Bus
The main Bus Eireann bus depot is located in Store Street, Dublin 1. All provincial buses depart from and arrive in Bus Aras, Store Street.
For further information on bus services telephone: 01 8366111.
Dublin Bus provide services through the city and county.
For information, telephone : 01 8734222.
Rail
The two main train stations in Dublin are Connolly Station and Heuston Station. All main inter-city rail services depart from either one of these stations. The DART (Dublin 's suburban rail service) runs along the coast between the north and south of the county. For further information on rail services, telephone: 01 8366222.
Sea
Ireland is linked to Britain and Europe by a number of car-ferry routes. The main ports of entry are Cork, Rosslare and Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.
Stena Line, Dun Laoghaire Harbour. 01 2047700
Irish Ferries 0990 171717
P&O Ferries 0990 980980
Stena Line 0990 707070
Trams
The Light Rail Transit System in Dublin is called LUAS. It consists of two tram lines, the Red and the Green. The Red Line is 14km’s in length and has 23 stops, traveling betwen Connolly and Tallaght. The Green Line is 9km in length and has 13 stops, traveling between St.Stephen’s Green and Sandyford. For further information go to www.luas.ie or Freefone 1800 300 604
Airports
Dublin Airport is located approximately 10 km north of Dublin city centre, near the M50 and M1 motorways. You can get to the airport by bus, taxi, or car, and there are also services from nearby train stations. For Further information go to www.dublinairport.com or telephone +353 (01) 814 1111
Car Rental Agencies
Argus |
Dublin City |
01 4904444 |
Avis |
Dublin City |
01 6057500 |
Hertz |
Dublin City |
1850 241300 |
National Car Rental |
Dublin |
1800 301 401 |
Budget Car Rental |
Dublin Airport |
01 8445150 |
Taxi Companies
ABC Taxis |
Woodpark, Sallynoggin. |
01 2855444 |
Access Cabs |
Dublin City & County |
01 6683333 |
Castleknock Radio Cabs |
Main St. , Blanchardstown, |
01 8202020 |
The Dublin Cab Company |
6 Temple Road , Blackrock |
01 2888300 |
Executive Taxicabs |
D 12. |
01 4532999 |
Speedcabs, |
17 Harcourt Rd. , D. 2. |
01 4750800 |
Pony Cabs, |
Dublin |
01 6612233 |
Aircraft Hire
Airlink Airways |
Dublin |
01 8402964 |
Celtic Helicopters Ltd |
Dublin Airport |
01 8901349 |
|
 RURAL
Countryside
Dublin county is predominantly flat only rising in the south into the foothills of the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. In recent years the county has been eaten up by huge road improvements and shopping centres.
National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
Fouded in 1795 and designed by Richard Turner, this is Ireland’s main botanical and horticultural establishment with over twenty thousand different plant species.
Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
This is one of the largest and most attractive parks in Europe. The park contains polo grounds, playing fields, a peoples’ garden and some wooded arbours where wild deer are seen. Within the park is Aras an Uachtarain, the residence of the President of Ireland, and Dublin Zoo, established in 1830 making it one of the oldest zoos in the world. The Visitor Centre is in the old stables of what was once the papal Nunciature. Ashtown Castle adjoins it, a tower house that dates from the 17th century and was rediscovered when the Nunciature was destroyed. The Visitor Centre provides a historical interpretation of the park, from 3500 BC to the present.
St. Stephen's Green
Found at the top of Grafton St, Stephen’s Green is a leafy 22-acre park with well-kept gardens and ponds. Other gardens in the city include the Iveagh Gardens on Clonmel St, the War Memorial Gardens on South Circular Road and the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square.
COASTAL
Dublin Bay
The bay is marked by Howth Head to the north and Dalkey Head to the south. The southbound coast road offers breathtaking views of the bay and the Wicklow Mountains, especially from Dalkey and Killiney and along Coliemore road and Vico road. From Dun Laoghaire to Bray the coastal area is excellent for fishing.
River Liffey
Dublin’s famous river rises in Wicklow and flows through Kildare before reaching County Dublin and dividing the city in half.
Grand and Royal Canals
These ambitious canals were built in the Georgian 18th century to link Dublin with the Shannon. The canals, originally used for trade and public transport, are now used for cruising and fishing.
Killiney Hill
From the top of this hill, spectacular views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains are available. Below is Killiney Strand.
Ireland ’s Eye
One mile north of the Howth Peninsula, this tiny islet was once a monastic settlement and has early Christian ruins.
The Skerry Islands
Situated close offshore from Skerries Town, are the islands of Red, and Church Island.
Lambay Island
Viking raiders landed here in 795. Today it is a sanctuary for wildlife, including seals. The island contains Lambay Castle and the Garden Fort. The island is accessible by permission from Rush.
Dalkey Island
The largest of a group of rocky islets off Sorrento Point, Dalkey Island contains the ruins of an early Christian chapel and a martello tower.
Booterstown Marsh
Just south of the city this marsh is a protected bird sanctuary.
Dollymount Strand
This seaside area and wildlife reserve is located north of Dublin Harbour. The strand is connected to the shore by a late 19th century wooden bridge.
Sandycove
Noted for the Martello Tower, where Joyce spent some time, Sandycove also boasts the rocky “Forty Foot” swimming area. Water sports are popular in this suburb.
HISTORICAL
The Custom House
This beautiful Georgian building was built by the great James Gandon. It is best viewed from the opposite side of the Liffey as it is reflected in the river. The equally stunning Four Courts and King’s Inns were also designed by Gandon.
St. Ann ’s Church
This 18th century church has a stunning Romanesque façade onto Dawson St. The interior has striking stained glass.
Merrion Square
This 12 acre Georgian square encloses a park with pleasant flower gardens. Located off the top of O’Connell St, this square consists of Georgian and Victorian buildings.
Guinness Brewery, Dublin City
Located on Crane Street, the Guiness Hop Store houses the World of Guinness Exhibition, a model Cooperage and Transport Museum, a souvenir shop and a variety of art exhibitions. The drink can be sampled at the bar.
Irish Whiskey Corner, Bow Street, Dublin 7.
This brings visitors on a journey through the history and tradition of Irish whiskey. The Visitor’s Centre consists of an auditorium/ theatre, a 1920s style bar, museum and souvenir shop. All visitors take part in an Irish Whiskey tasting.
Dublinia, Christ Church, Dublin 8.
This is situated in the heart of the old city in a building which is linked to Christ Church Cathedral by a bridge. The exhibition traces Dublin’s development from the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in 1170 to the closure of its monasteries in 1540.
The National Museum of Ireland
This contains artefacts and masterpieces dating from 2000B.C to the 20th century. The archaeologial collections include the National Treasury (which comprises of the Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch and Cross of Cong) and Or, the collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe.
James Joyce Tower, Sandycove, Co. Dublin
Joyce was inspired by his brief stay in the tower in 1904, and he used it for the opening chapter of Ulysses. The museum houses a display of Joycean material including original manuscripts.
The Shaw Birthplace, 33 Synge Street, Dublin 8
The Shaw House is the birthplace of George Bernard Shaw.
Malahide Castle, Malahide, Co. Dublin
This was originally a fortress and a private house for nearly 800 years. The castle now houses portraits from the National Gallery and Irish furniture in period settings.
Marsh’s Library, beside St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Built in 1701, Marsh's Library is the oldest public library in Ireland. It has some 250,000 volumes on various subjects including theology, medicine and classical literature, as well as 250 volumes of manuscripts and some early printed books.
Bank of Ireland
The glorious interior of the “House of Lords” section of the Bank of Ireland includes a huge 1,233-piece chandelier, magnificent tapestries, oak panelling and ornate ceiling.
National Library
The library, opened in 1890, has a spectacular domed Reading Room with wooden desks and green-shaded lamps.
Prospect Cemetary, Glasnevin
This graveyard is noted for its patriotic plots including Michael Collins, Daniel O’Connell and Charles Stewart Parnell.
Newbridge House, Donabate.
This is an 18th century house, designed by Richard Castle for Dr. Charles Cobbe, Archbishop of Dublin. There is a traditional farm, picnic area, car park, coach park, sportsground and acres of parkland surrounding the house.
Newman House, 85-86 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.
The building is decorated with Palladian and Rococo plasterwork. There is an exhibition on the history and restoration of Newman House.
The Casino at Marino
This 18th century building is a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture which initially accompanied the demolished Marino House. The casino was restored in 1984.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
A church has stood here since 450 A.D. In 1191 the original church was replaced by the present building, the largest church in Ireland, which as well as being a Cathedral, became the first University of Ireland (1320-1520 A.D).
Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2
This is the oldest university in Ireland. It holds the Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated manuscript, The Books of Durrow and Armagh and an early Irish harp. These treasures are on show in the Colonnades Exhibition Gallery and the spectacular Long Room. Trinity’s stone buildings are arranged around cobbled quadrangles.
Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2
Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin, a Viking fortress stood on this site, a portion of which is on view to visitors at the “Undercroft”. The Record Tower is the largest visible fragment of the original 13th century Norman Castle. It also houses the State Appartments which contain stunning and lavish interiors.
Christchurch Cathedral
This is the oldest building in Dublin and was founded in the year 1038. It contains the “Leaning Wall of Dublin” and a crypt with many fascinating relics on show.
Natural History Museum
This museum has a preserved Victorian interior.
Kilmainham Gaol
Dating from 1789 and restored in the 1960’s, Kilmainham Gaol housed many of the leaders in the fight for Irish freedom. Eamon De Valera was the final prisoner to be held here. The restored central hall is an impressive sight.
Rathfarnham Castle
This 16th century castle designed by William Chambers and James Stuart has an interesting 18th century interior.
Lusk Heritage Centre
This spectacular 19th century church complex consists of a round tower and a medieval belfry off the main church.
URBAN
Dublin City Centre
The city centre is divided into north and south by the River Liffey. It sits at the mouth of Dublin Bay with the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains rising to the south. Much of the architecture is Georgian in style, notably the buildings around Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares. Grafton St on the south side is Dublin’s fashionable shopping street with a lively atmosphere. The wide O’Connell St on the north side was once the location for many historical sights. Only the GPO (General Post Office) and some statues remain. At present, Dublin is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, thanks to the recent economic boom. Geographically, Dublin city is stretching out into its suburbs eating up many of the green spaces in between.
Howth
Howth Head offers great views of the Wicklow Mountains and Dublin Bay. The town is a seaside resort with steep streets and a busy harbour and marina. Its buildings of note are the 14th century Howth Castle and the ruined Howth Abbey. Baily Lighthouse is at the top of Howth Head
Malahide
Noted for its fine Castle, Malahide is a “tidy towns” winner with well presented houses, shops, streets and strand.
Skerries
Another harbour village close to Dublin, Skerries is a pleasant village located on a jut of land. It has a good beach and is popular for fishing.
Dun Laoghaire
Although a ferry port, Dun Laoighre is a pleasant town full of Victorian character, notably the octagonal bandstand on the east pier. It has lovely parks and walks. The National Sailing School is located here.
Dalkey
Now an exclusive suburb, Dalkey is a seaside town with a medieval history. It has winding streets and Archibold’s Castle is imposingly located on the main street. Along with Killiney, the town has a continental feel. |
