a beacon for travellers and tourists. The peaceful grounds offer a perfect setting for an afternoon stroll."

"Stop Two: St. Patrick Cathedral Within walking distance of Dublin Castle is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral which is on your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. It is a Church of Ireland Cathedral and the national cathedral of the Emerald Isle. There is a paid entry, which included a guided tour."

"Named for the patron saint of Ireland, construction started on the county’s largest Cathedral in 1220. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels was once dean and is buried there."

"Dalkey Island is a beautiful place that's one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin. It is an island that is very close to Dublin and it's very to get there. View this post on Instagram"

"This restored soldiers barracks is today a state-of-the-art exhibition space and venue that pays tribute to its colourful history and Ireland’s heritage."

"A short walk from St. Audoen’s Church is a much more modern construction dating back to 1874. John’s Lane Church was constructed on the site of a former hospital and today is famous for the towering spire and steeple that rises over 200 feet above the city. The tallest spire in the city of Dublin, this was originally constructed solely as a unique aspect of the church and not to hold bells which were later added."

"Located a short walk from the city centre, John’s Lane Church is nestled in the centre of a bustling high street. Built in 1874, John’s Lane Church is one of Dublin’s younger parishes but still has a rich history. The beautiful structure combines grey and red bricks with a green roof which makes it an ideal spot for Instagrammers."

"Bejeweled with stunning mosaics and stained glass, construction began in 1862 on this French Gothic inspired church. Located in Dublin’s historic neighborhood, The Liberties, you’ll have lots to see around this landmark."

"It is made of ornate cast iron and although its official name is the Liffey Bridge, it is still called the Ha’Penny Bridge. The name is derived from the cost (ha’penny or 1 1/2 pence) charged early Irish pedestrians to cross the Liffey River. It is a great place to stop and take pictures commemorating your Dublin visit. Budget fifteen minutes to take pictures and admire the Ha’Penny Bridge and its ironwork."

"When William Walsh’s passenger ferries began to deteriorate, he saw the opportunity to commission Dublin’s first-ever pedestrian bridge. The Wellington Bridge opened in 1816, with officials extracting a half-penny toll from anyone wishing to cross. This toll was dropped in 1919, but the “ha’penny” moniker stuck."

"Any of the bridges will offer you a good view, although if you can get the beautiful Ha’Penny bridge in your photo, you’ll be on to a winner. 9.Temple Bar District"

"This Nordic inspired brunch spot changes up their specials daily in order to provide a fresh taste for their customers. With quirky dishes such as grilled garlic halloumi and beetroot cured salmon, Urbanity stands as a cool place in Dublin to go for brunch. They also provide a good selection of food for vegetarians and vegans and clearly mark what is in each dish to avoid confusion."

"Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pmAddress: Urbanity, The Glass House, 11 Coke Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7, p. 00353 1 874 7288Website: www.urbanitycoffee.ie. Urbanity is a coffee shop that also roasts its own line of beans. Their clear vision is to deliver consistently excellent cups of coffee by taking control of the roasting process."

"Urbanity has loads of single tables and plugs so it's the ideal spot for when you're roaming around the city and you need to work and eat."

"This daytime favourite is passionate about good food with top-notch ingredients used and creative plates dished out. It’s all about clean eating, but they certainly don’t compromise on flavour. The colourful salads and array of offerings from their patisserie line the window display."

"Eating healthy isn't always easy but when you come across a place like this you'll wonder why you ever craved Coco Pops for breakfast. Eathos is the ultimate health-food spot. It's near impossible not to spend a good five minutes taking photos of your food before you eat it here."

"The Eathos experience begins when you set foot inside the front door. You will be greeted by a mouth-watering display of delights in their patisserie. Each treat is freshly baked and made early in the morning in their state-of-the-art kitchens."

"Brother Hubbard is easily one of the best cafés in Dublin, with both venues offering delicious fresh food. The brunch menu Brother Hubbard South is particularly gorgeous, featuring Moroccan-style semolina pancakes with Turkish delight, roasted white chocolate mascarpone, dark chocolate ganache and vanilla strawberries. Perfect for brunch, these are easily some of the best pancakes in Dublin."

"Little sister of big Brother Hubbard, Sister Sadie is favourite for us for breakfast or meetings. We guarantee you'll leave feeling like you're ready to take on the world. You'll find it hard to fault the place."

"Emma Devlin and Cathal O’Donoghue founded Rascals Brewing in 2014. It’s a bit of a journey out past Kilmainham Gaol, but Rascals Brewing Company is one of the most innovative breweries in Dublin. Going beyond the standard styles found at every other brewery, Rascals has unique beers such as Chardonnay Saisons, Mint Chocolate Stouts, & Strawberry Vanilla Milkshake IPAs."

"Rascals have a pretty healthy-sized outdoor area, but part of it is covered over with massive covers and canopies. Stillgarden Distillery situated beside Rascals also have a big marquee set up for those looking for cocktails. You can find Rascals in Inchicore off the Tyrconnell Road, visit their website for booking information."

"Ranging over four floors on the western edge of Temple Bar, this pub began flying the microbrewery flag over 10 years ago, and today it's still going strong. Come here for a range of excellent in-house Irish brews: from dark, velvety porters (try the Oyster Stout made, yes, with fresh oysters) to red ales (try the fruity Porterhouse Red). This place can be touristy and very packed: but still, well worth a visit."

"Producing the very best lager in the world, it’s no surprise you can’t get moved here on a weekend. Welcoming stag and hen parties with open arms, the award winning Porterhouse Central is a multi-level gem in the Temple Bar. Opening its doors in 1996, this is Dublin’s first pub brewery, and has continued to grow in popularity since the very day it opened."

"A little trip away from Dublin City Centre, it’s the perfect romantic location for beach strolls or some sunset portraits. It has the tall grass, sea air and the iconic Poolbeg Towers as the quintessentially-Dublin backdrop!. A great spot for an engagement session, an elopement or a lovely portrait spot on a wedding day if you’re driving in from the south side."

"This is the perfect place to go to if you want to capture water and nature. Moreover, going to this beach is a very fun thing to do when you're in Dublin. So it's not only great for photography, but you'll also have an amazing day if you go here."