Susan's Dublin ....
Welcome to Dublin, I was born and bred here, so I should know what I am talking about, right? Possibly of Viking descent, my maiden name Doyle is derived from the Irish Dubh Ghaill meaning 'the dark stranger' from Denmark. In fact, my family can trace its roots right back to Mount Brown, right next door to the Guinness brewery which kind of explains a lot...
Dublin is steeped in history from when the Viking's founded it in 988, through medieval times to the present day, with an 800 year chunk of British rule in between which finally came to an end in 1922 following the events of 1916. We Dubliners are fiercely proud of our city and never more so than this year when we celebrate the centenary of the Easter Rising 1916, the rebels who fought and died for our freedom and the effect it had on the ordinary people of Dublin. That year cast a new light on places we grew up in and around like St. Stephen's Green, the GPO and Dublin Castle alongside todays popular visitor attractions.
Susan Byron General Post Office DublinDepending on your persuasion, if you are Irish (especially from Dublin) or interested in Irish History, I am sure you will be interested in the Top Ten 1916 Experiences which include a variety of places, exhibitions and events marking the centenary of the Easter Rising in Dublin, 100 years ago in 1916.
Or, you might prefer a more general list which includes my recommended Top 10 Visitor Attractions in Dublin most of which are FREE which also includes 10 other hidden gems at each of those locations that you wont find in many of the guidebooks.
Finally, Dublin city is very compact and easy to get around with most of the following within easy walking distance of the city centre or you can always hop on a Dublin City Tour Bus or use the Luas tramway system (btw) if you buy a Leap card, you can use it on the buses as well.
Susan's Top 10 visitor attractions in Dublin
1 Dublin Castle you could spend a whole day here exploring the castle, its underground viking ramparts, the chapel royal, medieval knot garden and the exquisite Chester Beatty Library.
2 Guinness Storehouse it's not often the most publicised attractions are worth it, but in this case it certainly is...go see for yourself and enjoy a free pint with your admission ticket.
3 Collins Barracks, National Museum of Decorative Arts. handy stop off in a really interesting part of Dublin town, great exhibition space in an historical space with a special 1916 exhibition in the Riding Stables FREE
4 Hugh lane Gallery, Parnell Square my favourite gallery but then I am a sucker for the Lavery portraits...FREE
5 Christchurch Cathedral dominates Dublin's skyline and our history and is well worth a look, don't miss the treasures in the Crypt, small admission charge.
6 IMMA, Irish Museum of Modern Art. Dublin's gallery of modern art in another historical building Kilmainham hosptial which was modelled on the Palais d'Invalides in Paris FREE
7 Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park. open daily to the public unless there (other) visiting dignitaries, wonderful old house bought at enormous expense on behalf of the Irish people (with our taxes) so go ahead and enjoy it please...FREE
8 The Glasnevin Museum 1 million Dubliners are buried here so and important part of Dublin's social history and is really excellent! Guided tours / historical walks of the Cemetery are included in admission price although you can walk around the grounds for FREE
9 The National Museum, Kildare Street apart from all the wonderful treasures, a big bonus here is being able to relax in the film theatre, sightseeing can be hardwork...Oh and in case you were wondering it's FREE
10 Old Jameson Distillery saving the best till last, Jameson's whiskey is to be savoured, guided tours of a landmark distillery in the oldest part of Dublin's cobbled Smithfield Market.
