Must See Sights and Landmarks in Dún Laoghaire Area

"Originally founded in 1028, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity contains one of the oldest structures in all of Great Britain. Commonly known as the Christ Church Cathedral, the property houses the famous underground crypts which have been an important pilgrimage site since medieval times. The mysterious monuments and resting places far below the surface of the foundation are still one of the most popular tourist attractions for people who love the historical, religious, and cultural aspects of Ireland."

"If you’re on the search for churches in Dublin, you won’t want to miss out on a trip to the city’s most famous cathedral. Located at the top of a hill that looks out over the beautiful sights of Dublin, the Christ Church Cathedral is very popular amongst tourists and culture seekers. The structure dates back to the 11th century when it was built as a place of worship for Christians from all over the world."

"Its hilltop location and eye-catching flying buttresses make this the most photogenic of Dublin 's three cathedrals, as well as one of the capital's most recognisable symbols."

"Ireland's largest church, St Patrick's Cathedral was built between 1191 and 1270 on the site of an earlier church that had stood since the 5th century. It was here that St Patrick himself reputedly baptised the local Celtic chieftains, making this bit of ground some fairly sacred turf: the well in question is in the adjacent St Patrick's Park, which was once a slum but is now a lovely spot to sit and take a load off."

"Another photogenic place in Dublin is the St Patrick's Cathedral. The cathedral is very old, as it's from 1191. Taking photos of the cathedral is definitely a great idea, as the building is very photogenic."

"Tel: + 353 1 896 1116 Email: dhgallery@tcd.ie Web: www.douglashydegallery.com. The Douglas Hyde Gallery, founded in 1978, became independent of Trinity College in 1984, and for some years afterwards was the only publicly-funded gallery in Ireland that regularly exhibited contemporary art. The Douglas Hyde’s exhibition programme was wide-ranging and eclectic, including shows by major international artists as well as by emerging Irish artists."

"Trinity College / The Book of Kells – My favorite place to visit in Dublin is probably the Old Library at Trinity College, where you can find the famous Book of Kells, as well as the Long Room, which is basically any book lovers' dream library. The Book of Kells exhibit is really interesting, and it's also fun to get a glimpse into Trinity College, which is the oldest university in Ireland."

"One of the most famous places to visit at Trinity College is the Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. The writing was complete in 800 AD, and it’s supposedly the oldest and most famous book in the world. The book has the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which people come from all over the world to see."

"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."

"Strolling along the Liffey on a sunny day – what could be more romantic?. The boardwalk and the bridges across the river are one of the best locations for wedding photos in Dublin. You’ll get a fantastic view of the city and some of its most iconic landmarks."

"Recently renovated, the playground at Malahide Castle and Gardens consists of swings, slides, climbing frames and other items of interest to suit kids of all ages. It is split into two sections with an area suited to toddlers and another more suited to older children. There are picnic benches for parents to relax at while keeping an eye on their children - perfect for when the kids get hungry after all that playing!"

"With fun sculptures, fairy houses and lots of hidden secrets along the way, the Fairy Trail at Malahide Gardens is perfect outdoor fun for little visitors. Immerse yourself in a world of magic, fairies, butterflies and natural beauty in one of Dublin's favourite family attractions. Visit the butterfly house, fairy trail and walled garden with the kids for a super day out."

"Over 800 years of history awaits you when you visit this remarkable castle just 14km north of the city. Hop on Bus Number 42 with your Leap Visitor Card, or enjoy a day tour to Howth & Malahide!"

"This working farm in Dundrum, County Dublin, allows people of all ages to experience what farm life is really like. The Naturescape is an interactive outdoor play area for kids aged 4-12 with climbing frames, scramble nets, slides, swings, balance beams, tunnels and a zip wire. Kids under four can enjoy the soft play area where they can take on the role of a farmer, chef, or gardener."

"This working farm allows guests of all ages to learn about food, farming and nature in a relaxed urban setting in Dundrum. Kids can explore at Naturescape with interactive play area for 4-12 year olds which is located in the woodland walk area. A zip wire, balance beams, climbing structure and willow tunnel are proving to be great additions to the estate."

"Airfield Estate dates back to 1894 and was left to the people of Dublin in 1974. Now, it’s a public space, with a working farm, award-winning restaurant, museum, gardens and even beehives. Daily events include egg collection from the hens, calf-feeding and milking."

"Now you will also see the Campanile, one of Dublin's most photographed buildings. Resist the temptation (should you feel it) to queue for a look at the Book of Kells. Even on good days you will lose time, see only a small portion and may come away slightly disappointed. The Old Library and the Book of Kells are for those visitors with more time, seriously."

"From the outside, Whitefriar Street Church is plain and relatively unassuming. But step inside and you’ll find a whole host of religious shrines, including one containing the remains of St Valentine. And what romantic wouldn’t want to stand at the feet of the patron saint of love himself?"

"Not far from St. Patrick’s Church, Whitefriar Street Church is located. The church was founded in 1279, dispossessed during the Reformation and re-established in 1825. Since 1974, it has been under the care of the Order of Carmelites."

"The Jame Joyce Centre is located on North Great George's Street in the North Georgian Quarter and was built in the late 18th century. While Joyce himself never lived in this establishment he was connected to it through the Dance School that was run by Prof. Dennis Maginni, a character who appeared several times in Joyce's novel Ulysses. Joyce's family lived in a house not dissimilar to this Georgian building and it contains all of Joyce's addresses, an interactive tour of Joyce's Ulysses, Joyce's death mask and a range of documentaries and artefacts from Ulysses that will satisfy any diehard fans needs."

"The Martello tower in the seaside village of Sandycove, about 7 miles from Dublin’s City center, is where Irish writer James Joyce spent six nights in 1904. Known as the James Joyce Tower and Museum, it left such an impression on Joyce that inspiration for the opening scenes of his novel, “Ulysses,” came from there. The bedroom in the James Joyce Museum."

"This museum is located on North Great George’s street in Dublin city and offers insight into the life and work of the great Irish writer, James Joyce."

"Originally built as a tobacco store with vaults beneath to store wine, the Chq Building is steeped in local history and, traditionally, locals knew it as the …"

"Source: Photo by Flickr user William Murphy used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Named for one of Ireland’s greatest writers, the Bernard Shaw is a big pub in the St Kevin’s area of the city with a wide range of draught beers, ciders and cocktails among other delights for thirsty Dubliners and tourists alike. They also do a very tasty line in food, and while pizzas and larger plates are outside the 10 USD price range, their toasted sandwiches are excellent and highly affordable."

"Even though we received the worst news as of late, it was very important for me to include The Shaw in this list as I have some of the best memories there. The Bernard Shaw has acted as an iconic cultural hub and the ultimate spot to chill out after a stressful working day. With the Big Blue Bus and Eatyard on site, foodies would always get their fill and with various DJ areas, music heads could bop the night away."

"The Shaw' as it's known to its young, trendy clientele is the Dublin equivalent of London's Shoreditch pubs. Seemingly compact and indistinguishable from other pubs from the outside it's the sprawling beer garden inside where all the excitement is contained. The Blue Bus contains a pizzeria, the walls are covered in colourful graffiti and the pool table is rarely left unattended."

"The Gerard Byrne Studio, Art Gallery is home to a display of Gerard's paintings and is aimed at art enthusiasts and collectors."

"Situated within the imposing 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA is an impressive setting for modern art, one with a cobblestoned courtyard, gardens, and pretty benches overlooking the grounds. The collection itself consists of more than 3,500 pieces, with about 250 works on display at any given time. Although IMMA is a bit outside the city center—about a 30-minute walk from Dame Street—you can combine it with a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol, which is 15 minutes away by foot."

"There are a number of great free museums in Dublin which include the National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Hall, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Also keep an eye out for discount cards, coupons, and special deals to save money on tickets, tours, and meals."

"This is one of the most visited museums in Dublin with more than 400,000 visitors in one year. Here you can also take part in some permanent exhibitions as well as temporary collections. It takes in early Christian monuments, ancient burial grounds and many more."

"The Olivier Cornet Gallery on Denmark Street represents some incredible contemporary Irish and international artists, who's works include painting, sculpture, ceramics, fine art prints, photography and installations. They're always running incredible exhibitions too, so have a look at their site to see which artists they're showcasing at the moment."