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Dublin/Baile Átha Cliath
We suggest that you start your trail of Ireland in the capital of Ireland, Dublin/Baile Átha Cliath. The name derives from the Irish name Dubh Linn (black pool) and it is the capital of Ireland. The city grew from a Viking settlement on the River Liffey.
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Dublinia Viking and Medieval Museum
In looking at the early rise of Dublin we recommend that you visit the Dublinia Viking and Medieval Museum. The is an excellent introduction with friendly informative staff and high quality exhibitions. Dublinia is located at St Michaels Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8 (Tel: 01679 4611). The museum is connected to Christ Church Cathedral by a medieval footbridge. There is an entry fee to the Museum and a joint ticket to the Cathedral can also be purchased. For full details visit Dublinia's website.
Christ Church Cathedral
This is the site of an old Viking church founded by Sitriuc, the Norse King of Dublin and Dunan the first bishop of Dublin around 1030. For full information on the site and visitor information contact visit Christ Church Cathedral's website.
National Museum of Ireland/Ard-Mhúsaem na hÉireann
Entry to the Museum is free and it is located next to Leinster House (Government Buildings) in Kildare Street, Dublin 2. It is an essential place to visit and has a large collection relating to Irish material heritage, culture and natural history. The museum holds over two million archaeological artefacts. To find out the latest information on exhibitions and exhibits visit the Nation Museum's website
Trinity College Library Dublin/ Coláiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath-is the library of Trinity College.
It is home to the Book of Kells/Leabhar Cheanannais made by Celtic Monks around 800AD. The book's name is taken from the Abbey of Kells in County Meath where it was previously located. The superb illustrations and design of the book incorporates Celtic designs into Christian iconography.
Dublin Castle/Caisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath
This was the seat of British rule in Ireland until it was handed over to the leader of the new Provisional Government of the Irish Free State, Michael Collins, in 1922. The Record Tower on the site is from the original thirteenth century castle and the building is off Dame Street.
Drimnagh Castle/Caisleán Dhroimeanaigh
Drimnagh Castle/Caisleán Dhroimeanaigh is a Norman Castle surrounded by a moat. It was continually inhabited until 1954 and in the 1980's a programme of restoration began which concluded in 1996. Within the castle is a fifteenth century great hall and sixteenth century attached tower along with later buildings. The castle is open to the public and situated at in the Long Mile Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12.
Rathfarnham Castle/Caisleán Rath Fearnáin
This is the site of a former Anglo-Norman castle and the present structure dates from the late sixteenth century. The castle is now owned by the state and undergoing a conservation programme but remains open to the public. It is located near the Rathfarnham By -pass between Rathfarnham Road and Grange Road. It is in the southside of Dublin.
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