Places to visit: Dublin A to Z

Monasterboice

Monasterboice

Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical

Monasterboice is an interesting monastic site near Drogheda, Co. Louth. The impressive ruins include a large cemetery, two churches, one of the tallest round towers in Ireland and two of the best high crosses. The crosses are superb examples of Celtic art which brought the Bible to life for illiterate people. Muiredach’s Cross dates from 900-923 AD and is regarded as the finest high cross in Ireland. The West Cross at 6.5m high is the tallest high cross in the country. There is also a simpler North Cross. The Round tower is over 30m (110 feet) tall, divided into four stories inside.

wikipedia.org (this article contains very detailed information about the legendary Muiredach’s High Cross )

Opening Hours:
The Tower is closed to the public.
The site is open all year.

Contact & Pricing:
discoverboynevalley.ie
Tel: 41 987 2843
Monasterboice, Co. Louth
Free admission

Mount Usher Gardens

Mount Usher Gardens

Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Gardens

Mount Usher Gardens is a highly regarded Irish garden, laid out across 22 acres along the banks of the River Vartry. It is a fine example of a Robinsonian-style garden, with an informal natural design. There are over 5000 species of plant, many of them rare and exotic.

Avoca Café and shopping courtyard on site.

Situated in the village of Ashford, 35 minutes from Dublin on the N11

Opening Hours:
Mar to Oct: 10am – 5.30pm
Oct to Mar: 10am – 5pm
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
Self-guided tour. Guided tours available for groups on request.
Closed 25 & 26 December.

Contact & Pricing:
mountushergardens.ie
[email protected]
Tel: 04 044 9672 / 04 044 0116 (café)
Ashford, Co. Wicklow
Adults €10; concessions

Newbridge Style Icons

Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre

Dublin A to Z, Exhibitions, Further Afield A to Z, Museums

The Newbridge Museum of Style Icons is an attraction forming part of the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre. The museum is a permanent exhibition of garments and memorabilia from the collections of world stars (e.g. Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson).

The museum houses one of the greatest private collections of Audrey Hepburn couture and paper memorabilia in the world. Renowned for her elegant style both on and off screen, the ‘Audrey’ exhibition features clothing both from Audrey’s films and her personal wardrobe. The collection includes items from renowned designers Hubert de Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent as well as an extensive paper collection, carefully conserved and presented. Highlights include letters from Audrey to her father who lived in Dublin from the 1960’s until his death in 1980.

There are a craft workshop, extensive showrooms and a restaurant on site.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday & public holidays: 10am – 5pm.
Museum of Style Icons and restaurant close at 5pm.
Admission is free, including self-guided tour of the museum.
Guided tours of the museum by prior arrangement only.
The factory tour is a guided tour which runs Monday – Thursday at 11am & 2pm and Fridays & 11am. Tickets for the factory tour can be booked online.

Contact & Pricing:
visitnewbridgesilverware.com
[email protected]
Tel: 045 431 301
Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission free
Tour: Adults €15; concessions

Newgrange

Newgrange and Boyne Valley Tour

Dublin A to Z, Historical, Museums, Tours

The day tour of Newgrange and the Boyne Valley starts from the centre of Dublin and travels to the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre. Which sits on the River Boyne in county Meath, about 40 minutes’ drive north of Dublin. It is famous for the ancient passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth.

Here you join the official tour of Newgrange to visit these incredible monuments. Newgrange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the oldest and largest Neolithic burial chamber in Europe (3,200 BC).

Scheduling:
Runs Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun.
Tour pick up at 9am at the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street, estimated arrival back in Dublin is 5pm.

Entrance Fees into Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne are included in tour price.
Lunch stop included, but food is not included in tour price.

Other day tours from Dublin also available, see website below.

Contact & Pricing:
hilltoptreks.com/day-tours-from-dublin/celts-and-castles-tour
[email protected]
Tel: 087 784 9599
Adults €85; concessions

Newgrange

Newgrange Neolithic Monument

Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical, Museums

Newgrange Neolithic Monument was built around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre interprets the Neolithic monuments of Newgrange, Knowth & Dowth. There is a full scale replica of the chamber at Newgrange, and a model of one of the smaller tombs at Knowth.

The Newgrange site consists of a large circular mound with a stone passageway and interior chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front and is ringed by engraved kerbstones. There is no agreement about what the site was used for, but it is thought to have had religious significance – it is aligned with the rising sun and its light floods the chamber on the winter solstice. It is the most famous monument within the Brú na Bóinne complex, alongside the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth, and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once a year, at the winter solstice, the rising sun shines directly along the long passage, illuminating the inner chamber and revealing the carvings inside, notably the triple spiral on the front wall of the chamber. This illumination lasts for about 17 minutes. Professor M. J. O’Kelly was the first person in modern times to observe this event on 21 December 1967. The sunlight enters the passage through a specially contrived opening, known as a roofbox, directly above the main entrance. Although solar alignments are not uncommon among passage graves, Newgrange is one of few to contain the additional roofbox feature.

Today the first light enters about four minutes after sunrise, but calculations show that 5,000 years ago first light would have entered exactly at sunrise. The solar alignment at Newgrange is very precise compared to similar phenomena at other passage graves. Current-day visitors to Newgrange are treated to an impressive re-enactment of this event through the use of electric lights situated within the tomb.

Many thanks to Wikipedia for the above information – www.en.wikipedia.org

Opening Hours:
Visitor Centre open 7 days a week: 9.30am – 4.15pm
Exact opening times vary monthly, and site may be closed due to extreme weather conditions. Closed 24 – 27 December.
Check the website for current opening hours.

This is a busy site, with queues likely during summer months.
Access is not guaranteed without pre-booked tickets, online booking recommended.

There are 4 tour options:

  • Visitor Centre only – Includes the exhibition at the visitor centre.
  • Visitor Centre plus Newgrange visit –  Includes the exhibition at the visitor centre and access to the chamber at Newgrange. Approximate duration: 2 hours.
  • Visitor Centre plus Knowth visit – Includes exhibitions at Knowth and the visitor centre. No access to the chambers at Knowth. Approximate duration: 2 hours.
  • Visitor Centre plus Knowth visit plus Newgrange visit – Includes exhibitions at Knowth and the visitor centre and a guided tour of the chamber at Newgrange. Does not include access to the chambers at Knowth. Approximate duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Admissions via the Visitor Centre, visitors are brought to the monuments by shuttle bus.

Contact & Pricing:
heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-and-knowth
[email protected]
Tel: 041 988 0300
Donore, Co. Meath
Adults €5-18; concessions

Mellifont Abbey

Old Mellifont Abbey

Churches, Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical

Mellifont Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland (founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Armagh). The abbey’s most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo (c. 1200). The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display. Access to the site is by a stone stairway.

Opening Hours:
Mid-May to mid-September: 7 days a week, 10am – 5pm
Guided tours available on request.

Contact & Pricing:
heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/old-mellifont-abbey
[email protected]
Tel: 041 982 6459 / 041 988 0300
Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth
Adults €5; concessions. Free admission on the first Wednesday of each month.

Powerscourt House and Garden

Powerscourt House and Gardens

Country Estates, Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Gardens

Powerscourt House and Gardens showcases one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. The complex includes a charming walled garden, striking terraces, fine statuary, varied trees, lovely walks, and scenic surroundings. The estate contains a range of attractions, including a distillery and Ireland’s highest waterfall. The house itself is a luxury hotel and spa, with numerous dining and shopping options.

There is an Italian garden, a Japanese garden, and a pets’ cemetery. The waterfall is Ireland’s highest at 121m (398ft). The once spectacular house (Richard Castle, 1741) was restored after a disastrous fire; however, it is now far from its original glory. Tara’s Palace (a museum for children) is located inside the House.

Opening Hours:
The gardens are the main tourist attraction, and are open 9.30am – 5.30pm all year round, with later opening times in Spring & Summer.
The waterfall is 6km from the gardens, and can be visited as a standalone attraction (no pre-booking available). There are separate admission fees for the gardens and waterfall.
Opening times for the various attractions are different, so it is best to check full opening hours here.

Contact & Pricing:
powerscourt.com
[email protected]
Tel: 01 204 6000
Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Adults from €7.50 (Waterfall only) or €13.50 (Gardens only); concessions

Russborough House

Russborough House

Country Estates, Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical

Russborough House is a stunning Palladian mansion designed in 1741 by Richard Cassels. It is one  of the most beautiful houses in Ireland. It was purchased by Sir Alfred and Lady Beit in 1952 to house their impressive art collection. The mansion and its world class art collection were left to the Irish State in 1978. The estate is home to a wide range of activities, from the public tours of the house, to privately booked workshops with craftspersons based on the grounds.

Attractions available include a top class house tour, a very detailed exhibition (in the main house basement) covering the life and times of the Beits, a 20,000 sq ft maze, an 18th Century walled garden, a children’s playground, a gift shop, and a café. One can also visit the work of a range of artisans.

Don’t miss out on the compact Beit cinema, the music room and an opportunity to enjoy some of Alfred Beit’s extensive photograph collection in the separate 3D auditorium. There are also extensive walks in a beautifully landscaped setting.

Parkland – Russborough sits on over 200 acres of beautiful parkland, scattered with historical landmarks such as an 18th Century ice house, a hippodrome, a Japanese bridge, and a lime kiln.

The 18th century walled garden is a partnership between Russborough and the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.

National Bird of Prey Centre – Located in the Parklands area, you can view hawks, falcons, eagles and owls from around the world, along with the recently re-introduced red kite, golden eagle and white tailed sea eagle. It offers various experiences which require advanced booking. Public tours may be available during peak periods, see the centre’s website: nationalbirdofpreycentre.ie for details.

Sheepdog Demonstrations – Michael Crowe, a local farmer, hosts sheepdog demonstrations at Russborough. Visitors can see working border collies in action. The beautiful views and scenery at Russborough create the perfect backdrop. Come and learn a little about the Wicklow cheviot and many other breeds of sheep, being managed by expertly trained sheepdogs. They are based on a nearby farm, but may also available for bookings at Russborough House. Group bookings only, check their website for details.

Opening Hours:
The parkland at Russborough is open seven days a week from 2nd January to 23rd December, 9am to 6pm.
House tours run on the hour from 10am to 4pm, 7 days a week (booking recommended).
The Walled Garden opens:
Tues & Thu 12pm – 4pm
Weds & Sat 10.30am – 3:30pm
Sun 2pm – 5pm

Opening times and availability of attractions are seasonal and subject to change. There are also attractions and special events which must be booked in advance. It is recommended to check the website for the details.

Contact & Pricing:
russborough.ie
[email protected]
Russborough, Blessington, Co Wicklow
Tel: 045 865 239
Adults from €12 (House tour admission); concessions
Car parking fee €4

Skypark Carlingford Adventure

Skypark Carlingford Adventure

Dublin A to Z, Entertainment, For Kids, Further Afield A to Z

Skypark is Ireland’s biggest Adventure Park, with a wide range of adventure activities in the air and on the ground. From the longest aerial adventure course in Ireland to zipline fun, footgolf, archery and aeroball, there is something for all ages and abilities.

In the zipline zone, “you can swing, scream, jump, climb and release your inner Tarzan.” Within the Aerial Courses option, you can test yourself on 30 challenges including cargo nets, skateboards, giant log swings, monkey bars and, of course, ziplines. Courses range in height from 6ft to 40ft.

The other broad range of activities includes archery, footgolf, frisbee golf, quazer, axe throwing and archery.

Opening Hours:
7 days a week: 10am – 7pm
Access to the various activities is by purchasing one of the different colour passes. The passes divide the activities up according to the recommended age restrictions, e.g., 4+, under 9 & over 9 years old.
Adults can purchase a 9+ pass to access the activities, or purchase an entrance pass if they only wish to supervise.
Prices vary according to season; discounts are available for advanced online booking.
Peak days are often sold out well in advance.

Contact & Pricing:
skypark.ie
[email protected]
Tel: 042 937 3100
Dundalk Road, Carlingford, Co Louth
€50 for all-inclusive pass during peak periods. Restricted passes available at lower prices.

Slane Castle

Slane Castle

Castles, Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical

Slane Castle is an impressive historic building, the work of famous architects James Gandon, James Wyatt & Francis Johnston. The parklands were laid out by Capability Brown. King George IV stayed here in 1821. U2 recorded “The Unforgettable Fire” here in 1984. Slane has been in the same family’s hands since 1701. It was lovingly restored after a devastating fire in 1991 and became a famed venue for open air rock concerts.

Opening Hours:
The Castle’s opening hours change with the season, and often by the week due to weddings and events.
Check here for this week’s opening hours.
Guided tours of the house are available, but may only open for booking a week or 2 in advance, with times depending on the seasonal demand. Check the website for availability.
Castle Tour tickets include admission to the new Walking Trail.

Contact & Pricing:
slanecastle.ie
[email protected]
Tel: 041 988 4477
Slane, Co. Meath
Adults €14; concessions
Private tours can be booked for €25 pp, (minimum 6 people).