There’s lots to love about Dublin City and Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes is the perfect base to take in the Dublin’s City, Coastline and the wonders of County Wicklow. There is so much happening in The City that it’s difficult to list all there is to see and do, but here are some things to consider….
Dublin – Great for Shopping
The buzzing Grafton Street, lined with beautiful historic buildings, houses famous stores like Brown Thomas and Weir & Sons, alongside the best in high-street brands. At one end of this street you’ll find St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre with close to 100 outlets. The Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, just off Grafton Street, is an historic 18th century building, and the perfect place to buy Irish made gifts, antiques or high-end fashion. Henry Street is great for shopping and includes Arnotts – Ireland’s oldest and largest department store, which has been welcoming shoppers since 1843. The Ilac Shopping Centre on Henry Street is also worth checking out, as is the nearby Jervis Shopping Centre.
Also worth visiting is Dundrum Shopping Centre, in Co. Dublin. It is just 20 minutes by car from Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes and boasts more than 100 stores, 40 restaurants and cafés, 12 cinema screens and more.
Dublin for History Lovers
Explore Trinity College Old Library and Book of Kells Exhibition (College Street) – Ireland’s oldest university, famous for its graduates Swift, Wilde and Beckett. Its Library houses the Book of Kells, the world-famous 9th-century gospel manuscript. The Guinness Storehouse (St. James’s Gate), Dublin’s #1 visitor attraction, brings you on a magical journey into the heart of the Guinness brand. Make sure to visit the rooftop bar and enjoy a pint of the ‘black stuff’ while taking in panoramic 360° views of Dublin City.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin (Saint Patrick’s Close) has been at the core of Irish life and history for over 800 years and has been visited by some of our history’s most influential individuals such as Cromwell, William of Orange and King James I. Approximately 700 people are buried at Saint Patrick’s, including Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels. Nearby is the famous Christ Church Cathedral which was founded circa 1028. Follow the steps that bring you beneath the cathedral and explore the medieval crypt, which is the oldest structure still in use in Dublin today. Next door is ‘Dublinia’, an exciting interactive attraction which tells the story of Viking and Medieval Dublin. Dublin’s City Hall (Dame Street), a spectacular example of Georgian architecture, includes an exciting exhibition tracing the history of Dublin City.
GPO Witness History (O’Connell Street) is a new interactive exhibition in the iconic GPO building, which was the communications hub of Ireland and the centre of events during the 1916 Easter Rebellion – the catalyst for the foundation of the Irish state. Epic Ireland at the The Chq Building, Custom House Quay is also worth a visit. It is a dramatic new visitor experience that celebrates the unique global journey of the Irish people.
Dublin for Culture Lovers
Visit the National Museum of Ireland, home to the greatest collection of Irish heritage, culture and natural history materials in the world. With three different Dublin locations, each focussing on a separate topic, you can learn about Ireland’s Archaeology (Kildare Street); Decorative Arts & History (Benburb Street); and Natural History (Merrion Street). The National Gallery of Ireland (Merrion Square) holds our largest collection of European and Irish fine art – dating from the 13th to 20th centuries. The Chester Beatty Library (Dublin Castle), described by Lonely Planet as one of the best museums in Europe, holds collections from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe with manuscripts, prints, drawings, rare books and decorative arts.
Dublin for Foodies!
When it comes to food, Dublin offers so much choice that it’s too difficult to make a recommendation. Throughout the City you will find wonderful restaurants, cafés and bars. Whatever your tastes and budget, nearby will be an ‘eatery’ to suit you – from Michelin-starred restaurants to quirky cafés and gastro pubs. Most include menus that cater for special diets and personal food preferences, and some are dedicated to doing so – meaning that vegetarians, vegans, coeliacs, the sugar-free and raw/living foodists can all enjoy what Dublin has to offer!
Dublin City Entertains
Dublin City comes alive at night! Catch a show at The Abbey Theatre (Lower Abbey Street), Ireland’s national theatre, founded by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904 or The Gaiety Theatre (South King Street), offering a full programme of opera, musicals, drama, dance and pantomime. The 3Arena (formerly the o2), a 14,500-capacity amphitheatre in Dublin’s Docklands, hosts some of the world’s best music acts and shows while The Bord Gais Theatre (Grand Canal Square), The Olympia (Dame Street), The National Concert Hall (Earlsfort Terrace) and Vicar Street (Thomas Street) are other venues that offer a year-round eclectic mix of top-class entertainment.
Getting around Dublin City
Dublin City is compact, so quite easy to get around on foot. Other transport options within the City itself include The Luas light-rail transit service, Dublin Bus, Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tours and Taxis. If traveling into or out of the City from Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Home, there is a DART station in Dalkey Village close to us. See ‘Getting here, Getting around’ for our travel advice.