Destination Dublin

Dublin is ideally situated on the east coast of Ireland and just a 20 minute journey will bring you from the bustling city to the charming coastal towns and villages of the county which dot the sometimes rugged and sanded coastline, and which provide boundless opportunities for shopping, golf, water sports, seafood, dining and picturesque walks against the spectacular backdrop of Dublin Bay.

The city is bursting with colours, music, sights and scenes which provide the irresistible backdrop for exploring the magic that is Dublin City and its beautiful surrounding county. Whether you are travelling in a group or individually you will find that there truly is something for everyone in Dublin and we look forward to welcoming you to UCD and Dublin.

Further information on activities and events in Dublin can be found on the Visit Dublin website.

Historical Dublin

The National Museum of Ireland has 3 Dublin sites not to be missed while in Dublin.

• The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History
• National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
• The National Museum of Ireland - Natural History

 

Kilmainham Gaol

Delve into Dublin’s political history with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol. Kilmainham Gaol gives the visitor a dramatic and realistic insight into what it was like to be confined within the Gaol walls. Between 1792 and its closure in 1924 the Gaol held famous republican Irishmen from Robert Emmet to Eamon De Valera.

Tours and Attractions

Dublinia & the Viking World

Dublinia & the Viking World is an interactive exhibition tracing the history of Dublin from the capture of the city by Strongbow and his knights in 1170 up to the dramatic closure of the monasteries under Henry VIII in the sixteenth century. Visitors can find out how criminals were punished in the pillories, how heavy medieval armour really was, and what happened if you had a toothache 700 years ago!

Hugh Lane Gallery

Art lovers can visit Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane . This gallery houses the foremost collection of Irish and international modern and contemporary art in Ireland. IMMA, The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland's leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art.

Guinness Storehouse

Where better to go when in the home of Guinness than to the Guinness Storehouse. Learn how to pull the perfect pint and sample the famous stout while admiring the stunning 360° view of Dublin’s skyline in the Gravity Bar.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s oldest and most recognised landmarks, was founded c.1030 by Sitriuc, King of the Dublin Norsemen. The ‘Treasures of Christ Church’ collection reflects 1000 years of history, architecture and worship in Dublin.

Literary Dublin

The Irish literary tradition is one of the most illustrious in the world and Dublin’s native sons include: Shaw, Yeats, Joyce and Beckett. Be sure to visit the Dublin Writers Museum which features a celebration of the lives and works of Dublin’s many literary celebrities. Also not to be missed is the James Joyce Centre. James Joyce is perhaps UCD’s most famous alumni and even based part of his novel ‘Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ in UCD.

Arts and Theatre

Dublin has spawned jaw-dropping creative talent, and amazing authors such as James Joyce, Roddy Doyle, and Anne Enright hail from the city. Dublin is also home to a multitude of world famous bands, including U2 and The Script, and actors such as Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Domhnall Gleeson.

Storytelling is not just confined to books, music and movies - Dublin has a vibrant stage scene and theatres such as The Gate and The Abbey have performance runs throughout the year. You can also take many tours in Dublin, where the guides will make history come alive through their stories!