Located in the heart of the city, Trinity College is one of Ireland’s leading historical sites, attracting over half a million visitors every year. It is the oldest university in Ireland, founded in 1592. Stroll around its grounds which cover some 40 acres of cobbled squares and green spaces, around buildings which represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries.

The Book of Kells is a 9th Century manuscript of the gospels, renowned worldwide for its rich and varied illustrations. It is on display in the Old Library in Trinity College.

TEMPLE BAR FOOD MARKET Brimming with organic delights and fresh local foods from Irish small growers. Food on offer include Japanese sushi, Mexican burritos, fresh Atlantic oysters, homemade cheeses, breads, chocolates & jams. Saturdays 10am – 5pm, Meeting House Square

TEMPLE BAR BOOK MARKET Take time out from the hustle & bustle of city life & browse through this reader’s paradise with its varied selection of classics & novels on display from collectables, first editions, second hand paperbacks, history, culture, literature and science fiction. Saturdays 11am – 6.00pm, Temple Bar Square

COW’S LANE FASHION & DESIGN MARKET Dublin’s first fashion and design market features a wealth of one off and unusual pieces by some of Ireland’s up and coming designers. There is something here for everyone with belts, bags, and jewellery to baby wear. Saturdays 10am – 5.30pm, Cow’s Lane, Old City Temple Bar

The Dublinia & The Viking World exhibitions are amongst Dublin’s most popular visitor attractions. The awardwinning exhibitions reveal fascinating glimpses of the Viking and medieval past using reconstructions, audio –visual and interactive displays. Superbly researched and imaginatively presented there is something here to interest everyone.

The exhibitions are housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic building, formerly the Church of Ireland Synod Hall, linked to Christ Church Cathedral by an elegant covered bridge – a Dublin city landmark. Owned by The Medieval Trust, a charitable trust, income generated from the Dublinia & The Viking World exhibitions is used to fund the ongoing preservation of this beautiful building.

Christ Church Cathedral Viking Dublin’s Cathedral was built on this site about 1038, gaining its present shape from 1172 in the new cathedral of Archbishop (later Saint) Laurence O’Toole and the Norman knight “Strongbow”. The cathedral houses the important Treasures of Christ Church exhibition, together with the superb video of the cathedral history by Louis Marcus. The exhibition features manuscripts and artefacts that give the visitor some impression of nearly one thousand years of worship in the cathedral and nearby churches.

Located on the west side of Merrion Square, the National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish art and European master paintings. Admission to the permanent collection is free. The shop in the newly added Millennium Wing is a great place for a browse, if you are an art lover.

Enjoy a stroll around Merrion Square, a fine example of Georgian Dublin architecture. Relax in the gardens or visit the Natural History Museum, Government Buildings which are also located on Merrion Square West.

Dublin gets its name from the Dubh Linn or Black Pool, which stood on the site of the present Castle gardens. The ornate 18th century State Apartments functioned as the residential and social centre of the viceregal court and now hosts important State functions, including Presidential inaugurations. The ‘Undercroft’ features part of the 10th century Viking town defence bank encapsulated within the base of the 13th century Norman Powder Tower, the moat archway and part of the medieval town wall. The early 19th century Chapel Royal, a work of art in its own right, displays the coats of arms of the Justiciars, Lord Deputies and Lord Lieutenants from the first, deLacy (1172) to the last, FitzAlan-Howard (1922).