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Dublin Landmarks and Dublin Monuments (Dublin, Ireland)



It is hardly surprising that Dublin, Ireland's most important city, is crammed full of spectacular landmarks and monuments.

Famous throughout the world, many of these date back hundreds of years and are in remarkable condition. Here are some of the top landmarks to visit.




Dublin Landmarks: Mansion House - Dawson Street, Dublin
Tel: +353 (01) 676 1845
Although this house is not actually open to members of the public, the impressive exterior is still worth visiting. The Queen Anne-style building was built by Joshua Dawson and has been the official residence of Dublin's Lord Mayors since 1715. The House of Representatives was assembled here in 1919 to adopt Ireland's Declaration of Independence and ratify the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

Dublin Landmarks: Anna Livia - Dublin, Ireland
This enchanting figure personifies the River Liffey and resides in O'Connell Street, opposite the general Post Office. James Joyce's mythical Anna Livia character is cast in bronze and reclines in a pool of fast flowing water. Locals affectionately refer to this statue as the 'floozy in the jacuzzi'.

Dublin Landmarks: Molly Malone - Dublin, Ireland
Sweet Molly Malone is another figment of Irish imagination and she has inspired many songs, poems and more recently this wonderfully detailed sculpture. Her larger than life bronze statue is complete with flower cart and can be found where Nassau and Grafton Streets meet. The revealing neckline may explain her many nicknames, which include 'the tart with the cart' and 'the trollop with the scallops'.

Dublin Landmarks: The Spire of Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
One of Dublin's newest monuments is the Spire of Dublin, a 120-metre / 394-foot conical spire which is made of stainless steel. This new spire replaces Nelson's Pillar, which was erected by the British during colonial times and it is intended to mark Dublin's place in the 21st Century.

Dublin Landmarks: Christ Church Cathedral - Christ Church Place, Lord Edward Street, Dublin
Tel: +353 (01) 677 8099
This church is Dublin's oldest building and was founded in 1038 by King Sitric of Dublin and constructed by Viking settlers. In 1169 it was then rebuilt in stone by the Earl of Pembroke and then restored in true Gothic Style in 1871. A large number of people visit the cathedral every year to appreciate the wonderful structure of the building and also to see the interesting features, which include remarkable monuments, sculptures, punishment stocks, a crypt which dates from 1172 and even the embalmed heart of the Archbishop of Dublin in 1180. It is located near Dublin Castle and is easy to reach by either foot or bus.
Landmark open: daily
April to September - 10:00 to 17:00
October to March - Monday to Saturday 11:00 to 16:00, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:30
Closed December 24 to 26

Dublin Landmarks: Áras an Uachtaráin (The Irish White House) - Phoenix Park, Dublin
Tel: +353 (01) 670 9155
Originally much smaller, this 1751 country house has been extended several times and now appears very grand indeed. Áras an Uachtaráin is Irish for 'House of the President' and this grand home has recently been opened to visitors. Guided tours are available every Saturday and start at the Pheonix Park Visitors Centre. The tour lasts an hour, starting with a short historical film, and a bus transports visitors to and from the house. As tickets are limited, it is advisable to arrive early. The following items are not allowed into the house for security reasons: backpacks, buggies, cameras and mobile phones.
Landmark open: Saturday 09:40 to 16:20
Landmark admission: free
Season Closed December 24 to 26

Dublin Landmarks: St. Patrick's Cathedral - Patrick Street, Dublin
Tel: +353 (01) 475 4817
This cathedral is the site of a holy well, which was used by St. Patrick for baptisms. A church was built here in the 5th century and the building, which was constructed in 1171, is actually Ireland's largest church, built on the oldest Christian site in Dublin. The church organ is the most powerful in Ireland and the West Tower houses some of the largest bells in the country. In 1320, St. Patrick's Cathedral was also the first university and has now become a very popular tourist attraction, as well as a place of worship.
Landmark open: daily
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday 09:00 to 17:00 (closes 16:00 November to February)
Sunday - April to September 09:30 to 11.00, 12:45 to 15:00, 16:15 to 17:00 / October to March 10:00 to 11:00, 12:45 to 15:00.
Landmark admission: charge

Dublin Landmarks: Dublin Castle - Dame Street, Dublin
Tel: +353 (01) 677 7129
This is a truly breathtaking attraction that should not be missed. Dublin castle can be found in the heart of the city and lies on Cork Hill next to Temple Bar. The original Norman structure was built in the 13th century, although now only the Record Tower actually remains from this construction. The 'Undercroft' is part of the actual Viking fortress and over the years the castle has been under siege, almost destroyed by fire, used as a prison and now the State Apartments are occasionally used for government conferences. Other features include the Chester Beatty Library, which has a collection of over 22,000 manuscripts from all over the world, the Portrait Gallery, the Gothic Royal Chapel and the Wedgewood Room. There is also a craft shop, heritage centre and a restaurant.
Landmark open: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 14:00 to 17:00
Landmark admission: charge

Dublin Landmarks: Royal Hospital Kilmainham - Military Road, Dublin
Tel: +353 (01) 671 8666
The Royal Hospital Kilmainham is widely thought to be the most important 17th-century building in Ireland. It is actually a replica of the Paris hospital 'Les Invalides' and construction finished in 1684. Originally built as a hospice for disabled and veteran soldiers, it operated as a hospital up to the 1920s, but after this the building fell into a state of disrepair and a recent major restoration project has returned the building to its former self. Inside there are four galleries, arranged around a courtyard, a grand dining room, a spectacular baroque chapel with wonderfully detailed wood carvings and a café. The hospital is also home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, which exhibits many works by famous artists, such as Picasso and Miró, as well as many other Irish artists. From the city centre, the Royal Hospital is just a short ride by bus or taxi. Hourly guided tours are available.
Open:
Royal Hospital - Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:30, Sunday 12:00 to 17:30
Museum of Modern Art - Tuesday to Satday, 10:00 to 17:30, Sunday 12:00 to 17:30, tours Wednesday and Friday at 14:30, Saturday at 11:30
Cost: free, individual shows may have separate charges
Museum of Modern Art permanent collection: free, small charge for special exhibitions

 
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