Farmleigh House and Estate

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Just outside the western border of Phoenix Park is the former Guinness family holiday home turned Irish state mansion, Farmleigh. The vast house and lavish surrounding gardens were the longtime weekend residence of several generations of Ireland’s real first family.

When the Guinness clan moved to even fancier digs in England, they offered to gift the whole estate to the Irish government, who politely turned them down. Years later, the same government would buy the complex for €29 million. In the words of one local, it was “a very Irish deal, indeed!”

Today, the house and gardens are used for official state and diplomatic functions. President Barack Obama was famously photographed playing Ireland’s national sport hurling with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny on the front lawn.

When not hosting state functions, the house and grounds are free and open to the public. A walk around the gardens and a guided tour of the great place are worth the time if you can get there. House tours run through the day on a first-come, first-served basis. Inside, you’ll see the elegant dining room and the official state china (all made locally, including glasses by Waterford Crystal), the grand entryway and staircase built to match the one in the Guinness family’s workaday home on St. Stephen’s Green, the oak-panelled study with a book-activated secret door leading into a secure underground panic room, and an iron-and-glass greenhouse with the old-timey name, “conservatory”—like the potential murder scene in Clue. When you arrive, immediately pick up your ticket for the next forty-five-minute tour and take a stroll through the gardens while you wait.

Outside, take a look at the sunken Dutch garden (like those at the War Memorial Gardens, see below), get lost in the Victorian walled garden, and walk through the magnolias to a short loop trail around the small lake.

Enjoy a coffee at the lakeside boathouse or your pre-packed picnic lunch on one of the many benches throughout the estate until the house tour begins.

Entrance to the estate is from Phoenix Park, at the White’s Road Gate. The easiest way to get there is by Dublin Bus: catch the 37 bus on Aston Quay (near the south side of O’Connell Bridge, terminating at Blanchardstown Centre) and get off at Castleknock Rd (Park Gate).

Enter the park and take a right on the pedestrian path, then another right at White’s Road to the Farmleigh entrance (Free; gardens and estate open daily 10:00–18:00, house tours operate less frequently in the offseason—check website for current schedule and occasional closures for state functions; www.farmleigh.ie).

Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum

Glasnevin Cemetery Tour

Attached to the Botanic Gardens is Ireland’s most important national memorials, Glasnevin Cemetery.

The main entrance is west on Finglas Road, but there is a somewhat hidden entrance from the Botanic Gardens.

From just inside the main entrance, turn left and walk about a minute along the boundary to this “secret” gate.

This burial ground resulted from Daniel O’Connell’s cries in the British Parliament for fair treatment of Irish Catholics. Before O’Connell’s push, there were no cemeteries where priests could legally perform Catholic rites before burial.

O’Connell’s vision was for a genuinely public cemetery, one in which Protestants, Catholics, Jews, and people of any other religious belief could be buried—a revolutionary idea in its day.

For a long time after its founding, it was one of the only places in Dublin for Catholic burials and is currently home to the remains of more than 1.5 million people.

O’Connell’s Tower in Glasnevin Cemetery

As such, several prominent Irish heroes are buried here. The champion of Glasnevin O’Connell has the most impressive memorial; look for the tall round Celtic tower. You can’t miss it. Irish Civil War rivals Michael Collins and Éamon De Valera are both buried here.

People regularly visit to place flowers on the grave of the one supported by their family during the conflict. (According to cemetery staff, Collins gets more.)

Many other important Irish figures are buried here, including freedom fighters Countess Markievicz and Roger Casement, playwright and poet Brendan Behan (whose memorial you may have seen along the Royal Canal), and singer Luke Kelly.

The cemetery is still open for new burials, so if you are interested

The Glasnevin Museum is not free, but it provides more insight and history about the cemetery, burial practices, and cemetery founder Daniel O’Connell.

There is also a café in the museum lobby if you need refreshment (Cemetery: Free, Museum: €6.00, Museum and Guided Cemetery Tour: €12.00; daily 10:00–17:00; www.glasnevintrust.ie). Bus 140 or 40 both return to City Centre from outside the main entrance to Glasnevin.

Grafton Street

Grafton Street is the premier up-market shopping street in Dublin. Running from Stephen’s Green in the south to College Green in the north, Grafton Street is one of the busiest streets in Ireland and one of Dublin’s most prominent shopping districts. The street is named after Henry Fitzroy, 1st Duke of Grafton, the illegitimate son of King Charles II of England, who owned land in the area.

Grafton Street is full of high street and up-market shops, department stores and nearby shopping centres. It is the perfect place to stroll along as you window shop or pause to watch one of the many buskers and street performers who make the bustling shopping district so alive and vibrant. Take a chance to stop by and enjoy a coffee in the flagship Bewley’s, built in the 1840s and a tourist attraction in itself, or if you feel like treating yourself this pedestrianized high street provides some of the best shops in Dublin. A visit to Grafton Street is one of the top things to do while in Dublin and is an essential stop for anyone who wants some retail therapy while in the city.

Fun Fact

Many of Ireland’s biggest music acts such as internationally renowned singer/ songwriter Damien Rice, Academy Award Winner Glen Hansard and popular Anglo-Irish band Keywest started out busking on Grafton Street. Christmas Eve on Grafton Street is fast becoming a major annual event with many of these artists including U2 frontman Bono returning to busk on the famous street.

Getting There:

Hop off the CityScape Tour at: Stop 23 College Green (see Route Map)

Guinness Storehouse

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Located in the heart of Dublin’s St James’s Gate Brewery, Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s number one tourist attraction.  Since opening in November 2000, Guinness Storehouse has attracted over 4 million visitors from every corner of the globe.

Housed in an old fermentation plant that was constructed in 1902 and recently restored, now the seven-storey visitor experience tells the story of this world famous drink. Immerse yourself in the story of Guinness that begins over 250 years ago as you learn of its founding by Arthur Guinness as well as discover the process it takes to brew the world renowned drink in the brewery that started an international brand.

A visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a must for any tourist and no trip would be complete without taking in the incredible 360 degree view of Dublin city from atop the Gravity bar as you enjoy a complimentary pint of the Black Stuff.

 Fun fact

The Guinness Brewery now brews over 3 million pints of Guinness a day.

Contact Details:

Address: St James’s Gate, Dublin 8

Tel: +353 1408 4800

Opening Hours:

Open 7 days a week from 9.30am-5pm (Last admission at 5pm).

Getting There:

Hop off the CityScape Tour at: Stop 27 Market Street South (see Route Map)

Heuston Station

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Dublin Heuston Station

Dublin Heuston, commonly called Heuston Station, is one of Ireland’s main railways stations serving the south, southwest and west. It is operated by the national railway operator, Iarnród Éireann (Irish rail). Dublin Heuston station opened on 4 August 1846 as the terminus and headquarters of the Great Southern and Western Railway. It was originally called Kingsbridge Station after the nearby Kings Bridge over the River Liffey, but as with most national landmarks in Ireland, was renamed in 1966 to commemorate a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising named Sean Heuston who had worked in the Station offices.

Trains to the south and west operate from here. It is the principal and busiest terminus for Intercity rail services with an annual passenger throughput in excess of four million. There a number of shops and eateries in Heuston Station and it is also directly connected to Connolly Station through the Luas line.

Contact Details:

Address: Heuston Station, St Johns Road West, Dublin 8

Tel: + 353 (0) 1 7032132

Getting There:

Hop off the CityScape Tour at: Stop 28 Military Road

Heuston railway station

Heuston Station is Dublin’s largest railway station and links Dublin with the south, southwest and west of Ireland. The station is named in honour of an executed leader of the 1916 Easter Rising. It is operated by Iarnród Éireann, the national railway operator. It also houses the head office of its parent company – Córas Iompair E.I.ireann (CIÉ) The station was also known as Kingsbridge Station.

Heuston Luas stop

The Heuston Luas stop is an interchange with Dublin’s Luas light rail tram system. The station opened in 2004 and features three platforms. Trams cross the River Liffey to the north of the stop on the Sea pronounced the Seán Bridge, which was refurbished as part of the Luas construction. The platform nearest St. John’s Road West is for southbound trams travelling towards Tallaght and Saggart. The eastern side of the island platform is a terminus platform, used only in certain peak times, when extra services are run in the city centre section.

How to Get to Dublin From Dublin Airport

How to get from Dublin International Airport to Dublin city centre? That’s a good question. Despite there being numerous trams (Luas) and light railways (DART) in Dublin, there are none from the Airport to the centre of Dublin. So, therefore, you’ll need to take a bus, a taxi or arrange a transfer. This article will help you find the best way to get from Dublin Airport to the city. 

Where Is Dublin Airport

Dublin International Airport lies approximately 6 miles (9 km) north of the centre of the city. To get there, you will need to use one of the four primary modes of transport from the city to the Airport and vice Versa. 

These four main modes of transport are: 

1. Public Coach (Airlink) 

2. Private Coach (Aircoach)

3. Taxi 

4. Private Transfer (Uber)

Taking The Airlink From Dublin Airport To City

From arrivals at Dublin Airport, make your way to the ground floor of Terminal 1. If you arrive at Terminal 2, there is a well-signposted walkway to get to T1. On the Ground Floor of Terminal 1, you will find an Airlink information desk. The Dublin Bus operated Airlink is probably the most direct route to the city centre.

The Airlink service has buses that leave every 15 to 20 minutes 24 hours a day (although this has been restricted during the pandemic). Airlink currently has two routes: 747 and 757. The journey from Dublin airport to Dublin City centre takes about 30 minutes. 

What Are The Airlink Routes

The two buses take slightly different routes, with The 747 Route Terminatein at Heuston Rail Station and The 757 Route Terminating at Charlotte Way (St. Stephen’s Green)

All Airlink buses have wifi and monitors to keep an eye on the bus’ progress. If unsure, please look up the closest stop to where you are heading. Have the bus driver warn you when to get off; they are pretty good at this.

You can find out more information here. 

How Long Does The Airlink Bus Journey Take From Dublin Airport To City

Although we can’t predict the Dublin traffic, the Airlink takes between 40 minutes to an hour on most days. 

Depending on the Airlink bus you take, it skims the city meaning your travel time diminishes.

How Much Does An Airlink Ticket Cost

You can buy Airlink tickets online and at the Airport. When purchasing tickets online, you save €1 on the cost of your ticket. 

You can buy a single ticket or a return ticket. Single tickets cost €6 while return tickets cost €11.

Tickets here

Aircoach

Taking The Aircoach From Dublin Airport To City

Aircoach is an express (fewer stops) private coach that connects Dublin Airport with the centre of the city, its cities suburbs and numerous other cities in Ireland. 

Aircoach is a 24-hour service that leaves every 30 minutes.

Where Can I Get The Aircoach

The Aircoach stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. There is a sign that directs you to the bus stops. Outside the exit of the terminals, there’s an Aircoach Booth where you can purchase tickets (Look for people in Aircoach jackets). Cash and cards are accepted. If you are unsure what bus to take, these people are happy to direct you to the nearest bus stop and advice you on what line to catch. 

How Long Does The Aircoach Take To Get To Dublin City Centre

The official time to get into Dublin on Aircoach is 25 minutes. This will again depend greatly on the Dublin traffic. The Aircoach goes through the port tunnel, uses bus lanes and the motorway, which greatly reduces the travel time.

How Much Does The Aircoach Cost

Aircoach is slightly more expensive than Dublins Bus’ Airlink service. However, they serve different routes. Online you can buy tickets depending on the way you are taking. A return to Dublin costs €13. Tickets online are slightly cheaper.

Busearann

Getting From Dublin Airport To Dublin City on BusEarann

Bus Éireann runs a number of routes that pass and pick up at Dublin Airport. Both Terminal 1 & 2. These routes are part of the national public transport system and therefore can take an indirect route to the city centre. However, this can work in your favour if you are looking for somewhere off the beaten track or have booked an Airbnb.

You can find routes and timetables here.

How Long Does The Bus Eireann Take To Get To Dublin City Centre

This will depend on which route you take; however, it can range from 30 mins to over two hours (it’s a nice tour of the Citys Suburbs). If you have some time to kill, then it may be worth looking at the routes and seeing what you can take in.

Taking A Taxi From Dublin Airport To City

Taking a taxi from Dublin Airport to City is simple. Outside both the Terminals, next to arrivals level, you can find Taxis waiting. The Taxi rank is signposted. The Taxi rank can get quite busy with a large number of taxis waiting to pick up customers, especially when multiple flights land at once.

How Much Does A Taxi Cost From Dublin Airport To City

Taxis are not the cheapest way to get from the Airport to Dublin City Centre. You can pay between €25 to €50 for a journey between Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre. This depends significantly on the time of day and distance of the journey. Most of the taxis take up to four passengers, which could make the journey affordable (€30/4 = €7.5 while Aircoach costs €7 per person single)

We recommend using a taxi service if you have a particular place you need to be at, have a large number of luggage items or a particular 

Private Transfer From Dublin Airport To Dublin Centre

If you are not looking for the hassle of arranging busses and grabbing Taxi Cabs, you can book yourself a private transfer. Private transfers are one of the easiest ways to get into the city as everything is secured beforehand.

How To Get A Private Transfer

Many hotels offer private transfers from Dublin Airport to the hotel. However, if your hotel does not provide a private transfer, I would recommend booking a private transfer online. That way, the driver who is picking you up knows exactly where you are going, and there won’t be any hassle paying the driver.

You can ask drivers for quotes to pick the cheapest transfer from Dublin Airport to the city Here. 

Irish Museum of Modern Art

The Irish Museum of Modern Art or “IMMA”, is Ireland’s leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. Attracting over 400,000 visitors a year, the Museum is Ireland’s most important collection of modern and contemporary Irish art and is housed in the elegant Royal Hospital at Kilmainham, recognised as the finest 17th Century building in Ireland.

The Royal Hospital Kilmainham was designed by the talented William Robinson (who also designed Marsh’s Library), and was built between 1680 and 1687 as a home for retired soldiers. It continued in that use until 1928, the building was then left to languish for over 50 years. The building was eventually restored by the government in 1984 and made into the popular tourist attraction it is today in 1991.

The Museum presents a wonderfully wide-ranging combination of old and new exhibitions, which regularly include works from contemporary Irish artists as Louis Le Brocquy, Sean Scully, Barry Flanagan, Kathy Prendergrass and Dorothy Cross as well as paintings from artistic giants Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.

Contact Details:

Address: Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8

Tel: +353-1-6129900

Tours:

Tue-Sun: 2.30pm

Admission:

Tue & Thu-Sat: 10am-5.30pm

Wed: 10.30am-5.30pm

Sun: 12 p.m – 5.30pm

Getting There:

Hop off the CityScape Tour at: Stop 28 Military Road (see Route Map)

Irish Whiskey Tours In Dublin

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Whiskey tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the modern Irish tourist industry, and Dublin has no shortage of whiskey experiences for the curious and experienced alike. 

Since monks first began to practice distillation techniques, Irish whiskey has been around for centuries—learned by observing Middle-East perfumers distilling flower and fruit essences—on beer. Before long, demand for uisce beatha, or “water of life,” grew around Ireland and Europe. 

For a few centuries, Ireland had the market cornered until distillers in Scotland and England began applying advancing technology and blending to produce their product more quickly and cheaply. 

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For most of the twentieth century, Irish whiskey was in the doldrums, hurt by waning international interest and American prohibition. Still, things have been picking up in the last few decades. Enthusiasm, and shipping orders, are up worldwide, and the big international exporters like Jameson and Bushmills are cranking out more than ever before. 

Even more exciting, small brands once closed or sold to the big boys buy back their labels and reopen their small distilleries in towns and villages around the country. 

So in the next few years, Ireland may have as many as twenty working distilleries making the good stuff and opening their doors for whiskey enthusiasts. 

In Dublin, the three big choices for whiskey tourism are the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Old Jameson Distillery, and the Irish Whiskey Museum. Each of these three has something different to offer. Jameson is the industry standard; the beginner-friendly tour of what used to be a massive distilling complex, now closed and moved out of town. 

Jameson Distillery Tours

Old Jameson Distillery Front Entrance

At Jameson, whiskey newbies get a look and an explanation of the whiskey process with replicas of the grain room, the mills (with the chance to touch one of their old working millstones for luck), and the rest of the equipment used to produce their large volume. Jameson’s end-tasting pits against two contrasting styles—usually Scotch and Bourbon—highlight an Irish whiskey’s smooth, light character. 

Teeling Distillery Tours

Teelings Whiskey Distillery Dublin Front entrance with Teelings Van outside

Teeling is a newly reopened distillery in Dublin’s Liberties neighbourhood—formerly home to many small brewers and distillers. Most of the alcohol production in the Liberties halted after a massive whiskey fire in 1875. High-test whiskey ageing in barrels can be highly flammable, and the nearby streets ran with rivers of fire as more and more barrels burst in their storehouses. Several neighbourhood residents died, not from fire, but from disease after scooping up and drinking the free whiskey running through the sewage-filled Victorian streets. 

Teeling offers visitors a look at a modern, high-tech whiskey facility—a perfect contrast to Jameson’s pastoral museum. The malting, mashing, fermenting, and distilling process is again explained in a beginner-friendly way, with visitors getting a chance to smell and taste the product at each stage of production. 

The only replica at Teeling is the barrel room, as whiskey is now aged in special warehouses outside of town for safety reasons that should be obvious. The standard Teeling tasting lets visitors sample three different Teeling products to discern their other characters. This much more subtle tasting comparison is still approachable for beginners but won’t be as face-punishingly apparent as that in Jameson. The different tasting options at various price points is also very appealing to those who might not be ready for 60 mL of whiskey neat. 

Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Tour

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The Pearse Lyons Distillery at St. James’, near the famous St James Gate of Guinness Storehuse fame is housed in a church converted in September 2017.

It was said that this is new chapter for The Liberties, Dublin. The restoration of St. James’ Church into Pearse Lyons was brought about through inspirations such as and an entrepreneurial spirit, family history and a personal passion for brewing and distilling.

The tour here gives you a peak into the stories behind and the heritage of this iconic area in Dublin, as well as the ideation of their highly-rated range of whiskies.

Visitors get the full range of senses through taste, smell and touch every step of the whiskey distilling process, you can meet with the distillers and taste their signature Pearse Irish Whiskey.

Irish Whisky Museum Tours

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Tasting at The Irish Whiskey Museum

Another new attraction, the Irish Whiskey Museum, isn’t so much a look-at-exhibits-yourself museum as it is a guided, narrated tour through a sequence of audio/visual exhibits. More emphasis is put on the history of Irish whiskey in general: its monastic origins, its outlaw past, its surge, decline, and recent revival. The tour finishes, predictably, with a guided sampling of different Irish whiskies, depending on the tour package purchased. The Irish Whiskey Museum tour price is competitive with the other attractions in Dublin, and its handy location in College Green makes it popular for day-trippers. 

Other Irish Whisky Tours

Beyond Dublin, the largest and most popular whiskey destinations are Bushmills in Northern Ireland and the large, multi-label complex in Midleton, Co. Cork. These large distilleries stayed in business during the twentieth-century decline and are surging again thanks to renewed interest. Midleton now produces Jameson, Paddy, and several other big and small labels, and the Jameson experience there is more expansive than that in the Old Distillery in Dublin. If you are travelling around the country, consider a visit to one of these modern macro distilleries. 

Tullamore D.E.W, Tullamore

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Tullamore DEW Distillery Heritage Centre

Located in the very centre of Ireland is one of Ireland’s most famous whiskies, Tullamore D.E.W.

Tullamore DEW whiskey was first distilled in 1829 and named after its creator, Daniel E. Williams. Tullamore was one of the first distilleries in Ireland to produce a blended whiskey.

Tullamore D.E.W has a number of tour options for visitors, 

The main tour is the ‘curious taster’s journey, guided by one of Tullamores own whiskey experts, allowing you to sample a selection of three or four of their whiskies.

Other tours are available to suit your whiskey experience, including the ‘whiskey wise masterclass,’ which allows you to taste six Tullamore D.E.W whiskey blends

Bushmills Distillery, Bushmills

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Bushmills Distillery Visitor Centre Entrance

Located on the Causeway Coast of Ireland (actuallly in Northern Ireland) is Ireland’s oldest working distillery – The Old Bushmills Distillery.

The Bushmills Distillery Tour gives visitors an authentic distillery experience, guaranteed to excite the senses and become entranced by the smells and sights around along the tour.

There is a specialist whiskey shop and a wonderful gift shop at the end of te tour where you can sample some of the Whiskeys they produce.

Jameson Experience, Midleton – Jameson’s other distillery

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The Jameson Whisky Experience, is located in the Old Midleton Distillery in Midleton, County Cork.

This distillery began life as a woollen mill before being taken over by the army as barracks andbefore becoming a distillery in 1825.

The current distillery was constructed in 1975 to consolidated operations of three former Irish whiskey-making powerhouses, Jameson, Powers, and Cork Distilleries Company (owners of the Midleton Distillery). The companies had come together in 1966 to form Irish Distillers.

Since the visitor’s centre opened in 1992, there have been approximately 100,000 guests per year, with over 125,000 in recent years.

Kilbeggan Distillery, Kilbeggan 

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The Kilbeggan Distillery is located in the heart of Ireland, in the little Westmeath town of Kilbeggan.

Kilbeggan distillery dates back to 1757, which is older than the current Bushmills Distillery!

The Kilbeggan Distillery offers excellent regular tours for individuals or groups. 

Iveagh Gardens

Iveagh Gardens is one of the least known areas in Dublin. It is 300 years old, and locals have strived to maintain the integrity and attributes of this historical site. On your next visit to Dublin in, be sure to visit this attraction.

Location

Iveagh Gardens is located in Dublin city centre between Upper Hatch Street and Clonmel Street in Dublin, Ireland. It is directly behind the National Concert Hall and Harcourt Street, located just a stone’s throw away from Dublins famous St. Stephen’s Green.

General Features

Iveagh Gardens has many special features such as artificial caves, exquisite fountains, and woodlands. It also includes a rosarium and archery fields and has come to host many prestigious events over the centuries. Use this quiet escape to read a book, walk your dog, or take in the tranquil ambience of a place rich in Dublin’s heritage.

The gardens are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, from the cold winter months of January and February to the summer months. There are many activities to do, such as archery, site seeing, and meandering through the tranquil woodlands. Here are some of the best things to see in Iveagh Gardens.

History

Iveagh Gardens is rich in Irish history. It began as an earl’s garden and was later converted into a public park. Most of the original features are still in place as much of the original design has been restored. In 1865, a lot of the gardens we know and love were redesigned by Ninian Niven. It went on to host the Dublin Exhibition Palace in all its splendour. The Park was later donated and became one of Dublin’s historic parks.

First Known as Clonmell Lawn

In the 18th century, the land that is now Iveagh Gardens was leased to John Hatch, the developer of Hatch and Harcourt streets, who then sold it to Copper-Faced-Jack, the first Earl of Clonmell to serve as his private gardens. This earned it the title “Clonmell Lawns.”

Coburg Gardens

After the passing of the first Earl, the gardens became known as Coburg Gardens and were later opened to the public.

Once donated to Ireland as a national park, the area attained the title “Iveagh Gardens.”

What to Look Out for When Visiting Iveagh Gardens

Iveagh Gardens is no ordinary park. It has several attractions, both natural and mand made.

Floral Attractions

Iveagh Gardens boasts some of the most beautiful roses in their quiet rosarium. In October, several species of flowers are in bloom. Examples of these include carnations, roses, lilies, sunflowers, and dahlias. Some of the rose species found in this garden date back to the 1800s, following conservation and restoration attempts.

Maze

Labyrinths or mazes, such as the one found in this garden, are intended to force the body and mind into a state of peace. Solving a problem such as one presented by a labyrinth uses cognitive skills like memory, reasoning, and spatial learning. This beneficial structure has been incorporated into the design of Iveagh Gardens. It is home to a beautiful yew maze that adds an extra touch of elegance to the area while helping to relax the body and mind. This maze was made as a miniature replica of Hampton Court Maze in London.

Water Features

The sound of falling or flowing water has been proven to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. People who work in the city are more prone to mental health issues than those who do not. Spending time in nature can help reduce the harmful effects of stress and anxiety. What better to do this than to spend time at Iveagh Gardens?

Waterfall or Cascades

Unlike many other garden attractions, Iveagh Gardens is home to a waterfall that creates soothing sounds to bring joy to the heart and stillness to the soul. The waterfall includes a collection of rocks that were carefully collected from each of Ireland’s 32 counties. Today, the cascade makes use of recycled water, but once made use of water from the Grand Canal.

Other Water Structures Both Past and Present

The Gardens used to be home to a pond and a boating tower. The tower now forms part of the boundary wall of Iveagh House. The Gardens have several exquisite fountain centrepieces that can be found throughout the lawns and woodlands.

Lawns and Woodlands

No garden would be complete without exceptional, well-maintained greenery, and Iveagh Gardens is no different. It has a host of stunning lawns which form distinctive geometric shapes that visitors have come to appreciate. Unlike St. Stephen’s Green, it is much quieter and has been a place where people can go to escape the hustle and bustle of life for decades.

Archery is an underappreciated sport in the modern world today. It provides many health benefits, such as stress relief, hand-eye coordination, encouraging mental focus, and improved heart health. At Iveagh Gardens, you can reap the benefits of this age-old sport. A sizeable sunken lawn near the Earlsfort Terrace entrance is home to an archery field, which is the only field in Ireland built for this purpose.

Events

The Gardens have hosted a wide range of events over the years. It continues to be a venue of choice for events both large and small. Watch many concerts, shows, and other such events during the day or at night. Check the website for an event schedule or to book an event yourself.

Iveagh House

Iveagh House forms part of the eastern border of the gardens. It is home to the Department of Foreign Affairs, established in 1939.

Operational Times

Operational times vary according to season. Be sure to check their site before embarking on a visit.

Final Thoughts

Iveagh Gardens is a beautiful national park in the city centre of Dublin. Hidden behind tall buildings, it is almost a secret getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and offers an oasis of tranquillity. It is the perfect place to enjoy nature, practice a little archery, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while escaping the stresses of life. The many features of this hidden gem make it a worthwhile place to visit.

Kilmainham Gaol

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Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe. Now turned into a museum, the gaol has been witness to some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland’s emergence as a modern nation from the 1780s to the 1920s with many of the leaders of Irish rebellions imprisoned within its walls.

Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol has a place in the heart of modern Irish history and has held some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history such as Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, the 1916 Rising leaders and Eamon de Valera. From when it opened in 1796 to when it closed in 1924, the leaders of 5 Irish rebellions between 1798 and 1916 were detained and in some cases executed in the gaol.

Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration. The tour of the prison includes an audio-visual show which gives the visitor a dramatic and realistic insight into what is was like to have been confined in one of these forbidding bastions of punishment and correction. For anyone visiting Dublin, this is one of the must see attractions if you are either interested in learning about the infamous gaol which has played a prominent role in Irish history or if you would like to experience what it was like to be put in an almost 300 year old prison without the generally less pleasant experience of having to actually be incarcerated.

Fun Fact

Kilmainham Gaol has a history of being haunted with a number of reported ghost sightings over the last century.

Contact Details:

Address: Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.

Tel: +353 1 453 5984

Getting There:

Hop off the CityScape Tour at: Stop 28 Military Road (see Route Map)

Admission:

Adult – €6.00

Senior/ Group – €4.00

Child/ Student – €2.00

Family – €14.00