Things to Do in Ireland

At this laidback, small-scale gallery in Dublin’s happening city center, visitors can browse over 2,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art. “The Hugh Lane,” as locals call it, holds the work of well-known artistic greats such as Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Manet, and also hosts a revolving array of temporary exhibits. Perhaps most fascinating is the studio of Francis Bacon—an Irish born painter who won international acclaim for his emotional and moving pieces.  Here in the Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, his entire studio was recreated in the exact, eccentric, and extremely messy state that he kept it while he was alive. Historians have lauded the Hugh Lane Gallery for the impeccable attention to detail, and a visit today is a look into the life of one Ireland’s most legendary painters. If visiting on a Sunday, show up in the morning and stay until Noon for the weekly Sunday concert series that takes place in the sculpture hall. Concerts are held from September-June, and consistently attract a talented collection of Ireland’s most popular artists. 

The Dublin Writers Museum features unique works and memorabilia from famous writers heralding from this city. Letters and personal items from such icons as Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett allow visitors to connect with their favorite Irish authors on a more personal level while also admiring their works, which are also on display. Over 300 years of historical memorabilia and literature are displayed in this charming Georgian house-turned-museum, complete with a library, gallery and lecture rooms. There are also an adjoining bookshop and cafe as well as a basement restaurant that all follow the literary theme.

Built as a centre to honor past Irish literary figures, the museum has also become a place for young aspiring writers to gain perspective and inspiration for their own works. The headquarters for these authors, the Irish Writers' Centre, is conveniently located next door to the museum, providing them a respite to work and share ideas. The relationship between these two institutions illustrates that while Dublin has a rich history of talented writers it also has a group of bright and promising authors destined for future literary success.

Dublin Castle has served many functions since it was built by King John of England in 1230. At that time, the castle was meant to act as a defense center against the current invaders, the Normans, and serve as the seat of the English government. Since then, Dublin Castle has also been the site of the Royal Mint and police headquarters. Today, the castle grounds are a tourist attraction in addition to function as a venue for some Irish government functions and ceremonies, such as the President of Ireland's inauguration, and for conferences, including those of the European Council.

The Basics
Guided tours take visitors through the grounds, sharing the history and ever-changing purpose of each building. Most notable is the story behind the Record Tower, the only remaining building from the original medieval structure that has miraculously survived centuries worth of fires and warfare that ravaged the other buildings. Other noteworthy areas include the Chester Beatty Library and the Dubhlinn Gardens, which now grow over the spot where there was once a black pool (‘dubh linn’) from which the city of Dublin gets its name.
 
The long and rich history behind this complex is enough reason to tour Dublin Castle. Even people who are not history buffs will find something of interest within the vast castle grounds. Plan to spend about two hours at the castle learning about Irish history and exploring the lavishly decorated private quarters and entertaining halls of the State Apartments, the State Bedrooms, St. Patrick’s Hall, the State Drawing Room, the Chapel Royal, the Medieval Undercroft, and the Throne Room.

• Dublin Castle is open to the public unless a special event is taking place; be sure to check the castle’s schedule ahead of time.
• Choose to travel with a tour guide for personal attention, or opt for a self-guided tour.
• Dublin Castle is a stop on most city hop-on, hop-off tours.

How to Get to Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is located in central Dublin on Dame Street. The castle is accessed easily on foot, by taxi, or via public transportation. City Hall and Trinity College are about a five-minute walk from Dublin Castle and both are well worth a visit.

When to Get There
The castle is open from 9:45am to 4:45pm, with the exception of holidays and special events. Expect some crowds and lines in summer.

Conor Pass is the highest mountain pass in Ireland at 1,345 feet above sea level. It is on the Dingle Peninsula in southwestern Ireland, and it is located along the road that runs from Dingle on the southern end of the peninsula towards Brandon Bay and Castlegregory. The road is narrow and twisting as it weaves its way through steep cliffs. Those driving on Conor Pass will have spectacular views of the glaciated landscapes, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and the coast. It is considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Ireland.

Starting from Dingle Town, the road rises 1,500 feet as it approaches the pass. There is a parking lot at the highest point where you can stop and admire the views of the coast. Then as you continue along the road, you will pass Brandon Bay and more cliffs, waterfalls, and lakes. The road also crosses the Brandon Mountains with Ireland's second highest peak, Brandon Mountain at 3,217 feet tall. The road is usually open all year but can be closed during winter months due to weather or if the snow has not been cleared.

Set within the 82,300-capacity Croke Park stadium, the GAA Museum is devoted to Gaelic games and the role of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Irish life. Exhibits, audiovisual displays, and interactive zones introduce visitors to Gaelic football and hurling, a fast-paced game played with a hurley (stick) and a sliotar (ball).

The Basics

Visitors can join a Croke Park stadium tour, which includes admission to the GAA Museum, or buy a museum-only admission ticket and explore the exhibits at their leisure. 

See legendary players in the Hall of Fame, learn about the role of the GAA in local communities, and see the original Sam Maguire Cup (awarded to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship) and the original Liam MacCarthy Cup (awarded to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship). The interactive Games Zone allows visitors to try their hand at the sports themselves. 

Things to Know Before You Go

• The GAA Museum is a must for sports enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in Irish culture. 
  
• There is a café on the stadium grounds. 
  
• The museum and stadium are wheelchair accessible. 
  

How to Get There

The GAA Museum is at the Cusack Stand in Croke Park, a 15-minute walk from Dublin city center. Alternatively, ride the train to Drumcondra station, which is just five minutes away on foot, or take any one of a number of buses from the city center. 

When to Get There 

The GAA museum opens daily year-round. On match days, the museum’s regular opening hours are sometimes altered; most matches take place on weekend days, so go midweek if possible.

Learning About Ireland’s National Games

Traditional Gaelic games are at the center of Irish sporting life. The most popular and most played among them are Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie (women’s hurling). Their origins can be traced back centuries—the mythical Irish warrior Cú Chulainn is said to have carried a hurley and sliotar. To this day, local GAA organizations play a key role in Irish community life, particularly in rural locations. 

Medieval Dublin was a disease-riddled era of slavery, Vikings, and torture, where Bubonic Plague and bloody warfare were parts of everyday life. Though Dublin isn’t often equated with Vikings, the conquering seafarers played an important role in Dublin’s Medieval past, and at the popular Dublinia heritage center, this grisly period is on entertaining display with their interactive exhibits. Take a walk down a street from the days of Medieval Dublin, smelling the aromas of streetside merchants and hearing their tales of woe. Wrap yourself in the heavy chains of a hapless Irish slave, and walk through the dark, smoky interior of an authentic Viking household. Learn about the savage and primitive weaponry that Vikings would use in battle, and board a replica Viking warship to experience conditions at sea. At the History Hunters exhibition, hear the ancient languages and alphabets from when Vikings cruised this coast, and look at relics that have been carefully excavated from sites all across Dublin. To finish the visit, climb your way up 96 steps to the top of St. Michael’s Tower, where the 17th century viewing platform offers unparalleled city views. As educational as it is entertaining, Dublinia is a stop that every family should experience when visiting Dublin.