Attractions in Georgian Dublin (Dublin)

National Museum at Kildare Street

The National Museum houses artifacts which date from 7,000 B.C. to the 20th century. The Kildare Street site is home to pieces from Viking times, alongside Celtic masterpieces and one of the largest collections of Bronze Age gold in the world. The centerpiece of the collection is the Ardagh Chalice, which dates back to 800 A.D. The museum also includes an exhibition dealing with Ireland's struggle for independence from 1916-1922. There's a pleasant café and bookstore on-site.

Merrion Square

Merrion Square is the grandest of the city's great set-piece squares. The park in the centre is owned by the Catholic Church, which has leased it to the city. It is a beautifully maintained green space in the heart of the city dotted with sculpture and public art, the most visible of which is probably the monument to Oscar Wilde in the north-west corner. Wilde spent his childhood at 1, Merrion Square, while W.B. Yeats lived at No. 82. On Sundays, artists hang their works for sale on the railings surrounding the park.

Government Buildings

The last great British building in Dublin, this Edwardian edifice began life as the home of the Royal College of Science in 1911, before construction was even complete. Once finished, the Free State Government became the college's neighbor and used the north wing as a place of refuge during the Civil War. The building was then leased to University College Dublin for many years until, in 1989, it was lavishly restored and became the home of the Irish government. The buildings can only be visited on guided tours. The tour includes many offices where you can see portraits of Irish politicians. Prominent amongst them is a portrait of Countess Markievicz - a leading force in the Easter Rising and of course, the first female Cabinet Minister in Ireland.

National Library of Ireland

Opened in 1890, the National Library was built for the Royal Dublin Society, which was formed in order to promote the arts and sciences in Dublin and to improve conditions for the poor. The library is now Ireland's bibliographical centre and incorporates both the Heraldic Museum and Genealogical Office. Tickets are generally issued to individuals whom the library consider to have "genuine research needs": applications can be made in person and a decision will be reached immediately. The library also regularly holds exhibitions and the Genealogical Office caters for individuals who wish to carry out family research but are unfamiliar with the library's extensive collection.

Newman House

Newman House was founded in 1854 as a Catholic alternative to the Protestant Trinity College and it nurtured the minds of many famous students, including James Joyce and Eamon de Valera. The university (now University College Dublin) has since moved to the southern suburbs of the city. Visits to Newman House are only conducted on guided tours. Newman House comprises two townhouses at 85 and 86 St Stephen's Green. The former was built by Cassels in 1738 and features the Apollo Room, complete with suggestive frescoes which were covered by appalled Jesuits in 1883. The adjacent residence, built in 1765, reveals treasures such as Joyce's classroom and the bedroom of Gerard Manley Hopkins who was an unhappy teacher here.

Dail Eireann

The current Irish Parliament has governed since 1922 and consists of the Dail (House of Representives) and the Seanad Eireann (Senate). Before its dissolution in 1800, the Irish Parliament was located in the present Bank of Ireland building on College Green. Both houses of the Irish Parliament are currently housed in the majestic mansion that is Leinster House. With a view over Merrion Square and the opportunity to see the ornate Seanad chamber, it is worth arranging a tour here. Leinster House is, for security reasons, normally not open to the public. Tours are therefore by arrangement only: for more information either telephone or ask at the Kildare Street entrance.

Walk Macabre

This unusual walking tour comes courtesy of the Trapeze Theatre Company and revisits scenes of murder, intrigue and the bizarre around Georgian Dublin. Highlights include an insight into the origins of Bram Stoker's Dracula and spine-chilling stories about Dublin's infamous Hellfire Club. The tour also reconstructs some of Dublin's grizzly murders. Meet at 7:30p at the gates of St. Stephen's Green - if you dare! Advanced booking is essential. Open everyday from 7.30pm.

1916 Rebellion Walking Tour

In Easter 1916, a small band of armed revolutionaries took over the General Post Office on O'Connell Street and declared Ireland a republic. This two- hour walking tour takes in the relevant sites of the violent rebellion to give participants an insight into this historic occasion which precipitated the formation of the Irish state. The tour ends with a pint and a chat in the cozy International Bar on Wicklow Street.

St. Stephen's Church

Colloquially known as the 'Pepper Canister' due to its distinctive Greek revival-style architecture, St. Stephen's Anglican Church has been the bashful star of many films and television programmes. It is best viewed from Merrion Square, along a superb perspective of Georgian facades, and its exterior is much more attractive than its rather austere interior. As well as its regular services, the church hosts fine concerts and Christmas carol services.

Patrick Kavanagh Sculpture

At one with its tranquil surroundings, the sculpture of Patrick Kavanagh on Dublin's Grand Canal pays appropriate tribute to one of Ireland's best-loved bards. Peacefully seated on a tree-shaded bench, the poet surveys the dark, slow-moving water—as he did in life—and there's plenty of room beside him for those who wish to join in the meditation. This understated acknowledgment was suggested by Kavanagh himself in "Lines Written on a Seat on The Grand Canal, Dublin", and the gentle repose of the scene chimes beautifully with the poem that inspired it: "O commemorate me with no hero-courageous Tomb – just a canal bank seat for the passer-by." – Gareth Thornton